Saturn EV1 Problems by Year

We compared every Saturn EV1 model year from 1997–1999 using 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 8 recalls and federal defect investigations. No EV1 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
4complaints
8recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

199719994
Owner complaints per model year, Saturn EV1. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
19990—4—Few
19974—5ElectricalFew

* Complaints compared with the median EV1 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Saturn EV1 problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 1997
    4100%

Latest Saturn EV1 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA recall 00V-369 · Nov 13, 2000 · 455 vehicles

Vehicle description: electric vehicles. These vehicles were produced with wheel speed circuitry in the brake torque control module (btcm) which can cease to operate properly.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the btcm, the ballscrew assemblies in the brake pressure modulator valve, and install new software.

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery

NHTSA recall 00V-374 · Nov 13, 2000 · 492 vehicles

Vehicle description: electric passenger vehicles and pickup trucks containing a nickel metal hydride (nimh) battery pack. These vehicles contain software within the battery pack module intended to disable the vehicle from being driven if the electrical resistance with the battery pack exceeds a prescribed value.

Remedy: Dealers will install revised software in the battery pack module.

Electrical system › Propulsion system › Charging › Cable/cord › Onboard

NHTSA recall 00V-373 · Nov 13, 2000 · 455 vehicles

Vehicle description: generation ii electric vehicles. Some replacement charger receptacle assemblies used for warranty repairs were built with internal component variation. This variation can generate arcing during the charge cycle.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the serial number on the charge receptacle and, if necessary, replace the charge receptacle assembly.

Interior lighting

NHTSA recall 00V-370 · Nov 13, 2000 · 455 vehicles

Vehicle description: certain generation ii electric vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 101, "controls and displays." these vehicles were produced with a courtesy lamp control circuit in the right-hand junction block which can fail.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-hand junction block.

Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery

NHTSA recall 00V069100 · Mar 3, 2000 · 489 vehicles

Vehicle description: generation 1 electric passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with a charge port assembly that could fail during a charging event.

Remedy: These passenger vehicles were repurchased by Saturn/GM.

All 8 Saturn EV1 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Saturn EV1 should you avoid?

None of the Saturn EV1 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Saturn EV1 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (4). Electrical complaints peak in the 1997 model year.

How many recalls has the Saturn EV1 had?

8 recalls across 1997–1999. The model year with the most is 1997. See all Saturn EV1 recalls by year.

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.