1997 Saturn SL Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 4%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,844miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Saturn SL, 4% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,844 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While driving 60 MPH, the consumer lost steering control. This caused the consumer to hit a tree. The vehicle was towed. Please provide more information. . Driver sustained injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10105021, filed 2004-12, 72,844 miles“When traveling 35 MPH and when attempting to make a turn, consumer noticed the vehicle became very difficult to operate due to the power steering pump which went out and needed replacing. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced parts. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #825655, filed 1998-07“While driving on rough roads or making a turn around a corner consumer heard a clunking noise or something loose. Took to dealer , and they could not remedy the problem. .”
NHTSA complaint #863333, filed 2000-06“While driving vehicle consumer heard a clicking noise then pulled vehicle ihnto a parking lot. Consumer had no control of steering, and steering wheel had no connection to column. Vehicle has never been in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #813309, filed 1997-06Related recalls
- 97V138000Aug 29, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual steering. The pinion bearing cage in the steering gear can separate under high steering system…Covers: Saturn SL 1996–1997
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 7% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 2% |
| 1997 | 10 | 4% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 37 | 10% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
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 complaintsFuel system
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