Check a VIN

1994 Saturn SW problems

The most common problem on the 1994 Saturn SW is brakes. It has 5.0 times the complaints of a typical SW model year.

Typical year5.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
30
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
2
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
24-28mpg

The worst 1994 Saturn SW problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    9
  • Seats
    6
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Airbags
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    9
  • Seats
    6
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 1

SeatsReported March 12, 1999 · 138,691 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some front seat back recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and could cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied.
Risk
If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.

Recall number 99V045000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1994 Saturn SW

Defect investigations

Front seat back can recline or collapseOpened February 16, 2000, closed August 19, 2000

RQ00005

Seat back failuresOpened July 31, 1998, closed March 16, 1999

In its letter dated march 5, 1999, general motors stated that it will recall 136,300 model year 1994 and 1995 saturn vehicle (all models) built between january 1994 and august 1994.during this period, saturn's seat supplier manufactured recliner assemblies which were out of design specification, allowing the front seat backs to recline or collapse inadvertently.to correct the problem, saturn dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat back recliner assemblies.see the federal safety agency's safety recall fill 99v‑045 for details.

EA98017

Cruise control failuresOpened February 24, 1995, closed May 31, 1996

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 failureOpened November 7, 1994, closed February 24, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE94079

Technical service bulletins for the 1994 Saturn SW 2

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1994 Saturn SW fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cylFWD21-2429-3424-28

What 1994 Saturn SW owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 6, 2010 · GA

1994 saturn sw2 with automatic shoulder belt failure. The belt will have a shortage and stay forward then come back and then move forward again.

Filed Feb 17, 2006 · Acceleration · 115,091 miles · MA · crash · 1 injury

Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to apply brake pressure at 50 MPH the vehicle accelerated. To avoid hitting another vehicle, the vehicle was shifted into first gear in an attempt to slow the vehicle down. While still applying brake pressure, the vehicle hit a highway sign and a tree. Seatbelts were worn however injuries were sustained. A police report was filed at the scene. After the accident the accelerator pedal was noticed under the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. Although the dealership was notified no repairs were made.

Filed Sep 2, 2005 · Seats · IL

Dt: the owner is experiencing the same problem as stated in recall number 99v045000. The recall is in regards to the seat recliner. The owner entered the vehicle and while trying to get comfortable the seat recliner fell back. The owner looked up the recall information before she purchase the vehicle and noticed it was under recall. The owner was sure that the problem would be able to be repaired free of charge since it was recalled. Upon service at the dealer, the dealer informed the owner that they would not repair the recliner for free. The owner checked with saturn and found out the VIN was not included. The owner wants to complain that the manufacturer gets to choose which vehicle identification numbers to include. Saturn did not explain why the VIN was not included. The consumer wants the seat fixed free of charge.

Filed Sep 14, 2003 · Engine · 94,501 miles · ME

Oil in cooling system,cylinder head cracked. I had just slowed down for a stop sign in a 35 MPH zone. Other web sights claim this to be an on going problem. I was fortunate that it didn't happen on the high way. I was not informed when I registered as the new owner that there were any recalls or bullentins, car was sold to me with " no defects".

Filed Dec 17, 2002 · Airbags · 138,677 miles · MN · crash · 1 injury

Driver side airbag did not deploy after hitting a deer head on at 50 MPH. Ts

Filed Sep 12, 2001 · Brakes · NH

Bracket held in place by only one rivet. Bracket break loose, stressing ABS wiring. Dealer has repaired 3 times on driver's side, now passenger side broken. Dealer's service manager admitted that this is a common problem.

Filed May 16, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · UT

Consumer states brake booster failed causing total brake failure, after inspecting vehicle it was determined brake booster failed due to a nut that vibrated off causing brake booster to break.

Filed Oct 20, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · MS

Vehicle was experiencing problem with overheating whenever A/C was being used. Also , this problem caused vehicle to jerk when applying brakes. Vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still occurring. Please feel free to provide any further details.

Filed Jun 7, 2000 · Steering · NJ · crash · fire · 2 injuries

Steering wheel began to spin freely and car ended up in a ditch. Cradle bolts missing. Dealership says this probably caused the front end to spread and the rack and pinion to disengage.

Filed May 22, 2000 · Engine · CA

Upper motor mount broke, causing engine to shift. The mount was replaced at owner's expense. Original motor mounts were replaced at 20,000 miles in june of 95. *ak

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1994 Saturn SW before you buy

Compare the 1994 Saturn SW

Other model years

1992199319941995199619971998199920002001

Questions about the 1994 Saturn SW

Is the 1994 Saturn SW reliable?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 1994 Saturn SW, 5.0 times a typical SW model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1994 Saturn SW?

Brakes, with 9 complaints. Next is seats (6).

How many recalls does the 1994 Saturn SW have?

1 recall, covering seats.

What gas mileage does the 1994 Saturn SW get?

Official estimates for the 1994 Saturn SW range from 24 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 29-34 highway.

Share your experience with the 1994 Saturn SW

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1994 Saturn SW?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN