The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The section of the owner's handbook titled "horizontal aim" does not specifically instruct an owner how to adjust the headlamp horizontal aim. This does not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
The risk
A vehicle's headlamp would not be properly adjusted causing visibility problems to oncoming vehicles.
The fix
Owners are being provided with a label with the correct information on headlamp horizontal aim to be placed over the existing text in the owner's handbook. If an owner desires, their dealer can place the sticker in the owner's handbook for them.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-162 (97V162000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Exterior lighting › Headlights |
| Report date | September 22, 1997 |
| Owners notified | September 22, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 37,970 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the lights
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-162 repair free?
Yes. Saturn dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners are being provided with a label with the correct information on headlamp horizontal aim to be placed over the existing text in the owner's handbook. If an owner desires, their dealer can place the sticker in the owner's handbook for them.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 37,970 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.