1997 Saturn SL Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 5%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Saturn SL, 5% of the 227 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Windshield wipers on my 1997 Saturn SL stopped as I was driving in the rain. Ad to to an emergency pull over while not being able to see anything out my window. Lucky to find a spot while not being hit by rush hour traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10030804, filed 2003-08“We got car from Saturn of warwick leased then bought outright . The service issue we are about to tell was done at the Saturn of seekonk loc. It is actually closer to our house. On jan, 16, 2002 we had to bring the Saturn in for service because we started that day loosing anti freeze quickly then the car began to run hot but did not over heat, meanwhile the regular heat control didnt work 3 days prior to this incident and we had it sheduled for service that coming sat. We drop it off, car running hot but never overheated the tech only put that in his report . …”
NHTSA complaint #757672, filed 2002-02“Was driving approximately 50mph and was merging into traffic when transmission locked in gear and failed to change. Consumer stated prior to purchasing vehicle she complained of a clunk noise when changed gears into reverse, also the driver side brake light is inoperable, also the right side mirror needed to be replaced, engine mounts were replaced,brakes were replaced, serpentine belt was cracked, engine overheats.”
NHTSA complaint #898710, filed 2001-11“Driving vehicle during the rainy weather rear window would be distorted or wavy, visibility would be very poor; took to dealership who called it the christmas tree effect. Saturn has pin-stripped the orange defroster lines block. This eliminated the christmas tree effect, but darkened the interior of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #806798, filed 1997-01“While driving at 65 MPH on interstate, driver's window shattered into small pieces, cause unknown. Contacted Saturn company, and it will get back to consumer. Please add additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #875393, filed 2000-11Related service bulletins
- 10233368Mar 10, 2023This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor…
- 10233366Mar 10, 2023This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 5 | 3% |
| 1998 | 17 | 10% |
| 1997 | 11 | 5% |
| 1996 | 16 | 6% |
| 1995 | 16 | 5% |
| 1994 | 15 | 5% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 3% |
| 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 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 28, 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