Most common 1997 Saturn SL problems
Share of the 227 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn SL complaints by model year
Best SL years: 2001, 2002, 2000. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
1997 Saturn SL recalls (2)
Seats
Vehicle description: passsenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with suspect cold welds on the right side in the tunnel area of the floor pan. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 210, "seat belt anchorage."
Remedy: Dealers will repair these vehicles.
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual steering. The pinion bearing cage in the steering gear can separate under high steering system load conditions, such as parking lot or similar low speed maneuvers.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the manual steering gear assembly.
What 1997 Saturn SL owners say
Engine & cooling all 38 →
Tl contact owns a 1997 Saturn sl2. While driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed smoke rising from the hood. He then pulled over as the smoke turned into flames. After he extinguished the fire, he restarted the vehicle and oil sprayed out from the cylinder head. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 131,000. Updated 01-11-08. Updated 12/12/07
While driving at app. 45 MPH on a city road there was a loud clunking sound in the engine followed by a continuous rattle. I pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle. The serpentine belt had come off the pulley by 3/4 inch. I proceeded to get the belt so that it would not work itself off. I promptly went to the local exxon and pulled off the belt and put the car on a lift. After inspection it was noted that the alternator bracket..an extension of the engine block, had broken off cleanly. After consulting with the mechanics there, and 2 other ase certified mechanics, it was determined that the cause was a defect in the casting of the engine block. I contacted the local Saturn dealership who was of no help. I will be having the braking tig welded back on Monday, then driving to the dealership with pictures and documentation asking for reimbursement of the cost.
Electrical system all 31 →
No prior indication of a fault. On March 26, 2005 my wife went to start the car and not only would it not start, but smoke started coming up from the dashboard. Upon having it towed to a Saturn dealer, we were told that the iginition switch had failed and had burnt out the wiring harness. This car has 48849 miles on it. This just does not make any reason, as should iginition swaiches go bad on a low mileage car and cause so much additional damage?
We experienced a dashboard fire in our 1997 Saturn sl1 in the fall of 2003. My wife turned the key, started the car, shifted to reverse, and began backing up when the engine quit, the car jolted to a stop, and the interior immediately filled with acrid smoke. The knoxville Saturn dealer replaced the ignition switch and wiring--not cheap. This is obviously a safety-related event.
Seat belts all 25 →
The front side passenger seat/shoulder belt system would not retract or release on my 1997 Saturn 4-door sedan. I was told by the dealer that the retractor had "frozen" & I needed a whole new seat belt replacement. Although there has been a recall of the '97 Saturn seat belts for retractor doing the same thing in the 2 dr coupe model; I was told my model was not covered in the recall. The car has never been in a major accident and rarely does the passenger front seat have an occupant. The seat belt will be replaced as we need it to ensure safety of passengers as well as comply with the il state law.
The consumer complained about the front seat belt problem. The driver's side seat belt will not retract after use. The passenger's side seat belt will not extend out for use. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that the repair will cost $900.00.
1997 Saturn SL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 36 / 28 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Saturn SL a good car?
Based on 227 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 SL rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the SL at the same age. 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 SL?
The engine & cooling — 38 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (31) and seat belts (25).
How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn SL have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Saturn SL, the most recent from September 12, 1997 (seats). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn SL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2002 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1996. See the full Saturn SL years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Saturn SL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 88,000 miles; 21% 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.