1997 Saturn Sl problems
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Common 1997 Saturn Sl problems
The Saturn SL, produced in 1997, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include:
- Wheel Bearings and Catalytic Converter: For the 2002 Saturn SL2, the wheel bearings are known to be problematic, and the catalytic converter may be about to break.
- Idling Problems: The Saturn SL may experience idling issues, particularly when at a stop or in neutral. This problem can sometimes be resolved by replacing the water temperature sensor, as they are fragile and prone to cracking.
- Motor Mounts and Transmission Mounts: Around 150,000 miles, the motor mounts and transmission mounts in the Saturn SL may wear out, leading to increased problems if not addressed.
- Fuel Filter: The fuel filter, located along the driver's side front fender, may need replacement, which can be done in about 30 minutes.
- Idle Pulley Bearings: At the 200,000-mile marker, the idle pulley bearings may fail, requiring replacement of the pulley and belt.
- Valve Body: The valve body, located on top of the transmission, can cause hard shifting issues. It is recommended to have an experienced professional handle this repair due to the small parts involved.
- Valve Cover Gasket: The valve cover gasket is the only gasket known to blow on the Saturn SL. Replacing it can resolve the issue.
- Sway Bar and Control Arms: In areas with salt on the roads during winter, the front sway bar and lower control arms may need replacement due to worn-out rubber grommets.
- Seat Belts: Some Saturn SL models, particularly those from 1994 and earlier, have electric seat belts that run on tracks, which can fail and be a pain to address. However, it is possible to convert them to the anchored style using parts from a junkyard.
- Transmission Dipstick: The Saturn SL has a transmission dipstick, allowing for easy transmission fluid level checks .
- Recalls: The Saturn SL has had several recalls, including issues with the instrument panel carrier assembly, brake pipe attachment nuts, rear bumper fasteners, fuel system integrity, and automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly.
These problems are not exhaustive, and other issues may arise in the Saturn SL. However, these are the most common problems reported by owners, and addressing them can help maintain the vehicle's performance and longevity.
How long do Saturn cars last?
Older Saturns, especially the ones that are approaching 20 years old or older, should only be expected to last for another 3-5 years at most. Saturns that are only 10-11 years old will likely be good for 5-10 more years, but they will have slightly increased maintenance costs that whole time.
Why is my Saturn SL1 not starting?
The most common reasons a Saturn SL1 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Why did Saturn cars fail?
Despite what you may read elsewhere, there were just two underlying forces behind Saturn's demise: GM's insistence on managing all its divisions centrally with a tight fist, and the demand by leadership at both GM and the UAW that Saturn get in line with traditional ways of doing things.
How expensive is it to maintain a Saturn?
The annual maintenance cost of a Saturn is $553.
1997 Saturn Sl car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sl problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Saturn Sl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Saturn Sl
The NHTSA has received 282 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Saturn Sl. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Saturn Sl vehicles.
2016-05-16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-10
- VIN: 1G8ZF5289VZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING (VEHICLE IN MOTION) THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY. AT TIMES WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH NOTHING HAPPENS; NO ELECTRICAL POWER BUT BATTERY IS FINE AND EVERYTHING ELSE CHECKS OUT OK EXCEPT THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT HAS ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GM VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED FATALITIES WITH FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE LAST INSTANCE WAS ON MAY 10, 2016.
2014-11-12
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-09
- VIN: 1G8ZK5273VZ
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
2014-08-14
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-23
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON JULY 23, 2014 APPROXIMATELY 6:35P.M. I WAS ON MY WAY TO CHURCH ALONG WITH THREE OTHER PASSENGERS. MY SISTER WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND MY GRANDSON AND THE LADY THAT LIVE WITH ME WAS IN THE BACK SEAT. WITHOUT WARNING THERE WAS A BOOM OR EXPLOSION THAT CAUSE ME TO BRIEFLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND FUME FROM THE DEPLOYED AIRBAGS. MY ARMS WERE CHEMICALLY BURNED AND KNUCKLES ON LEFT HAND FROM HOLDING STEERING WHEEL. THE PASSENGER IN FRONT WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT WRISTS PAIN, ANXIETY AND CHEST PAIN IN ONE OF HER BREAST. MY GRANDSON AND THE LADY RIDING IN THE BACK WAS NOT HURT BUT WAS CHECKED AT THE EMERGENCY FOR INHALATION AND RELEASED. WE WERE ALL CHECKED AND RELEASED AFTERWARD. I LATER GOT IN TOUCH WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A DEFAULT. THEN I LATER CONTACT GM, THEY GAVE CLAIM NUMBER AND TOOK INFORMATION ON THE INCIDENT. LATER THEY REFERRED CLAIM SPECIALIST, I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM CLAIM SPECIALIST CONCERNING WHAT TO DO. *TR
2014-06-17
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
- VIN: 1G8ZJ5275VZ
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DURING OIL CHANGE DISCOVERED THAT FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH AT CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT POINT, DRIVERS SIDE. CAR WAS REMOVED FROM SERVICE AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING SUSPENSION AND STEERING. TRIED TO FIND A USED SUBFRAME BUT ALL IN LOCAL AUTO PARTS RECYCLERS WERE JUST AS BADLY RUSTED. *TR
2014-06-17
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
- VIN: 1G8ZJ5275VZ
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DURING OIL CHANGE DISCOVERED THAT FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH AT CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT POINT, DRIVERS SIDE. CAR WAS REMOVED FROM SERVICE AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING SUSPENSION AND STEERING. TRIED TO FIND A USED SUBFRAME BUT ALL IN LOCAL AUTO PARTS RECYCLERS WERE JUST AS BADLY RUSTED. *TR
2014-03-24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2012-10-28
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-22
- VIN: 1G8ZG5287VZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL IN THE OFF POSITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AND WENT TO FULL THROTTLE. WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE CRUISE CONTROL DIS-ENGAGED. THIS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES, THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT HAS SINCE BEEN DISABLED. *TR
2012-06-28
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-24
- VIN: 1G8ZF5281VZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 *CN 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. UPDATED 08/06/12
2012-05-22
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-16
- VIN: 1G8ZH5286VZ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE CAR THE STEERING SEEMED LOOSE. MY MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME (ENGINE CRADLE) WAS CRACKED. THE SUB FRAME, RACK AND PINION, FRONT STRUTS, AND OUTER TIE ROD WAS REPLACED. THE CAR NOW DRIVES WELL. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH A CRACKED SUB FRAME. *TT
2010-04-16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-14
- VIN: 1G8ZK527XVZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: "ENGINE RUNS HOT & ENGINE OIL MIXED WITH COOLANT RESERVOIR (REPLACE CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY)" THAT'S WHAT IT STATES ON SERVICE BULLETIN 96-T-65B. FROM WHAT I'VE READ THIS HAPPENS A LOT ON 91-97 SATURNS. OUR SATURN STARTED OFF BY HAVING CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE COLORED FOAMY-NESS IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR (IT'S HAD THAT SINCE WE GOT IT 2 YEARS AGO SO NOT SURE HOW LONG IT'S HAD THIS), THEN IT OVER HEATED, THEN THE LOW COOLANT & COOLANT TEMP LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, THEN THE 2ND SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT 3 TIMES NOW (IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS)! IF SATURN KNOWS ABOUT THIS WHY HAVE THEY NOT RECALLED IT??? WE HAVE GOT THE SPARK PLUG REPAIRED NOW 3 TIMES & NOT SURE WHERE TO GO FROM HERE. *TR
2009-09-16
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-16
- VIN: 1G8ZF5284VZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *TR
2009-08-25
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-12
- VIN: 1G8ZG5281VZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE 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.
2009-08-14
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-08
- VIN: 1G8ZK5273VZ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SL2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME ROTTED OUT ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, MAINLY AT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM POCKET. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SUBFRAME AT THE COST OF $1,179. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,736.
2009-06-15
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-06
- VIN: 1G8ZF5289VZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *TR
2008-09-17
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-13
- VIN: 1G8ZG5283VZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
2008-04-08
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-08
- VIN: 1G8ZF5288VZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *TR
2008-04-08
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZF5288VZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. *TR
2007-12-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-21
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS PARKED AT A SHOPPING CENTER, WHEN I TURNED MY CAR ON, IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER TRYING A COUPLE OF TIMES,IT MADE A POP SOUND AND SMOKE FLOODED INSIDE THE CAR. I TURNED OFF THE KEY, TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT WORK AS WELL. I REPLACED THE FUSE FOR THE WINDOWS, AND THE CAR STARTED, BUT NOW ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS. *TR
2007-08-16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-15
- VIN: 1G8ZK527XVZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTED MY CAR, IT RAN A FEW SECONDS, THEN DIED. BEFORE I COULD RESTART IT, SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. I DIDN'T START IT AGAIN BUT FOUND HELP TO DISCONNECT MY BATTERY. IT'S ON IT'S WAY TO THE NEARBY SATURN DEALER WHO REFUSES TO PROVIDE ME WITH A LOAN CAR. I THINK THIS IS A VERY UNUSUAL PROBLEM, AND I'VE DRIVEN A LOT OF CLUNKERS IN THE PAST WITHOUT HAVING TO DEAL WITH ANYTHING LIKE THIS. *JB
2007-08-06
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZK5277VZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE 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. *KB UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
2006-11-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-30
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED A USED 1997 SATURN SL IN 2005. WHEN I NEGOTIATED TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE THE HORN WAS NOT WORKING. THE USED CAR DEALER REPLACED A FUSE. THE HORN THEN WORKED INTERMITTENTLY IF THE HORN BUTTON WAS PUSHED JUST SO. WITHIN A WEEK IT FAILED TO WORK AT ALL. I CONTACTED SATURN (VIA THE INTERNET) AND GOT NO HELP, OTHER THAN TO TAKE THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THIS CAR WAS TOTALED OUT IN AN ACCIDENT. I LIKED IT SO MUCH (OTHER THAN THE HORN ISSUE) THAT I BOUGHT ANOTHER ONE - A 1996 SL. THE HORN ON THE 96 ALSO WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. AGAIN, PUSHING THE HORN BUTTON IN JUST THE RIGHT WAY WOULD ACTIVATE THE HORN. RECENTLY IT STOPPED WORKING - JUST LIKE THE 97. I FEEL THAT THIS MUST BE A PERVASIVE ISSUE. I HAVE NEVER OWNED ANY OTHER VEHICLE WITH A HORN ISSUE. IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE; ONE THAT COULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL HAVING AN AIR BAG. I REVIEWED A FEW WEB SITES THAT DESCRIBED SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND NOTED A RECALL ON A 96 SATURN Z MODEL. THIS PROVES THAT SATURN HAS HAD SOME HORN ISSUES BEFORE. I'D APPRECIATE ANY HELP I CAN GET TO GET SATURN TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE WITHOUT POTENTIALLY BURDENSOME COST TO ME. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. (740-774-5237 WORK; 614-871-4081 HOME: 614-284-3554 CELL. THANKS! *NM
2006-08-08
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-04
- VIN: 1G8ZF5286VZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING THE CAR IS A 1997 SATURN AND I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR WORKING SOMETIMES AND THEN NOT YOU HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE WIRING TO GET IT TO WORK AND THE SAME FOR THE BLINKERS THE BLOWER WORKS NOW AND THE BLINKERS DON'T? *NM
2006-04-06
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-10
- VIN: 1G8ZK5271VZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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. *JB
2006-03-31
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-27
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: I HAVE A 1997 SATURN SL2. THE "BUTTON" ON MY PARKING BRAKE HANDLE POPPED OFF THE OTHER DAY (03/27/2006), RELEASING MY PARKING BRAKE. LUCKILY I WAS NOT ON A STEEP HILL AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN GEAR, OTHERWISE THE CAR WOULD HAVE ROLLED AWAY. ITS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT SUCH A TINY PIECE OF "PLASTIC" IS ALL THAT HOLDS THE PARKING BRAKE IN PLACE. ONCE THE BUTTON IS BROKEN, THERE IS NO WAY TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. I REALLY THINK THIS WARRANTS A RECALL. *JB
2006-02-10
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH5281VZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND HIT THE PARKING CURB JUST SLIGHTLY WHILE BRAKING. BOTH DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM
1997 Saturn Sl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1997 Saturn Sl.
2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
1997-09-12
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT COLD WELDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN THE TUNNEL AREA OF THE FLOOR PAN. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE."
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
1997-08-29
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING. THE PINION BEARING CAGE IN THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE UNDER HIGH STEERING SYSTEM LOAD CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKING LOT OR SIMILAR LOW SPEED MANEUVERS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PINION GEAR DISENGAGING FROM THE RACK CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Saturn Sl problems:
Saturn S-Series Questions - What are some problems that occur with ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t26257_ds41828
Feb 1, 2007 ... The main problem is oil consumption, they all do it and sometimes it's severe. The single cam engine have issues with head cracking but it's ...
1997 Saturn SL2 Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1997-saturn-sl2/problems
Top 1997 Saturn SL2 Problems · Rubber Transmission Cooler Lines Can Leak Fluid · Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations · Stalling/Charge Light ...
1997 Saturn SL1 Engine shakes the car - Maintenance/Repairs ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-saturn-sl1-engine-shakes-the-car/12027
Mar 21, 2008 ... If this is the case, you should get a code P0507 and the cause is a bad intake manifold gasket, a common problem with the SL1 engine. BTW, the ...
1997 Saturn SL1 Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1997-saturn-sl1/problems
Problem with your 1997 Saturn SL1? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Saturn SL1.
Saturn S-Series common problems/failures | EricTheCarGuy
https://www.ericthecarguy.com/forums/topic/saturn-s-series-common-problems-failures/
Mar 13, 2014 ... -Failed Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor and/or connector: This one is universal, and the single biggest cause of problems with these cars.
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