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Saturn SLModel year report

1997 Saturn SL Problems

Complaints
227filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
86,300miles, 38 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
27 mpgcombined, 1.9L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 33 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Saturn SL (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe a broken shift linkage in manual-transmission cars — a plastic retaining bushing or clip lets go and leaves the car stuck in one gear — plus coolant and oil mixing from cylinder head problems, and ignition switch or dash wiring faults that produce smoke and no-starts. Reports span a wide mileage range, from fairly low-mileage cars to well past 130,000 miles, so condition and prior maintenance matter more than age alone.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Shift cable/linkage bushing fails, car stuck in gear

    Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners of manual-transmission cars describe the shift lever suddenly going limp or the cable coming off the lever, leaving the car locked in whatever gear it was in, sometimes in traffic or a parking lot. Several report the cause as a small plastic bushing or clip that retains the cable to the shift rod, and that the dealer replaced the cable assembly or bushings. Some owners had a hardware-store or aftermarket bushing fitted instead. Mostly reported between roughly 100,000 and 145,000 miles, usually without warning during ordinary driving.

    What to check: On a manual car, ask whether the shift cable bushings or cable assembly have been replaced, and work the lever through every gear to feel for slack or a loose clip.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10242685, filed 2008-09, 133,000 miles

    “I recently purchased a 1997 sl1 and on the 3rd day of owning it the shifter broke causing it to go limp. At the time I was on the 101 freeway stuck in traffic with my three children. I called my mechanic and he towed it to his shop for repairs. After making the necessary repair, he did a routine maintenance check. This was when he discovered the oil had water mixed in with it causing a white smoke escaping from the exhaust pipe. I'm certain this problem was recognized by the previous owner and most likely was the reason for selling. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10223750, filed 2008-04, 118,075 miles
  2. Engine cooling

    Oil and coolant mixing (cylinder head / head gasket)

    • 26 complaints (11%)
    • median 118,404 mi at 11.2 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1999–2014

    Complaints describe oil showing up in the coolant or radiator, coolant disappearing, the engine running hot, and white smoke from the exhaust or oil spraying from the cylinder head area. Some owners say a shop found a cracked cylinder head or a failed head gasket; others mention the dealer declining help because the car was out of warranty. One owner also reported engine oil consumption between changes. Reported from about 65,000 to 135,000 miles, with several cases noted when the car was in for routine service.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check the coolant reservoir for an oily film or sludge, look for white exhaust smoke, and ask whether the head gasket or cylinder head has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Head gasket blew at 68,00 miles in my 1997 Saturn sl1. Saturn customer service told me it was not due to any negligence on my part, and they were unable to explain the reason for this defect.”

    NHTSA complaint #10118497, filed 2005-04, 68,000 miles

    “I recently purchased a 1997 sl1 and on the 3rd day of owning it the shifter broke causing it to go limp. At the time I was on the 101 freeway stuck in traffic with my three children. I called my mechanic and he towed it to his shop for repairs. After making the necessary repair, he did a routine maintenance check. This was when he discovered the oil had water mixed in with it causing a white smoke escaping from the exhaust pipe. I'm certain this problem was recognized by the previous owner and most likely was the reason for selling. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10223752, filed 2008-04, 118,075 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Ignition switch and dash wiring faults with smoke

    • 18 complaints (8%)
    • median 116,551 mi at 10.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2016

    Owners describe the car failing to start or dying shortly after starting, followed by smoke from under the dashboard or steering column and a burning electrical smell. In several cases the dealer found a failed ignition switch that had melted the wiring harness, and the switch and harness were replaced. Some also report intermittent no-crank conditions afterward. Reported between roughly 48,000 and 150,000 miles, often on the first start of the day.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch or wiring harness has been replaced, and check for a burnt smell or discolored wiring near the steering column.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We experienced a dashboard fire in our 1997 Saturn sl1 in the fall of 2003. My wife turned the key, started the car, shifted to reverse, and began backing up when the engine quit, the car jolted to a stop, and the interior immediately filled with acrid smoke. The knoxville Saturn dealer replaced the ignition switch and wiring--not cheap. This is obviously a safety-related event.”

    NHTSA complaint #10056916, filed 2004-02, 54,000 miles

    “1997 Saturn sl2. Started engine, it ran a few seconds, then stopped with electrical smelling smoke flowing from under dashboard into car. After it stopped, it could still be cranked over but would not fire and run. We got out of the car and pushed it into our garage, where it still sits.”

    NHTSA complaint #10118425, filed 2005-04, 77,000 miles
  4. Seats

    Front seats recline or collapse in a rear impact

    • 17 complaints (7%)
    • typically at 2.4 yrs old
    • 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1997–2002

    Owners describe both front seats snapping backward to a full recline or breaking loose from the frame when the car is struck from behind, leaving the occupants unable to reach the pedals or take evasive action. Some complaints also mention the seat adjuster not locking on one side, letting the seat shift under acceleration. Reported across a range of mileages, always in the context of a rear-end collision or seat adjustment.

    Recall 97V155000

    What to check: A recall covers cold welds at the right-side seat belt anchorage on some cars; ask whether it was performed, and check that both front seats lock firmly in position when adjusted.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We were hit stopped in traffic and rear-ended by someone going about 45 MPH. During the accident my front seats collapsed and both my fiance and I suffered from soreness and neck pain. Each day we are getting better but I was concerned about the fact that the seats collapsed.”

    NHTSA complaint #703706, filed 1999-02

    “I was struck in the rear of my car which caused both front bucket seats to snap to a full recline position. As a result of laying flat on my back I could not take any evasive action. Both front airbags deployed upon impact. I have suffered severe back injuries.”

    NHTSA complaint #700086, filed 1998-10
  5. Seat belts

    Seat belts won't retract or lock

    • 18 complaints (8%)
    • median 79,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 1996–2006

    Owners report front seat belts that will not pull out, will not retract after use, or fail to lock and let occupants move forward. In some cases the dealer said the retractor had seized and quoted a full belt replacement; one owner noted a recall covered the coupe but not their sedan. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 90,000 miles, often noticed on the passenger side where the belt is rarely used.

    What to check: Pull each belt fully out and let it retract, and give it a sharp tug to confirm it locks; ask whether any belt or retractor has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The consumer complained about the front seat belt problem. The driver's side seat belt will not retract after use. The passenger's side seat belt will not extend out for use. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that the repair will cost $900.00.”

    NHTSA complaint #10117825, filed 2005-05, 54,000 miles

    “Both driver and passenger side front seats and shoulder belts do not lock up, and allow occupants to move forward excessively. Back seat belt will not retract. Mechanic has seen vehicle.”

    NHTSA complaint #857060, filed 2000-02

Buying note. Check the coolant and oil for cross-contamination, work the shifter and seat belts by hand, and confirm the seat belt anchorage recall was completed. With a car this age, service records showing head gasket, ignition switch or shift cable work done are more useful than the odometer alone.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 227 consumer complaints for the 1997 Saturn SL. 38 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 86,300 miles. Of all complaints, 30 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 28 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Fuel system (10), Steering (10), Vehicle speed control (9), Other or unknown (8), Equipment (7), Suspension (6), Exterior lighting (3), Latches, locks and linkages (3).

Example complaints

Engine cooling: “While driving at app. 45 MPH on a city road there was a loud clunking sound in the engine followed by a continuous rattle. I pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle. The serpentine belt had come off the pulley by 3/4 inch. I proceeded to get the belt so that it would not work itself off. I promptly went to the local exxon and pulled off the belt and put the car on a lift. After inspection it was noted that the alternator bracket..an extension of the engine block, had broken off cleanly. …”

NHTSA complaint #10054856, filed 2004-01, 135,039 miles

Electrical system: “Started my car, it ran a few seconds, then died. Before I could restart it, smoke started pouring out of the steering column and I smelled an electrical fire. I didn't start it again but found help to disconnect my battery. It's on it's way to the nearby Saturn dealer who refuses to provide me with a loan car. I think this is a very unusual problem, and I've driven a lot of clunkers in the past without having to deal with anything like this.”

NHTSA complaint #10199842, filed 2007-08, 157,645 miles

Seat belts: “My seat belt locks up intermittantly. It appears to happen more in bad weather. I think it is the retractor system, but I am not sure. I will contact the dealer this week. I have searched the NHTSA's consumer complaints and found 4 similar to mine. Please let me know, if this is something Saturn should pay for.”

NHTSA complaint #718385, filed 2000-02

Brakes: “I bought a new 1997 Saturn , paid cash and 2 months after purchase, I had brake problems. Put brakes on, could not stop the car (6/7/97). Saturn did nothing regarding this. They said I was not use to the brakes. Tapped the back of a van. 2.) had grand child in car, backing into garage brakes did not hold again. Hit sand bags husband had in garage that stopped car. Some nut came from another state, sisn't drive even 2 miles and saidm there was nothing wrong with the brakes!!!!! I worked in a vocational high school (c.v.s.) in chicago, il, they told me that the inspection was not right. …”

NHTSA complaint #10082762, filed 2004-07, 10 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

21% of the 38 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 54,000 and 118,733 miles.

3%0–103%10–2516%25–5018%50–7516%75–10039%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (38 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 86,300 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’97’0041’03’06’09’16
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Saturn SL. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
SL · sedan not rated4 / 4———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1997 Saturn SL version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
SL FWD1.9L 4-cyl5-speed manual243628$2,400
SL FWD1.9L 4-cyl4-speed automatic233327$2,500
SL FWD1.9L 4-cyl5-speed manual233327$2,500
SL FWD1.9L 4-cyl4-speed automatic213125$2,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1997 Saturn SL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 14 bulletins →

Other model years of the Saturn SL

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200213159,8680—27Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200111164,0002—27Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200014857,7147—27Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199917864,0001—27Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199816866,2500—27Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199722786,3002—27Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199628795,0001—27Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1995355100,4003—27Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1994286118,5001—26Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1993175113,4502—26Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1992123140,0002—26Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19912985,0001—26Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Saturn SL model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Saturn SL?

Owners of this model year most often describe a broken shift linkage in manual-transmission cars — a plastic retaining bushing or clip lets go and leaves the car stuck in one gear — plus coolant and oil mixing from cylinder head problems, and ignition switch or dash wiring faults that produce smoke and no-starts. The issues reported most often: Shift cable/linkage bushing fails, car stuck in gear; Oil and coolant mixing (cylinder head / head gasket); Ignition switch and dash wiring faults with smoke.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Saturn SL have?

NHTSA recorded 227 consumer complaints for the 1997 Saturn SL as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1997 Saturn SL is reported most often?

Engine cooling is named most often, in 38 complaints (17% of the total), followed by electrical system with 31.

Has the 1997 Saturn SL been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Saturn SL get?

The EPA rates the 1997 Saturn SL (SL, 1.9L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 23 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Saturn SL reported?

Among the 38 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 86,300 miles and the middle half falls between 54,000 and 118,733 miles; 21% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.