1997 Saturn EV1: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 4 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 1999 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Evi vehicle is on recall because a defect in the charge port could cause to overheat (00v-069), however consumer is not happy with it. Yh”Owner report · Electrical System
“Vehicles were built with a charge port assembly prior to recall that may fail during a charging event (00v-069), recall does not remedy the failure. Yh (attorney at law)”Owner report · Electrical System
“These vehicles were produced with a charge port assembly that may fail during a charging event, recall issued however owner has not been able to receive new vehicle at this time, recall solution is not sufficient. *et”Owner report · Electrical System
Show 1 more owner reports
“Sometimes when the heater was running, I heard a pop noise from left front area of the car. With out warning or engine lights. While charging up electrical battery vehicle caught on fire. *ak.et.”Owner report · Electrical System
Recalls - 5 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH WHEEL SPEED CIRCUITRY IN THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE (BTCM) WHICH CAN CEASE TO OPERATE PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BTCM, THE BALLSCREW ASSEMBLIES IN THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE, AND INSTALL NEW SOFTWARE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GENERATION 1 ELECTRIC PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY THAT COULD FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT.
Remedy: THESE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE REPURCHASED BY SATURN/GM.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVE MOTOR CHARGER RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY THAT WAS INCOMPLETELY SEALED. INCOMPLETE SEALING CAN ALLOW WATER TO INTRUDE INTO THE CIRCUIT BOARD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVE MOTOR BATTERY CHARGER RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. A TRANSISTOR WITHIN THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE (BTCM) CAUSES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DAMAGED O-RING IN THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE SOLENOID(S) ON THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR. INVOLVED VEHICLES CAN DEVELOP AN EXTERNAL BRAKE FLUID LEAK IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BRAKE PRESSUREMODULATOR VALVE SOLENOIDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SOLENOID(S) ON THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR.
How other years compare
Check your exact EV1 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Saturn EV1 reliable?
NHTSA has 4 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Saturn EV1. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1997 Saturn EV1 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.