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EquipmentPart report

1997 Saturn SL Equipment Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
3%of 227 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Saturn SL, 3% of the 227 complaints for this model year.

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.

“When driving at any given time and speed vehicle will cut off without prior warning. Also, when air conditioner wason high and upon depressing accelerator pedal, there was a very slow take off. Vehicle died out. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer stated due a large amount of pressure put on air conditioner compressor problem has occur. Please provide any further details.”

NHTSA complaint #870144, filed 2000-09

“After turning vehicle on had heard a funny noise. Had a tune up done on vehicle. This noise persisted. Took vehicle back to dealer & was informed the air conditioner compressor had gone out. Air conditioner would eventually freeze.”

NHTSA complaint #848191, filed 1999-09

“The air conditioning system malfunctioned, causing accumulation of moisture in the A/C system which resulted in amildew smell which triggered the occupant's asthma. Please provide further details.”

NHTSA complaint #830498, filed 1998-11

“Ventilation system is designed to circulate air when the car is moving. A foul odor emits from the system due to fungus in the A/C unit (evaporator core), causing headaches, nausea, scratchy throat. Aw”

NHTSA complaint #524273, filed 1997-11

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200122%
200021%
199911%
199842%
199773%
199672%
199562%
199431%
199232%

Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SL

Engine cooling
38 complaints
Electrical system
31 complaints
Seat belts
25 complaints
Brakes
24 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Air bags
17 complaints
Seats
17 complaints
Tires
16 complaints
Body and structure
13 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Steering
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Saturn SL

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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