The 1997 Saturn Sl has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 14,585 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 286 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
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.
THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PINION GEAR DISENGAGING FROM THE RACK CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 Saturn Sl as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.