Saturn Recall 97V-055: Electrical system – switch

Affected: 1997 Saturn Z. Filed with NHTSA on April 8, 1997, covering about 319 vehicles.

The problem

It is possible to remove the ignition key while the cylinder is in the run position. This does not comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection."

The risk

The ignition key must be reinserted in the ignition cylinder to turn the engine off.

The fix

Dealers will perform a functional check of the ignition cylinder and, if necessary, to have the vehicle's ignition cylinder re-coded. Owners can perform this functional check themselves if they so desire.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign97V-055 (97V055000)
ManufacturerGeneral Motors, LLC
ComponentElectrical system › Ignition › Switch
Report dateApril 8, 1997
Owners notifiedApril 9, 1997
Vehicles affected319
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the electrical system

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 97V-055 repair free?

Yes. Saturn dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will perform a functional check of the ignition cylinder and, if necessary, to have the vehicle's ignition cylinder re-coded. Owners can perform this functional check themselves if they so desire.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 319 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.