1994 Saturn Sw: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Saturn Sw: 1 recall, 30 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #99V045000 · 1999 · 138,691 vehicles
What's wrong: Some front seat back recliner gear teeth May wear excessively through repeated use, and could cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied.
Why it matters: If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (9): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Seats (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1994 Saturn Sw has 30 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 11 Sw model years for complaints (1.6× the average Sw year). Complaints peaked in 1995 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 115,091 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (27 complaints, 2 recalls), 1995 (36 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
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 1994 Saturn Sw.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads 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 1994 Saturn Sw have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1994 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 1994 Saturn Sw problems?
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (9), seats (6), speed control / throttle (5).
What gas mileage does the 1994 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 1994 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.