1997 Saturn SW problems & reliability
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Saturn SW. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (3 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 | 26% |
| Power Train | 5 | 16% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 13% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 10% |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 10% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 6% |
| Tires | 2 | 6% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 3% |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 3% |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 14 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Service Brakes · filed Aug 14, 2018
“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…”
Electrical System · filed Jul 27, 2017
“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…”
Electrical System · filed Jun 17, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
7 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Saturn SW.
This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern…
98-T-11B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 10, 2023
This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern…
96-T-35D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 10, 2023
Vehicle Recalls
Recalls · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2014
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
130089009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2013
Some customers may comment about abnormal wear or a cut on the inboard edge of the driver or passenger seat back cover. *tt
00T38 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2000
Experiencing a rattle or click noise from the rear of vehicle when turning at slow speeds and/or driving over uneven surfaces. *yc
98T07 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1998
Rear exterior door panel is not tight against door structure. *tw
96T19A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 1997
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1997 Saturn SW in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1997 Saturn SW?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.