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1997 Saturn SC problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Saturn SC is electrical system, typically around 103,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical SC model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
33
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
6
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
25-28mpg

The worst 1997 Saturn SC problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    10
  • Engine
    6
  • Seat belts
    6
  • Airbags
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1

Recalls 3

Seat belts: front: retractorReported September 22, 1997 · 26,135 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the driver or front passenger safety belt is pulled out much faster than normal, a number of time, the lock-up feature of the retractor will not work properly.
Risk
In a rapid deceleration or vehicle crash, the occupant would not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger safety belt retractor.

Recall number 97V161000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported September 22, 1997 · 37,970 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The section of the owner's handbook titled "horizontal aim" does not specifically instruct an owner how to adjust the headlamp horizontal aim. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk
A vehicle's headlamp would not be properly adjusted causing visibility problems to oncoming vehicles.
Remedy
Owners are being provided with a label with the correct information on headlamp horizontal aim to be placed over the existing text in the owner's handbook. If an owner desires, their dealer can place the sticker in the owner's handbook for them.

Recall number 97V162000 · Recall details

SeatsReported August 23, 1996 · 3,472 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The front passenger seats have less lock pawl engagement on the inboard fore/aft adjuster than specified. This does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, "seating systems."
Risk
This condition could result in seat movement with a belted occupant during a moderate to severe frontal impact.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the passenger seat inboard fore/aft adjuster.

Recall number 96V153000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1997 Saturn SC

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Saturn SC 6

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 6 bulletins for the 1997 Saturn SC

1997 Saturn SC fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cylFWD21-2431-3625-28

What 1997 Saturn SC owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 15, 2022 · Seat belts · IN

Right front passenger seat belt male mechanism is locked up and will not extend to lock in female mechanism. Unusable.

Filed May 27, 2015 · Electrical · 103,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 saturn sc. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred when there were numerous keys on the key ring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000. *tt

Filed Aug 29, 2013 · Electrical · MO

I have 2 saturns (sc and sl) both are 1997's. Both have same electrical problem where battery will not hold charge. Something seems to be draining the power but no one can figure out what. Both cars start with a jump and run fine if driven often. But if the car sits for more than a day, the battery is drained.

Filed Aug 29, 2013 · Electrical · MO

Battery kept being drained.

Filed Jul 5, 2013 · Electrical, Tires · 171,411 miles · FL

I was driving my 1997 sc saturn north bound fl turnpike when the road felt really bumpy and suddenly the engine electrical (cables/wires)components flew & splash against the windshield blocking my view, "oh my god" I immediately edge to the left shoulder, got out of the vehicle to assess the situation, contacted geico road service. I was shocked to see that one of the lemans tire (right passenger side) tread had completely peeled & blown off. Apparently, as the tire began to fail the steel belts from the tire destroyed the inner fender, the outer fender and ripped out the main wiring harness that provided power to all electrical components inside the passenger compartment such as door locks, windows etc. It appears that the placement of this wiring harness over the front wheel should have been through the firewall and not over a wheel and with no protection.

Filed Jul 5, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 173,411 miles · FL

I was driving the above mentioned vehicle (saturn sc1 1997) north bound on fl turnpike when the road felt really bumpy and suddenly pieces of debris started flying by the window and a large bundle of wires was flapping on the hood, coming from the front of the car; which I had to eased over to the left shoulder, got out of the vehicle immediately and contacted geico road service. Apparently, the chain of events that occurred were as follows: the lemans/bridgestone tire (p195-60r15) tread completed peeled off the tire with such force..that it got shredded the fender and ripped out a large bundle of electrical cables that was in the fender. The tire remained inflated, the wire cable ran from the fuse box in the engine compartment over the wheel in the fender, to provide power to virtually every electrical component in the car, and was ripped out of the passenger compartment. A highly hazardous & dangerous incident...the pictures are extremely impressive! Be careful!!!!

Filed Jun 1, 2013 · Brakes · 115,500 miles · CO · crash

I tried braking hard and my pedal went completely to the floor before the car stopped and then I hit a car on the side. I could have avoided it if my brakes weren't bad. I had new brake pads on all 4 wheels and it was still low.

Filed Feb 9, 2011 · Tires · IA

1997 saturn sc. Consumer writes in follow up to a request for adjustment on his general tires due to premature ware *tgw the consumer warranty claim was denied based on the stated position that the tires were older than the warranty covered; 72 months. The consumer stated he was under the impression the tires were new when he purchased them on november 18, 2006. He was not informed that the tires had been sitting on the shelf for 3 years.

Filed Jul 1, 2009 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · TN

I bought my saturn sc1 series 1997 at 83,000 miles. The service engine light was on. Had it checked at auto zone, second gear to ratio was off, a few thousand miles later, 90,000 I lost reverse. I drove without reverse for 2 years until I could afford to get it fixed. The transmission guy told me that the nut/bolt that holds the gears twisted off cracked the shell of the transmission. Not good at all, I had to put a full bottle of tranny fluid in it 2-3 times a week for almost 2 years. And had to pay for it myself as it was a defect of the maker, not mine. I will never buy another saturn. Ever. Sad thing is, I'm still paying on it.

Filed Jun 20, 2008 · Seat belts · 80,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 saturn sc1. The contact stated that the lock feature of the seat belt retractor would not work properly. As a consequence, he is not properly restrained in the vehicle. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v161000 (seat belts:front:retractor), although the failures were identical. The contact paid $400 to have the retractor replaced; however, the failure recurred shortly afterwards. The manufacturer was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 104,000.

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Questions about the 1997 Saturn SC

Is the 1997 Saturn SC reliable?

Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 1997 Saturn SC, close to a typical SC model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Saturn SC?

Electrical system, with 10 complaints, typically around 103,000 miles. Next is engine (6).

How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn SC have?

3 recalls, covering seat belts, exterior lighting and seats.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Saturn SC get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Saturn SC range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 31-36 highway.

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