Most common 1997 Saturn EV1 problems
Share of the 4 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn EV1 complaints by model year
1997 Saturn EV1 recalls (5)
Service brakes, hydraulic
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
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.
Service brakes, air › Antilock › Control unit/module
Vehicle description: electric vehicles. A transistor within the brake torque control module (btcm) causes an electrical short to ground. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 105, "hydraulic brake system."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake torque control module.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with a damaged o-ring in the brake pressure modulator valve solenoid(s) on the brake pressure modulator. Involved vehicles can develop an external brake fluid leak in one or both of the brake pressuremodulator valve solenoids.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the solenoid(s) on the brake pressure modulator.
Electrical system
Vehicle description: electric vehicles. These vehicles were built with a drive motor charger receptacle assembly that was incompletely sealed. Incomplete sealing can allow water to intrude into the circuit board.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the drive motor battery charger receptacle assembly and replace it, if necessary.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Saturn EV1:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 1997 Saturn EV1 owners say
Electrical system
These vehicles were produced with a charge port assembly that May fail during a charging event, recall issued however owner has not been able to receive new vehicle at this time, recall solution is not sufficient.
Sometimes when the heater was running, I heard a pop noise from left front area of the car. With out warning or engine lights. While charging up electrical battery vehicle caught on fire.et.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Saturn EV1 a good car?
That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Saturn EV1?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery.
How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn EV1 have?
There are 5 recalls for the 1997 Saturn EV1, the most recent from November 13, 2000 (service brakes, hydraulic). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
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.