Car Record Book

1993 Saturn Sw recalls & problems

The 1993 Saturn Sw has 2 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (7 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints27filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator

NHTSA recall 93V132000 · Aug 10, 1993 · 352,833 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.

Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables

NHTSA recall 93V094000 · May 25, 1993 · 14,459 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

SW

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

SW

26mpg combined
City / highway22 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

SW

25mpg combined
City / highway21 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

SW

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulic
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components
7000—
Seat belts
Front › Anchorage; Front › Webbing
5000—
Structure
Frame and members
3000—
Vehicle speed control
Accelerator pedal
3000—
Engine and engine cooling
Engine; Cooling system
3000—
Electrical system
Alternator/generator/regulator; Starter assembly › Solenoid
3020—
Seats
Front assembly › Recliner
2000—
Child seat
2000—
Latches/locks/linkages
Doors › Latch
2000—
Power train
Automatic transmission
2000—
Unknown or other
1000—
Visibility
Windshield
1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations