VehicleVerdict

1997 Saturn SL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1997 Saturn SL sits mid-pack among SL years: 286 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 225, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 37 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (41), electrical system (32), and brakes (27), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

286

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

38

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

37

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other SL years?

SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted481 complaints1991: 31 complaints1992: 173 complaints1993: 228 complaints1994: 376 complaints1995: 481 complaints1996: 369 complaints1997: 286 complaints1998: 222 complaints1999: 232 complaints2000: 202 complaints2001: 137 complaints2002: 154 complaints
SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Saturn SL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4114%
Electrical System3211%
Brakes279%
Seat Belts259%
Transmission259%
Airbags207%
Seats186%
Tires & Wheels166%
Body & Structure145%
Visibility & Wipers124%
Fuel System103%
Steering103%
Speed Control93%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)72%
Other72%
Suspension62%
Latches & Locks31%
Lighting31%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1997 Saturn SL have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

97V155000SeatsSeptember 12, 1997 · 5 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT COLD WELDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN THE TUNNEL AREA OF THE FLOOR PAN. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.

97V138000SteeringAugust 29, 1997 · 14,580 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING. THE PINION BEARING CAGE IN THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE UNDER HIGH STEERING SYSTEM LOAD CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKING LOT OR SIMILAR LOW SPEED MANEUVERS.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PINION GEAR DISENGAGING FROM THE RACK CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE HOOD. HE THEN PULLED OVER AS THE SMOKE TURNED INTO FLAMES. AFTER HE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND OIL SPRAYED OUT FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 6, 2007 · fire

“WE EXPERIENCED A DASHBOARD FIRE IN OUR 1997 SATURN SL1 IN THE FALL OF 2003. MY WIFE TURNED THE KEY, STARTED THE CAR, SHIFTED TO REVERSE, AND BEGAN BACKING UP WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT, THE CAR JOLTED TO A STOP, AND THE INTERIOR IMMEDIATELY FILLED WITH ACRID SMOKE. THE KNOXVILLE SATURN DEALER REPLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 16, 2003 · fire

“EXITING STREET FROM DEAD END WHERE CONSUMER LIVED 11 YEARS, ATTEMPTED TO SLOWLY STOP, BRAKES REJECTED, THEN SLAMMED ON BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. MADE A SHARP RIGHT TURN, A CAR CRASHED INTO HER VEHICLE, CONTINUED TO MOVE THEN SUDDENLY THE BRAKES GRABBED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 15, 1997 · crash

“THE SATURN WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR IN THE MERGE LANE WHILE PREPARING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO FUNCTION RESULTING IN DRIVER STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL WITH HER FACE. LACERATIONS, STITCHES, BROKEN NOSE RESULTED. PASSENGER SEAT BELT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 29, 2000 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH IN FIRST GEAR TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO FOURTH GEAR WITHOUT WARNING, AND CONSUMER TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER SHIFTED VEHICLE TO NEUTRAL, THEN BACK TO FIRST GEAR TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC TRIED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 8, 2003

1997 Saturn SL — common questions

Is the 1997 Saturn SL reliable?

It is close to typical for the SL: 286 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1997 SL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (41 complaints), electrical system (32 complaints), brakes (27 complaints).

Does the 1997 Saturn SL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Saturn SL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Saturn SL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SL years to avoid are 1995, 1994, 1996. The cleanest record among SL years belongs to 1991.

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.