1997 Saturn SW: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (26% of complaints); the 1999 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
31
owner complaints
2
fire reports
91,050
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 91,050 mi)One of the most complained-about SW years (#2 of 7, age-adjusted)Weak spot: electrical system (26%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)26% · 8 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)16% · 5 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)13% · 4 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)10% · 3 complaints
Seat Belts10% · 3 complaints
Tires6% · 2 complaints
“This 1997 saturn sw2 has gm's ignition problem. The air bags were blown once this fried the wires below the stearing and now they say this is not. At the time the vehicle was in motion, street, I just pushed it off the road for the 3rd time in 2 weeks and now I may loose everything I have in my life. I can not even get the "fix" for the recalls unless I pay close to $200. For instructions to do it myself. I find this unfair being they should have done this once they knew and not waited for attorneys to say "how many", complaints = lawsuit. I guess I will have to join in if nothing else happens.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2017
“Tl* the contact owned a 1997 saturn sw. While driving 40 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the emergency brake was applied, but also failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags deployed, but the contact sustained bruises and bumps. The front seat passenger was injured and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow lot. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. ... *bf *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 saturn sw. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, smoke started to emit from the ignition after the key was inserted into the ignition switch. The contact immediately removed the key and towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“The engine turns off during driving or coming to a stop if I leave the vehicle overnight or 4hrs later it will start and run for about a hour then it turns off, had a diagnostic computer check and they said they can not find the problem. Replaced the ignition coils, spark plugs, spark plug cables, gas filter, clean throttle valve housing. Speed odometer makes a rubbing noise. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 mph slowing down to make a left turn, a loud noise came from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent repair shop for inspection. Upon inspection, the mechanic determined the transmission blown from the inside out and needed to be replaced. The dealership was notified, however no repairs have been made.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2006
“While driving 40 mph the engine failed without warning. The service dealer states the ignition coil pack had malfunctioned. *nm the vehicle was being driven on the highway when the incident occurred. *sc”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2004
“I called saturn of eatontown, nj reporting an electrical problem with the ignition and door bell alarm-it rang constantly. I was told by the service manger not to worry, use a little cw spread; 3 days later, the steering column and ignition caught on fire. Saturn is refusing to honor safety recall tsb # 97-c-02, dated apr 97, titled, "recall-ignition cylinder malfunction." I understand that under federal law a manufacturer-initiated safety recall is equal to a NHTSA safety recall and must be remedied at no cost to the consumer. I thank you for your assistance in this matter. Anthony a. Sessa p. S. I am not sure when my deceased father purchased this vehicle. *nlm”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2003
“A bolt in transmission broke off and broke through the casing, causing transmission fluid to leak.. Vehicle could catch fire. Contacted dealer. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2002
“Fuel pump was replaced, saturn had sent consumer a letter stating that the fuel pump may fail prematurely and cause extended crank time, loss of power, and possible no start conditions, saturn gave a rreplacement coverage of 6 years/75000 miles, however 5 months after fuel pump replacement, the fuel regulator went bad, dealer also replaced new plugs and spark plug wires, consumer feels the fuel pump over pressurized the fuel regulator causing a pre-existing condition in the fuel regulator to fail. *slc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2001
“Consumer was traveling 30mph on highway and was approaching a stop light when she applied brakes, and brake pedal was gushy and went all the way to the floor and vehicle wouldn't stop.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact SW by VIN
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Is the 1997 Saturn SW reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Saturn SW. The most complained-about area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Saturn SW problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 91,050 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.