A known fault in the automatic transmition valve assembly of my 1993 saturn sw1 is not covered by the dealership, but is admitted by the manufactuer and can be fixed at my expence with no reembursment offered.
The worst 1993 Saturn SW problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes6
- Seat belts5
- Acceleration3
- Body3
- Electrical2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes6
- Seat belts5
- Acceleration3
- Body3
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Locks2
- Seats2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- The generator electrical wiring is not protected against excessive current flow which may be caused by an electrical short circuit in the generator.
- Risk
- Should an electrical short circuit occur in thegenerator, the generator wiring harness would experience excessive current flow.under certain conditions, enough heat could be generated to ignite surroundingmaterials. If this occurs, an underhood fire could result with or without theengine running and without prior warning.
- Remedy
- The generator wiring harness will be replaced with one that will open as a fuse would under certain excessive current flow conditions.
Recall number 93V132000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- The positive battery cable terminal at the starter solenoid may be formed incorrectly. Incorrectly formed terminals can contact the starter solenoid housing and cause an electric short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit between the battery cable andthe starter housing can result in an underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Inspect and, if necessary, adjust the clearance between the positive battery cable terminal so that it does not contact the starter solenoid housing.
Recall number 93V094000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1993 Saturn SW
Defect investigations
Cruise control failures
This investigation documented hte functional aberations that have occurred in the performance of the subject cruise control system.most of the malfunctions involved failure of the system to properly regulate vehicle speed when engaged, failure of the system to engage, or self-disengagement of the system. These problems were investigated and steps taken by the manufacturer to remedy their occurrences.service procedures were issued for vehicles in use, and a design modification made for new vehicles.no confirmed allegations of failure of the system to disengage upon command were identified.improved quality control procedures and design modificationsin the system were undertaken to ensure a more consistent level of system performance.the details of these findings and the resulting conclusions are contained inthe subject engineering analysis closing report.a safety-related defect trend was not identified at ehis time and further use of agency resources does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
EA95003
Cruise control failure
There is no summary currently available
PE94079
Technical service bulletins for the 1993 Saturn SW 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1993 Saturn SW fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-24 | 30-33 | 24-28 |
What 1993 Saturn SW owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Driver's seat back won't "hold" position. Falls back under weight. Problem continuing for years. I informed dealer who simply told me I would have to pay hundreds of dollars to replace defective seat. I no longer drive this car any significant distance because of this. This is so dangerous that I do not feel I can, in good conscience, sell this car to someone else.
I currently own a 1993 saturn sw2. I was unaware of the recalls on my car. Today my car caught on fire. I went ont he internet and found out that there are 3 different recalls on my car that could start a fire. I called saturn at the honolulu office. I gave them my VIN # and they told me that there are no current recalls on my car. I told them that I pulled up 3 different recalls on 3 different website claiming that my car type had recalls. They told me there is nothing they could do.this is because my car wasn't in there saturn recall system to be recalled. I would like to know why is it that other companys have information on saturn recalls and saturn doesnt have a listing on what is recalled. What can I do. I have no car now because they refuse to fix what I think should be fixed because of one of the recalls that was listed on this website. Please help any one that knows anything about this. My kids and myself couldve died today due to this overseen recall.
Shoulder belt is not working properly, causing a hard plastic piece to stick. On consumer in back and top of head.
The high speed airbag damaged the driver's face, breaking teeth, glasses, and bite guard.
Motor belts are failing to operate; dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed that part was not covered under a recall, and any repairs would be at consumer's cost. \ feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
While driving in cold weather brakes will malfunction, and will not work as during dry/warmer weather, could step on brakes and operate as should be.
Bracket under the passenger's side was broke and rusted, and was still holding by a plate. The bracket holds the anti-lock brake electrical wire away from other wheel assembly to prevent chafing and failure of the wire. The rivet had braoken and the wire insulation was rubbed. The dealer was contacted but the owner made the repairs himself. *ak
While driving vehicle 30mph vehicle died out. Received a jump start from aaa. The vehicle failed to start that saturday. The alternators kept blowing out. First one blew out in 1998 & was brand new. The other two followed not long afterwards. Each time they would blow out, they would burn out battery. Would get new alternator & battery each time after taking vehicle to dealership.
The shoulder harness repeatedly fails. Local saturn knows of problem. Seems to be related to deficient design/location of control module.
Compare the 1993 Saturn SW
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Questions about the 1993 Saturn SW
Is the 1993 Saturn SW reliable?
Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 1993 Saturn SW, 4.5 times a typical SW model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1993 Saturn SW?
Brakes, with 6 complaints. Next is seat belts (5).
How many recalls does the 1993 Saturn SW have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Saturn SW get?
Official estimates for the 1993 Saturn SW range from 24 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 30-33 highway.
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