1997 Saturn SL Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 7%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Saturn SL, 7% of the 227 complaints for this model year. 12 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was involved in a rear-end collision where a SUV hit me while I was stopped. The force of the impact forced me into the car in front causing major front and rear damage to my car. The driver's seat collapsed during the rear impact causing me to be thrown to the back seat and causing abdominal and back injuries. I was wearing my seat belt at the time of the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #736809, filed 2000-11“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“The submarine seating makes it difficult to properly install car seats. Manuals do not give suggestions or number to contact to have seat installed properly. Also, for smaller adults, the rear seats are dipped so that the seat belts don't give a proper fit.”
NHTSA complaint #748272, filed 2001-07“Manual seat track will not locking for several months take off and braking would cause it to lock in place. I was adjusting it the other day before driving and it broke. Now it cannot be adjusted at all.”
NHTSA complaint #755352, filed 2001-12Related recalls
- 97V155000Sep 12, 1997Vehicle description: passsenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with suspect cold welds on the right side in the tunnel area of the floor pan. This does…Covers: Saturn SL 1997
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 9 | 7% |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% |
| 2000 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 4% |
| 1997 | 17 | 7% |
| 1996 | 15 | 5% |
| 1995 | 69 | 19% |
| 1994 | 48 | 17% |
| 1993 | 21 | 12% |
| 1992 | 18 | 15% |
| 1991 | 4 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SL
38 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsSeat belts
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsAir bags
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 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