1997 Saturn SL power train problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1997 Saturn SL — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 saturn sl. The contact stated that he was reversing from a residential driveway when he shifted to first gear and the shifter cable became detached from the shifter lever. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated they had to replace two shifter cables. The…”
filed Jun 28, 2012
“1997 saturn sl, 4 door sedan, manual transaxle, 143000 miles at a parking lot: shifter cable plastic bushing broke locking my transaxle in reverse. Problem fixed with an aftermarket kit sold by napa auto stores. *tr”
filed Sep 16, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other SL years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 SL | 22 | 17% |
| 2001 SL | 20 | 18% |
| 2000 SL | 35 | 24% |
| 1999 SL | 22 | 12% |
| 1998 SL | 33 | 20% |
| 1996 SL | 37 | 13% |
| 1995 SL | 40 | 11% |
| 1994 SL | 35 | 12% |
| 1993 SL | 26 | 15% |
| 1992 SL | 13 | 11% |
| 1991 SL | 1 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Saturn SL
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.