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1997 Saturn EV1Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1997 Saturn EV1, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints41 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem4Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 13, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Saturn EV1 has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system41

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

1997 Saturn EV1 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 00V-369 · Nov 13, 2000 · 455 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE ASSIST, A DISABLED REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, A DISABLED ANTI-LOCK…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Antilock: control unit/module

Recall 98V-169 · Jul 28, 1998 · 607 vehicles

Risk. AS A RESULT, VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE ASSIST, INCREASING THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, AND VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 97V-109 · Jul 1, 1997 · 211 vehicles

Risk. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD REDUCE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saturn.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other EV1 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the EV1 median. How we score

'95'97'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Saturn EV1, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Pedestrian alert soundsDP22005 · closed Aug 7, 2023
    Led to recall 22V-063
In owners' words

What EV1 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

SOMETIMES WHEN THE HEATER WAS RUNNING, I HEARD A POP NOISE FROM LEFT FRONT AREA OF THE CAR. WITH OUT WARNING OR ENGINE LIGHTS. WHILE CHARGING UP ELECTRICAL BATTERY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK.ET.
Complaint 857358 · Feb 22, 2000
THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY THAT MAY FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT, RECALL ISSUED HOWEVER OWNER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RECEIVE NEW VEHICLE AT THIS TIME, RECALL SOLUTION IS NOT SUFFICIENT. *ET
Complaint 553152 · Jul 21, 2000
VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY PRIOR TO RECALL THAT MAY FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT (00V-069), RECALL DOES NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. YH (ATTORNEY AT LAW)
Complaint 551790 · Mar 5, 2000

Own a 1997 EV1?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.