Saturn S-Series Problems by Year

We compared every Saturn S-Series model year from 1997–2002 using 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. No S-Series year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 1997, 1999 and 2000.

5model years
42complaints
1recalls
—worst years
1997, 1999best years

Complaints by model year

199719992000200120025781111
Owner complaints per model year, Saturn S-Series. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2002111.6×1TransmissionAverage
2001111.5×—BrakeAverage
20008−20%—ElectricalAverage
19997−20%—EngineAverage
19975−50%—Wheel & TireGood

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

Most common Saturn S-Series problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 1999
    921%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2000
    717%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2002
    614%
  • Air bagsworst: 2001
    512%
  • Brakesworst: 2002
    512%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2001
    37%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 1997
    25%
  • Seatsworst: 1999
    25%
  • Other / not specified
    25%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1997
    12%
  • Body & structureworst: 1997
    12%
  • Lightsworst: 2000
    12%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2000
    12%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2000
    12%
  • Steeringworst: 2002
    12%

Latest Saturn S-Series recalls

Seat belts › Front › Anchorage

NHTSA recall 02V-020 · Jan 17, 2002 · 790 vehicles

Certain sedans fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages," and no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles were manufactured with welds between the door striker and belt-line that do not meet Saturn specifications.

Remedy: Dealers will install additional structural fasteners to the driver's side door pillar. Owner notification began January 22, 2002.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Saturn S-Series should you avoid?

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

What is the best year for the Saturn S-Series?

1997 has the fewest complaints compared with other S-Series years at the same age, followed by 1999 and 2000. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Saturn S-Series problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (9), electrical system (7) and transmission & drivetrain (6). Engine complaints peak in the 1999 model year.

How many recalls has the Saturn S-Series had?

1 recall across 1997–2002. The model year with the most is 2002.

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.