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Saturn

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Saturn • Aura • Vue --- • Engine problems • Transmission problems • Airbags • Ignition interlock • Oozing goo • Miscellaneous woes • The Shamrock Saturn --- Recalls/News • Penske Scraps Plan to Buy Saturn; Brand Likely to Die • Penske Hopes to Drive Saturn Off GM's Lot • Saturn Climbing the Roadway to Heaven • Saturn Aura Gets a 5,000-Mile Road Test • NHTSA Probes Timing Chain Again • NHTSA Recalls Saturn L Series • NHTSA Probes Saturn Timing Chain Failures • Saturn Astra Named Safest Car Under $25,000 • Saturn Outlook Gets Top Marks from Consumer Reports • Saturn Targets Toyota, Honda for Side-by-Side Tests • Saturn Sky Prices Go Sky High • Saturn VUE Recalled • L-Series Cars Recalled

Saturn is a popular car in a low-key sort of way and has a reputation for delivering fairly good value for the money. However, before you rush right out to buy one, be aware that it is also prone to some very expensive, annoying and even dangerous shortcomings, painfully enumerated by our long-suffering readers.

Cheryl of Marblehead, OH January 30, 2010

Currently, I own a 2002 SL2 Saturn. I have had a problem that has only ocurred about 5 times, but it does happen. It is my accelerator sticking. I did get it checked one time and they found nothing wrong. It happens when it wants, once when we initially turned on the ignition, the other times were in the middle of a trip home and to work, driving at 35 mph.

Typically my RPM reads 1.5-2,000, 2.5 on highway, and maybe 3-3.5 with normal acceleration. When the accelerator sticks it hangs around 4.5-5. I gotta tell you, it is scarey. What should I do?

Barbara of Washingtonville, NY January 29, 2010

My 2005 Saturn Coupe left me stranded again, this time in my garage because the temperature dipped to 12 degrees last night. It is funny (not) that if you wait 10-15 minutes it will magically start. This has happened to me several times over the past few years and although I have had it checked, they can find nothing wrong with it. When it happened again today I decided to go on the internet and search the issue. I was stunned to find so many others with the same complaint. It is absurd that this problem is so widespread yet there is no recall. GM keeps sending mail trying to keep my loyalty yet it seems that they don't want to take responsibility for fixing this problem. We should not have to pay to fix something that is obviously a defect in the car. Get your act together GM and stand behind your vehicles.

JCM of Chippewa Falls , WI January 28, 2010

2001 Saturn SL1- My only problem has been with my gas pedal sticking. maybe Toyota isnt the only one that should be recalled? It first started last fall when i notice my gas pedal was a little sticky when first taking off. didnt think about getting it looked at until mid winter when my gas pedal would stick WHILE driving. I would let off my pedal and my car would actually accelerate! I didnt know what to do so I hit my pedal as hard as i could with my foot and it popped up. I had to do that twice.

then i finally took it in. the repair man looked at me like i was nuts when i said my car accelerates on its own. Turns out it had a bunch of build up (of what kind i'm not sure), causing the sticking. It's starting to get sticky again now so I'll have to take it in...again. This is not something I should have to do every year.

as for the people with ignition/wheel locking problems...usually if you turn your wheel back and forthe this unlocks it. it happens in many other cars too...not just saturn. happens to me and its never made me late to anything. its not a big deal. Overall I am very happy with my "beast" as i call it. never really caused me any major problems. 129,000 miles and still going strong.

Kayla of Fort Morgan, CO January 18, 2010

Well like many of you I bought a used 2004 Saturn Ion from a personal owner. When i got the car i noticed the key was broken off inside the ignition, but in my case the car would still turn over and start...but not in the cold weather! It does have something to do with the security mechanism. if i bang the steering wheel up and down the car attemps to start and usually does. this is very frustrating!

I work at a daycare and it is very important for me to be prompt and to work on time. my car sometimes doesnt allow me to do that! I agree that something needs to be done in order to fix this problem. let me know

JoAnn of Crest Hill, IL January 8, 2010

I bought my 2005 Saturn Ion new and had not had any real problems with it, until now! It appears I have the same ignition lock problem as hundreds of other Saturn owners. But it took me a new battery, stranded twice and a day off of work to discover this. Why has there not been a recall?

Vilma of Baltimore, MD January 5, 2010

Driving my '03 Saturn LW200 car when suddenly the heat went. As I was trying to figure it out, there was a loud bang & the car started vibrating & making loud rumbling noise. Had it towed to mechanic. The ignition module and/or cataltyic converter caused an explosion to the resonator & I have 2,500 in damages.

The catlytic converter is under warranty & will be replaced by Saturn. The ignition module apparently was recalled & replaced but the damage was still caused. Saturn will only replace the catalytic converter and will not repair the damage to the car which is extensive. I am at a loss and do not know what to do.

Jennifer of West Warwick, RI January 4, 2010

I just bought a used 2005 Saturn Ion that has less than 50,000 miles and the car want start and the key want release from igniton. Car has been to Saturn for both problems. They replaced gear shift housing unit, ignition solenoid,recalibrated the car, reset security system, and made new key and the problem with key not releasing is still there. As far as car not starting I havent had any issues lately since I took it to Saturn but the problem is intermittently. I definately agree that Gm should have recalled the problem.

Nicole of Berkeley, CA January 4, 2010

5-12 times per month my 2006 Saturn Ion 2 won't start. Lights come on, radio blasts, a low hum rumbles from beneath the hood, but no turnover. After 10-15 minutes go by, car starts. Now my power steering has taken to shutting off in the middle of the freeway.

M. of Florence, MA December 31, 2009

I have a 2002 Saturn L200 w/88,000 miles on it. Car died suddenly and completely while driving. It was pitch dark and 10 degrees out. It was a dangerous situation waiting the 45 minutes for AAA to come tow the car.

Clair of Downingtown, PA December 30, 2009

Saturn of West Chester Pa went out of business.I bought my 2007 Saturn Vue there and I have a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty.I also bought what they call a protection package,which basically is they detail the car once a year.I live in Pa they told me I have to travel to Newark De.to use that part of the warranty that I paid for in the price of the car.I also asked if I could get the remainder refunded and they said no.The distance from my house to the dealer is about 23 miles one way so I would have the better part of a day to get this done.

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