1997 Saturn SL problems
Owners have filed 286 complaints about the 1997 Saturn SL with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 14.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 11.2%.
Complaints286
Crashes38
Fires10
Injuries37
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 14.3% · 41
Electrical system 11.2% · 32
Seat belts 8.7% · 25
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.7% · 25
Power train 8.7% · 25
Air bags 7.0% · 20
Seats 6.3% · 18
Tires 5.6% · 16
Severity
Of those complaints, 38 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire and 37 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Saturn SL in this data, 1997 sits 4th by complaint volume. 1995 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 12 in the last three years against 11 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 84,600 miles.
In owners' own words
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 Engine and engine cooling · reported at 131,000 miles
When driving at any given time and speed vehicle will cut off without prior warning. Also, when air conditioner wason high and upon depressing accelerator pedal, there was a very slow take off. Vehicle died out. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer stated due a large amount of pressure put on air conditioner compressor problem has occur. Please provide any further details. Engine and engine cooling
A extreme problem with oil consumption since the time of ownership of the vehicle and the problem is getting worse with every mile driven. I am at the point now of putting/adding 2-3 quarts of oil every 300-400 miles. Engine freeze is now on the horizon due to sludge build-up. And I've been told this is what saturns do. Can this be right to the consumer. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…