1997 Saturn Sw problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1997 Saturn Sw sits mid-pack among Sw years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), brakes (5), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Sw years?
What are the most common 1997 Saturn Sw problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | — flat |
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 SW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE IGNITION AFTER THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY REMOVED THE KEY AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION BLOWN FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND NEEDED TO BE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 SATURN SW. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED, BUT ALSO FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED,…”
“FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, SATURN HAD SENT CONSUMER A LETTER STATING THAT THE FUEL PUMP MAY FAIL PREMATURELY AND CAUSE EXTENDED CRANK TIME, LOSS OF POWER, AND POSSIBLE NO START CONDITIONS, SATURN GAVE A RREPLACEMENT COVERAGE OF 6 YEARS/75000 MILES, HOWEVER 5 MONTHS AFTER FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT, THE…”
“THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE LAP BELT AREA THEREBY NOT ALLOWING ME TO FASTEN MY BELT. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE UNBELTED BUT I COULD NOT BELT UP. WORKED FINE THE DAY BEFORE. DEALER SAID BELT MUST BE REPLACED BUT I MUST PAY VEHICLE IS PAST THE 3YR 36000 MILE WARRANTY. I…”
1997 Saturn Sw — common questions
Is the 1997 Saturn Sw reliable?
It is close to typical for the Sw: 35 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1997 Sw problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Does the 1997 Saturn Sw have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Saturn Sw.
Which Saturn Sw years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sw years to avoid are 1995. The cleanest record among Sw 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.