1997 Saturn SW problems
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Saturn SW. Electrical system is the most reported problem area, at 23% of complaints. Next are brakes (14%) and transmission (14%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 35 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 23% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a crash; 2 complaints mention a fire; 3 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1997 ranks 4th most-complained-about out of 6 model years of the Saturn SW with enough data (18 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.