Three problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1997 Saturn SL2. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Alternator fell off broke from engine bracket. Consumer stated the vehicle is without warranty.
Alternator mount bracket failure on 1997 Saturn Sl2, VIN #1g8zk5275vz137179 while driving to work, the mount bracket for my alternator snapped in half! the design flaw is that the mount bracket is actually part of the aluminum engine block. The engine heats up which causes the metal to expand and become weaker from the thermal stress. There is considerable stress from the alternator (vibration, stress loads). With the heated up metal (weakened from thermal stress) combined with the stress load from the alternator vibrations, it adds up to trouble. Lucky for me I was only going about 20-30 mph when the bracket failed. This failure has caused almost $1,400 in repairs to my car which is currently @ Saturn of pensacola, florida getting repaired. I don't want to think of what would have happened if I had been on the highway at a higher rate of speed and this failure had occurred. My vehicle is 6 years old but this is something that shouldn't fail. Is there any help or information that the NHTSA can provide me in this matter? please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. Thank you very much for your help.
Vehicle's full electrical system fails while driving, clock even resets. Causing car to shut off. Power steering/ brakes/ radio/ air conditioner/ headlights, etc. Fail. Began around 30,000 miles. Battery and alternator replaced, does not fix problem.