1997 Saturn SL
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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 | 29 |
| 1992 | 131 |
| 1993 | 179 |
| 1994 | 303 |
| 1995 | 356 |
| 1996 | 287 |
| 1997 | 227 |
| 1998 | 168 |
| 1999 | 178 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 111 |
| 2002 | 131 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE14% of complaints: electrical system — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and horn.
FIRE11% of complaints: service brakes — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: seat belts — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: power train — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN HE SHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR AND THE SHIFTER CABLE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE SHIFTER LEVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120628
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 S
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 97V138000 — check if this car was fixed
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 FMVS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
Campaign 97V155000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V138000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V155000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Saturn SL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Saturn SL is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Saturn SL?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn SL have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.