Saturn Engine Problems

I bought a Saturn from a dealer who gave me an engine Warranty For Life. At 88,000 miles, while on a trip, my engine blew. I rented a car to finish our journey and returned. I was told at the dealer who took over for the Saturn company that $5500 is needed to replace. I couldn't afford it so I had my son drive my truck down and we rented a towing dolly and towed it home.

I traded the car in, as is, but then asked this new dealer if my warranty was any good. They said that GM covered them for a while but not anymore. I was hoping there was a class action suit going on somewhere.

My son who just graduated and saved his money to buy his first care, brought a 1999 Saturn SL for $1000 as-is. It ran for less than 12 hours and the engine blew up. We went back to the dealer and he would not help us out at all. He said it was his problem, not the dealer's problem. His first word out of his mouth was, does it have oil in it?

It was really low on oil, barely showed on the dip stick we put two quarts in it and he drove it home and the next morning on his way to work, it blew a rod. We tried to get him to help us, but all he said was the car was no good to him now, so my son is out a car and $1000.

Please, I just want everyone to beware of this dealer.

The car has been unreliable since day one--the window has continually fogged up, need to run it with the air on at all time. Every morning, it bucks and chugs for the first half mile.

The car only has 50,000 miles on it and now I have had to replace the starter, and of course the ignition. My work around for this has been to pull all the plastic around the steering column. I pulled the key out with pliers and I can now start it by twisting the ignition bezel. I stop it by pulling the electrical connection at the back of the ignition cylinder. It is a manual transmission.

Does anyone have an 800 number at GM that I can call and complain to?

I bought a 2002 Saturn L200 in mid-2010, with verified low mileage (26,000 miles) for my daughter. In July 2011, (current mileage 39,000 miles), the vehicle's timing chain broke while she was driving at highway speed. There was no warning. She was able to pull over to the median but the car wouldn't start again and had to be towed.

I have 1995 Saturn SW2 Manual transmission and engine. What happened is I bought a junky car. Actually, I got it for free. My parents gave me the 95 wagon with around 100 k miles on it. It needed a new engine. Burnt oil since it had about 40,000 miles on it and was still under warranty. My mother asked about it. They told her it was ok. It's just "Using" oil and nothing was wrong with the engine. She told me that and I laughed. What do these people think this car is a living breathing dragon? What it gets thirsty and drinks the oil? Maybe hungry and has a little oil snack? I told her to call them back and have them replace or repair the engine and apologize for trying to rip someone off. They said there was nothing wrong with it again. I guess there engines are magical mystical oil eating beasts.

That was until her warranty was up and she went in for her normal servicing. "Oh my," they say. "Your valve seals are gone and you are burning oil. And you are losing compression because of it and you need a new motor." She told them it was doing that while it was only halfway through the warranty and she had it documented. They said that was different. So she bought another car and gave that curse to me. I put in another used engine with 50,000 miles on it and that solved that problem. 10,000 thousand miles later, the manual transmission goes ping pong, while I'm just cruising at 50 on a straight road. Some pin or rod in the transmission decided to shoot through the case leaving a trail of gear oil and I stranded. I called up Saturn and asked what the deal with that was? Their answer was I must have been beating on it for it to do that. I said, "Oh yeah, it's a crappy old 1.9 liter engine and a station wagon. I'm really racing it around." So they were of no help there.

I bought and put in another transmission with 55,000 miles on it. Things were better, for a while. Then what do you know, at around 70,000 miles, the replacement engine started "using oil", as they say or what a normal human would say is that the valve seals went bad and out the exhaust goes the oil. This is the same exact thing that happened to the other engine. Well anyway. Just kept adding a quart every two fill ups. So this crap wagon is still on the road.

Another 15,000 miles, and guess what! The same exact thing happens to my transmission. The case is cracked in the same exact place by the same exact pin or rod. I call Saturn and tell them once again the same thing happened. Their answer was the same, except this time, I was on a two lane road going straight and 55 going with traffic. I guess very abusive by Saturn's standings. I replaced it with another one with 48,000 miles on it and it lasted about 12 to 15 thousand miles and the same exact thing happened to it.

I'm now looking for another transmission. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, I know why they are going out of business. They suck! I would never advise someone to buy a Saturn. They are a curse. I wish I never got mine and mine was given to me for free. I wish I still had my Nissan Sentra or my Subaru, much more reliable. Good luck Saturn owners.

2003 Saturn Ion will intermittently not start in cold weather. Here in Florida, that means 30, so I can't imagine driving a Saturn up north. It's been an exceptionally cold winter for us, so it's happened frequently lately. Thanks to those who posted suggestions. We will try some method of warming the ignition before taking further action.

I purchased a used Saturn Ion (2003) approximately two and a half years ago. Occasionally, I would have difficulty starting the car, but the difficulties have become more consistent as the weather has gotten cold. I commute to work, so this poses a safety and time management issue with my family.

Everyone with problems with their Saturn Ion starting in the cold, please listen. I have been having the same problems over and over. It took a while for the dealership to get it fixed but they finally did and this is all it took. At first when I took it in, it was the same as everyone else: battery bad, I bought a new one and no, that does not work. I went through a lot of things but finally found out that the ignition switch will always go bad in the Saturn after a while and cause lots of problems in the winter. All you have to do is to get the ignition switch replaced and they have to do a pass lock thing with it to recognize with your car. They will know exactly what you mean when you tell them that. Finally, I got my car back and it's doing great. Here is the part number for the ignition switch 10392423. Trust me this will work. Do not let the dealership tell you that it is the battery or the starter. I promise it is not; I replaced both the ignition switch works!! Hope this helps.

I have a 2000 Saturn 2.2 engine that lost power and then the engine jumped time and will not start.

2004 Saturn Ion beginning in 2009 wouldn't start in cold weather. Wait 10-15 minutes, maybe it will start.

I am having a problem with my sons Saturn Ion 2004.When its cold it wont start,you wait 10 minutes then it starts.I have read many complaints on this problem so I called Saturn and they told me they are not aware of this problem.To many people are spending to much money trying to solve this problem and still not coming up with a solution.Could you please look into it.I just goggled Saturn Ion wont start and there are alot of complaints. Please look into this its is starting to cost people alot of money and the problem is still here.My son still owes on this car and this is not right for Saturn to not recognize there is a problem.

My Saturn Ion wont start in the cold! I have been reading several internet forums and this is a common problem with the ignition switch! Saturn will mot recall the product and it is about a $200 repair.

I have had problems with my 2004 Saturn Ion 2 starting in cold weather. I have tried replacing the battery, at which time I discovered the problem was not due to lack of electricity and that my battery did not need replacing. I have taken my car to a few different auto repair centers for engine and electrical system diagnostics, where the problem could not be identified, and I have wasted too much time and money.

After researching the issue on the Internet, I found that there are many additional GM owners who have had an identical problem. They too, have been given false information and have been unable to correct the issue.

I want an answer for my problem. I wish for GM to research the issue, and offer to correct it at their own expense. I do not beleive it to be fair that GM has not been held accountable for the poor construction of certain vehicles.

My 2002 Satur L-series just stopped one day and I had it towed to Saturn They said it was the timing chain, someone else said the starter. I am out of 3500.00. I contacted GM headquarters no help they sound good but are no help just to lead people on. They side with the Saturn dealerships. My Vin# was also not recalled. What am I to do?

My 2002 Saturn L200 with 102,000 miles timing Chain Guide rubbed against the Cylinder causing it to crack and leaked coolent into the engine. This same incident also happened two years ago when my car had only 75,000 miles on it. I contacted GM and after an investigation because my car was not under warrenty they refused to cover any costs. I either have to buy all new parts which will total over $5000 or I will have to purchase a new engine.

In May on my way to work I made a U-turn and my 2001 Saturn L200 Series engine cut off. Just thinking it stall I tried to start it back up. It would not start so I park it. That same day I received a post card in the mail about a recall on timing chain so I had my car tow to Concord Saturn and they told me my 2001 L Series was not part of recall and it would cost estimate $4800 to get fix I said no way it not worth that much and had pay to get it towed back to my place of resident. Now today I received the same recalled notice and I am wondering if I am not that part of recall why they keep sending me the notice.

My 2001 Saturn L 200 which I purchased brand new, my fourth and LAST Saturn I will be purchasing, just stopped running on my way home form work on a Sunday night. I took exceptional care of this car and it is in like new mint condition other than the fact that teh timing chain broke and detsroyed my engine!! My mechanic inofmred me that Saturn had a recall on the 2.2 4C motor, however when I called saturn customer serviec they said "Your in number is not one of the motors involved int the recall". Really, why not the timing chain broke just the same as the motors that are involved in the recall. I want to see this list of VIN numbers that are in the recall if it really exists?? I see GM is doign wonders with the tax payers money given to help them out of financial trouble, now who is going to help me??

I have a Saturn L200 2002. The timing chain broke and the engine was gone. There are recalls, but they say not on this VIN. They are many complaints on this same problem. GM customer service has no help. NHTSA has an investigation along with office of defects investigation through the federal government.

On Friday night (6-12-09), I was driving home and my car lost all power and would not restart at all. It just would turn over and over but never start. I pull it to Saturn and they tell me that my timing chain is either broken or the teeth are worn down and not grabbing like it should. Well, after being online for 2 nights in a row checking on this, I find a recall about the timing chain in the L Series Saturn which is what I have. But Saturn is telling me that my car is not involved in the recall and that there is nothing that they can do for me.

I have called their corporate offices and have been told yes there is a recall on the timing chain but my 2002 L200 Saturn is not involved in that! Even though by their admission the recall effect thousands and thousands of cars made from 1999-2003 so I am not sure how my car does not fit into that recall since mine is a 2002. Now Saturn is waiting to tear my engine down (at my cost) to make sure no internal damage was caused. I am a single mom of 2 kids and cannot by any means begin to be able to afford this. So now I am stuck with no car due to a problem Saturn knew existed with their timing chains.

Not specific to a dealer, but to Saturn Ions (2006) manual transmission, key stuck in running car, disconnected ground on battery, still running. I had to pop clutch to stall engine. This should be recalled. As usual, dealer cost to fix is $500.00, part to fix is $60.00.

Like everyone else, my timing chain broke on freeway. No warning lights etc. The service manager said that the chain is not hooked to the computer warning system,and proceeded to give me the oil change routine and all the other almost talking point excuses.My family had bought 5 Saturns before that. It meant nothing, the staff there not like it was. This company going independent might last 6 months. Treated with unbridled arrogance and was talked down too, even though I did not even raise my voice. 3k, for new head etc,and for the updated timing chain. These people lie through their teeth and basically will be out of business. Saturn not company it used to be.

Engine shot. Bent valves. These people mirrored the treatment and excuses everyone else got. GM deserves to go under.My 15 yrs of repeat business meant nothing

Took car to shop for Maintenance since car is just over 100,000 miles. And to see why engine light keeps coming on. Its a 2003 L200 I bought it used 9/2003 with about 12,000+ miles.

I will need a new engine because one of the 4 pistons have a hole in it. I took the car to saturn for regular oil changes, fuel injection cleanings. I didn't think that after 6 yrs I would need a new engine since I took it in for maintenance. Cost $3500 From the looks of other complaints I did at least make it to 100,000 miles. Maybe I need to go back to a Dodge.

We purchased our 3rd and final Saturn new, it was a 2000 Saturn LS2. It died on me while driving home and would not start again,it only had 58,000 miles on it and was maintained very well. We found out after towing it to the mechanics that Saturn has had problems with the timing belts and engines in this model. Imagine my surprise when I got on consumer affairs web site and read all the complaints from Saturn owners.

We contacted Saturn customer service and of course since it is out of warranty they wouldn't do anything but if we wanted to tow it to Springfield Missouri (the closest dealership) 1 hour and 30mins away they would have a certified saturn mechanic look at it. I think $2500.00 is enought to pay without having it towed so they could charge more to fix it. I will say that Saturn of Springfield has always been a great delearship to work with. Maybe this is one of the reasons Saturn will be dropped by GM.

We paid $2500.00 in repair bills to fix the engine damage caused by the belt breaking and sold it for $5,000.00

Bcm went out, fuel pump, Head gasket, no compression, timing belt have had this car for a year and only have been able to drive it mabe six months.

Needs a new engine quote for an engine with 20,000 $2900.00

While driving our 2001 Saturn L200 on State Rt.98 the engine just stopped.We had just crossed a railroad track and were driving about 40 mph.We tried to restart the engine and it cranked over well but it wouldn't start.We then called AAA for a tow and had the automobile taken to our home since it was late in the afternoon.

The next morning I took a look at the engine and determined that I could do nothing with it so I had it taken to MSC Repair here in Marysville Ohio. The mechanic checked it out and found out that the timing chain had broken.The estimate to repair it was around $1500.00.I gave him the go-ahead to repair the car.He had to replace the timing chain which had seperated and ruined the guides and the sprockets.He finally got the parts and got it back together but it had no compression.He called and told me that some valves had probably bent when hit by a piston and it would be $1000.00 to take off the head and check it out.Needing the car I told him to go ahead and fix it.The valves were bent and the head had to be reworked. Its back together and running well.

This cost me $3295.46.This car is taken care of very well.Oil and filter changes every 3000 miles.This engine had a BAD chain used when it was manufactured.You could tell by the way the link had seperated.I have had a lot of experience with roller chain and this was definately a soft link. I worked 51 years in machining so I do have some knowlege. I understand they recalled around 20,000 cars in these model years with this 2.2 liter engine,1999,2000,2001 and 2002 but when checking with Saturn our VIN was not included!

My 2002 Saturn L100 with 77,000 miles had the timing chain break and destroy my engine. Three months earlier, I had a new catalytic converter replaced. According to Saturn, there is no recall on the timing chain.

I will need to have the entire engine replaced at a cost of about $3,800.00. The broken chain caused other valves and pistons to be destroyed

I have a 2001 Saturn Vue V-6. On October 10, 2008 I was driving and my car stopped and no restart. I had it towed to Saturn of Greenfield, where I bought it, 4141 South 108th Street, Greenfield, Wisconsin. I was the timing belt that broke. Now two weeks later it was determined that when the belt broke it damaged some of the engine. Saturn said that it was my fault since I did not change the belt at 75,000 miles. It only has 78,000 on it.

I bought it about 2 years ago. Saturn also said it is not covered under the warranty. I even bought an extended warranty which also does not cover it. I read that there was a recall on the belt.

On September 21, 2008 I started my 2003 Saturn L-200 and it ran for a few seconds and then shut down. We had it hauled to Bill's Automotive in Holmen, WI and he determined that the timing chain had broken which damaged the valves.

We are currently having another motor installed and the estimated cost is around $3000. This is the only problem we have ever encountered with this vehicle.

I have a 2002 Saturn Sedan with less than 46,000 miles on it and I'm in the process of having the engine replaced. The engine knocks very loudly and the vehicle revs up. Saturn has looked at it twice and given me lame excuses like I didn't change the oil often enough. I did.

Less than 46,000 miles and the engine is useless. I will never buy another Saturn and I've told every one I know and everyone who has commented on the engine knock how few miles are on the car and NOT to ever buy a Saturn.

I have a 1998 Saturn SC2, sports Coupe, it only has 75,000 miles on it and apparently I need a new push rod or the main gasket has broke, either way I am told it is a costly repair and that the engine will have to be replaced. I just don't understand how an engine can blow in a car that has less than 76,000 miles on it. It is a 5speed and I just had the timing belt and the clutch cable replaced in it a few months ago and now it is sitting in the parking lot not being driven because I just cannot afford another repair to this car.

I have spent over $3000 in repairs now and will have to spend at least $1500 more if I decide to get the engine replaced and I just finished making my last payment on this car a few months ago, I bought it used and it only had 36,000 miles on it...basically I have had it since 2003 (when I purchased it used)and it have only gotten less than 5years use out of it. I am just really disappointed, I thought Saturns were very reliable cars.

I called them back and asked now what, they, then towed my car back over the next day 07-18-08, I recieved a call from them saying they have to replace a seal a serpentine belt. One month to the day 08-18-08 (Monday) I go to start the car, it turns on then shuts off, I have it towed by Chuck's 618-931-2064, they call and say the timing chain is broke. The car need a new engine. The valves are bent up.

My 2002 Saturn L200, stopped running while driving. Car was towed to Listed dealership, and was contacted by Mechanic informing me the timing chain had broken, and would cost me $1350.00 to replace. After researching this, and finding the recall issues,and lack of fixing the known problem with the complaints, and ongoing Probe into extending the recall,I would be likely to be stuck with this bill. I have contacted Saturn on this to see if they would cover the cost in fixing this defect. Waiting to here from them......I am sure judging by the call, They don't care, and cannot help me. I only have 50,000 k on this well maintained vehical!!! very low miles for the year of car!!!

2001 Saturn L200 44,000 miles the timing chain jumped a cog and all valves were bent. Current repair bill is $3150.

It's my daughter car while in college in San Diego, Ca. We live in Minnesota so try and get a car repaired 3000 miles away.

I have a 2000 L Series Saturn and was driving it when I began to hear a loud ticking. It turns out that like a million others, my timing chain broke. Particles of metal from that incident have ruined my engine and while there are service bulletins galore on this the dealership won't cover any costs.

Another Timing Chain replacement needed! Took to Saturn dealer for dead AC compressor, was also informed that Timing Chain needs replacing (loud rattling noise). 2001 Saturn L200.

Price to replace timing chain is about $900.

1994 Saturn dohc stuck timing chain tensioner,caused timing chain failure destroying valves

needs new valves and timing chain ,guides,tensioner

my timing belt broke, they charged me 2110.33 to fix, not replace. from that point on there has been nothing but trouble with my engine. the dealership refused to take ownership of the faulty work. then they want me now to pay another 2000.00 for another engine. when on numerous occasions I have complaine to them that this did not occur until after my timing belt broke. then I see on the internet that there is a recall on my timing belt. I called back to Saturn Corp and they say it is not my vehicle which is not in accordance with with the report indicates.

It has been nothing but heartache and disappointment. I paid an initial 2110.00 then after I complained that there is still a problem with my car, they said it was a catalytic convertor which I had replaced for another 300.00 and the problem was still there and not until I took my car to another mechanic who told me there was a problem with my cylinder head did they admit was a problem, and they would correct for an additional 2000.00. but this was supposed to be corrected when the timing belt broke or on any of the occasions in which I complained about the problems with my car. I will never buy another Saturn due to the way I was treated by the dealership. I loved my car until this time, but because of the them not listening and trying to assist me while my car was under warranty after THEIR repair due to a faulty timing belt.

I have a 2001 Saturn L series and when I was driving it I almost crashed due to the recall. The time Chains in some saturn L series cars have been breaking and this is exactly what happened to me.

I took it to the Saturn dealer because I saw that it was recalled and that they would fix it for free, at least thats what they told me. I am upset because they never sent me a letter stating that my car was recalled and I could have got into a bad accident with other car, instead i hit the curb. I brought it to saturn and they said they would fix it for free and they have had it for about 1 month now and they just decided to call today to tell me that it doesnt look good. They said it would take 400 dollars to just look at it. The reason why my car is broken down is because of the timing chain going, so they should fix it for free. They are telling me that I need to pay for a whole new engine. I talked to my friend who works on cars for a living and he said because of the timing chain breaking it resulted it everything that is wrong with my car now, so they should fix everything. Now i've had to call out of work several times because of them having my car and not doing anything with it and lieing to me telling me they were fixing it and now they say that aren't arent unless i pay. This is very unfair and I dont know who to contact to help me. Im a full time college student and I also work full time and I need my car.

My 2002 Saturn L200, purchased from Saturn of Schaumburg in December of 2005, no longer runs because of a'serious design flaw in the timing chain mechanism'. The vehicle has only about 48,000 miles on it and the timing chain broke while I was driving. This caused the valves in the engine to bend. I was told by Saturn of Shaumburg that this problem did not effect my make or year, only 2001 vehicles. I was further told that this problem 'hardly ever happened with the L-series' However, upon further investigation I discovered that the timing chain assembly used in the recalled vehicles was also used in model year 1999 through 2003 Saturn L-series vehicles with 2.2 liter engines, which would include my vehicle. I got this information from Consumer Affairs. I also found that Saturn has repaired 2,932 vehicles under warranty because of timing chain failures and there are another 890 consumer complaints regarding this problem. When I called with this new information I was told that I had to tow my disabled vehicle to Saturn for their diagnosis at additional cost to myself before they could tell me if any of the cost of repair (estimated at $2,272.00 by an independent mechanic) would be covered by Saturn. I also spoke to Tim in Saturn's Customer Service Center, who said he would try to get the diagnosis charged waived, but probably wouldn't be able to. He also informed me that since I purchased the vehicle used, if Saturn did decide to cover something it was highly unlikely that they would cover 100%.

March of 2007, I noticed that my car was making an extremely loud engine noise while I was driving. I brought it into DCH Saturn of Brunswick, with what believed to be transmission concerns. I was informed that Saturn extended their VI transmission warrantly from 35,000 miles to 75,000 miles because it was a faulty unit in the 2001 models. DCH Saturn of Brunswick accepted my car and serviced it over the next few days. Completion was delayed because the original unit that they received was defective. It did not contain reverse. Under this warranty, a rental car is included. However, the consumer is responsible for daily fees. After a few conversations, I felt that I should not have to pay any monies towards a rental because it was apart of the warranty. DCH Saturn of Brunswick, then agreed to pay the total amount. The night I picked my car up, I noticed a hissing noise. It was also clunking loudly when I switched gears. My car also felt like it was going to stall when I was at a complete stop, as well as bucking.I called DCH Saturn of Brunswick back up and John, the manager told me to bring it back in. The next day, I was told that the steering boot was ripped; they had to re-adjust the motor mounts and reset the calibrations. However, the steering boot fell off again and the car was still running rough. I called DCH Saturn of Brunswick with my concerns and expressed that the problems were not fixed. I also stressed that these concerns were not present when I brought my car in initially. John informed me that I was not welcome at that location and to bring it somewhere else. I spoke with the GM and he informed me that I could take it to Greenbrook. He told me that it was closer than DCH Saturn of Brunswick. I argued with him and told him that Greenbrook was over forty minutes away while DCH Saturn of Brunswick was a matter of minutes. I spoke with corporate on several occasions and they said there was pretty much nothing that they could do to help me because DCH Saturn of Brunswick is privately owned and they could not force a dealership to do anything. Saturn of Greenbrook did accept my car. I took it for a test drive with a tech named Cecil for about 30 minutes. He noticed that my car was not driving correctly and wanted to take the transmission out to determine the problem. However, Anthony, the manager refused. He said that Saturn of Greenbrook did not service my car initially and that they would be losing money if they did. He also said that their was no service light on and until their was they could not find anything. However, their was no lights that came on when I initially had the beginning of this concern. I did express that to him. However, they did recalibrate the transmission. He said that after talking with the Saturn it was normal for the new transmission to buck. He claimed that the new torque converter gets confused and does not know if it should switch into a higher or lower gear at cruising speeds. I brought it back a few times because it was unsettling for me. My car was not purchased in this condition. I would have never have purchased it. When I am stuck in traffic or driving in a residential area the car bucks badily. My neck is often tense when I get out and I sometimes get headaches. I have called DCH Saturn of Brunswick again to look at the problem since the concern is worsening and I have a service light on and they told me to take it somewhere else and that I can no longer bring my car there. I dont know what to do. My car is VERY uncomfortable to drive and the problem is getting worse. No one will help. I have googled this and it seems to be a common problem with this make and model.

Wife and I bought a 2001 Saturn SL1 back in 2003, it came with 34,000 on it. We purchased the car for just under 5k, about 2 years of our driving on it.. around 59,000 the motor blew, lovely head gasket leak into the block. We had it repaired, feeling it was just dumb luck. Cost us about $1,600.. to do everything. Well this past weekend, the wife said the coolant light came on, I said Okay and went and got some.. thinking nothing of it.. Anyway.. long story short, another head gasket bites the dust. I'm done with Saturn, period. I don't want this one, I will not be repairing it nor do I want to own another one. We'll be the proud new owners of a 2005 Grand Prix GT in the coming days. Great stuff.

I have a 2000 Saturn L series. While driving on the highway it began to loose power ans struggled to excellerate. Suddenly it stalled. We put more gas in the car even with a half tank thinking maybe the gas nozzle was not reading properly. Well around 2 miles later on the Deegan Expressway smoke came from the engine,the car stalled, luckily there was a median to get out of harms way.

Did not know the extent of the damage so decided to change the engine with a used one. Cost $2400.00 replacement engine installation. Hotel, $140.00 (2 days). Rental car, $150.00 (one week).

I brought my car in for a noise. I was told my timing chain was bad and I should bring to the Saturn dealership. The car is 8 years old but only has 45,000 miles on it. To start with Saturn told me there would be a $560 teardown fee that they would have to perform to find out what is wrong with it. Because I had no choice I authorized the tear down.

They determined it was the timing chain tensioner. They said there were lots of loose metal shards that had to be removevd. They also said it was lucky I got it in when I did because the damage could have been much worse. My original mechanic also told me a valve cap had been damaged. The bill for this is $1,845. Saturn offered a 10% discount for the work. Their reasoning is even though the car has such low milage, the car is 8 years old. I understand there have been recalls for timing chain problems but, according to Saturn, my car does not fit into this recall. This is the second time I have had an expensive problem with my Saturn that was under a recall but my vin number did not fall into the recall.

I took my car 2002 Sl2 into the dealership because the engine light was on. I was aware of a small leak in the transmission (extremely small) and decided at that time to have it repaired. The mechanic told me that in order to repair the leak, rebuild the clutch and have a 90k mile service done would cost 2700+. I was willing and did pay for these fees. At the time I asked the mechanic that if I had these repairs done would it take care of everything for my car. He assured me that it would (my windshield wiper fluid was empty) and that they would also conduct a 21point inspection on the vehicle. After having my car for only 3 days the engine light came back on! Then when I went to check my wiper fluid it was still completely empty!! Called the dealership and left a message with the Service Manager stating my concern since the engine light was coming on. Especially since my car had just had major services done on it. After two days I still had not received a call back. On the 6th day after my car had been serviced by the Saturn of Concord my car stopped on the freeway!!!! Called Saturn to speak to the Service Manager once again (while sitting on the side of the freeway) and I got sent to voicemail three times before I finally had the operator go get him. Saturn did have my car towed back to their dealership. After waiting hours to hear back from them I finally called them myself and was informed that my fuel pump was the problem and it needed to be replaced. They also lied and said the fuel pump was inaccessible by the mechanic because I told them I felt they had tampered with my vehicle. And, I responded by saying if its inaccessible to the mechanic then how is it going to be repaired. My reason for feeling that it was due to dishonest business was because I had personally had one of their mechanics at the same location lie to me regarding work needing to be done to my car. I took my car in for its normal service and was told by the mechanic that I need all new brakes. Of course they were willing to perform this service right away. However I waited and took my car to another mechanic to inspect my brakes and was told by this mechanic (who also could have made a profit from me) that my front brakes were a 50% and my back brakes were still brand new!! He even recommended I wait to change my brakes. So if they were dishonest once what would stop them from being dishonest again? I have called Saturn Corporation to make a complaint and was offered two free oil changes. How infuriating!! After being stranded on the side of the road and Saturn of Concord refusing to take responsibility for my car I called the corporate office again and was assured that they would help me to resolve this issue, since customer service is so important to them. Someone did call me back; however, they offered to have my car inspected by another Saturn mechanic at a different location to see if what I was saying was true. I was also informed that they would not pay for another mechanic to inspect my vehicle unless it was a Saturn dealership. Why would I want another Saturn dealership to inspect my vehicle, doesn't that seem like a conflict of interest for Saturn? They (Saturn of Concord and Saturn Corporation) refuse to even take ownership that I paid all that money for repair and maintenance and the simplest thing such as refilling my wiper fluids was not done. They ignore the fact that when I had another mechanic inspects my brakes only to find them not in need of replacement Saturn's mechanic had been dishonest and lied to me saying I needed new brakes. So now, I'm out of over 2500+ dollars still without a working vehicle that in need of several hundred dollars worth of parts and labor.

1995 SC2, DOHC, one owner. Oil changes done every 3K with 5W30 per manual. High oil consumption began at about 75,000 miles (over 1 qt per 1,000 miles). At 104,000 miles now burns 1 qt in 600 miles. Cost of engine replacement is about $3800 thru Saturn. Having it done by an outside company gives a longer warranty. Highly unlikely to recommend Saturn for longevity.

I have a '97 SC-2 with 202,900 original miles on the engine! Not without a problem though. Approximately 166,000 miles, #1 cyl. intake valve spring broke in half. Saturn would not repair the engine but would gladly sell me a new engine ( go figure). I finally wound up repairing the engine myself. Not a very difficult job but needs to be researched first before you try it! I had to make my own valve compressing tool from hardware store parts. Total cost about $200 & 10 hrs. Car runs great!

On January 28, 2008 I brought in my 2003 Saturn Ion (with 43,000 miles) because my 'coolant light' was on. The mechanics and the Saturn rep. commented on how unusually low my coolant was... and said: wow, there must be a leak. After doing a pressure test, they couldn't find a leak - so then they topped off my coolant and said I was okay to drive it. I said: Are you sure? They said: Yes, you will be fine to drive it. They gave me no indication that I should keep an eye on it or bring it back in the next week. 4 weeks later, I noticed smoke coming out of my hood and a burning smell coming from my car. On March 21, 2008 - I brought it back in at which point they said that they think I need a new engine due to a crack in the cylinder head. I know that coolant fluid keeps an engine from overheating, and when an engine overheats it causes the cylinder head to warp or crack... They denied that the coolant issue I had brought it in for had anything to do with it. They blamed Saturn Inc for the engine being faulty from the start and denied having any responsibility in the issue. I

I purchased a Saturn SL1 new in 2002. About 2 yrs. later, I noticed the car would make a clunking noise and jerk on occasion when I put it in reverse. I took it to the Saturn Dealership in Bakersfield,CA and was told they couldn't duplicate the problem. I however, kept noticing it, so I took it back to them and was told the same thing. Now, today, the car started jerking as I accelerated into the different gears(my car is an automatic). This time, I took it to an independent auto repair shop and was told the valve body is messed up. It will cost approx. $600 to fix. I have read all the other similar complaints and am very disappointed that Saturn has done this to so many people. I'm angry that I was lied to and taken advantage of. We have 2 Saturns and both have had similar problems. I will never buy another Saturn again. I would be very interested in being part of any legal class action suit.

In January 2008 i had a major problem wit my 2000 Saturn LS, the timing belt broke causing extensive damage. It had cost me in total, 3000.00 to repair my car. I had no idea there was a recall on it.

Feb 27, 2008 WHAT HAPPENED? My wife was driving our 2001 Saturn L200 with the 2.2 liter DOHC engine with automatic transmission. This vehicle was purchased by us used with 27,309 miles on the odometer. My wife had driven approx 10 miles and had just pulled into the driveway at her workplace, The Navigators, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As she was driving, the vehicle died and the applicable dash warning lights were illuminated. She called me and I drove to the location to attempt to diagnose the problem and see if I could get it started. Unfortunately, the vehicle died in the travel lane of the street and was at risk of being hit by another vehicle. When I arrived, I parked my Ford Explorer approx 30 feet to the rear of the Saturn and activated my emergency flashers. After checking the vehicle, I was unable to diagnose nor fix the problem.

My daughter has a 2000 Saturn LS1 with the 2.2. She went to start it, but it would not run. Come to find out it was the timing chain. It did not break, but timing slipped. The chain stretched further than I have ever seen a chain stretch before. Fortunately she was not on the highway because it would have stalled possibly causing an accident or takig a life. After further investigation the head is cracked, and valves are bent. Saturn would not recognize that this is an issue, but they said there was a recall on some 2001 LS1 models with the same engine. Iam really disappointed that Saturn does not admit to there manufactoring flaw. My daughters car only has 60,000 miles on it, and other than the engine issue the car is all right. I feel that Saturn should be held responsible for the faulty timing chain oiling system, which appears from reading the comments, something that happens regardless of how many miles are accrued. I have been a mechanic for years, and I have never seen such a widespread issue since the Ford Escort head gasket issue, which Ford did a recall on.

We bought our 2002 L200 back in 2006 and it was a good car. We've had it just over a year and a half, maybe, and the head cracked (due to faulty casting) which causes water to shoot into the pistons, melted the coil, caused the spark plugs to fail, and has cost us (thanks to the NEX garage being so good on helping us) $2100 plus the cost of a rental car for three weeks. It's almost impossible to find a 2002 engine head that isn't damaged, my garage had to call all the way to Canada from California to find one. We're a military family with only one real income (my military disability doesn't really cover anything), so we can't afford this. We wanted to support an American brand, but after this I don't think I'll be buying another domestic car for a long time. Thanks Saturn, you've turned two more servicemembers against products from their own country.

We purchased a 2004 Ion for our daughter in college. She's had it a month and she reported to us today that when she went to turn the engine OFF, It would not shut off. Sounds like that she is experiencing the same problems everyone else has had with this car. Where is the government on these problems?

I purchased a 2000 Saturn LS2 in August of 2007 and here it is February, 2008 and the car is sitting in the shop for a repair that I can not afford. While driving from work the car made a strange sound ... I pulled over immediately and called for a tow. Once the car was at the Saturn for service I was informed that the timing belt went and damage some valve. The cost for repair would be around 3600. If that wasn't bad enough... I was first told that it should only take about two hours to see what was wrong with the care at a tune of $94 an hour. When it was said and done the total charge for checking the car was almost $400. I was also offer the option of having a used engine installed with no warranty.

As the original owner of a 1996 Saturn SC1 with 68,000 miles, this car has had four head gaskets replaced originating when this car was under a year old. In addition to these repeated catastrophic engine failures multiple replacements of alarm systems, radio, electrical issues and a defective front seat. This is what I purchased from Saturn. The most recent head gasket failure occurred in November 06. As I was exasperated by Saturn and this vehicle I was sold, I sued the Saturn Corporation in the Richmond County Small Claims Division for the cost of the fourth head gasket. Saturns representation was a no show?. After explaining my case to an Arbitrator, I was encouraged to seek the Lemon Law? and after I explained why that was no longer possible, I won on default. After receiving the judgment, Saturns representation filed an appeal. On the evening of the Appeal, your Counsel was unprepared! The Justice heard my case and reassigned a new court date because I had a good case?. He also wanted to know why I did not file a Lemon Law? case. This question was also asked on the third evening by the judge that awarded me a partial judgment. I never pursued the Lemon Law? because I believed in the integrity of the Customer Relations Area of Saturn. After each head gasket failure, I was assured that the problem was no big deal? and they would handle it. What in fact transpires and always transpired is that the Saturn people have a script? that they follow. The farther away they are from lawsuits, lemon laws etc, and the more discourteous the script.

My 2006 Saturn Ion Redline with 46,000 miles suddenly stopped running. There is no Saturn dealer in Ponca City so I had it towed to the local Chevrolet dealer. They diagnosed the problem as a failed oil pump causing the engine to lock up. Anyone who knows about engines knows there is nothing a driver can do to cause oil pump failure it is always a defect. I contacted Saturn (what they call customer service) and was given the party line. I must pay to have my car towed to the Saturn dealer 90 miles away before they will tell me anything. I have since found out that paying for good surveys is rampant at Saturn. Do not believe any survey results they produce. Dear Saturn if this is not true then sue me. Please sue me. Needless to say I will be trading this in on another non-saturn car. P.S. this engine the ecotech is produced by GM and used by Chevy.

I have a 2000 Saturn ls and as I was driving my timing chain broke.

I have 2002 Saturn L200 that has (100,000)a little over one hundred thousand miles on it. One day while driving it just stopped working. I took it to the dealership and they said that the timing chain just broke and I would need a new engine. They haven't told me anything about it being a problem with many of the cars. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to make them repair the problem now that I discovered that they are having this issue with many of their cars?

I'm currently a college student who could've lost her life while driving her 2001 Saturn L200 while driving on the highway at a speed of 60mph. My car suddenly slowed down and I had to cut a car off to get to the shoulder lane and almost had a sixteen wheeler hit me from behind because of a failing timing chain. I went to a mechanic and they stated my timing chain failed and bent my valves. Total cost to repair 3000-4000. Realistically when your in college your broke. How would I ever be able to afford a repair like that. For about ten months my car has been sitting in a garage. I'm still paying on the car and it doesn't start. This is very frustrating to have a car and you can't drive it.

While driving home from Maryland, without warning engine stopped on the highway. I had to have it towed to Saturn dealership where they told me my timing chain broke and it would cost me over $3,000. It now sits in my garage waiting to be repaired. By the way that has been a year and half ago. (it is hard to find a 2002 Saturn engine not broken).

While driving home from Maryland, without warning engine stopped on the highway. I had to have it towed to Saturn dealership where they told me my timing chain broke and it would cost me over $3,000. It now sits in my garage waiting to be repaired. By the way that has been a year and half ago. (it is hard to find a 2002 Saturn engine not broken).

bought a brand new 2002 Saturn SL2. Regular maintenance. Timing belt broke at 100,000 miles. Engine is destroyed. Thanks a lot Saturn for not telling me it needed replaced before it broke. How many millions of timing belts have to break before you get the hint???

My 2001 L200 Saturn had a timing chair failure at only 31K miles with resulting upper engine failure. Cost to repair was $3600. No help from Saturn. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Never again!

I have a 2003 Saturn Ion for over a year now. Just recently the timing chain broke on it. I went to start my car a week ago and it wouldn't start. I had to have it towed to a Goodyear because that was the only thing open at the time. They couldn't fix it but recommended a mechanic. The mechanic has looked at it and indeed the timing belt is broken. When the timing belt broke it bent the valves. Now not only am I having to pay for the labor and timing chain now I have to pay for new valves, head gasket, fuel pump and thermostat. I have called Saturn and they were no help. I am really frustrated about this situation and I will NEVER buy a Saturn again.

Add me to the list. A Saturn 2001 wagon is being towed from my driveway as I write this. No help from the dealer. They act as tho this has never happened before. When I happened upon this sight, I realized how serious this problem must be, and I guess the answer must be...no more Saturn's for us. My husband & I each are driving one...but no longer after reading all of these reports and without any assistance from the dealer.

Well, i'm sadly disappointed in Saturn now that I see all these complaints. I bought my 1992 Saturn SL-1 in 2003, it was all the money I had at the time as a single mom to get it, it cost me $1750.00 to buy and $1300 in repairs I thought would give the car a longer life, which I Needed ! I have had Various problems with the car, from small things like the Seasonal windshield wipers, they only work in summer and only on the highest setting, and ever so often they turn on by themselves. Other problems include burning an insane amount of oil, roughly 4quarts every week, and the engine idling at 1k RPM then suddenly shoots up to 3k RPMs without anyone in the car! The most recent was this morning I was driving my son to school and it started revving up off and on, the lights were flickering on and off, and a tapping was coming from underneath about where the emergency brake is near the center console. I managed to get it back to my house, almost causing me to wreck as it kept leaping forward in large jumps I barely had any control over my speed, and all this with a 1 year old in the back seat. I am Not Happy. My family has been a Saturn family for years, My grandparents own nothing but Saturns, my aunts..uncles.. my sister has Two of her own, a 96' SC coupe that screwed up with the same problem, and a new Saturn Vue with a newly developed oil leak. As far as i've seen, this is a known and common problem with Saturn cars, and they should take thier responsibility with EACH customer. I may not have bought it fresh from the factory, but no car should act like this with no warning. This put both of my kids at risk, myself, and other drivers. I am calling Saturn right now.

I purchased a Saturn SL1, 1994 about a month ago. When I purchased the car, Joe the man who did my paper work told me that if the car had a major problem, if I was a good paying customer he would work with me and either fix it or trade it in. A week later after purchasing the car I got a tune-up. And every two weeks after that I had to put 2-3 quarts of oil in the car. I took the car to the mechanic to see if the car could be fixed. He said it wasn't worth because the car has a serious engine problem. I explained this to Joe at Young's Auto Sales and they said I could trade it in even though the owner really didn't do that. But because I was a good customer who paid on time he was willing to do it. On Saturday, Dec 1, I went to their sister lot because I told I could and saw a Honda Civic I was willing to get and put more money down if needed. I got in the Civic and drove it to Young's Auto Sales to do the exchange. But when I got there Joe the man behind the desk told me a different story. He couldn't do the exchange now because supposedly I can only change the car for something on his lot. I got aggravated and started to look for another car. I finally decided on a Honda Accord and wanted to take to car for a test drive and the man told I could not take the car because it was too late in the day. Now I think that's not fair because if he would told me in the beginning I would have never wasted my time at the sister lot. I felt like I was being taken for a fool. So I tried to explain to Joe why that wasn't fair and he basically said there was nothing he could now but wait until Monday. So I decided to wait until Monday to come back and when Monday came the man told me I couldn't change the car because of my attitude. So I now I am stuck with a lemon. Please take note this a buy here pay here and the reason I am mad is because they made me waste time and gas and had no reason not to trade in the car. So now I am stuck with a car that needs major engine work. I have two jobs and was willing to do what ever it took to keep them and myself happy. Is there anything I can do?

My girlfriend had purchased this car with 35k on it as a used car with no warrenty. Now lets get some things straight. I know I have no warrenty, and I know saturn did no work on it, but how can you blame the possibility of dirty oil on a intake leake? The leak throws a ecm code, it is unsmoggable. I talked to saturn and asked them about the other problem with the car using 1 qt of oil in 600 miles? They said the rings are worn becasue it had dirty oil in it. Well I hold a cert in the mechanic field and I know that the oil was the best, changed on time and intakes do not fail unless there is a surface problem or a fault with the gasket. So I looked up the replacement gasket and it is a upgraded one. Saturn told me that there is no problem with the gasket failing. I asked them , sincce they have proven that they are not in the business of helping why would they just make a new gasket? If I am an isolated case why are the oil consumption and intake problems all over the internet? They hung up!!!!

2001 Saturn L200 - timing chain failure. Bent valves; cost to repair = $1200.00.

Cranks but won't start. Removed front cover and found timing chain was not broken but had slipped. Performed compression test and found 0 psi on all cylinders. Most likely the valves are bent due to chain slippage. Replaced cylinder head. Date of repair: 12/13/2005. Milage: 57659. Cost to owner: $3194.53

Add me to the long list of Saturn owners w/ this problem ! I bought a used 2000 L series w/ just under 60,000 miles.(august 2006) Last fri. 11/02/07, with no warning, the timing chain broke !!!!!! Sound familiar ,anyone ? ! What's UP Saturn ?!!!! Many of us who thought we had found a good buy, are weeping tears of regret !!!

My daughter's 2002 Saturn with 55000 miles made a loud noise and quit. We had it towed. The garage said it needed a new timing belt. After $3400 they said the engine was no good and would replace it for another $3500. This looks like this same thing has happened to other saturns. Any suggestions?

The belt snapping ruined the oil pump and heads.

On August 5, 2007 I was traveling on the highway at about 65 miles per hour with my son in the back seat when the steering column of my car locked in position and my car lost all power. I was lucky enough to pull safely to the side of the road without any incident. I had my car towed to my trusted local mechanic whom my family and I having been dealing with for many years. It took him 2 weeks to fix a serious malfunction on my vehicle. The timing chain snapped causing excessive amounts of damage to my car and the engine. I just bought my Saturn in June 2006 with just over 36,000 miles and when my timing chain snapped I only had 50,000 miles. Saturn basicaly just laughed at me and said b/c I did not bring my car to a Saturn dealership and b/c it was over 36,000 miles there is nothing they can do for me.

Timing Chain broke at 75,000 miles, with no warning. Engine shut down at 65 miles per hour on a busy freeway.

As many others have reported, I had the timing chain on my 2002 Sturn L100 break when I was on the highway with my 2 children. I lost all power to the vehicle but was luckly able to get to the side of the road safely. This appears to be a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

Well after reading all of the complaints on this page i am ready to blow my lid. Saturn knows about these engine problems and seems to do nothing about it. I have a 2001 saturn that i bought new. My car has a little over 51,000 miles. My car began to hesitate and of course began to turn off as well. Each time i took it in they said they could not find out what was wrong. Finally they took the oil pan off and said thet had found particles in the oil pan(COST FOR THIS $206.00 7/30/07 AT A DISCOUNT AND ON FRIDAY 7/27/07 $105.00 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST). This lead them to tell me that my engine was slowly breaking off internally and that i would need a NEW ENGINE, that sounds like a word Saturn likes to use. The cost for the new engine is around $3400-$3600. What a joke and let me go in my backyard and check my money tree to see if its grown $3600 to fix my saturn. I have done every maintenance regularly and have my paper work to show this. Something needs to be done because it seems that saturn does not care about correcting its problems.

I'll keep this short because I 'm still so angry. I have a 2002 Saturn SL2. I was driving on the Highway when I lost power and the engine rattled. I was told that it was a maintenace problem because the Oil was black. Are you kidding me, I only had 70,000 miles on it. I'm paying 3,500 to replace the Engine.

On June 8, 2007 I was driving on the highway during a rain storm when my car lost all power, this happened while I was drive at Highway speeds. Luckily, I was able to pull over on the shoulder and did not get hit,since everything felt like it lost power. I was stuck on the side of the road for hours and finally had my car towed out. I brought the car to another garage to avoid the trip to Saturn hoping it was something reasonable to be fixed. The garage said they could not fix the car and I had to pay for a tow again to Saturn in White Plains.

At Saturn of White Plains, they held my car for a few days due to backlog with cars and they called me to tell me that the diagnostics showed my timing chain snapped and it would cost me $ 3600.00 for repairs. I initially asked Saturn while may car was their if they could look at my AC since that failed also with no pressure.

They said I probably should not bother and I agreed since the timing chain would be expensive. I decided not to have the repairs done at Saturn of White Plains and had my car towed to my home Yorktown, NY. I was hoping to see if I could replace the whole engine cheaper or get the car repaired. I had to rent a car while my car was being repaired since I did decide to bring the car (towed) to a garage in Yonkers for service! I paid over $ 500.00 in towing fees, $ 600.00 for rentals fees and another $ 2200.00 for repairs.

This was cheaper than going to Saturn for the work. Now I have had my car back two weeks and my new problem is my security light is suddenly appearing and all lights on my dash. Since I have had this vehicle I purchased used in 2001, I have had the ignition control module repaired three times and numerous other problems. All that were not covered under my warranty. PS - You may have two emails regarding this case sent. I copied and pasted a complaint I sent to another online user while I was going through this issue and it was still linked to the bottom of this email!

My 2001 Saturn L200 just had a timing chain failure. The repair cost is $2900 because of the damage this failure caused to the engine components. I bought this vehicle used from Saturn in 2005, with approximately 37 or 39k miles on it. I understand this timing chain issue is an extremely common complaint with the L Series vehicles made by Saturn/GM, and it is a dangerous one. There was never any consumer awareness bulletin issued or remedy offered to owners of these vehicles. GM has known about this defect for years.

Timing Chain failed on 2002 Saturn vue with 4 cylinder engine while driving down the highway at 45 miles an hour. Lost power in heavy traffic

At 65,000 miles, just 5000 over the warranty, my 2001 Saturn L200's timing chain broke causing well over $3,000.00 of damage to the vehicle. This does not include the towing charges and inconvienounce of not having a car. I am still awaiting for the car to be repaired. When I called the dealer they said it was over warranty and we were on our own.

I am reporting the problem in hopes of getting some kind of settlement if and when any class action suit is won against Saturn. I have been searching and have found many similar timing chain problems of the Saturn L series. I wish Saturn would stand by their product more. Especially since it appears to be more then a few people having these issues. I have been totally in favor for buying American made autos, but now I am forced to evaluate my thinking.

i purchased a saturn 2002 L series back in 2004. a year later while i was driving the car the time chain broke without any warning, i had it towed to my mechanic and had to have the engine rebuilt because he said the pistins were also gone. It cost me $2000. I tried over and over again to get the dealership to cooperate but they kept blowing me off. My mechanic said Saturns are notourious for blowing timing chains.

I've been experiencing a loss of power and stalling in my 2001 Saturn LS. I only have 84,000 kms on the car. The Saturn dealership where I take my car has advised me that the problem is with the timing chain, specifically the tensioner is sticking and that it will cost me over $1000 to have this fixed. They tried to say that this was because of infrequent oil changes despite the fact that my car is very well maintained and I have always had oil changes every 3 to 4 months.

Three weeks ago, my daughter and friends were driving along a very dangerous stretch of road when our 2000 Saturn SL suddenly died while traveling 55mph. Stunned and alarmed, my daughter managed to safely come to a stop fortunately without causing a traffic incident.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, coolant was noticed spewing from the side of the engine. After towing to the shop, my mechanic gave the bad news, the engine was blown and I would need to replace the engine.

At 78,000 miles, I thought this car had lots more life ahead and with the upkeep of regular scheduled maintenance, I really thought I had a winner. Well, I thought wrong!? I ended up being the looser with no car I've been looking for an engine-(used),twin cam, even harder to find! After reading the comments, I'm planning to junk the piece of s_ _ t! Thank goodness this was my weekend car.

Saturn's reputation is forever tarnished in my book... Consumers Beware!!!

The timing chain on my 2001 Saturn LS broke after 78,000 miles. After researching, found out many of the same exact problems with other Saturn owners. Must now spend over $3000 to get used engine installed and Saturn will not help or acknowledge problem. Defect effects most modey year 200-2003 L Series vehicles with 2.2 L 4 valve engine. The oil nozzle was not made properly to deliver the sufficient amount of oil to the chain at low rpms resulting in chain breakage and engine damage, Saturn is blaming all the owners citing improper oil changes which they know is a false staement. As a result, hundreds of customers are having to shell out thousands of dollars to fix their engines. Saturn knew the problem existed and never issued a recall.

I bought a used Saturn SL1 at least a few years ago from Saturn of green Brook in New Jersey. the car only had the low 30,000 miles on it. It now has 48,000 miles on the engine. My mechanic looked at it a few days ago because of an erratic curb idle and found the the #1 cylinder wasn't firing properly. he further diagnosed that the head gasket as well as the intake manifold gasket were leaking.

I now have to get another engine put in the car for approximately $3,000. The business that is installing the engine told me he doesn'tuse the long life antfreeze that Saturn recommends (dex cool) because he has seen it deteriorating gaskets in many vehicles. After going on your web site and seeing all of the complaints from GM owners of all kinds of vehicles, it is apparent that this long life anti freeze is destrying peoples engines far before their time! If there any class action lawsuits that I can add my name to, please do so.

I will never buy another GM vehicle as a result of me having to pay $3,000 as a result of an apparent defect in them telling everyone that their cars must run on this long life antifreeze when in fact it is killing engines far before their time! Thank You Norman Rackison

My timing chain broke while driving, destroying the engine. Car only has about 69000 miles.

Cost for rebuilt engine is about $3,500.

My wife owns a 2001 Saturn SL2 with approximatey 118,000 miles on it. It has never over heated but I took it in to Pep Boys for a new water pump which was leaking. They called me up later saying that they could not replace the water pump because the headgasket was blown.

Being a machinist I know that it the gasket is blown then the head is also warped, how it warped without overheating is a mystery to me, all I know is that the cost of repairs is approximately $2000, probably more than the car is worth. Saturn has to know that there is a flaw in their design.

Even though it is a Saturn it is still a GM product, junk.

Last weekend I tried to start my 2000 Saturn LS1 and it would not crank. I had the car towed in and it appears that the chain broke. I have only 72,000 miles on the car and there was no warning that anything was wrong with the engine.

I had a quote to repair the engine for over $3000 and I just do not have the money for this. After reading everyone elses account of the issues with their Saturn, I will not purchase another vehicle from saturn again.

I bought my second Saturn a few years ago. My first Saturn had a head replaced at approximately 80,000km. I continued to have problems and upgraded to a 2000 SL wagon in 2003. Just recently, with only 125,000km my timing chain went, while highway driving.

I am told that I need eith a new engine, rebuilt ot used on installed. When I spoke to the Saturn mechanic and the sales manager, they said the timing chains rarely go. After checking the internet, I see that the National Highway Traffic safety Administration has openned a preliminary investigation on my very problem. I am assumming that this is more of a problem than what Saturn admitted to.

I am going to bring this to their attention to see what they have to say. I am not expecting any satisfaction, unless a recall occurs.

I have a L200 Saturn 2002; I just went over my 100,000 miles by 3,000 miles. Just last week I was driving on Lake Shore Drive and the car just shut off. I had the car towed to a mechanic. He told me that the timing chain broke and I need a new engine, because the timing chain caused other things to go wrong with the engine. It's been a week and I am still without my car. He did say that it would cost me about $1900.00. $1900.00!

That I do not have at this time because I am in the midst of having to move out of my apartment because they turned them into condos (which I can't afford to buy). So now I am trying to move and pay for a car that I so desperately need in order to keep my job. Anyway, I called the Saturn dealer ship and explained the problem. They told me that just to replace some of the parts to the engine it would be 2400.00 w/o labor. 7500.00 for a new engine.

I am broke, disgusted, and just plain angry. I have to come up with money to move with, my son's tuition and money to fix a car, which I very much need. Saturn should be held accountable since they know it is a problem. How can they get away with such awful acts? Is this a part of the lemon law? Now I am stuck with paying a car note on a broke down car. I need my car! I need Saturn to own up and fix this problem! I am a part of the working poor and it's just plain said for them to ignore the problem.

My 2001 saturn L200 with only 40,000 miles died while driving to work.After being towed to repair shop, mech.told me timing chain went and to contact Saturn dealer because this is a design flaw with 4 cyl 2.2L engines.still waiting to get call back from dealer.

I purchased a 1998 Saturn LS1 used, with 41,000 miles on it almost 4 years ago. It now has just under 80,000 miles on it. 5 days ago I went to start it and it wouldn't start. It made a little noise and then went dead. I had it towed to a repair shop and they tell me today that the timing chain broke. He said it needs a new engine, as there was lots of damage to the engine when the timing chain broke. He and I are now looking for a used engine, as I cannot afford to buy another car.

Travelling the Ohio Turnpike at 74 mph among/surrounded by 18 wheelers, my 2002 saturn L100 completely lost power. It was as if someone turned off the switch. Has 76,000 miles (not hard. Became stranded due to malfunction/timing belt broke. Repair costs $1,500.00. Within a month of the repairs the serpentine belt snapped causing the alternator to break with an additional $500.00 repair costs.

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I have a 2005 Vue. Several months ago I noticed that it was leaking (a few drops) of oil. I took it to Saturn of Ontario and they added dye to the oil and told me drive it another 500 miles because they couldn't tell where the leak was coming from. I work far from home and was not able to get it back into the shop until December. I took it to Firestone (love them) and they said it was leaking from the head gasket and that I should take it to the dealer. I immediately took it to Saturn of Loma Linda and told them what Firestone told me...this was Friday morning at 9:30 am.

Friday evening Lynn from Saturn called to say they hadn't gotten to it, but hopefully could on Saturday...or Monday. On Saturday morning Lynn called to say it was in fact the head gasket and they would have to order it and it should be in Monday or Tuesday. Tuesday Lynn called to say that when they took the engine apart they discovered that the bearings were also bad and that they would have to order those, but they were going to overnight them. On Wednesday, I called Saturn at 2:30 pm to find out about my car. The parts had not come in...apparently they didn't think I needed to know this. On Thursday Lynn called to say that the bearings had come in, but they were damaged and they had to be re-order.

He offered a 10% discount. On Friday Lynn called again to say that the bearings had arrived undamaged, but only the lower bearings had arrived, not the uppers. They will have to be re-ordered. He offered me a loaner car for the weekend. Saturn has had my car, for a one day repair job, for 8 days. I opened a case with Saturn Corporate because I didn't feel that a car with 52,000 miles on it should need these types of repairs, but they disagreed and offered me $100 in retail store coupons, I declined. This is my second and last Saturn.

Second instance In 50,000 miles of: Timing Chain 'Slipped' due to lack of lubrication. This is on my 2002 Saturn Vue, 4 cyl. engine - Front wheel drive. Saturn blames me for not keeping up with the every 3000 mile oil change requirement. I have seen a report, on consumeraffairs.com, of an investigation into frequent timing chain failures in this model engine. The report references lack of oil flow to the timing chain when operating at low RPM. (This is the type of driving I do.)

The report also references all timing chain service kits now available will include an oiler nozzel, a new design that will increase oil flow to the timing chain under low RPM operating conditions. The first instance was covered under warrantee at around 20,000 miles. The current instance occurred at 54,000 mi. , and is now out of warrantee.

What a Christmas present. My Saturn has had the check engine light on for a few years now. Everytime I take it in to get a computer read on it, they tell me that it is a bad sensor and that the car is fine.

My car started to drive funny and misfire, so I changed the spark plugs and spark plug wires. Afterwards, the car would no longer start. I am lucky because I have people to work on my car and it broke down in a garage (thankfully I was not driving). We changed the ignition coil after the spark plugs and wires, and it still would not start. I called the mechanic and he told me to have it towed to his house.

He tried to start it and immediately told me that the timeing chain broke and that I needed a new engine (because when the timing chain breaks, there is a piece that also breaks off and bends the valves in the engin. I am in the process of getting an engine from the junk yard, but I have no idea what it will cost me. I just graduated college yesterday, and work to support myself, but live paycheck to paycheck.

Now I find out that Saturn knows about this problem. What a joke. I will never recommend Saturn to anyone!

It is so good to know that I am not alone with This problem I have a Saturn 2000LW while griving on the 75 I heard a clanking noise coming from the engine so I slow down to hear what the noise was since I was just around the corner to my house I kept going by the time I got home the noise was worse and the car was shaking like it was on the last leg so I turn it off and the next day I diceided to take a look at the problem. Removing the Timing Belt cover I discover that the Timing Belt Tensioner was broken with my little knowledge I set out to fix it to my surprise none of the local parts store had this part it is a dealer item only that cost me $412.00 of which I bought you can not just buy the tensioner you have to by the whole kit because now the back plate has to be change because SATURN went and changed the size of the bracket for the tensioner and it will not fit the old plate so I went on and change it come to find out you need a special tool to do the timing on that engine I have done some timing chains already in my life but this one beats the cake the tool to do the timing guest who have it (SATURN) yep that's right but they do not sell it neither dose the parts stores so now I have every thing back together but there is still a knocking in the engine so I said you know what let Saturn deal with it so I call a tow truck which cost me $125.00 to take to the SATURN dealer at the dealer I was told that the timing was ok but because the belt and Tensioner was broken the valve and the piston was broken which will cost me $4300.00 to fix even with the work that is already done> I do believe that something should done seeing all these complain has been made about the same vehicle some thing is wrong that is causing this type of problem and costing the public so much money just to replace the valve and the piston cost $4300.00 please help. Thank YOU

I am so glad we found your web site. We thought the shop was just trying to get all the money out of us it could. On last thursday we put gas in our car and took off. About a block later the car ceased on it's on like we were riding an escalator and it just came to a stop. The battery and the air conditioning worked but we thought it must be that we weren't getting enough juice. We went to our trunks and got our portable charger and it did not work. We then stopped someone to jump us and that didn't work. We hitched a ride to pick up our daughter from childcare (thank God we are alive) we only had twenty minutes to get there and walked with our briefcases and suits and bags all the way home. We figured the bill would be a couple of hundred dollars as we had no problem ever. The shop has just called us and told us our Saturn LS200 needs an engine. The cheapest is $3200. due to the timing chain breaking. We thought they must be kidding until we found this page of others who are just like us. Something should be done for us.

We have to come up with the money now and have to get back and forth from work. We are renting a car which is taking from that, we have to get our child to school. We will have no money with this for mortgage, childcare,Gas, parking and living, food. I can't believe Saturn knew about this.

I purchased a Saturn SL2, with a extended warranty for 73,000 miles or till 2008. When my car broke down in feb.06, I had it towed to a Quality tune up. I was told in order to determine the problem with car they would need to tear the engine. The engine block was cracked and the pistons needed to be taken to a machine shop. I was told by the mechanic after contacting Saturn with the contract that Saturn would not honored the contract even with 68,000 miles, 5,000 miles less than on the contract. Saturn has told me the contract was and that a letter was sent to me to let me ,and if I had any questions to call them. The terms of the contract were changed without my knowledge, I never recieved a letter of thier intentions to change the contact. I paid out of my pocket over $1,600 to get my car fixed. Saturn will not return my phone calls even though the car is still under contract. I paid $1,500 for that extended contract.

Economically I was broke, emotionally I felt like I was robbed and treated like I was taken fool and embarrassed. I do not make a lot of money and this is affecting me emotionally.

Our Saturn 2001 L2000 timing chain broke at 55K miles while on the highway. From reading about other similar timing chain problems from other Saturn owners it is obvious this needs to be fixed by a recall. This is a highly dangerous malfunction when you lose power in your car while driving at highway speeds! The cost to repair a timing chain and all of the damage it causes to other parts of the engine is in excess of $2000. We were charged $550 for the service dept at Saturn to take apart the car to determine what else broke when the timing chain broke. Please help us and other Saturn owners to get this fixed to avoid large repair bills and unsafe driving conditions.

I own a 2000 Saturn LS1 with 80,000 miles and the timing chain broke while traveling 55 mph down the highway. I am finding that this is a common problem that other owners are having that results in the need for engine replacement ($3,000-$4,000). Saturn is refusing to recall the vehicle for this problem.

I was driving down a very busy tollroad in the Chicagoland area, when with no warning my engine ceased on my 2001 Saturn L200. I contacted a tow driver to haul my car to the closest auto mechanic and he explained to me that the cars timing belt had broken and that the car would now need a new engine. He explained to me that Saturn vehicles of this model had a tendency to do this and that Saturn was well aware of the problem. After further research I found that his statement to be true.

I contacted the customer service 800 number for Saturn and they offered to help me out only if I were to take the vehicle to a Saturn dealership. I called around and located a Saturn dealer approximately 4 miles from the mechanic I had the car originally towed to. However, before I took the car to Saturn I wanted to call them and get estimates on how much they wanted for a replacement engine for the car. The service department quoted me $950 for the labor, and then transferred me to the parts department who then quoted $7000 for the engine, stating they had no rebuilt engines for this car available.

Needless to say, even with any so-called help from Saturn there is NO way that I could possibly rationalize placing a $7000 engine into a car whose Kelly blue book value is approximately $6500. I have authorized the original mechanic to start work on the car immediately.

While driving along a city highway my 2000 Saturn LS suddenly shut down. It was determined that the timing chain had broken and the pistons went thru the cylinger head resulting in $2300 parts & labour for a used cylinder head. New would have been $4650. Advised dealer of NHTSA probe but they stated they are unaware of these problems. The mileage is only 117000 kms

I paid a lot of money for the Saturn LS, the first yr it was released, a lot more than the regular Saturn & it is very dissapointing that I have to spend so much on a car that is only 6 yrs old and with only 117000 kms. Had this happened the week before on the 407 near Toronto, the consequences could have been greater and could have caused a major accident.

2001 L Series timing chain failure. Improper oil flow in the timing chain lubricating mechanism contributed to the failure. GM has issued a technical service bulletin advising dealers of a timing chain design change for the some Saturn Vues and Ions, but has said nothing as to what happens to the rest of us.

Had to get towed to the dealership $228 and have to have the motor replaced $3,800 with a used motor (59,000 miles on it) from a salvage yard. The replacement motor is right in line to have the same problem. A new motor was more than $6,500.

I have had engine problems since the 1st week I bought Saturn ION. I have had the vehicle in the shop, had more rental cars, had the computer system replace, new catalytic converter pipe replace and much more, all within 3 months of owning the car. The engine lights keep coming, the car jerks and then, the car will no longer move. I keep having the car towed into the dealership and they fix "it" although they keep telling me they don't know what's wrong with "it" because they do not know what "it" is.

I finally looked up the Lemon Law an decided that my car most definitly fits the description - I have even tried to look up the VIN # to see if I can find out where the car orginated from - I purchased the car from Las Vegas but I know live in Florida. I purchased the car just before I left the area because of the good name, reputation for standing behind their cars and the last of service needed on these cars. Boy was I mistaken!! I have been dealing the customer service department at headquarters in TN.

Although my rep has been very nice, polite and pleasant, I have been told that since the maintenance tech. can not duplicate the problem then they do not see where there is a problem. So, I am expected to keep breaking down in the evening being stranded on the road or being stranded in early hours of the morning on my way to work. These seem to be the times of day that I have broken down now approximately 7 times now. I feel as though my luck may be running out. What if I am going 65-75 miles per hour on the free way and my car decided to not want to move anymore. Is it going to take a car accident where I or someone else could get hurt or worse, loose a life.

My car has an electrical or engine problem and Saturn needs to step up to the plate and take care of the situation. I have only had the care 3 1/2 months and should not be having these problems. When you spend 18K for a car it should give you at least a couple of years before things start to happen.

I have sever anxiety when driving my car these days wondering if today or tonight is the time it is going to die again on me. I wonder if all the cars behind me will stop in time so as not to hit me because I can not go any faster than 1-3 miles per hour all the while trying to get to the side of the road. I have not had to put out of of my own money as the car is brand new and I spend $1400 on the extra warranty - so I guess when you really look at it I have put out $1400.

My Saturn kept stalling. I brought it to Saturn to look at. They told me they couldn't find anything the matter with the car. I brought it home and it kept stalling again so I brought it back. This time they kept the car for over a week. Everyday I called they told me they couldn't find anything the matter with it but would continue to look. In the meantime, they would not give me a loaner car which made it very difficult to arrange driving myself and my husband to work along with my 1 yr. old to daycare and doctors appts. b/c he was sick at the time.

Well after a week had past and I was still getting the run around that they were still looking at the car, I told them enough is enough. They then told me that they would put a new gas gauge in the car but they didn't know if that was truly the problem or not. They did not charge me for it but told me that was only b/c they didn't know what the problem with the car was and b/c I was extremely aggravated for not having the car for over a week with no updates to what the problem was and no loaner car in the interim.

Now that I have the car back, it is no longer stalling, but the gas gauge is off. I never know when the car is empty or truly full with gas. The car has broken down on some occasions b/c I have run out of gas, yet the gas gauge says it is only 1/2 empty. Saturn wants to charge me to fix this. I don't feel I should be charged at all b/c they did not properly put the gas gauge in to begin with. I almost feel that they installed in incorrectly so that I would have to come back and now be charged for it.

Saturn cars engines are a minace. I would like to warn others. I have a 1998 Saturn SL that is useless. We have have the transmission repaired before the warranty ran out, we have had problems with it since we got it. Now there is a rod thrown with 120,000 miles on it. It would cost $4,000.00 to repair the engine, including labor and the car isn't worth that much blue book. I will never own another Saturn and I will warn other consumers if I can. No satisfaction has been received by recall or from the manufacturer and there are reports of the same type engine problem complaints all over the internet. Look for yourself.

Car is scrap metal in my driveway.

I purhased my Saturn SL1 after graduating from college, thinking it would be a good car for the 5 years I hoped to utliize it for transportation, planning to replace it with a Honda after 5 years. How I wish after $4000, 4 years, 2 heads and a block later, I had purchased the Honda first! Having put almost all highway miles , and religiously changing the oil, for which I still have all the receipts, I first started noticing the oil usage at around 50000 miles, soon after the warranty expired. This led to the engine overheating and after a couple days of adding Dexicool, I noticed oil in the water.

We spent many fruitless hours talking with Saturn, but as the warranty had expired and I did not have the maintenence done at their shop, they refused to do anything. So I bit the bullet and had the repairs done elsewhere. Imagine my surprse when at 92000 miles the symptoms re-occurred! So I once again took it in and they diagnosed it as the head again. This time however it was not the head, but the block! After again spending countless, wasted hours trying to work with Saturn, we failed to get any response other than lip service, and as a result I am forced to replace the engine with a used engine (32000 miles).

Back to my original plan, (albiet after investing $5000 more than I expected) I will have an engine has a 1 year warranty, I hope to drive for 11 months and will trade it in for a used Honda at the dealer I purchased it from. I personaly would not resell this car knowing what I know about Saturn and their different kind of car!