1997 Saturn SC Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 30%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,648miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Saturn SC, 30% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,648 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10523229, filed 2013-07, 173,411 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10523331, filed 2013-07, 171,411 miles“When the car was coming to a stop, the engine would start to stall, the interior lights would dim and the electronic dash would go out and the car would completely stall. The car would not start on its own and would have to be jumped off. If this happened when pulling into driveway, you could wait an hour and the car would start as if nothing happened. When you took off again the same things would start up again with the stalling and the no starts.”
NHTSA complaint #10224370, filed 2008-04, 114,297 miles“Vehicle to date is on it's 3rd battery & alternator with only 36,000 miles on it. Dealer said it was a flaw w/battery/alternator. Battery/alternator 1st replaced july - aug 2002 approx 16,000 miles, second replacement oct 2004 battery & alternator 32,000 approx miles. Battery prorated/replaced alternator - owner must pay for full repairs. Also, ignition has been replaced twice and repaired once.”
NHTSA complaint #10095808, filed 2004-10, 16,000 miles“When key is in ignition and started and still in park the shift lock mechanism will not disengage when brake is depressed. Also when I shut off the car and turn key to off position the key gets stuck in the ignition leaving the car susceptible to theft.”
NHTSA complaint #10103068, filed 2004-12, 100,105 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10233368Mar 10, 2023This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor…
- 10233366Mar 10, 2023This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 12 | 32% |
| 2001 | 5 | 24% |
| 2000 | 2 | 29% |
| 1999 | 2 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 8% |
| 1997 | 10 | 30% |
| 1996 | 5 | 19% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SC
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Saturn SC
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology