MotorDeets

1999 Saturn Sw: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1999 Saturn Sw: 1 recall, 16 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
16owner complaints
4mention a crash
28best combined mpg
1999 Saturn Sw
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #99V280000 · 1999 · 265,698 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some of the vehicles were produced with seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and could fall out, making the seat belt inoperative.

Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained.

The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Airbags4
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Equipment2
Seats2
Tires2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Other / unknown1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1

What owners describe

The 1999 Saturn Sw has 16 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 11 Sw model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 19). Complaints peaked in 2000 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 36,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (27 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (15 complaints, 7 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.9 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive243428Regular
1.9 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive233427Regular
1.9 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive233226Regular
1.9 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive223226Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Saturn Sw.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1999 Saturn Sw manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1999 Saturn Sw manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1999 Saturn Sw manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1999 Saturn Sw manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 1999 Saturn Sw have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1999 Saturn Sw. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1999 Saturn Sw problems?

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (4), brakes (hydraulic) (2), equipment (2).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Saturn Sw get?

EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1999 Saturn Sw repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sw years

19911992199319941995199619971998199920002001