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1997 Saturn SLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 227 owner complaints about the 1997 Saturn SL, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

42
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.4× the SL median · #4 of 12 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints22764 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage76kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 16, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Saturn SL has problems

227 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
Engine and engine cooling381
Electrical system317
Seat belts252
Power train232
Service brakes, hydraulic234
Air bags1715
Seats1712
Tires162
Structure131
12 other systems635

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

2 recalls

1997 Saturn SL 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

Seats

Recall 97V-155 · Sep 12, 1997 · 5 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Recall 97V-138 · Aug 29, 1997 · 14,580 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PINION GEAR DISENGAGING FROM THE RACK CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 SL 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 SL median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1997 Saturn SL safety ratings

1997 Saturn SL 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

1997 Saturn SL side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What SL owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

SEVERE RUST OUT OF THE SUSPENSION SUB-FRAME (ENGINE CRADLE) ALONG THE LEFT SIDE, PARTICULARLY AT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT POCKET. THIS CONDITION WAS CAUGHT BEFORE THE LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE LOOSE DUE TO THE RUSTED SUB-FRAME. RUST CONDITION WAS CONFINED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE…
Complaint 10654441 · Nov 12, 2014 · 48,736 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE HOOD. HE THEN PULLED OVER AS THE SMOKE TURNED INTO FLAMES. AFTER HE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND OIL SPRAYED OUT FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE…
Complaint 10198619 · Aug 6, 2007 · 131,000 miles
A EXTREME PROBLEM WITH OIL CONSUMPTION SINCE THE TIME OF OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE WITH EVERY MILE DRIVEN. I AM AT THE POINT NOW OF PUTTING/ADDING 2-3 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 300-400 MILES. ENGINE FREEZE IS NOW ON THE HORIZON DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD-UP. AND I'VE BEEN TOLD…
Complaint 10147800 · Jan 15, 2006

Own a 1997 SL?

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