1997 Saturn Sc: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Saturn Sc: 3 recalls, 33 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #96V153000 · 1996 · 3,472 vehicles
What's wrong: The front passenger seats have less lock pawl engagement on the inboard fore/aft adjuster than specified. This does not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 207, "seating systems."
Why it matters: This condition could result in seat movement with a belted occupant during a moderate to severe frontal impact.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the passenger seat inboard fore/aft adjuster.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #97V162000 · 1997 · 37,970 vehicles
What's wrong: The section of the owner's handbook titled "horizontal aim" does not specifically instruct an owner how to adjust the headlamp horizontal aim. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: A vehicle's headlamp would not be properly adjusted causing visibility problems to oncoming vehicles.
The fix: Owners are being provided with a label with the correct information on headlamp horizontal aim to be placed over the existing text in the owner's handbook. If an owner desires, their dealer can place the sticker in the owner's handbook for them.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #97V161000 · 1997 · 26,135 vehicles
What's wrong: If the driver or front passenger safety belt is pulled out much faster than normal, a number of time, the lock-up feature of the retractor will not work properly.
Why it matters: In a rapid deceleration or vehicle crash, the occupant would not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger safety belt retractor.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (4).
- Seat belts (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Saturn Sc has 33 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 12 Sc model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 25). Complaints peaked in 2000 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 101,552 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (26 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (13 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 36 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Saturn Sc.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Saturn Sc have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Saturn Sc. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Saturn Sc problems?
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), seat belts (6), engine & cooling (5).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Saturn Sc get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Saturn Sc repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.