1997 Saturn SW Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 16%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Saturn SW, 16% of the 31 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Ongoing problem with brakes squealing when they were applied within the first mile of driving,. Then brakes failed. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that it was a normal condition. Asking NHTSA to shed some light on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #860222, filed 2000-04“Consumer was traveling 30mph on highway and was approaching a stop light when she applied brakes, and brake pedal was gushy and went all the way to the floor and vehicle wouldn't stop.”
NHTSA complaint #871302, filed 2000-09“The contact owned a 1997 Saturn SW. While driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the emergency brake was applied, but also failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags deployed, but the contact sustained bruises and bumps. The front seat passenger was injured and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow lot. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. ...”
NHTSA complaint #11119896, filed 2018-08Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SW
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Saturn SW
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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