1997 Saturn Sw: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Saturn Sw: 0 recalls, 31 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are fire / smoke (4), stalls / loses power (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Seat belts (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Saturn Sw has 31 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 11 Sw model years for complaints (1.6× the average Sw year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 91,050 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (20 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (27 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 | 34 | 28 | 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 | 23 | 31 | 26 | 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 Sw.
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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1997 Saturn Sw have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Saturn Sw. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 Saturn Sw problems?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (8), transmission & drivetrain (5), brakes (hydraulic) (4).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Saturn Sw 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 Sw 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.