1997 Saturn SL Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%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 6 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Saturn SL, 3% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,733 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“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“Consumer states that when driving the consumer can feel the bumps on the road way to hard and that when hitting a pot hole the vehicle jump into the other lane and almost hit on coming traffic. Contacted dealer. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8008046, filed 2002-04Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 7 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 2% |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 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 complaintsSteering
10 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