Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
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).
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.
The Saturn was struck from the rear in the merge lane while preparing to merge into traffic. The seat belt failed to function resulting in driver striking the steering wheel with her face. Lacerations, stitches, broken nose resulted. Passenger seat belt functioned properly.
Driver's seat belt lower retractor froze w/ seat belt in retracted position, rendering seat belt inoperable. Retractor is not in a location servicable by the owner, and is currently stuck fast for no apparant reason. Cost of repair not yet known. Car is a very low milage vehicle, formerly owned by an elderly man. Car had 10,200 miles on it in sept. 2000 when purchased directly from estate. Problem first appeared on 3/9/01 after I've driven the car about 9000 miles.
My seat belt locks up intermittantly. It appears to happen more in bad weather. I think it is the retractor system, but I am not sure. I will contact the dealer this week. I have searched the NHTSA's consumer complaints and found 4 similar to mine. Please let me know, if this is something Saturn should pay for.
Consumer was at a stop when another vehicle rear ended consumer's vehicle. Upon impact, driver's side seatbelt broke, and vehicle was totaled.
Both driver and passenger side front seats and shoulder belts do not lock up, and allow occupants to move forward excessively. Back seat belt will not retract. Mechanic has seen vehicle.
A defective latch on the front passenger seat belt is causing the seat belt to fail to lock in place, consumer requests defect be repaired by dealer. (attorney for client)
The lap and shoulder belts on driver's side have gotten stuck, and will not come out. As a result, driver cannot wear a seatbelt. Dealer has not seen vehicle.
Seat belt would not come out of holder. This occured while on vacation dealer at my vacation location charged for repair I felt shoud have been done free.
Seat Belt complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1997 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Saturn SL, 11% of the model year's 227 complaints. The component named most often is front › retractor (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Saturn SL seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts 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 seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to seat belts 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.