Safety ratings
2000 Saturn SL 4-DR.
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (8)
- STRUCTURE:BODYCampaign 99V297000 · 27/10/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT WITHSTAND THE VERTICAL FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE LATCH MAY OPEN AND THE ARMREST OR THE CONTENTS OF THE CONSOLE COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE ARMREST LATCH.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTSCampaign 99V231000 · 24/08/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PIPE ATTACHMENT NUTS THAT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Risk: IF THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS ARE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE BRAKE'S STOPPING DISTANCE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS FOR LEAKAGE, VERIFY THEY ARE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPES IF NEEDED.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERSCampaign 99V232000 · 23/08/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 581, "BUMPER STANDARD." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR BUMPER FASTENERS THAT MAY BE LOOSE OR MISSING.
Risk: IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE OR MISSING, THE REAR BUMPER MAY NOT ABSORB ENERGY AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE REAR BUMPER BEAM FASTENERS ARE PRESENT AND PROPERLY TIGHTENED AND, IF MISSING, INSTALL NEW FASTENERS.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHERCampaign 99V230000 · 23/08/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WELDS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY THAT DO NOT MEET SATURN QUALITY STANDARDS.
Risk: A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT, PARTICULARLY AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT, MAY HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY.
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGECampaign 99V280000 · 20/10/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCHCampaign 00V310000 · 12/10/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
Risk: THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
Fix: SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYCampaign 00V309000 · 12/10/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
Risk: FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000 · 07/04/2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING36
- POWER TRAIN36
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
- SERVICE BRAKES15
- TIRES15
- HYDRAULIC13
- STEERING12
- SUSPENSION9
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/29/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHEN CHECKING THE COLOR OF MY OIL, THE DIP STICK WAS FOUND 3 TIMES BONE DRY. NO OIL LIGHT INDICATOR WOULD COME ON AND FINALLY ONE TIME IT WAS TOO LATE. ON CHRISTMAS EVE MY ENGINE BLEW DUE TO HEAT AND LACK OF OIL. I WOULD LOSE 5 QUARTS BEFORE MY 3000 MILE OIL CHANGE. I HAD TO BUY A USED ENGINE AND HAVE IT INSTALLED BY A FAMILY FRIEND DUE TO LACK OF MONEY TO FIX THIS UNEXPECTED PROBLEM ON MY 5 YEAR OLD CAR THAT I AM STILL MAKING PAYEMNTS ON. *NM
- 12/29/2001· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THE ROTORS REPLACED TWICE AND THE ROTORS RESURFACED 8 TIMES. ALL OF THIS WITHIN 1.5 YEARS. MY TRUCK IS A 1996 AND I HAVE ONLY CHANGED THE ROTORS ONCE. I HAUL AND TOW THINGS WITH MY TRUCK ON A WEEKLY BASIS. THEY ARE TRYING TO SAY IT IS OPERATOR USE ON MY CAR. EXPLAIN THIS ONE TO ME PLEASE. *AK
- 12/28/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I WAS STOPPED BY A FELLOW DRIVER A COUPLE DAYS AGO WHEN HE INFORMED ME THAT I HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS. I PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED MY LIGHTS AND REALIZED THAT WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS ARE ON MY BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT. I HAVE HEARD THAT SEVERAL OF THE 2000 SL1'S HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYTHING IS BEING DONE TO FIX IT.*JB
- 12/28/2000· VISIBILITY
REAR WINDOW FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY DUE TO MILD THERMAL GRADIENT. IT IS KNOWN THAT THERE WAS NO IMPACT OF ANY KIND WITHIN 6 HOURS OF FAILURE DUE TO A SNOWFALL WHICH COVERED THE WINDOW. WINDOW FAILED TWO MINUTES AFTER POWERED SHOW WAS DUSTED OFF EXPOSING IT TO COOLER AIR. SATURN DENIES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT.*AK
- 12/27/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCKED, AND THE DRIVER WASUNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVES HASDTO JIGGLE AND SHAKE THE IGNITION AREA FOR THE KEY TO TURN AND THE CAR TO START. THE CONTACT STATED ONCE THE CAR STARTED THE KEY COULD BE TAKEN OUT AND IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN. THIS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THE IGNITION SWITCH MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
- 12/22/2003· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON. BAD GAS MILAGE. I CALLED SATURN AND THEY DENIED ANY RECALL. NHTSA RECALL # 03V231/GM. *AK
- 12/20/2005· POWER TRAIN
I AM THE THIRD COMPLAINT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM: INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN PLACED IN PARK OR NEUTRAL OR WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL RPM 3,500-4,000. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND PRIVATE MECHANICS AND NO ANSWER HAS BEEN GIVEN. NOTHING SHOWS ON DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER. WHEN ENGINE REVS, I WILL PLACE IN PARK, TURN CAR OFF, AND START AGAIN. SOMETIMES THIS DOES THE TRICK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS VEHICLE WILL TRY TO DRIVE WHEN WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT AND FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. PLEASE HELP. *NM
- 12/20/2000· SEATSCrash
VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM REAR AT 25 MPH, AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK COLLAPSED. THERE WAS A RECALL IN OLDER MODELS FOR SAME PROBLEM. SATURN HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
- 12/18/2002· STEERING
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, CONSUMER FELT THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKING UP. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICE BY THE DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THAT THE PIN IN THE TRANSMISSION BROKE IN TWO. THIS RESULTED IN THE BOLT COMING LOSS AND BUSTING CASING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
- 12/16/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
ON DECEMBER 14TH I LEFT WORK AT 4:00 PM (TEMP WAS 20 DEGREES F), DROVE 1/2 MILE, TURNED OFF IGNITION AND MADE A QUICK PURCHASE. STARTED THE CAR, DROVE ABOUT 1/2 MILE AND THE CAR BEGAN MISSING. I DROVE ANOTHER BLOCK, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, WENT OFF, AND THE CAR MISSED AGAIN. I HEADED BACK TOWARDS MY WORKPLACE TO USE A TELEPHONE TO CALL MY SPOUSE TO PICK ME UP, BUT THE CAR COMPLETELY QUIT AFTER DRIVING A BLOCK OR TWO. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO WALK, BUT NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THEN I HEARD A SPARKING, CRACKLING SOUND AND LOOKED UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND SAW A SMALL FIRE BURNING. I APPROACHED A RESIDENCE, THE OCCUPANTS HAD ALREADY OBSERVED THE SMOKE FROM THE CAR AND HAD BEGUN THE 911 CALL. THE FLAMES QUICKLY GREW AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY IN FLAMES AND BLACK SMOKE BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED.*AK
- 12/16/2004· AIR BAGSCrash
AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AT 60 MPH, STRIKING A MEDAL POLE, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
- 12/07/2000· SEATSCrash
VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A STOP AND ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED SL1. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONT SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARDS ONTO REAR SEATS. MANAGED TO PULL VEHICLE OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD. DRIVER/ PASSENGER COULDN'T SEE OUT OFF WINDSHIELD. *AK THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT FUTURE SAFETY, ESPECIALLY WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN THE BACK SEAT. *YH
- 12/05/2014· ENGINE
THE TIMING CHAIN WENT OUT AND NEEDS REPLACED. THE ENGINE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT TURN OVER. OUR MECHANIC TOLD US WE'RE LOOKING AT A $1000 PLUS REPAIR. *TR
- 12/04/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DRIVING MY 2000 SATURN SL2 70 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SUDDENLY COMES ON, ENGINE STOPS RUNNING PULL OVER, LUCKILY CLEAR CONDITIONS, SAFELY. TOWED CAR TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS TIMING CHAIN OR BELT MAY HAVE BROKEN. DEALER CALLS BACK, SAYS I NEED A $7000.00 REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THIS CAR HAS COST ME OVER 5000.00 IN REPAIRS. SATURN HAS NOT OFFERED ANY SORT OF EXPLANATION. JUST A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ONLINE. I AM FURIOUS. *TR
- 12/02/2002· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BACK IN AUGUST I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE ONLY TO LEARN THAT I HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN THE RUNNING LIGHTS ARE ON. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG THIS HAS BEEN THE CASE. BASED ON THE INFORMATION I RECEIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW YET SATURN CORP DOES NOT FEEL IT WARRANTS A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAS APPARENTLY BEEN REDESIGNED TO FIX THE KNOWN PROBLEM. (THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD SEEN MANY CARS COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT THE FAULTY PARTS HAD SINCE BEEN REDESIGNED). I EXPRESSED MY DISGUST IN A SATURN CUSTOMER SURVEY AND REQUESTED THAT I BE CONTACTED BY PHONE. TWO MONTHS LATER, ON 10/16/02 I SPOKE WITH "BRIAN" FOR ABOUT 30 MIN AND AFTER IT WAS CLEAR THAT THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD POSSIBLY DO REGARDING THE SITUATION, HE SAID HE WOULD PASS MY COMPLAINT(S) ON TO THE AUTHORITIES AND SOMEONE WOULD FOLLOW-UP. I'M STILL WAITING. IRONICALLY, PRIOR TO GETTING THE CALL FROM "BRIAN" AT SATURN, I HAD JUST RETURNED FROM ANOTHER VISIT TO THE SATURN DEALERSHIP. WHILE I WAS WAITING FOR THE OIL CHANGE TO BE COMPLETED, THE SAME SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO HAD INFORMED ME OF MY BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM PROCEEDED TO GIVE THE EXACT SAME SPEECH TO A WOMAN WAITING NEXT TO ME. SHE TOO WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN SHE HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS AND THIS CONFIRMS THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT (AS THE SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMED AFTER HIS STAFF HAD ALREADY TOLD ME OTHERWISE DURING MY PREVIOUS VISIT). DT
- 11/27/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE DEALER WITH AN AS-IS NO WARRANTY BACK IN AUGUST 2007. THE VEHICLE HAD A LITTLE OVER 88,000 MILES ON IT. HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC AND ALL MAJOR ITEMS APPEARED TO BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH LATER, THE CAR CAME DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT APPROXIMATELY 90,000 MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 94,000 MILES, WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ON NOVEMBER 21, 2007, THE ENGINE WENT BANG. THE CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY AND THE OIL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. I WAS GOING AT APPROXIMATELY 75-80 MPH AND THERE WAS NO KNOCKING HEARD PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. I PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE AND NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IMMEDIATELY CALLED 9-1-1 TO REPORT MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND SAID THE ENGINE HAD NOT BEEN ON FIRE, BUT THAT THE ENGINE THREW A ROD THROUGH THE BLOCK. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ASKED ABOUT KNOCKING PRIOR AND I TOLD THEM THERE WAS NONE. IN FACT, A MECHANIC HAD JUST LOOKED AT IT THE DAY BEFORE. I RECALL THAT THE CHANGE OIL SOON LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY BUT NEVER STEADY. THE OIL LIGHT ALSO KEPT FLICKERING BUT WAS NEVER STEADY. THE RPM'S INCREASED FROM 2500 TO 3000 AND RETURNED TO 2500. NO PREVIOUS HISTORY OF PROBLEMS REPORTED BY DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NORTHLAND COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN EAST GRAND FORKS. THE AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS LOOKED AT THE ENGINE AND SAID IT IS TOTALED. CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF LOCATING A NEW OR USED ENGINE TO REPLACE. *TR
- 11/21/2007· POWER TRAIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN SL2. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS AT 10 MPH, THE GEARS BECAME STUCK AND COULD NOT SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V310000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH). THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,000. UPDATED 12/07/07
- 11/20/2006· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSCrash
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT 75 MPH (SPEED LIMIT.) THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME HIT THE BRAKES. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AS I SHOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH DISTANCE TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH. MY BRAKES LOCKED-UP AND I SLID INTO THE PICK-UP TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AT ABOUT 65 MPH. THE SEAT BELTS WORKED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. I WAS INJURED AND TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. *NM
- 11/20/2000· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, THE REDUCED POWER LIGHT ALSO COMES ON AND THE CONSUMER CANNOT ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILS, DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. NLM
- 11/13/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I PURCHASED A 2000 SATURN SL2 WHICH WAS USED, THEREFORE, I HAD A SHOP THOROUGHLY CHECK THAT ALL MAJOR COMPONENTS WERE IN WORKING ORDER...I WAS TOLD THAT ALL WERE IN GREAT SHAPE..IE., THE ENGINE, STARTER, AND ANY VITAL PARTS. THE CAR RAN GREAT...WELL, FOR 5-6 MOS. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING,WHEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF...THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN...NO WARNING, NO LIGHTS, NOTHING! THE CAR IS NOW IN THE SHOP TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THE LIGHTS AND RADIO WORKED BUT I JUST HEARD CLICKING WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION. WITH ONLY 80,000 MILES ON THE CAR, THE MECHANIC SAYS THAT THE ENGINE IS SHOT, THERE'S NOTHING HE CAN DO OTHER THAN PUT A BRAND NEW ENGINE IN IT...WITH A SMALL FEE OF 4000.00. BOTH OF US DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR WAS IN GREAT SHAPE AND WITHIN 6 MONTHS AND BARELY 3,000 MILES THE ENGINE WENT FROM GREAT TO GONE! I HAVE READ SEVERAL DOCUMENTS FROM THIS SITE AND THERE ARE MANY PERSONS WITH 2000 SATURNS THAT ARE SAYING THAT THEY TOO HAVE A CAR THAT STOPPED SUDDENLY AND THE STORIES SOUND VERY SIMILAR TO MINE...I'VE SEEN MANY OF HAVE SIMILAR VIN #S...I IDENTIFIED WITH THE DOCS REGARDING THE 2000-2003 SATURN L-SERIES ISSUES, ALTHOUGH, MINE IS OF THE S-SERIES (I GUESS, BECAUSE IT IS AN SL-2). THE LETTER DISCUSSING THIS ISSUE REFERRED TO (EA06-009), THE DEFECT PETITION (DP05-008) OR THE ODI INVESTIGATION PE06-006 THAT WAS OPENED ON 1/24/06. I AM NOT SURE THAT THOSE DOCUMENT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE BEING THAT I THOUGHT MY ENGINE WAS OF THE SIZE 1.9L, I-4, MP, DOHC. IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO VIEW THE DOCS MENTIONED, THEY ARE BASICALLY DESCRIBING THE SAME PROB. THAT I HAVE. WILL YOU PLEASE FIND OUT IF I AM INCORRECT WITH THE INFO. THAT I'VE VIEWED AND IF THERE HAS BEEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEMS THAT I'VE HAD FOR OVER 1 YR. OF COURSE, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, ADVICE, OR KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO OR WITH WHOM I SHOULD SPEAK...PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY HELP THAT YOU COULD PROVIDE ME WITH.*JB
- 11/13/2001· STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,INTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INTERIOR OVERHEAD SAGGING ABOVE DOME LIGHT, TRIED TO HAVE DEALER FIX (SAME CONDITION AFTER "REPAIR"). TRACTION CONTROL BUTTON FAILED, HAD TO BE REPLACED. ASH TRAY LIGHT FAILED 3 TIMES, DEALER REPLACED. VENTILATION BLOWER ONLY WORKS ON HIGH SPEED - ALL OTHER SPEEDS BURNED OUT OVER 2 WEEKS (COULD SMELL ELECTRICAL BURNING). REMOTE CONTROL WORKS HALF OF THE TIME, NO IMPROVEMENT AFTER DEALER REPLACED BATTERIES, SAYING "WHITE FILM" WAS A KNOWN CAUSE OF REMOTES NOT WORKING. CHANGE OIL LIGHT CAME ON 1000MILES AFTER LAST OIL CHANGE, COINCIDING WITH FAN BLOWER BURNING OUT. HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES BECAUSE OF IRREGULAR WEARING ON REAR AND PREMATURE ALIGNMENT DRIFT ON THE FRONT. BRAKE DUST IS EXCESSIVE - FRONT RIMS ALWAYS COATED BLACK FROM DUST. SOME HESITATION WHEN AUTOMATIC IS SHIFTING GEARS. OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED AFTER 4 TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF "SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT" COMING ON WHILE ACCELERATING. ADDING 1LITER ENGINE COOLANT PER MONTH - NO LEAKS NOTED UNDER VEHICLE.*AK
- 11/08/2005· WHEELS
DT: (SPANISH CALL): REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS ON MY 2000 SATURN SW2 WERE LEAKING. THEY LEAKED AND FAILED BEFORE, AND IT WAS TIME FOR THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REGULAR SERVICE. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC TOLD THE CONTACT THAT HE NEEDED TO CHANGE THE WHEEL CYLINDERS.*AK
- 11/06/2001· POWER TRAIN
FAILURE OF REVERSE AND 2ND GEAR CONSISTENT WITH SB612478, DATED 4/2000. 2ND GEAR FADED EFFECTIVENESS OVER TIME, WHILE REVERSE GEAR DISAPPEARED SUDDENLY ON 11/1/01. EXAMINATION BY MECHANIC FOUND THE GEAR RING FOR REVERSE (WHICH ALSO HOLDS 2ND GEAR) HAD DISINTEGRATED SPRAYING DEBRIS THROUGHT THE REST OF THE TRANSMISSION. MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF DEFECT WHILE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED BY DEALER SUBSEQUENT TO THE 4/00 BULLETIN. THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT PRESENTED BY SATURN TO THE CUSTOMER, AND SATURN HAS TRIED TO CLAIM THE SERVICE BULLETIN MEANS NOTHING. DEALER/SATURN CORPORATE REQUIRE EXAMINTION BY THEIR REPRESENTATIVE (DEALER) PRIOR TO REMEDY, YET THEY WILL NOT DO IT WITHOUT REQUIRING LABOR BE PAID UPFRONT. I PURCHASED A 2ND SATURN IN JUNE 2001, A 2001 L200, THAT IS ALSO HAVING 2ND GEAR DIFFICULTY AT ONLY 9000 MILES. MY TRUST IN SATURN IS IN SHAMBLES -- I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AND HALF SINCE THIS BULLETIN UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, ONLY TO LEARN THAT INFORMATION HAD BEEN HIDDEN RELATING TO MY VEHICLE. I PURCHASED MY SECOND SATURN BASED ON THIS FALSE TRUST, AND I FEEL CHEATED. I EXPECT SATURN TO REMEDY THE DEFECT, PROMTLY AND AT THEIR COST.*AK
- 11/03/2000· POWER TRAIN
"SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, SATURN DEALERSHIP PUT TOO MUCH TRANSMISSION FLUID IN, 2.5 QUARTZ OVERFILL. *CJ
- 11/03/1999· STRUCTURE
THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR IS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE VEHICLE AND IS TOTALLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT. BOTH THE DEALER AND THE FACTORY HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNREPAIRABLE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE PASSED QUALITY CONTROL AT EITHER THE FACTORY AND/OR THE DEALERSHIP. SATURN AND THE DEALERSHIP ARE CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE.
- 10/30/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER STATED THAT SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. ALSO,VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT DUE TO GASKET FAILURE. *YH
- 10/29/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLES COMPUTER IS REGISTERING FALSE INFORMATION, THIS IS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER-* TS
- 10/27/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE WE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. SOMETIMES IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO EVEN START THE CAR AS THE SWITCH WOULD BE FROZEN IN PLACE. AFTER SOME PLAY WITH THE STEERING WHEEL IT WOULD WORK. THEN THERE WERE TIMES YOU COULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE OFF WITHOUT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. WE TRIED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO SEE IF IT COULD BE FIXED BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. NOW THE KEY HAS TO BE LEFT IN AT ALL TIMES, YOU CAN'T REMOVE IT AT ALL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WITH ALL THE RECALLS REGARDING THE IGNITION IN THESE VEHICLES. NOT TO MENTION A PERSONAL CONCERN THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE EASILY STOLEN WITH A VISIBLE KEY IN THE SWITCH. *TR
- 10/26/2001· WHEELS
ARE THE FRONT WHEELS ON THIS ALIGNABLE?*AK
- 10/24/2000· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED BEHIND CONSUMER'S RV IT WOULD NOT START, THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE WOULD START IS WHEN HE REMOVED THE 2 FUSES TO PRECLUDE BATTERY DISCHARGE. *SLC
- 10/20/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN EXHAUST PROBLEM. THE MUFFLER, EXHAUST PIPE AND MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. OWNER DID TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS SEALED. THE SEALANT JUST MELTED THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
- 10/20/2002· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO SUMMARY. DT
- 10/19/2009· POWER TRAIN
MY 2000 SATURN SL1 SOMETIMES HAS REVERSE & SOMETIMES NOT & TO GET IT TO GO INTO REVERSE YOU HAVE TO GIVE IT A LOT OF GAS & IT HAS WENT IN REVERSE AT LOW & HIGH SPEEDS. THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS. *TR
- 10/19/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHEN I START MY CAR OR PARK IT AFTER DRIVING THE RPMS SHOOT UP EXTREMELY HIGH & THE ENGINE RACES. WHEN I SHUT THE CAR OFF THE ENGINE MAKES A LOUD CLUNK DUE TO SHUTTING IT OFF WITH THE RPMS THAT HIGH. I HAVE HAD IT DIAGNOSED SEVERAL TIMES & NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG. I HAD THE AIR IDLE SENSOR REPLACED THINKING IT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT IT IS NOT. THIS IS VERY BAD FOR THE ENGINE.*TR
- 10/16/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
COOLANT LEAKED, REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF WATER PUMP AND OIL COOLER COVER. PROBLEM STARTED PRIOR TO MANF. WARRENTY ENDING. HAVE LOW COOLENT CHECKED IMMEDIATELY. MR
- 10/14/2004· STEERING
WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL WANDERED ON ITS ON. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JB
- 10/12/2009· POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE OPERATED WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOT RUNNING. *TR
- 10/12/2004· POWER TRAIN
SET SCREW THAT HOLDS THE SHAFT THAT HOLDS THE SPIDER GEARS IN PLACE CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE SHAFT TO BACK OUT BREAKING THE TRANSMISSION APART AND LOCKING UP IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION TRANS IS AVAILABLE. *NM
- 10/07/2003· STEERING
CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE LOOKING OVER REAR BAKES STEERING WHEEL WAS IN THE WRONG POSITION. DEALER WAS CONTACTED TECHNICIAN COULD NOT REPAIR BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
- 10/04/2000· TIRES
LEFT REAR TIRE HAD AREA OF TREAD SEPARATION. RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD AN IMPERFECTION CAUSING A FLAT AREA. THESE DEFECTS PRODUCED A THUMPING SOUND WHEN DRIVING. TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THUMPING SOUND IS NOW GONE. (TIRESIZE: P185/65R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P185/65R15 )
- 10/04/2000· TIRES
LEFT REAR TIRE HAD AREA OF TREAD SEPARATION. RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD AN IMPERFECTION CAUSING A FLAT AREA. THESE DEFECTS PRODUCED A THUMPING SOUND WHEN DRIVING. TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THUMPING SOUND IS NOW GONE. (TIRESIZE: P185/65R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P185/65R15 )
- 10/01/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 60000 MILES AND WAS THREE YEARS OLD. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WHEN ONE OF THE HEATER CORE HOSES BLEW. THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS NOT NORMAL WEAR. *AK *NLM *JB
- 09/23/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I TURNED MY CAR INTO A PARKING LOT, AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY JUST QUIT WORKING. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR, IT ALSO HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, AND AGAIN WHEN I MADE A LEFT TURN INTO ANOTHER PARK LOT,ALL ON THE SAME DAY IN LESS THAN 1 1/2 HOURS TOTAL TIME. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REPEATEDLY OVER THE LAST ABOUT SEVEN YEARS. I WAS TOLD WHEN I FIRST HAD TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION HOUSING COMING LOOSE, NOT TO PUT ANY OTHER KEYS ON THE KEY RING, AND I ONLY HAVE THE CAR KEY ON THE CHAIN. I HAVE HAD THE IGNITION CHANGED TWICE, AND THIS MAY BE THE THIRD TIME, ON THE LAST TIME I WAS TOLD THERE WERE PIECES OF METAL IN THE IGNITION THAT PROBABLY CAUSED THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS WHAT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE BELTWAY INSTEAD OF THE STREET, OR WHILE I WAS DRIVING (WHICH IT DID,BUT THE STREET WAS EMPTY) INSTEAD OF STOPPED. *TR
- 09/22/2005· FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN SHE PUT GAS IN VEHICLE IT SPIT BACK OUT. THE VEHICLE IS A 2000 SATURN SL1. THERE IS A RECALL ON A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ONCE. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF CAR WAS IN THE VIN RANGE, AND CONSUMER'S CAR WAS NOT. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT PLANNING ON HAVING THE PROBLEM FIXED. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR FOUR YEARS. *AK
- 09/21/2000· TIRESCrash
MY FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT ON I-85 AND I HIT SEVERAL TREES.( DOT NUMBER: N/A TIRE SIZE: PR 185 )
- 09/15/2014· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR WILL TURN OVER AND IMMEDIATELY STALL. THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR APPROX. 10 TO 15 MIN.EACH TIME YOU TURN THE KEY,IT WILL TURN OVER AND IMMEDIATELY STALL. AS IF THERE IS NO GAS GOING TO THE FUEL INJECTORS; OR THE FUEL INJECTORS STOP . NO MECHANIC CAN SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM SINCE IT NEVER HAPPENS WHEN I'M AT THE REPAIR SHOP. LIKE I SAID WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS, IT WILL LAST FOR APPROX. 10 TO 15 MIN. THEN THE CAR WILL START AS IF NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. *TR
- 09/13/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TWO DIFFERENT INCIDENTS WHEN PLACING VEHICLE IN PARK OR PLACING IT IN REVERSE RPMS RACED VERY HIGH FOR NO APPARENT REASON. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT PROBLEM WAS LINKED TO COMPUTER. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
- 09/12/2014· POWER TRAIN
ROLL PIN ON RETAINER IN TRANSMISSION DIFFERENTIAL SHEERED OFF CAUSING THE RETAINING PIN TO WEAR THROUGH THE BELL HOUSING AND SEIZE TRANSMISSION. A ROLL PIN IS LIKE USING A RIVET TO HOLD A VERY IMPORTANT MECHANICAL COMPONENT TOGETHER. THIS IS ANOTHER HORRIBLE GM DESIGN. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. $2300 LATER TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
- 09/12/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
KEY FALLS OUT OF IGNITION WHILE DRIVING! THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED WITH ALL OF THE OTHER GM VEHICLES. THIS IS A DANGER AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED! STEP UP GM AND FIX THE COST CUTTING CORNERS YOU CUT AND PUT YOUR CUSTOMERS AT RISK! *TR
- 09/11/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ENGINE DIED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER STATED ENGINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE TIMING CAHIN BROKE, WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL. *JB