1997 Saturn SL
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 43 of 226 complaints (19%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 287 in 1996 to 226 in 1997.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | vs. 1997 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250–2,500 | 2,150–2,500 | 2,250–2,500 | 2,250–2,500 | 2,150–2,400 | |
| Combined MPG | 25–28 | 25–29 | 25–28 | 25–28 | 26–29 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 21–24 / 31–36 | 21–25 / 31–36 | 21–24 / 31–36 | 21–24 / 31–36 | 22–25 / 32–36 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 317–355 | 306–355 | 317–355 | 317–355 | 306–342 | |
| Complaints filed | 355 | 287 | 226 | 168 | 178 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 77 | 50 | 30 | 23 | 26 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 6 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 58 | 45 | 29 | 31 | 20 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1997 Saturn SL have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1997 Saturn SL?
Airbags & Restraints: 43 of 226 NHTSA complaints (19%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Saturn SL get?
EPA rates it 25–28 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1997 Saturn SL?
EPA estimates $2,250–$2,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg (low) | 31 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | $2,500 (high) | 355 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 33 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 33 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg (high) | 36 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,250 (low) | 317 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 37 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 23 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 31 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 24 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 22 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 43 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 33 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: 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.
SEATS · Campaign 97V155000 · Sep 18, 1997
Defect: 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.
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) · Campaign 97V138000 · Aug 29, 1997
Defect: 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.