NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 2000 Saturn SW. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (4) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT WITHSTAND THE VERTICAL FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TWO MAJOR GASKET PROBLEMS WITH A SATURN 2000 SW2 WAGON. TOTAL REPAIR COST $1,500.*AK”
“AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND WAS IN SYSTEM BUT NOT REPLACED. IGNITION PROBLEMS WITH FUEL NOT ABLE TO REACH. IGNITION SWITCH WIRE BURNED AND WAS RECALLED PRIOR BUT NOT GIVEN TO MY MAKE MODEL. MUFFLER NOT ABLE TO CONTROL EXHAUST SYSTEM.”
“THE BOLTS BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE.*JB”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| SW Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| SW Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (4), electrical system (2), seats (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Saturn SW at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).