1997 Saturn Saturn: Reliability Data

Source: NHTSA — 39 complaints
39
Total Complaints
135,236mi
Median Mileage
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Top Issue
2
Crash Reports

When Do Complaints Happen?

Distribution of NHTSA complaints by vehicle mileage at time of report.

135,236 25th Percentile
135,236 Median Mileage
135,236 75th Percentile

What Fails?

Most reported component issues from NHTSA complaints.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
3
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
2
STEERING
1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
1

Severity Assessment

2
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Sample Complaint Reports

"STEERING WHEEL PULLS OUT OF HAND WHEN CROSSING BUMPS, INADEQUATE STEERING CONTROL."
"DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS IN THE TEST VEHICLE AND ALL 1997 SATURNS ARE BLINDING ON ONCOMING DRIVERS. THESE LIGHTS ARE ON ALL THE TIME UNLESS THE DRIVER TURNS ON THE HEADLIGHTS, WHICH DISABLE THE DAY TIME LIGHTS. *AK"
"HORN BUTTON LOCATION IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE DUE TO DESIGN FLAW."

Source: NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Names and identifying details omitted.

Data source: View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov | NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Public domain.

Methodology: Complaint counts and mileage distributions are computed directly from consumer-reported NHTSA complaints. This data represents reported issues, not failure rates — vehicles without complaints are not represented. Full methodology.

Data through: 2026-03-28