1997 Saturn SL Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 11%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Saturn SL, 11% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“Seat belt would not come out of holder. This occured while on vacation dealer at my vacation location charged for repair I felt shoud have been done free.”
NHTSA complaint #712658, filed 1999-10“The Saturn was struck from the rear in the merge lane while preparing to merge into traffic. The seat belt failed to function resulting in driver striking the steering wheel with her face. Lacerations, stitches, broken nose resulted. Passenger seat belt functioned properly.”
NHTSA complaint #725124, filed 2000-07“Driver's seat belt lower retractor froze w/ seat belt in retracted position, rendering seat belt inoperable. Retractor is not in a location servicable by the owner, and is currently stuck fast for no apparant reason. Cost of repair not yet known. Car is a very low milage vehicle, formerly owned by an elderly man. Car had 10,200 miles on it in sept. 2000 when purchased directly from estate. Problem first appeared on 3/9/01 after I've driven the car about 9000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #742254, filed 2001-03Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 12 | 7% |
| 1998 | 17 | 10% |
| 1997 | 25 | 11% |
| 1996 | 6 | 2% |
| 1995 | 11 | 3% |
| 1994 | 49 | 17% |
| 1993 | 15 | 9% |
| 1992 | 29 | 24% |
| 1991 | 12 | 41% |
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SL
38 complaintsElectrical system
31 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 31, 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