NHTSA vehicle safety data
1997 Saturn EV1 Recalls & Complaints
The 1997 Saturn EV1 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Saturn dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Saturn EV1. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1997 Saturn EV1 owner complaints
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Saturn EV1.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 4 complaints
Of the 4 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #857358 · Filed
SOMETIMES WHEN THE HEATER WAS RUNNING, I HEARD A POP NOISE FROM LEFT FRONT AREA OF THE CAR. WITH OUT WARNING OR ENGINE LIGHTS. WHILE CHARGING UP ELECTRICAL BATTERY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK.ET.
ODI #553152 · Filed
THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY THAT MAY FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT, RECALL ISSUED HOWEVER OWNER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RECEIVE NEW VEHICLE AT THIS TIME, RECALL SOLUTION IS NOT SUFFICIENT. *ET
ODI #551790 · Filed
VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY PRIOR TO RECALL THAT MAY FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT (00V-069), RECALL DOES NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. YH (ATTORNEY AT LAW)
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1997 Saturn EV1 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
GM/BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE
NHTSA #00V369000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice
Reported November 13, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Potentially affected: 455 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 00077 · Owners notified November 16, 2000 · Vehicles built August 1, 1996 – June 30, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH WHEEL SPEED CIRCUITRY IN THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE (BTCM) WHICH CAN CEASE TO OPERATE PROPERLY.
Safety consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE ASSIST, A DISABLED REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, A DISABLED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, AND/OR A DISABLED REGENERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS COULD INCREASE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BTCM, THE BALLSCREW ASSEMBLIES IN THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE, AND INSTALL NEW SOFTWARE.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 16, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
GM/SATURN/ELECTRIC CHARGE PORTS
NHTSA #00V069100 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery · NHTSA notice
Reported March 3, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Potentially affected: 489 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 00025 · Owners notified March 27, 2000 · Vehicles built August 1, 1996 – June 30, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GENERATION 1 ELECTRIC PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A CHARGE PORT ASSEMBLY THAT COULD FAIL DURING A CHARGING EVENT.
Safety consequence
HEAT COULD BUILD UP WITHIN THE CHARGE PORT AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Manufacturer remedy
THESE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE REPURCHASED BY SATURN/GM.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
GM/FMVSS 105
NHTSA #98V169000 · Service Brakes, Air — Antilock — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice
Reported July 28, 1998 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Potentially affected: 607 vehicles
Owners notified July 28, 1998 · Vehicles built August 1, 1996 – June 30, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. A TRANSISTOR WITHIN THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE (BTCM) CAUSES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM."
Safety consequence
AS A RESULT, VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF FRONT BRAKE ASSIST, INCREASING THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, AND VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE TORQUE CONTROL MODULE.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING JULY 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-888-EV-ASSIST (1-888-382-7747).ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (-1888-327-4236).
GM/FMVSS 105/BRAKES
NHTSA #97V109000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Vacuum — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported July 1, 1997 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Potentially affected: 211 vehicles
Owners notified July 15, 1997 · Vehicles built September 1, 1996 – December 31, 1996 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DAMAGED O-RING IN THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE SOLENOID(S) ON THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR. INVOLVED VEHICLES CAN DEVELOP AN EXTERNAL BRAKE FLUID LEAK IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BRAKE PRESSUREMODULATOR VALVE SOLENOIDS.
Safety consequence
BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD REDUCE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SOLENOID(S) ON THE BRAKE PRESSURE MODULATOR.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN DURING JULY 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN (EV1) AT 1-888-382-7747. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
GM/ELECTRIC CARS/SHORT CIRCUIT
NHTSA #97V042000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice
Reported March 20, 1997 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Potentially affected: 264 vehicles
Owners notified March 18, 1997 · Vehicles built August 1, 1996 – January 30, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVE MOTOR CHARGER RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY THAT WAS INCOMPLETELY SEALED. INCOMPLETE SEALING CAN ALLOW WATER TO INTRUDE INTO THE CIRCUIT BOARD.
Safety consequence
DURING CHARGING A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR. AN ARC AT THE SHORT CIRCUIT CAN GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CREATE SMOKE AND/OR A FLAME. IF A FLAME OCCURS, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVE MOTOR BATTERY CHARGER RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN LATE MARCH 1997.NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-888-382-7747 (1-888-EV-ASSIST).ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Other Saturn EV1 model years
Check your 1997 Saturn EV1 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Saturn EV1 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Saturn VIN