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Electrical systemPart report

1997 Saturn SW Electrical system Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
26%of 31 total for the year
Median mileage
99,100miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Saturn SW, 26% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,100 miles. 2 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.

“This 1997 Saturn sw2 has GM's ignition problem. The air bags were blown once this fried the wires below the stearing and now they say this is not. At the time the vehicle was in motion, street, I just pushed it off the road for the 3rd time in 2 weeks and now I may loose everything I have in my life. I can not even get the fix for the recalls unless I pay close to $200. For instructions to do it myself. I find this unfair being they should have done this once they knew and not waited for attorneys to say how many , complaints = lawsuit. I guess I will have to join in if nothing else happens.”

NHTSA complaint #11010919, filed 2017-07, 139,000 miles

“I called Saturn of eatontown, nj reporting an electrical problem with the ignition and door bell alarm-it rang constantly. I was told by the service manger not to worry, use a little cw spread; 3 days later, the steering column and ignition caught on fire. Saturn is refusing to honor safety recall TSB # 97-c-02, dated apr 97, titled, recall-ignition cylinder malfunction. I understand that under federal law a manufacturer-initiated safety recall is equal to a NHTSA safety recall and must be remedied at no cost to the consumer. I thank you for your assistance in this matter. Anthony a. Sessa p. …”

NHTSA complaint #10014127, filed 2003-04, 59,200 miles

“While driving 40 MPH the engine failed without warning. The service dealer states the ignition coil pack had malfunctioned. The vehicle was being driven on the highway when the incident occurred.”

NHTSA complaint #10075666, filed 2004-09, 55,445 miles

“The contact owns a 1997 Saturn SW. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, smoke started to emit from the ignition after the key was inserted into the ignition switch. The contact immediately removed the key and towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10725806, filed 2015-06, 150,000 miles

“The engine turns off during driving or coming to a stop if I leave the vehicle overnight or 4hrs later it will start and run for about a hour then it turns off, had a diagnostic computer check and they said they can not find the problem. Replaced the ignition coils, spark plugs, spark plug cables, gas filter, clean throttle valve housing. Speed odometer makes a rubbing noise.”

NHTSA complaint #10220011, filed 2008-03

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2001117%
2000213%
199814%
1997826%
1996525%
199526%
199413%
199327%

Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SW

Brakes
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Tires
2 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Interior lighting
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints
Visibility (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 27, 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