1999 Saturn Wagon problems

Common 1999 Saturn Wagon problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1999 Saturn SW2 wagon, several common problems have been identified:

1. Failed Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor and/or Connector:
   • This issue is a significant cause of problems with the 1999 Saturn SW2. Symptoms include hard starting, rough idle, temperature gauge malfunction, poor fuel economy, and more. The failure of this sensor can lead to various performance issues in the car.
2. Fine Wire Electrode Spark Plugs:
   • The Saturn S-Series has a distributerless ignition system that is sensitive to spark plug types. Using narrow fine wire electrode spark plugs can cause problems like rough running and error codes. It is recommended to use OE spark plugs like NGK BKR5ESA-11 for DOHC and BKR4ESA-11 for SOHC engines.
3. Throttle Position Sensor Failure:
   • Throttle position sensor failures are relatively common in the Saturn SW2. Symptoms include a high idle of 1600+ RPM. If restarting the car causes the idle to drop, the issue is likely with the TPS. It is advised to opt for OE replacements to ensure quality.
4. Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
   • While not as common, crankshaft position sensor failures can occur in the Saturn SW2. These failures often happen when the engine is hot, leading to sudden engine stalling. Aftermarket replacements are available to address this issue.
5. Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
   • In the 3rd generation SOHC cars (00-02), intake manifold gasket leaks are a known problem. Symptoms include high idle, misfire codes, and erratic engine performance. Using carb cleaner to detect leaks and addressing them promptly is crucial.
6. Coolant Stem Crack in Intake Manifold:
   • Specifically affecting the 00-02 DOHC models, a crack in the coolant stem running into the intake manifold near cylinder #4 can lead to significant coolant leaks. Specialized products are available to fix this issue effectively.
7. Broken Coil Springs:
   • Third-generation Saturn SW2 cars (00-02) may experience broken coil springs. When replacing struts, it is recommended to replace the springs as well. Opting for OE replacements from earlier generations can be a reliable solution.

These common problems with the 1999 Saturn SW2 wagon highlight various issues that owners have faced over the years. Addressing these concerns promptly can help maintain the performance and reliability of the vehicle.

1999 Saturn Wagon car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Wagon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Saturn Wagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.