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Saturn Miscellany

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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

Carolyn of Houston TX (8/20/03):
In March 1994, I purchased a new Saturn SC2. Since then I have had $9970+ work done on it. This car has had almost every part replaced and it's still in the shop today, August 20, 2003. When they "put it on the computer" to see what the problem is, it begins. They start with the most expensive item first, then tell me the problem is fixed. I drive around the block & it's not fixed. So, they say "well, it must be the 'so & so', and say I'll have to leave it there some more. This kind of thing goes on and on. I'm so sick of Saturn and its runaround I can hardly type this note.

And, the air bag never worked either. I've been in two accidents and neither time did the airbar deploy. Of course, if it had it might have blown my head off. I have every receipt for everything I have paid to Saturn and it's $9970+, that's not counting any usual oil changes (which are sky high at the dealership)or any other minor expenses. Also, the mechanics get oil from their hands all over the inside of the vehicle, which is just great since they always want me to wait while they wash the outside of it.

George of Bettendorf IA (8/19/03):
I had leased a 2001 Saturn SC2. This auto was returned at the end of the lease on 15 August 2003. The auto was in the shop at least 18 times for various problems. This auto is the worst automobile I have ever owned or leased. It has been in the shop more times and longer than the total of all cars I have owned in 35 years.

The automobile regularly inconvienenced me and my wife. I did not receive satisfactory value for the lease fees paid. I also experienced out of pocket expenses for servives required and not covered weeks after the warranty expired. My wife and I took vacation time off work and personal time to accomodate servicing this vehicle.

Victor of Key West FL (7/28/03):
We purchased a 1997 Saturn new and it has now a total of 32,000 original miles on it. We have replaced the alternator after considerable electrical problems, also the water pump, harmonic balancer, engine mounts and now the entire interior roof canopy is falling off and the entire exhaust systems from manifold back requires replacement ($1,800). Saturn offers no help nor any willingness to honor their warranty on the catalytic convertor. We are investigating that warranty now but even so this is an enormous amount of problems to have in 30,000 miles. We are very disappointed in Saturn and don't feel they have treated us with integrity nor honored their commitment to their owners.

"B.R." of Lowell MA (5/25/03):
I own a 2000 Saturn SL2. While on a camping trip 100 miles from home my rear bumper popped off one side of the car spontaneously. I was backing out of a parking area, heard a loud noise and got out to investigate. The bumper is platic, and is apparently held on by a series of plastic rivets. A couple of rivets had popped, causing the driver's side bumper to drag on the ground. The car at the time was less than one year old, and had no bumper or body damage. I tied the bumper up with rope before heading home.

When I took my car to the dealer, instead of being told that they would examine the car, I was immediately challenged by the service manager, who told me that what I described couldn't ever happen. I asked them to at least look at the car. When I spoke to them later I was told that I must have hit something, because there was a small "smudge" on the underside of the bumper. I told them it probably happened when the bumper dragged on the ground briefly after popping off. They would not provide me with any help toward repair of my car, and in fact wanted over $700 to put the bumper back on. I complained to the company headquarters, but was told that if the service manager says that there is not a defect, then there is not a defect. So much for problem resolution.

I feel that a couple of flimsy plastic rivets were defective, and that they gave way on one side, causing the bumper to break away. This is my second Saturn, and it will be my last. I do not trust this company and its products, and do not like the attitude of the service manager. I have yet to hear of any car so perfect that the possibility of a defect cannot even be considered. This company has lost a loyal and enthusiastic customer.

Some problems are more serious than others. Here are some of the less earth-shattering complaints were've received about Saturns:

Tainia of Seattle (4/11/02):
Purchased a brand-new Saturn in mid 2001, was looking forward to becoming a part of "The Saturn Family". Went to pick up the car I had ordered, and was not sung to, although another woman of a different race was being sung to. I drove away humiliated.

Within the month my driver's side window would not return to the up position. Took it to Saturn, they said it was fixed. Also, my trunk came open while I was driving. I didn't make mention of it because I assumed that I must have left the trunk opened. I moved to a different state a month or so later. The window stopped working again. Also, the trunk comes open a second time while I am driving.

Called Saturn's corporate office and told them my whole ordeal. I was told to take the car to a local Saturn dealership to be repaired. I took the car to a Saturn dealership they repaired the window, but they were unable to recreate the trunk flying open. I called the corporate office several times requesting to exchange my vehicle with another one. All I've received is a gas voucher for $75 in free gas. I still have a lemon.

I felt humiliated and disgraced that I was not sung to after purchasing my brand new Saturn. As I drove away, I watched the Saturn employees singing to another new car owner. I am now driving a vehicle that I feel unsafe in. My trunk may pop open at anytime. I felt that Saturn should have allowed me to exchange my current vehicle with another one.

Matthew of Amarillo writes (9/17/02):
Since the day that I bought my 1999 Saturn SL, everyone at the dealership told me to not use a "heavy key chain." I thought they meant a heavy key chain, but every time I have taken my Saturn in someone at the service desk has mentioned reducing my keys because the ignition system can't handle it. I have my car keys, house key, work key, mail box key and clippers on my chain coming to an exact amount of 3.5 ounces.

Within the last two months my ignition has been giving us problems turning sometimes not turning at all. The ignition and steering column appear to be loose. Of course my first thought was that I needed a new key, but then I realized that my car doors unlocked without any problem. I am a little frustrated, because I have had many cars, but never a problem with a cheap ignition system.

Tricia of Citrus Heights, CA (4/15/02):
I own a 1993 Saturn SC1 and called Saturn to tell them about a problem I am having with my seats. My driver and passenger seats will flop backwards when I give my car gas. I found out that there was a recall on the "seat recliners" on the 1994 models. My car is a 1993 1/2. They will not replace the parts on my car because my VIN number isn't one of the ones in their "campaign."

I would like to file a major complaint against Saturn as I feel it would be in their best interest (and mine) for them to fix my seats before I end up in an accident. One of the reasons they gave me for not fixing my seats is because I have over a hundred thousand miles on my car. I was investigating the recall on the 1994 models and noticed that the recall wasn't started until 1999. I am sure that the 1994 models had over a hundred thousand miles also at that time and I do not understand why they are not making an effort to take care of me and my car.

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