VehicleVerdict

1997 Saturn Ev1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1997 Saturn Ev1 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Ev1 years?

Ev1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted4 complaints1995: 1 complaints1997: 4 complaints1999: 0 complaints
Ev1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ev1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Saturn Ev1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4100%

Does the 1997 Saturn Ev1 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V369000BrakesNovember 13, 2000 · 455 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH WHEEL SPEED CIRCUITRY IN THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE (BTCM) WHICH CAN CEASE TO OPERATE PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE ASSIST, A DISABLED REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, A DISABLED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, AND/OR A DISABLED REGENERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS COULD INCREASE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BTCM, THE BALLSCREW ASSEMBLIES IN THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE, AND INSTALL NEW SOFTWARE.

00V069100Electrical SystemMarch 3, 2000 · 489 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GENERATION 1 ELECTRIC PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY THAT COULD FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT.

Consequence

HEAT COULD BUILD UP WITHIN THE CHARGE PORT AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy

THESE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE REPURCHASED BY SATURN/GM.

98V169000BrakesJuly 28, 1998 · 607 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. A TRANSISTOR WITHIN THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE (BTCM) CAUSES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM."

Consequence

AS A RESULT, VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE ASSIST, INCREASING THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, AND VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE.

97V109000BrakesJuly 1, 1997 · 211 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DAMAGED O-RING IN THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE SOLENOID(S) ON THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR. INVOLVED VEHICLES CAN DEVELOP AN EXTERNAL BRAKE FLUID LEAK IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BRAKE PRESSUREMODULATOR VALVE SOLENOIDS.

Consequence

BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD REDUCE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SOLENOID(S) ON THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR.

97V042000Electrical SystemMarch 20, 1997 · 264 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVE MOTOR CHARGER RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY THAT WAS INCOMPLETELY SEALED. INCOMPLETE SEALING CAN ALLOW WATER TO INTRUDE INTO THE CIRCUIT BOARD.

Consequence

DURING CHARGING A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR. AN ARC AT THE SHORT CIRCUIT CAN GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CREATE SMOKE AND/OR A FLAME. IF A FLAME OCCURS, A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVE MOTOR BATTERY CHARGER RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SOMETIMES WHEN THE HEATER WAS RUNNING, I HEARD A POP NOISE FROM LEFT FRONT AREA OF THE CAR. WITH OUT WARNING OR ENGINE LIGHTS. WHILE CHARGING UP ELECTRICAL BATTERY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK.ET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

1997 Saturn Ev1 — common questions

Is the 1997 Saturn Ev1 reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Saturn Ev1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Saturn Ev1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Saturn Ev1 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.