VehicleVerdict

1993 Saturn Sw problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1993 Saturn Sw sits mid-pack among Sw years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), seat belts (5), and body & structure (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Sw years?

Sw NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted52 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 2 complaints1993: 35 complaints1994: 41 complaints1995: 52 complaints1996: 31 complaints1997: 35 complaints1998: 31 complaints1999: 23 complaints2000: 18 complaints2001: 6 complaints
Sw NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sw years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Saturn Sw problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes720%
Seat Belts514%
Engine39%
Body & Structure39%
Electrical System39%
Speed Control39%
Child Seat26%
Transmission26%
Seats26%
Latches & Locks26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Other13%
Airbags13%

Does the 1993 Saturn Sw have recalls?

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

93V132000Electrical SystemAugust 10, 1993 · 352,833 units

Defect

THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.

Consequence

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.

93V094000Electrical SystemMay 25, 1993 · 14,459 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ABS BRAKES FAILED. AFTER STARTING AND PULLING OUT AT A SLOW SPEED, 4 MPH, THE BRAKES WILL GO TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER STATES THAT IT'S A DESIGN FLAW AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 1, 1998

“SHOULDER BELT FOR DRIVER SHOULD SLIDE ON TRACK AND IT DOES NOT. DEALER CONTACTED AND STATES THE CABLE THAT SHOULD MOVE THE BELT IS BUSTED. DEALER CAN REPAIR AT $400. EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT. CONSUMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 1, 1998

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2003 · fire

“WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE UP ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON ,AND THE VEHICLE WASN'T STARTING. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD THE WATER PUMP REPLACED AND THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AGAIN. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND STILL IS ON. BACK WINDSHIELD AND DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING, AND THE DEALER REPLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 20, 1998

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 2, 2000

1993 Saturn Sw — common questions

Is the 1993 Saturn Sw reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sw: 35 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1993 Sw problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints).

Does the 1993 Saturn Sw have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Saturn Sw. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Saturn Sw under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Saturn Sw years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sw years to avoid are 1995. The cleanest record among Sw years belongs to 1991.

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.