- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were produced or serviced with a horn assembly which could fail. The horn could either become inoperable or activate without the driver pressing the horn button.
- The risk
- Under certain conditions, heat can build up within the assembly and an underhood fire could result.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HORN ASSEMBLY.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Saturn Z Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1997 Saturn Z with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in December 1998 for the horn. For comparison, the 1996 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Z year, for its age
#338 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Saturn Z problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Saturn Z recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- It is possible to remove the ignition key while the cylinder is in the run position. This does not comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "Theft protection."
- The risk
- The ignition key must be reinserted in the ignition cylinder to turn the engine off.
- The fix
- Dealers will perform a functional check of the ignition cylinder and, if necessary, to have the vehicle's ignition cylinder re-coded. Owners can perform this functional check themselves if they so desire.
What owners say
Be the first Z owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1997 Saturn Z
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Horn was sounding with no one in the car. Smoke was coming from the horn, under the hood. Unplugged the horn. Same problem as seen in recall 98v307000. *Tr
Saturn Z: every year compared
All Z years1997 Saturn Z vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Saturn Z | 1 | 2 | D | |
| 1997 Saturn SL | 256 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Saturn SC1 | 61 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Saturn SC | 33 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Saturn SW | 31 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Saturn EV1 | 4 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Saturn Coupe | 2 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Saturn Wagon | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1997 Saturn S-Series Coupe | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Saturn Z
Does the 1997 Saturn Z have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Saturn Z: horn (December 1998); switch (April 1997). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Saturn Z?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Saturn Z had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 17, 2008 and the latest on October 17, 2008. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Saturn Z a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Saturn Z year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Saturn Z years have the most complaints?
1995 (1), 1997 (1). See every Saturn Z year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Saturn Z has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data