Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Saturn SL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Severe rust out of the suspension sub-frame (engine cradle) along the left side, particularly at the lower control arm mount pocket. This condition was caught before the left front lower control arm broke loose due to the rusted sub-frame. Rust condition was confined to the left side of the sub-frame with no apparent issue with the right side or cross beams. Brought to Saturn's attention but concern was denied as the "vehicle is out of warranty". Saturn never addressed the issue that the sub-frame is a component that should last the lifetime of the vehicle.
Defect details: design flaw in the engine cylinder head assembly causes cracks in the cylinder head. Allows motor oil to leak into the cooling system/radiator mixing with engine coolant in the engine coolant recovery reservoir. Makes the car run hot, result in overheating with potential to result in crashes. Solution: to replace cylinder head assembly GM/Saturn response: complaint filed with GM on September 10, 2004 via written letter. GM response to that letter was a courtesy call to "thank" us for our "feedback" and how it will be put in a database for their engineers to utilize in future design. What a joke. No help or resolution offered. No recall or any other notice was sent verbally or in writing to us. Refused to stand behind their defective product. Had prior knowledge of defect and failed to disclose to us. Amounts to fraudulent business and unfair trade practices. …
Was driving approximately 50mph and was merging into traffic when transmission locked in gear and failed to change. Consumer stated prior to purchasing vehicle she complained of a clunk noise when changed gears into reverse, also the driver side brake light is inoperable, also the right side mirror needed to be replaced, engine mounts were replaced,brakes were replaced, serpentine belt was cracked, engine overheats.
When driving at any given time and speed vehicle will cut off without prior warning. Also, when air conditioner wason high and upon depressing accelerator pedal, there was a very slow take off. Vehicle died out. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer stated due a large amount of pressure put on air conditioner compressor problem has occur. Please provide any further details.
A extreme problem with oil consumption since the time of ownership of the vehicle and the problem is getting worse with every mile driven. I am at the point now of putting/adding 2-3 quarts of oil every 300-400 miles. Engine freeze is now on the horizon due to sludge build-up. And I've been told this is what saturns do. Can this be right to the consumer.
The service engine light comes on and the vehicle loses power. Have to put the gas pedal all the way to the floor in order for the vehicle to coast off the road. Consumer has contacted the dealer, and has had the problem fixed 6 times. The problem has reoccurred since having fixed.
Serpentine belt tensioner kept tension on the belt felled. Later, alternater came on, and then consumer lost power steering. If consumer was to lose it on the highway at 70 MPH, there could be a serious accident. Mechanic says belt was very poorly designed.
Air conditioner: foul smell like cat pee/ammonia after using A/C. Reported several times to dealer; they removed A/C parts and cleaned evaporator, etc but smell persists. Unsafe for owner's health to use A/C; odor causes headache and breathing trouble.
Engine complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Saturn SL, 17% of the model year's 227 complaints. The component named most often is engine (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Saturn SL engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Saturn SL, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Saturn SL engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.