1997 Saturn SW Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 16%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Saturn SW, 16% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,100 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.
“The contact stated while driving 25 MPH slowing down to make a left turn, a loud noise came from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent repair shop for inspection. Upon inspection, the mechanic determined the transmission blown from the inside out and needed to be replaced. The dealership was notified, however no repairs have been made.”
NHTSA complaint #10149963, filed 2006-02, 90,100 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SW
8 complaintsBrakes
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 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