1997 Saturn SL Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 341,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Saturn SL, 4% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 341,900 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.
“With the cruise control in the off position, the cruise control engaged and went to full throttle. When the clutch pedal was depressed the cruise control dis-engaged. This happened five times, the cruise control unit has since been disabled.”
NHTSA complaint #10482496, filed 2012-10, 341,900 miles“While driving vehicle w/emergency brakes on of had no knowledge. Was coming off freeway & was applying brakes, vehicle failed to slow down or stop. Started to suddenly accelerate. Turned vehicle off. Had it towed to dealer & found back brakes burnt out. Orginial brakes checked & was not burnt out. Owner has brake parts.”
NHTSA complaint #847508, filed 1999-09“While driving vehicle and approaching an intersection vehicle commenced to accelerate. Consumer had to do some tricky driving to avoid hitting other vehicles. Vehicle was traveling approximately one mile or more before consumer was able to get it under control. Also no brakes were available at that time. Forgot to ask if speed control was engaged. Please respond to that question.. Dealer/ mfr. Were not notified at that time. Can NHTSA help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #843261, filed 1999-07“Consumer was traveling about 55mph on highway and had cruise control on, cruise control wouldn't let up. She turned cruise control off, and she applied brakes. It took ten minutes to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #888898, filed 2001-05“Vehicle parked over night. Got in & started vehicle. The throttle opened wide. Had not shifted into gear. The rpms revved up high. Throttle did not shut down after depressing accelerator pedal. Had to turn vehicle off.”
NHTSA complaint #834098, filed 1999-01Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 4% |
| 1997 | 9 | 4% |
| 1996 | 17 | 6% |
| 1995 | 24 | 7% |
| 1994 | 37 | 13% |
| 1993 | 19 | 11% |
| 1992 | 6 | 5% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
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 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