1997 Saturn SL transmission problems
Owners reported transmission problems in 24 complaints for the 1997 Saturn SL, 8% of the complaints on file.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 24 8% of this year's complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
What the data shows
These complaints mention 3 injuries.
What owners wrote
While driving 65 MPH in first gear transmission shifted to fourth gear without warning, and consumer temporarily lost control of the vehicle. Consumer shifted vehicle to neutral, then back to first gear to regain control of the vehicle. Dealership mechanic tried to repair the vehicle, but was unable to resolve the problem. The occupants sustained muscles pulls, bumps, and bruises.
I recently purchased a 1997 sl1 and on the 3rd day of owning it the shifter broke causing it to go limp. At the time I was on the 101 freeway stuck in traffic with my three children. I called my mechanic and he towed it to his shop for repairs. After making the necessary repair, he did a routine maintenance check. This was when he discovered the oil had water mixed in with it causing a white smoke escaping from the exhaust pipe.
Other problems reported for the 1997 Saturn SL
- Engine 38 complaints
- Electrical system 32 complaints
- Brakes 27 complaints
- Seat belts 25 complaints
- Air bags 20 complaints
- Seats 18 complaints
- Tires 16 complaints