10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,240 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Saturn SL suspension problems

suspension problem

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1997 Saturn SL Owner Comments

problem #5

Jul 092009

SL

  • 48,736 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Severe rust out of the suspension sub-frame (engine cradle) along the left side, particularly at the lower control arm mount pocket. This condition was caught before the left front lower control arm broke loose due to the rusted sub-frame. Rust condition was confined to the left side of the sub-frame with no apparent issue with the right side or cross beams. Brought to Saturn's attention but concern was denied as the "vehicle is out of warranty". Saturn never addressed the issue that the sub-frame is a component that should last the lifetime of the vehicle.

- Lake In The Hills , IL, USA

problem #4

May 012013

SL

  • 118,733 miles
During oil change discovered that front subframe was rusted through at control arm attachment point, drivers side. Car was removed from service as this is a major safety issue affecting suspension and steering. Tried to find a used subframe but all in local auto parts recyclers were just as badly rusted.

- Eau Claire, WI, USA

problem #3

May 012013

SL

  • 118,733 miles
During oil change discovered that front subframe was rusted through at control arm attachment point, drivers side. Car was removed from service as this is a major safety issue affecting suspension and steering. Tried to find a used subframe but all in local auto parts recyclers were just as badly rusted.

- Eau Claire, WI, USA

problem #2

Apr 112002

SL

  • miles
Consumer states that when driving the consumer can feel the bumps on the road way to hard and that when hitting a pot hole the vehicle jump into the other lane and almost hit on coming traffic. Contacted dealer. Nlm

- Southbridge, MA, USA

problem #1

Jul 151998

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle collision resulting in turnover and fire.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

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