Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 | — | 2 | Electrical | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median Z year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Saturn Z problems
Latest Saturn Z recalls
Electrical system › Horn
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were produced or serviced with a horn assembly which could fail. The horn could either become inoperable or activate without the driver pressing the horn button.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the horn assembly.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
It is possible to remove the ignition key while the cylinder is in the run position. This does not comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection."
Remedy: Dealers will perform a functional check of the ignition cylinder and, if necessary, to have the vehicle's ignition cylinder re-coded. Owners can perform this functional check themselves if they so desire.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Saturn Z should you avoid?
None of the Saturn Z years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Saturn Z problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (1). Electrical complaints peak in the 1997 model year.
How many recalls has the Saturn Z had?
2 recalls across 1997. The model year with the most is 1997.
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.