1997 Saturn SL Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 6%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,733miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Saturn SL, 6% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,733 miles.
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.
“On 13sep2008, at approximately 1400hrs I was operating my 1997 Saturn sl2 (manual) at low speed in my driveway; when the vehicle failed to engage in gear. Upon further investigation, I discovered that my shifting cable linkage had become disengaged (specifically the shifting rod and the plastic ball-joint cover). After attempting to locate the part via local auto part merchants I contacted a local Saturn dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10242685, filed 2008-09, 133,000 miles“During oil change discovered that front subframe was rusted through at control arm attachment point, drivers side. Car was removed from service as this is a major safety issue affecting suspension and steering. Tried to find a used subframe but all in local auto parts recyclers were just as badly rusted.”
NHTSA complaint #10598825, filed 2014-06, 118,733 miles“During oil change discovered that front subframe was rusted through at control arm attachment point, drivers side. Car was removed from service as this is a major safety issue affecting suspension and steering. Tried to find a used subframe but all in local auto parts recyclers were just as badly rusted.”
NHTSA complaint #10598826, filed 2014-06, 118,733 miles“Severe rust out of the suspension sub-frame (engine cradle) along the left side, particularly at the lower control arm mount pocket. This condition was caught before the left front lower control arm broke loose due to the rusted sub-frame. Rust condition was confined to the left side of the sub-frame with no apparent issue with the right side or cross beams. Brought to Saturn's attention but concern was denied as the vehicle is out of warranty . Saturn never addressed the issue that the sub-frame is a component that should last the lifetime of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10654441, filed 2014-11, 48,736 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Saturn sl2. The contact stated that the subframe rotted out along the driver's side of the vehicle, mainly at the lower control arm pocket. The dealer replaced the subframe at the cost of $1,179. The manufacturer would not provide reimbursement because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 48,736.”
NHTSA complaint #10280433, filed 2009-08, 48,736 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 4 | 4% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 13 | 6% |
| 1996 | 12 | 4% |
| 1995 | 8 | 2% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1993 | 7 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
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 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 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