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.
The worst 1997 Saturn SL 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.
- Engine38
- Electrical31
- Seat belts25
- Brakes24
- Transmission23
- Airbags17
- Seats17
- Tires15
- Body13
- Visibility11
- Fuel system10
- Steering10
- Acceleration9
- Suspension6
- Lights3
- Locks3
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Saturn SL
Seat belt 18Oil consumption 7Tire blowout 7Fuel pump 6Stalling 6Adaptive cruise 5Brake failure 5Harsh shifting 5Won't start 5
Recalls 2
Seats
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passsenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with suspect cold welds on the right side in the tunnel area of the floor pan. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt anchorage."
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair these vehicles.
Recall number 97V155000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual steering. The pinion bearing cage in the steering gear can separate under high steering system load conditions, such as parking lot or similar low speed maneuvers.
- Risk
- This could result in the pinion gear disengaging from the rack causing a loss of steering control.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the manual steering gear assembly.
Recall number 97V138000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Saturn SL 17
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case,...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Some customers may comment about abnormal wear or a cut on the inboard edge of the driver or passenger...
1997 Saturn SL fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-24 | 31-36 | 25-28 |
What 1997 Saturn SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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. We were all checked and released afterward. I later got in touch with my insurance company that told me that it was a default. Then I later contact gm, they gave claim number and took information on the incident. Later they referred claim specialist, I have not heard from claim specialist concerning what to do.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 saturn sl. The contact stated that the key fell out of the ignition and the vehicle continued to run. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.
With the cruise control in the off position, the cruise control engaged and went to full throttle. When the clutch pedal was depressed the cruise control dis-engaged. This happened five times, the cruise control unit has since been disabled.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 saturn sl. The contact stated that he was reversing from a residential driveway when he shifted to first gear and the shifter cable became detached from the shifter lever. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated they had to replace two shifter cables. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure and current mileage was 127,000. Updated 7/26/12 *cn the consumer stated the root of the problem was the failure of a small plastic bushing used to join the shifting lever to the shifting cable in a manual transmission. When the bushing failed, the shifting cable fell off the shifting lever which left the consumer unable to shift gears. The consumer stated the failure happened while he was stopped in his driveway. The dealer would not replace the broken bushing, but instead replaced the entire cable as well as an adjoining cable. Updated 08/06/12
1997 saturn sl, 4 door sedan, manual transaxle, 143000 miles at a parking lot: shifter cable plastic bushing broke locking my transaxle in reverse. Problem fixed with an aftermarket kit sold by napa auto stores.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 saturn sl1. The contact stated that when attempting to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear the shift lever cable fractured; thus disabling the vehicle from shifting into 3rd gear. Gear failure while driving increases the risk for vehicle crash. The vehicle was taken to a dealership in which the shift cable assembly was replaced. The current and failure mileages were 102000.
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Questions about the 1997 Saturn SL
Is the 1997 Saturn SL reliable?
Owners have filed 226 complaints about the 1997 Saturn SL, 1.7 times a typical SL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Saturn SL?
Engine and cooling, with 38 complaints, typically around 84,600 miles. Next is electrical (31).
How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn SL have?
2 recalls, covering seats and steering.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Saturn SL get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Saturn SL 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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