Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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* the contact owns a 1997 Saturn SL. The contact stated that he was reversing from a residential driveway when he shifted to first gear and the shifter cable became detached from the shifter lever. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated they had to replace two shifter cables. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure and current mileage was 127,000. Updated 7/26/12 the consumer stated the root of the problem was the failure of a small plastic bushing used to join the shifting lever to the shifting cable in a manual transmission. When the bushing failed, the shifting cable fell off the shifting lever which left the consumer unable to shift gears. The consumer stated the failure happened while he was stopped in his driveway. The dealer would not replace the broken bushing, but instead replaced the entire cable as well as an adjoining cable. …
On 13sep2008, at approximately 1400hrs I was operating my 1997 Saturn sl2 (manual) at low speed in my driveway; when the vehicle failed to engage in gear. Upon further investigation, I discovered that my shifting cable linkage had become disengaged (specifically the shifting rod and the plastic ball-joint cover). After attempting to locate the part via local auto part merchants I contacted a local Saturn dealership. I spoke to a member of the service department who informed me that the disengagement of the shifting rod assembly, and concurrent damage to the plastic ball-joint cover was a common problem. When asked how much it was to buy the plastic ball-joint cover the service employee informed me it would cost $195.00; because one has to buy the entire assembly and not just the plastic ball-joint cover. At this time the vehicle has yet to be repaired.
I recently purchased a 1997 sl1 and on the 3rd day of owning it the shifter broke causing it to go limp. At the time I was on the 101 freeway stuck in traffic with my three children. I called my mechanic and he towed it to his shop for repairs. After making the necessary repair, he did a routine maintenance check. This was when he discovered the oil had water mixed in with it causing a white smoke escaping from the exhaust pipe. I'm certain this problem was recognized by the previous owner and most likely was the reason for selling. After reading the following complaints from carsurvey, (complaints listed below) I believe Saturn engineered this vehicle "by design" with these problems forecasting their revenue.
I recently purchased a 1997 sl1 and on the 3rd day of owning it the shifter broke causing it to go limp. At the time I was on the 101 freeway stuck in traffic with my three children. I called my mechanic and he towed it to his shop for repairs. After making the necessary repair, he did a routine maintenance check. This was when he discovered the oil had water mixed in with it causing a white smoke escaping from the exhaust pipe. I'm certain this problem was recognized by the previous owner and most likely was the reason for selling. After reading the following complaints from car survey, I believe Saturn engineered this vehicle "by design" with these problems as a forecast for revenue.
Driving along community road and manual shift linkage became inoperative. Failure was total, shifting was impossible, was lucky to be able to get to the side of the road. Saturn used a plastic push-in button to retain the shift mechanism to the eyelet of the shift cable........a plastic bushing for a part of the car that is critical! A replacement was bushing fabricated out of suitable material and a tapped hole, and bolt, was added to the shifter rod so that complete failure is not possible. Too bad detroit engineers seem to have forgotten their responsibilities to society, they should be ashamed to put peoples lives in such danger with such a poor design of a critical part.
While driving 65 MPH in first gear transmission shifted to fourth gear without warning, and consumer temporarily lost control of the vehicle. Consumer shifted vehicle to neutral, then back to first gear to regain control of the vehicle. Dealership mechanic tried to repair the vehicle, but was unable to resolve the problem. The occupants sustained muscles pulls, bumps, and bruises.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Saturn sl1. The contact stated that when attempting to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear the shift lever cable fractured; thus disabling the vehicle from shifting into 3rd gear. Gear failure while driving increases the risk for vehicle crash. The vehicle was taken to a dealership in which the shift cable assembly was replaced. The current and failure mileages were 102000.
1997 Saturn SL, 4 door sedan, manual transaxle, 143000 miles at a parking lot: shifter cable plastic bushing broke locking my transaxle in reverse. Problem fixed with an aftermarket kit sold by napa auto stores.
We brought our Saturn into the oakland, ca dealer for a transmission diagnosis. Automatic transmission has developed some leaks and clutch / gear assembly problems. Initial quote from the dealer service manager for repair is $2600.00+. Extended warranty expired 12/31/02, and the car is currently at the 94,904 mile mark. At the 91,328 mileage mark, the dealer performed an "87,000 mile" service, not a "90,000 mile" service. Why didn't the service advisor inform my daughter that the "90,000 mile" service was due, which included a transmission service? From my perspective this appears to be a case of this dealership not training their service advisors properly to advise a customer regarding routine maintenance. …
Ongoing probem with transmission not changing gears properly on any speed, and slow responding from a stop position/take off, hesitation. Also, brake pedal would intermittently go to the floor before vehicle stopped. Dealer notified on three occasions, and was informed that nothing could be found consumer is concerned that this vehicle is unsafe to operate, and will be trading it in within a few mont asking NHTSA to look into this matter before passing it on .
Transmission complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Saturn SL, 10% of the model year's 227 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Saturn SL transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 118,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.