VehicleVerdict

1999 Saturn Ev1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1999 Saturn Ev1 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Ev1 years?

Ev1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1997: 4 complaints1999: 0 complaints
Ev1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ev1 years to avoid →

Does the 1999 Saturn Ev1 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V369000BrakesNovember 13, 2000 · 455 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH WHEEL SPEED CIRCUITRY IN THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE (BTCM) WHICH CAN CEASE TO OPERATE PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE ASSIST, A DISABLED REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, A DISABLED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, AND/OR A DISABLED REGENERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS COULD INCREASE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BTCM, THE BALLSCREW ASSEMBLIES IN THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE, AND INSTALL NEW SOFTWARE.

00V370000LightingNovember 13, 2000 · 455 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN GENERATION II ELECTRIC VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A COURTESY LAMP CONTROL CIRCUIT IN THE RIGHT-HAND JUNCTION BLOCK WHICH CAN FAIL. IF THIS OCCURS, THE INTERIOR LAMPS WILL REMAIN ILLUMINATED AND CANNOT BE CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER ONCE THE DOORS ARE CLOSED AND THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING A NIGHT-TIME DRIVING SITUATION, THE DRIVER'S VISION COULD BE IMPAIRED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT-HAND JUNCTION BLOCK.

00V373000Electrical SystemNovember 13, 2000 · 455 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GENERATION II ELECTRIC VEHICLES. SOME REPLACEMENT CHARGER RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLIES USED FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS WERE BUILT WITH INTERNAL COMPONENT VARIATION. THIS VARIATION CAN GENERATE ARCING DURING THE CHARGE CYCLE.

Consequence

EXTENDED ARCING DURING THE CHARGE CYCLE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SERIAL NUMBER ON THE CHARGE RECEPTACLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CHARGE RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY.

00V374000Electrical SystemNovember 13, 2000 · 492 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC PASSENGER VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS CONTAINING A NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE (NIMH) BATTERY PACK. THESE VEHICLES CONTAIN SOFTWARE WITHIN THE BATTERY PACK MODULE INTENDED TO DISABLE THE VEHICLE FROM BEING DRIVEN IF THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE WITH THE BATTERY PACK EXCEEDS A PRESCRIBED VALUE. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL ILLUMINATE THE "SERVICE NOW" AND "REDUCED PERFORMANCE" TELLTALES AND CONTINUE TO FUNCTION IN A REDUCED PERFORMANCE MODEL INSTEAD OF BEING DISABLED.

Consequence

IF THE TELLTALES ARE IGNORED AND THE AFFECTED VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN, HEAT COULD BUILD UP AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED SOFTWARE IN THE BATTERY PACK MODULE.

1999 Saturn Ev1 — common questions

Is the 1999 Saturn Ev1 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Saturn Ev1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Saturn Ev1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Saturn Ev1 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.