Most common 1997 Saturn S-Series problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn S-Series complaints by model year
Best S-Series years: 1997, 1999, 2000. Compare all years →
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Saturn S-Series a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 S-Series rates better than average: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S-Series at the same age. It is one of the best S-Series years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Saturn S-Series?
The wheels & tires — 1 complaint, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt. Next are the engine & cooling (1) and speed control & acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn S-Series have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Saturn S-Series. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn S-Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997, 1999 and 2000. See the full Saturn S-Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Saturn S-Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 82,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.