1997 Saturn SL body problems

13 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 118,733.

owner complaints: 13
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 118,733
crashes: 0
recalls: 0

Which part fails

Frame and members: underbody shields
3
Body: trunk lid
3
Body
2
Frame and members
1
Body: door
1
Body: bumpers
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Saturn SL body problems in other years

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1997 Saturn SL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 12, 2014 · Body, Engine · 48,736 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jun 17, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 118,733 miles · WI

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.

Filed Jun 17, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 118,733 miles · WI

Filed Aug 14, 2009 · Body · 48,736 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 saturn sl2. The contact stated that the subframe rotted out along the driver's side of the vehicle, mainly at the lower control arm pocket. The dealer replaced the subframe at the cost of $1,179. The manufacturer would not provide reimbursement because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 48,736.

Filed Sep 17, 2008 · Body, Transmission · 133,000 miles · NC

On 13sep2008, at approximately 1400hrs I was operating my 1997 saturn sl2 (manual) at low speed in my driveway; when the vehicle failed to engage in gear. Upon further investigation, I discovered that my shifting cable linkage had become disengaged (specifically the shifting rod and the plastic ball-joint cover). After attempting to locate the part via local auto part merchants I contacted a local saturn dealership. I spoke to a member of the service department who informed me that the disengagement of the shifting rod assembly, and concurrent damage to the plastic ball-joint cover was a common problem. When asked how much it was to buy the plastic ball-joint cover the service employee informed me it would cost $195.00; because one has to buy the entire assembly and not just the plastic ball-joint cover. At this time the vehicle has yet to be repaired.

Filed Apr 26, 2001 · Body · CA

Trunk lid fails to stay open, falls on heads and necks..

Filed Mar 20, 2001 · Body, Brakes · MA

Head gasket, water pump, oil pan gasket, serpentine drive belt, and coolant light on, service engine light was also on, work completed by dealer.

Filed Apr 14, 2000 · Body · FL

The trunk lid will seldom remain in the up position when placing items in the trunk. The trunk starts to close, striking the person. This will happen when the vehicle is in the level position. Saturn of datona has replaced the trunk lid springs, and assured they are adjusted correctly for a saturn with a factory installed spoiler. This did not correct the problem. Saturn corp., through their customer assistance center, recommends the removal of the spoiler to solve the problem. I do not feel I should have to remove a factory provided item and change the vehicle exterior configuration to solve this problem. If this is the solution, how can saturn continue to sell vehicles in this configuration? I believe this is a design problem and could represent a serious safety hazard, I.e., woman being struck in the head, a child being inadvertently locked in the trunk. Would like saturn to prvide a resonable solution which would not result in changing the exterior vehicle configuration.

Filed Feb 27, 2000 · Body · MN

2 occurrences of front bumper catching on ground objects and cracking grill and wheel wells. I own a 1996 sl2 and a 1997 sl2. Both my wife and I have suffered this same occurance. (we are both near 50 years old and have no previous instances of such occurances. This has now happened twice; once to her, once to me. The air dam is hinged and flexes but doesn't break. The bumper however, is low set, has a bottom edge that is abrupt, and catches easily on low-lying or low-setting ground objects. It catches on things instead of being able to 'roll over' or 'flex over'. The resulting 'pull' pulls the bumper away (in a forward direction) from the car, breaking the lower grill and inner wheel wells. The first time the damage wasn't noticed until a day later; and many miles had been driven. I believe the condition of the front bumper assembly being loose, hanging, and drooping as it did, provided a definite safety problem (the components could have impaired steering and/or braking. The second occurence has not been repaired yet. The cost to repair was significant.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Body · CA

The design of the vehicle has raised rear structure causing poor visibilty through back window. Yh

Questions about the 1997 Saturn SL body

Does the 1997 Saturn SL have body problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the body of the 1997 Saturn SL, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Saturn SL body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 118,733 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Saturn SL body?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Saturn SL have the most body problems?

The Saturn SL model years with the most body complaints are 1997 (13 complaints) and 1996 (10 complaints).