1997 Saturn SL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 10%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,075miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Saturn SL, 10% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,075 miles. 1 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.
“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“I recently purchased a 1997 sl1 and on the 3rd day of owning it the shifter broke causing it to go limp. At the time I was on the 101 freeway stuck in traffic with my three children. I called my mechanic and he towed it to his shop for repairs. After making the necessary repair, he did a routine maintenance check. This was when he discovered the oil had water mixed in with it causing a white smoke escaping from the exhaust pipe. I'm certain this problem was recognized by the previous owner and most likely was the reason for selling. …”
NHTSA complaint #10223750, filed 2008-04, 118,075 miles“I recently purchased a 1997 sl1 and on the 3rd day of owning it the shifter broke causing it to go limp. At the time I was on the 101 freeway stuck in traffic with my three children. I called my mechanic and he towed it to his shop for repairs. After making the necessary repair, he did a routine maintenance check. This was when he discovered the oil had water mixed in with it causing a white smoke escaping from the exhaust pipe. I'm certain this problem was recognized by the previous owner and most likely was the reason for selling. …”
NHTSA complaint #10223752, filed 2008-04, 118,075 miles“We brought our Saturn into the oakland, ca dealer for a transmission diagnosis. Automatic transmission has developed some leaks and clutch / gear assembly problems. Initial quote from the dealer service manager for repair is $2600.00+. Extended warranty expired 12/31/02, and the car is currently at the 94,904 mile mark. At the 91,328 mileage mark, the dealer performed an 87,000 mile service, not a 90,000 mile service. Why didn't the service advisor inform my daughter that the 90,000 mile service was due, which included a transmission service? …”
NHTSA complaint #10018432, filed 2003-05, 91,328 miles“While driving 65 MPH in first gear transmission shifted to fourth gear without warning, and consumer temporarily lost control of the vehicle. Consumer shifted vehicle to neutral, then back to first gear to regain control of the vehicle. Dealership mechanic tried to repair the vehicle, but was unable to resolve the problem. The occupants sustained muscles pulls, bumps, and bruises.”
NHTSA complaint #10050158, filed 2004-02, 44,409 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 22 | 17% |
| 2001 | 20 | 18% |
| 2000 | 35 | 24% |
| 1999 | 22 | 12% |
| 1998 | 33 | 20% |
| 1997 | 23 | 10% |
| 1996 | 37 | 13% |
| 1995 | 40 | 11% |
| 1994 | 35 | 12% |
| 1993 | 26 | 15% |
| 1992 | 13 | 11% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SL
38 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsSeat belts
25 complaintsBrakes
24 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 30, 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