1997 Saturn SL Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 17%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Saturn SL, 17% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,300 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10654441, filed 2014-11, 48,736 miles“Defect details: design flaw in the engine cylinder head assembly causes cracks in the cylinder head. Allows motor oil to leak into the cooling system/radiator mixing with engine coolant in the engine coolant recovery reservoir. Makes the car run hot, result in overheating with potential to result in crashes. Solution: to replace cylinder head assembly GM/Saturn response: complaint filed with GM on september 10, 2004 via written letter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093779, filed 2004-10, 84,600 miles“A extreme problem with oil consumption since the time of ownership of the vehicle and the problem is getting worse with every mile driven. I am at the point now of putting/adding 2-3 quarts of oil every 300-400 miles. Engine freeze is now on the horizon due to sludge build-up. And I've been told this is what saturns do. Can this be right to the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10147800, filed 2006-01Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 16 | 12% |
| 2001 | 18 | 16% |
| 2000 | 34 | 23% |
| 1999 | 45 | 25% |
| 1998 | 28 | 17% |
| 1997 | 38 | 17% |
| 1996 | 63 | 22% |
| 1995 | 67 | 19% |
| 1994 | 38 | 13% |
| 1993 | 30 | 17% |
| 1992 | 24 | 20% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SL
31 complaintsSeat belts
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Saturn SL
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology