1997 Saturn SL Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 4%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Saturn SL, 4% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Every few months since I've had my car, for no apparent reason, it will start, but will idle low. If I try to put it in gear, it will stall. If I try to restart it and give it gas it will imediately cut off. I've had it to the dealership and to a private mechanic numerous times and no one can duplicate the problem. I've had the fuel pump, fuel filter, oxygen sensor (twice), wires, spark plugs, etc. Replaced costing thousands of dollars. One mechanic told me that it was the way I was driving the car! …”
NHTSA complaint #10086383, filed 2004-08, 32,000 miles“I have experienced loss of power, no start conditions,and long periods of crank time,even killing a battery that I had to pay for! Notified my dealership and they told me if they---determined it wasn't the fuel pump, I would have to pay a service charge !---and I have the best extended warranty they have !”
NHTSA complaint #722797, filed 2000-05“Randomly, usually about every few months, I will start my car. It will start, but it starts funny. It doesn't hit the usual high rpms and will idle low. If I attempt to drive the car, it will usually run with low rpms. When the car comes to a stop, it will idle low and sometimes stall. The problem occurs in all weather conditions and temperatures. It also occurs when the engine is hot or cold. Sometimes it takes 5-10 tries to start the car at all. Of course, mechanics are unable to reproduce the problem and say nothing is wrong with the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10031052, filed 2003-08“First incident was at 3600 miles on the car. On interstate travelling at 55+ car loses power will not accelerate. Must pull off road where car stalls out. No idiot lights and at dealer no computer codes. Car returned to me dealer unable to duplicate.I get 15 miles car again has problem. Finally dealer replaces fuel pump.at 5900 miles again car has same problem 1.5 hours from home 55+MPH on interstate.dealer again replaces fuel pump.at 24000 miles on interstate again same symptoms at 70+ MPH.after 3 different dealerships in two different states again fuel pump is replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #704599, filed 1999-03“When turning ignition vehicle would turn over, but it wouldn't start. Owner has to start vehicle a number of times to in order to run. Dealer says its due to a faulty fuel pump. Dealer has replaced the fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #857388, filed 2000-02Related service bulletins
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10137901May 9, 2014This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 6 | 4% |
| 1997 | 10 | 4% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SL
38 complaintsElectrical system
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 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 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