1997 Saturn SC
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1994 | 51 |
| 1995 | 39 |
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 33 |
| 1998 | 13 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 21 |
| 2002 | 38 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE (SATURN SC1 1997) NORTH BOUND ON FL TURNPIKE WHEN THE ROAD FELT REALLY BUMPY AND SUDDENLY PIECES OF DEBRIS STARTED FLYING BY THE WINDOW AND A LARGE BUNDLE OF WIRES WAS FLAPPING ON THE HOOD, COMING FROM THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20130705
9% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.
DEATHShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER RECENTLY RECIEVED RECALL LETTER 99V-280 FROM SATURN CONCERNING SEAT BELT FAILURE, CONSUMERS CHILD WAS A PASSENGER AND WAS KILLED IN A VEHICLE COLLISION AND THE CONSUMER FEELS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE RECALLED COMPONENT EXPERIENCED...
NHTSA ODI report, 20001107
Right front passenger seat belt male mechanism is locked up and will not extend to lock in female mechanism. Unusable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220315
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I GOT MY 97 SATURN SC1 A YEAR AGO WITH 56K MILES ON IT. THE COUPLE THAT HAD IT BEFORE ME TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT CONSIDERING THE OBVIOUS LACK OF QUALITY FROM THE FACTORY. I'VE PUT JUST OVER 21K MILES ON IT IN THE LAST YEAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040403
6% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS HAVE LESS LOCK PAWL ENGAGEMENT ON THE INBOARD FORE/AFT ADJUSTER THAN SPECIFIED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT INBOARD FORE/AFT ADJUSTER.
Campaign 96V153000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECTION OF THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK TITLED "HORIZONTAL AIM" DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCT AN OWNER HOW TO ADJUST THE HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM. THIS DOES NOT
Remedy: OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A LABEL WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM TO BE PLACED OVER THE EXISTING TEXT IN THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PLACE
Campaign 97V162000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT IS PULLED OUT MUCH FASTER THAN NORMAL, A NUMBER OF TIME, THE LOCK-UP FEATURE OF THE RETRACTOR WILL NOT WORK PRO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.
Campaign 97V161000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Saturn SC — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V153000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V162000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V161000 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Saturn SC reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Saturn SC?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn SC have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.