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1997 Saturn SW problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Saturn SW is electrical system. It has 5.2 times the complaints of a typical SW model year.

Typical year5.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
31
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
7
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
25-28mpg

The worst 1997 Saturn SW problems

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

  • Electrical
    8
  • Brakes
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Seat belts
    3

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    8
  • Brakes
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Saturn SW 7

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

See all 7 bulletins for the 1997 Saturn SW

1997 Saturn SW fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cylFWD21-2431-3425-28

What 1997 Saturn SW owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 14, 2018 · Brakes · MO · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 1997 saturn sw. While driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the emergency brake was applied, but also failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags deployed, but the contact sustained bruises and bumps. The front seat passenger was injured and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow lot. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. ... *bf

Filed Jul 27, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 139,000 miles · IN

This 1997 saturn sw2 has gm's ignition problem. The air bags were blown once this fried the wires below the stearing and now they say this is not. At the time the vehicle was in motion, street, I just pushed it off the road for the 3rd time in 2 weeks and now I may loose everything I have in my life. I can not even get the "fix" for the recalls unless I pay close to $200. For instructions to do it myself. I find this unfair being they should have done this once they knew and not waited for attorneys to say "how many", complaints = lawsuit. I guess I will have to join in if nothing else happens.

Filed Jun 17, 2015 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · MD · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 saturn sw. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, smoke started to emit from the ignition after the key was inserted into the ignition switch. The contact immediately removed the key and towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Mar 4, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · PA

The engine turns off during driving or coming to a stop if I leave the vehicle overnight or 4hrs later it will start and run for about a hour then it turns off, had a diagnostic computer check and they said they can not find the problem. Replaced the ignition coils, spark plugs, spark plug cables, gas filter, clean throttle valve housing. Speed odometer makes a rubbing noise.

Filed Oct 2, 2007 · Tires · 92,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 saturn sw2. The vehicle has firestone firehawk atx tires. While driving 50 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle began to drag. She removed her foot from the accelerator pedal and allowed the vehicle to decelerate. The vehicle then began bumping and jumping. The vehicle was taken to a service station. The contact noticed that the tread separated near the sidewall from the rear driver side tire. Approximately half of the tire was ripped. Aaa arrived and changed the tire. Firestone advised her to take the tire to a local store. A firestone agent inspected the failure and stated that the tires were too old. The agent then offered to replace only the failed tire instead of all four tires. The contact believed that the tires should be included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 01t006000. The VIN, engine size, number of cylinders, and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage was 92,647 and failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2006 · Transmission · 90,100 miles · WA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH slowing down to make a left turn, a loud noise came from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent repair shop for inspection. Upon inspection, the mechanic determined the transmission blown from the inside out and needed to be replaced. The dealership was notified, however no repairs have been made.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Electrical · 55,445 miles · VA

While driving 40 MPH the engine failed without warning. The service dealer states the ignition coil pack had malfunctioned. *nm the vehicle was being driven on the highway when the incident occurred.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Electrical · CT

Consumer stated door bell was acting as if the lights were on, and the key was in the ignition. She took the vehicle to the dealer/mechanic, he kept pressing on the button, and got it to shut off. Then he reinserted the key into the ignition and vehicle began to smoke. After mechanic examined the vehicle for the smoking, it was found to be a burning harness wire. It would cost from $800.00 to $1000.00 dollars to repair it. Consumer was told that this was not covered under warranty, and that she would have to pay for the repairs. She did not think this was fair because the mechanic caused this problem, it happened when he was fixing something else. She wanted to know -why she had to pay when it was just a part of the repair for the door bell/ignition false alarm?

Filed Apr 8, 2003 · Electrical · 59,200 miles · NJ · fire

I called saturn of eatontown, nj reporting an electrical problem with the ignition and door bell alarm-it rang constantly. I was told by the service manger not to worry, use a little cw spread; 3 days later, the steering column and ignition caught on fire. Saturn is refusing to honor safety recall tsb # 97-c-02, dated apr 97, titled, "recall-ignition cylinder malfunction." I understand that under federal law a manufacturer-initiated safety recall is equal to a the federal safety agency safety recall and must be remedied at no cost to the consumer. I thank you for your assistance in this matter. Anthony a. Sessa p. S. I am not sure when my deceased father purchased this vehicle.

Filed Sep 10, 2002 · Transmission · VA

A bolt in transmission broke off and broke through the casing, causing transmission fluid to leak.. Vehicle could catch fire. Contacted dealer.

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Questions about the 1997 Saturn SW

Is the 1997 Saturn SW reliable?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 1997 Saturn SW, 5.2 times a typical SW model year.

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

Electrical system, with 8 complaints. Next is brakes (5).

How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn SW have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Saturn SW get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Saturn SW range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 31-34 highway.

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