CarRecallWatchThe 1997 Saturn SL has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 227 complaints with NHTSA, including 30 crashes, 9 fires, 28 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (41 reports).
1997 Saturn SL recalls
Most common 1997 Saturn SL problems
Problem areas named in the 227 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 41 |
| Electrical System | 32 |
| Seat Belts | 25 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 25 |
| Power Train | 25 |
| Air Bags | 20 |
| Seats | 18 |
| Tires | 16 |
| Structure | 14 |
| Visibility | 12 |
What owners report
WHILE DRIVING (VEHICLE IN MOTION) THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY. AT TIMES WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH NOTHING HAPPENS; NO ELECTRICAL POWER BUT BATTERY IS FINE AND EVERYTHING ELSE CHECKS OUT OK EXCEPT THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT HAS ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GM VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED FATALITIES WITH FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE LAST INSTANCE WAS ON MAY 10, 2016.
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 SUB-FRAME WITH NO APPARENT ISSUE WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OR CROSS BEAMS. BROUGHT TO SATURN'S ATTENTION BUT CONCERN WAS DENIED AS THE "VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY". SATURN NEVER ADDRESSED THE ISSUE THAT THE SUB-FRAME IS A COMPONENT THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
ON JULY 23, 2014 APPROXIMATELY 6:35P.M. I WAS ON MY WAY TO CHURCH ALONG WITH THREE OTHER PASSENGERS. MY SISTER WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND MY GRANDSON AND THE LADY THAT LIVE WITH ME WAS IN THE BACK SEAT. WITHOUT WARNING THERE WAS A BOOM OR EXPLOSION THAT CAUSE ME TO BRIEFLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND FUME FROM THE DEPLOYED AIRBAGS. MY ARMS WERE CHEMICALLY BURNED AND KNUCKLES ON LEFT HAND FROM HOLDING STEERING WHEEL. THE PASSENGER IN FRONT WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT WRISTS PAIN, ANXIETY AND CHEST PAIN IN ONE OF HER BREAST. MY GRANDSON AND THE LADY RIDING IN THE BACK WAS NOT HURT BUT WAS CHECKED AT THE EMERGENCY FOR INHALATION AND RELEASED
DURING OIL CHANGE DISCOVERED THAT FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH AT CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT POINT, DRIVERS SIDE. CAR WAS REMOVED FROM SERVICE AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING SUSPENSION AND STEERING. TRIED TO FIND A USED SUBFRAME BUT ALL IN LOCAL AUTO PARTS RECYCLERS WERE JUST AS BADLY RUSTED. *TR
DURING OIL CHANGE DISCOVERED THAT FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH AT CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT POINT, DRIVERS SIDE. CAR WAS REMOVED FROM SERVICE AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING SUSPENSION AND STEERING. TRIED TO FIND A USED SUBFRAME BUT ALL IN LOCAL AUTO PARTS RECYCLERS WERE JUST AS BADLY RUSTED. *TR
1997 Saturn SL questions
Does the 1997 Saturn SL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1997 Saturn SL: Seats; Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion). Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Saturn SL?
Based on 227 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (41), Electrical System (32), Seat Belts (25).
How do I check if a recall on my 1997 Saturn SL has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.