1999 Saturn SW Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 13%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Saturn SW, 13% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at 65 MPH consumer heard a popping sound and vehicle jerked. Consumer pulled onto the shoulder. Then, consumer heard a loud bang, and vehicle jerked again and smoked badly. Dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that differential pin came out and destroyed the transmission. A new transmission was needed for this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10071417, filed 2004-04, 37,000 miles“Intermediate shaft/carrier bearing assembly failed at relatively low miles. I am trying to determine if this specific failure is common so owners can be notified and avoid this costly and serious repair.”
NHTSA complaint #738330, filed 2000-12Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Saturn SW
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Saturn SW
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology