AI Damage1997 Saturn SW: common problems
Owners of the 1997 Saturn SW filed 31 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and powertrain. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 31
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 26% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 16% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 16% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 10% of all complaints
- 5 Seat belts 10% of all complaints
- 6 Air bags 6% of all complaints
- 7 Tires 6% of all complaints
- 8 Engine and cooling 3% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 8 complaints (26% of all).
- Powertrain: 5 complaints (16% of all).
- Service brakes: 5 complaints (16% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (10% of all).
- Seat belts: 3 complaints (10% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.9 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 31 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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 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.
Tl contact owns a 1997 saturn sw2. The vehicle has firestone firehawk atx tires. While driving 50 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle began to drag. She removed her foot from the accelerator pedal and allowed the vehicle to decelerate. The vehicle then began bumping and jumping.
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.
While driving 40 mph the engine failed without warning. The service dealer states the ignition coil pack had malfunctioned. The vehicle was being driven on the highway when the incident occurred.
Then he reinserted the key into the ignition and vehicle began to smoke. After mechanic examined the vehicle for the smoking, it was found to be a burning harness wire. It would cost from $800.00 to $1000.00 dollars to repair it.
Consumer received a notice regarding a defective fuel pump, however when consumer went to the dealership, he was informed that they would not replace the fuel pump until it failed, but was told to keep the letter until the fuel pump failed, on 3 separate occasions consumers vehicle experienced hard starting, and after…
A bolt in transmission broke off and broke through the casing, causing transmission fluid to leak.. Vehicle could catch fire. Contacted dealer.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 6,740 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the SW has 21 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 31, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Saturn SW?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, powertrain, service brakes. Total complaints: 31. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (16%), seat belts (10%), fuel system, fuel smell (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1997 Saturn SW?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1997 Saturn SW from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1997 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.