1998 Saturn Sw problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1998 Saturn Sw sits mid-pack among Sw years: 31 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (6), transmission (5), and speed control (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
31
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Sw years?
What are the most common 1998 Saturn Sw problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 16% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY ENGINE CATCHES ON FIRE. VERY SUDDEN. NO INDICATION OF UPCOMING PROBLEM. CAR UNDER WARRANTY. TOTAL LOSS. *AK”
“WHEN ENGINE WARMS UP/SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING RPMS WILL INCREASE. ALSO IF TAKEN FEET OF GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER REPAIRED AND REPLACED PARTS, BUT STILL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“THERE IS A CRACK IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD THAT BEGINS WERE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS ATTACHED TO THE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER CAN NOT SEE TROUGH FRONT WINDSHIELD. *AK WINDSHIELD WAS INSPECTED FOR CRACKS, NONE WAS FOUND. IN ADDITION, CRACK REACHED TO BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES THAT SPANNED APPROXIMATELY 8…”
“MASTER CYLINDER IS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO HIT FLOOR, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKES, ALSO FRONT BRAKES GET VERY HOT, BUT BACK BRAKES ARE COOL. *AK”
1998 Saturn Sw — common questions
Is the 1998 Saturn Sw reliable?
It is close to typical for the Sw: 31 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 Sw problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), speed control (5 complaints).
Does the 1998 Saturn Sw have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Saturn Sw.
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.