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
- 227
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
18% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 227 complaints
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.
Engine and engine cooling
18% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Electrical system
14% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and horn.
Service brakes
11% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
11% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
Power train
10% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show 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, 2012-06-28
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
1997Complaint volume 227 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
1997-08-29Steering97V138000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the manual steering gear assembly.
-
R
1997-09-10Seats97V155000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will repair these vehicles.
-
R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 41 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V138000 · Steering
- Recall 97V155000 · Seats
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-06 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.