Most common 1997 Saturn Z problems
Share of the 1 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn Z complaints by model year
1997 Saturn Z recalls (2)
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
Is the 1997 Saturn Z a good car?
That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Saturn Z?
The electrical system — 1 complaint, 100% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn.
How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn Z have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Saturn Z, the most recent from December 7, 1998 (horn). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 1997 Saturn Z problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 168,000 miles; 0% 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.