1997 Saturn SW
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
- 31
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
None on file
None on file
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 31 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 27 |
| 1994 | 30 |
| 1995 | 36 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 31 |
| 1998 | 27 |
| 1999 | 16 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
26% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-17
I called Saturn of eatontown, nj reporting an electrical problem with the ignition and door bell alarm-it rang constantly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-08
This 1997 Saturn SW2 has GM's ignition problem. The air bags were blown once this fried the wires below the stearing and now they say this is not.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-27
Also filed under Air bags
Power train
16% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
A bolt in transmission broke off and broke through the casing, causing transmission fluid to leak.. Vehicle could catch fire. Contacted dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-10
Constant cyclical vibration while in 5TH gear and travelling at highway speeds.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-10-03
Transmission slipped, causing accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-05-27
Service brakes
16% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-14
Fuel system, gasoline
13% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing fuel pump and fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer received a notice regarding a defective fuel pump, however when consumer went to the dealership, he was informed that they would not replace the fuel pump until it failed, but was told to keep the letter until the fuel pump failed, on 3...
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-17
Seat belts
10% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing anchorage and retractor.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Saturn SW — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Saturn SW 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 SW?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn SW have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.