2001 Saturn L

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2014· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  GOOD AFTERNOON, I AM A THE ORIGINAL SATURN OWNER WHO NEVER RECEIVED RECALL INFORMATION REGARDING MY 2001 SATURN L SERIES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED VARIOUS PROBLEMS THAT DIRECTLY CORRELATE TO THE RECALL LISTED BELOW: RECALL 07V519000-PERTAINING TO ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 20,514 SUMMARY: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINE, LINKS IN THE ENGINE'S TIMING CHAIN CAN SEPARATE. CONSEQUENCE: IF A TIMING CHAIN LINK SEPARATES WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE ENGINE WILL STALL AND WILL NOT RESTART INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876. THE RECALL LISTED ABOVE HAS EFFECTED OUR VEHICLE ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS; THE FIRST OF WHICH WAS FIXED OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET FOR $4,614.29 ON 9/18/12. I HAVE RECEIPTS TO PROVE THESE REPAIRS. ALSO, THIS RECALL EFFECTED OUR VEHICLE A SECOND TIME ON 12/4/2014. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO OUR CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES WE ARE UNABLE TO FIX THIS VEHICLE OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET AGAIN. WE LOVE THIS CAR, AND HOPE YOU CAN BE OF ASSISTANCE. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. *JS

• 12/31/2007· POWER TRAINCrash

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L200. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EASILY REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STRUCK TWO VEHICLES AND CAUSED $2,320 IN DAMAGES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUE TO A SAFETY DEFECT. THE SATURN DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO AN OLD STEERING COLUMN AND THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE KEY HAS BEEN USED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 68,000. UPDATED 01/29/08 *BF THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED HE LEFT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, IN THOUGH HE HAD REMOVED THE KEY. UPDATED

• 12/31/2003· STEERING

  GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. 'SOUNDS' LIKE IT COMES FROM TIRE AREA. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATES THAT STRUT IS LEAKING & CAR REQUIRES NEW RACK & PINION STEERING AT 41K MILES. PROBLEM IS CONTINUOUS.

• 12/30/2014· POWER TRAIN

  CAR LOST POWER ON FREEWAY AT 60 M/HR. CAR WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. TIMING CHAIN WAS FOUND BROKEN. REPAIR COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $2000. SATURN DEALER CLAIMED THAT RECALL GM #06074 DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN. I MUST PAY FOR ALL TOW, REPAIR COSTS. *JS

• 12/30/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN LW300. INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE. TYPICALLY, FIFTEEN MINUTES AFTER THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 69,000. UPDATED 3/3/09 *CN THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/04/09. *JB

• 12/29/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TIMING CHAIN FAILURE IN THE 2001 SATURN L200 SERIES 2.2L "F" ENGINE RESULTING IN SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. THIS ENGINE DAMAGE VIRTUALLY LEAVES THIS CAR WITH A NEGATIVE NET WORTH VALUE. I BELIEVE SATURN KNOWS WELL OF A POOR TIMING CHAIN COMPONENT IN THESE ENGINES AND SHOULD BROADEN THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. MY VEHICLE APPARENTLY FALLS 1 MONTH SHORT OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL PARAMETERS. I HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE WITH ENGINES AND HAVE A VERY HARD TIME BELIEVING THAT THERE IS ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF TIMING CHAINS BEFORE AND AFTER THE RECALL TIME LINE SEEING THAT THESE CHAINS FAIL IN THE SAME MANNER. TIMING CHAINS DO NOT JUST BREAK OR SEPARATE AT 100,000 MILES, WEAR IS A COMPONENT I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND. THE END RESULT IS MOST LIKELY ENGINE REPLACEMENT, WHICH IS DUE TO VALVE INTERFERENCE IN AN OUT OF TIMED ENGINE. MY FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 94 AT 65 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE JUST SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. I COMMENDED MY DAUGHTER ON SOME FINE DRIVING, DARTING THROUGH HEAVY TRAFFIC AND AVOIDING A COLLISION WHILE FINDING HER WAY TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I MIGHT ADD THAT THIS VEHICLE IS IN FINE SHAPE AND HAS HAD REGULAR SERVICE WORK COMPLETED. *TR

• 12/29/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MY WIFE WAS ON THE ON RAMP TO A VERY BUST STATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR STALLED, AND SHE COULD NOT RESTART THE VEHICLE. TURNS OUT THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE, CAUSING VALVES TO BEND AND PISTON DAMAGE, WHICH WOUND UP COSTING 3746.29 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH A USED ENGINE TO REPAIR (REPLACEMENT OF PARTS WAS GOING TO COST THE SAME AMOUNT IF NOT MORE.) *TR

• 12/29/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE TO THE GYM. AS I WAS ON A HIGHWAY ON RAMP, MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLED, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WENT OUT, AND WHEN IT DID, IT BENT THE VALVES AND DID DAMAGE TO A PISTON, AS EVIDENCED BY COMPRESSION TEST FAILURE AND VISUAL INSPECTION. HE ALSO NOTED THAT EVEN ONCE THE TIMING CHAIN WAS GRABBED, IT COULD NOT BE PULLED FREE OF THE ENGINE WITHOUT COMPLETE DISASSEMBLY. HE STATED THAT THE PARTS COULD BE REPLACED AND ENGINE REPAIRED FOR APPROXIMATELY $3,400.00 PLUS TAX, OR I COULD REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR $3,500.00 PLUS TAX, AND HAVE A ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON PARTS AND LABOR. I OPTED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. SATURN JUST NOTIFIED ME OF THE SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE, BUT WILL ONLY PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE TIMING CHAIN, NOT THE DAMAGE CAUSED WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. *TR

• 12/29/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  2001 SATURN L SERIES TIMING CHAIN BROKE**CC *JB

• 12/28/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MOTOR FAILURE LESS THAN 47,000 MILES. *TR

• 12/21/2009· POWER TRAIN

  SATURN L200 SERIES HAS A RECALL 06074A FOR A FAULTY TIMING CHAIN. THEY FAILED TO NOTIFY ME. MY TIMING CHAIN FAILED LATE ONE DARK NIGHT ON A BUSY INTERSTATE LEAVING ME AND MY FAMILY STRANDED IN THE COLD. MY VIN NUMBER FALLS IN THE RANGE OF THE RECALL FOR MENTIONED. SATURN ADMITS THAT MY VIN FALLS IN THE RECALL RANGE BUT CLAIMS MY VIN IS SOMEHOW EXCLUDED. SATURN WILL NOT PROVIDE A LIST OF INCLUDED VIN NUMBERS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR ALL SATURNS IN THE VIN RANGE OF THIS RECALL. (1Y504884 ' 1Y559453). IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED AND REPAIRED WITH THIS RECALL. *TR

• 12/21/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I REPLACED THE HEATER CONTROL SWITCH, BLOWER MOTOR, AND RESISTOR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE HEATER BLOWER WOULD NOT WORK. AFTER DOING ALL THE ABOVE, THE HEATER STILL DID NOT WORK. IT APPEARS THAT THE WIRING HARNESS BEHIND THE HEATER CONTROL WAS THE PROBLEM. TWO OF THE PRONGS IN THE WHITE PLUG WERE BURNT AND DID NOT ALLOW THE DC ELECTRIC CURRENT TO GO INTO THE HEATER CONTROL UNIT. IT IS LUCKY THAT THE FAN WENT OUT BEFORE IT HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THERE ARE TWO CHILDREN WHO RIDE IN THE CAR, ONE 5 YEARS OLD AND ONE 9 YEARS OLD. I WAS SURPRISED THAT THE 40 AMP FUSE DID NOT BLOW EVEN THOUGH THE CIRCUIT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. WE HAD ALREADY CHANGED THE ENGINE 3-4 YEARS AGO BECAUSE THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND SATURN WOULD NOT FIX. *TR

• 12/21/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WITH MY SATURN L-200 THERE WAS AN OCCASIONAL GRINDING NOISE WHEN STARTED, WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER IT WOULD NOT MAKE THE NOISE BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN RUNNING. I WAS ON MY WAY TO A COMPANY MEETING IN KC, AND THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS, IT JUST STAYED AT A CONSTANT IDLE. I OF COURSE PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND TRIED TO RESTART IT, AND HAD NO SUCCESS. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP. THAT IS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE TIMING BELT BROKE, AND THAT IT HAD DONE DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COST BETWEEN 2,000 - 7,000 DOLLAR RANGE TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. NOT HAPPY! *NM

• 12/20/2010· POWER TRAINCrash

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE KEY REMOVED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE IT ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS DESTROYED. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AS WELL. NO ONE WAS INJURED DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE CRASH AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST HIM. THE CONTACT NOTICED A RECALL FOR THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) (00V344000) BUT THE CONTACT NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

• 12/20/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  REPEAT TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY FAILURE. CIRCUITRY AT POINT WHERE SOCKET ATTACHES HAS FAILED AGAIN, RESULTING IN REPEAT REPLACEMENT OF TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY. WHEN THE ASSEMBLY FAILS, VEHICLE HAS NO BRAKE LIGHTS. *AK

• 12/20/2004· PARKING BRAKE

  REAR DRUM BRAKES LOCKED UP AFTER REVERSING FROM GARAGE ON A COLD MORNING-- BRAKES DID NOT DISENGAGE AND BURNED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MILESMPH. DEALER DETERMINED EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLES HAD CORRODED AND DID NOT RELEASE. *AK

• 12/20/2004· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN PRESSING THE SWITCH OR BRAKING. VEHICLE SPEED APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. *AK

• 12/17/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON INTERSTATE. DUE TO TIMING CHAIN NOW DEALER SAID THAT IT WILL COST ME FOR THERE PROBLEM, BUT NOT MY FAMILY'S LIFE. MY WIFE IS WITH CHILD. *TR

• 12/16/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN LW300. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH A GASOLINE ODOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF OR ON FOR LONG TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPAIRED DUE TO A LEAK. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

• 12/16/2009· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY 2001 SATURN L-SERIES 2.2L HAD THE TIMING CHAIN BREAK. THIS WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I HAD STARTED THE CAR AND BACKED OUT. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE. DIDN'T TOUCH THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR QUIT. I WAS LEFT CROSSWISE THE DRIVE LANE AND BLOCKING TRAFFIC. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I PROBABLY HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR MORE LIKELY HAVE BEEN KILLED. *TR

• 12/14/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L SERIES. THE CONTACT WAS STARTING THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AND RUINED THE PISTON AND ENGINE VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT INQUIRED WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V519000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

• 12/14/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE DRIVING HER SONS TO SCHOOL IN MY 2001 SATURN L200, MY DAUGHTER EXPERIENCED SWD WITH NO RESTART. THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AS SHE WAS DRIVING WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. AS OF 12/14/2010 IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *TR

• 12/14/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 55 MILES PER HOUR, MY CAR SUDDENLY DECREASED SPEED TO 20MPH. MY CAR CONTINUED TO LIMIT IT'S SPEED TO 30MPH FOR ONE HOUR. AFTER AN HOUR I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN SPEED. I LATER TOOK MY CAR INTO A SHOP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT MY TIMING CHAIN GUIDE HAD RUBBED UP AGAINST A CYLINDER CAUSE IT TO CRACK THUS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE. MY CAR HAS 102,000 AND NOW REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE. IN 2007 I HAD ALL THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AND HEAD BOLT SET REPLACED BECAUSE MY INTAKE VALVES WAS LEAKING AND THE HEAD THE GASKETS WERE ALL BLOWN. *TR

• 12/11/2011· VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

  DURING A RAINSTORM, AFTER DARK, AND ON-THE-ROAD, I REPLACED MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WITH RAIN*X WEATHERBEATER WIPER BLADES TO IMPROVE VISIBILITY. THE BLADES WERE PURCHASED AT A TARGET (UPC 79118 00419) AND INSTALLED IN THE RAIN IN THEIR PARKING LOT. WITHIN 20 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING LATER, ONE BLADE (DRIVER'S SIDE) BECAME DETACHED FROM THE WIPER ARM. THIS CAUSED SUDDEN LOSS OF VISIBILITY IN THE DARK AND IN THE HEAVY RAIN. I PULLED OVER THE SHOULDER, AND REINSTALLED THE WIPER BLADE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I DOUBLE CHECKED THAT IT WAS INSTALLED TIGHTLY, AND ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS. A FEW MILES LATER, IT DETACHED AGAIN. THIS TIME, I SWAPPED THE TWO BLADES, HOPING THAT ANOTHER FAILURE, IF IT OCCURRED, WOULD BE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A FEW MILES LATER, FOR A THIRD TIME, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER BLADE DETACHED FROM THE WIPER ARM. AT THIS POINT I REINSTALLED THE OLD AND BADLY FUNCTIONING BLADES. I SUBSEQUENTLY INSPECTED THE WIPER ARMS AND FOUND NO DEFECTS OR DEFORMITIES THAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURES. THE WIPER ARMS WERE THE "J-HOOK" TYPE ON A 2001 SATURN L SERIES VEHICLE. *TR

• 12/08/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK IN THE VALVE ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY SMELLED GASOLINE BUT DISREGARDED IT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE, BUT STATED THAT HER MODEL VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 00V309000, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45900. UPDATED 02/02/11 *CN

• 12/06/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED CAUSING IMMEDIATE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. FAILURE OCCURRED WITH ANY WARNING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

• 12/05/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MY 2001 SATURN SL200 HAD EXTREME VIBRATION AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHILE ON A LONG TRIP OUT OF STATE. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN BY MY COLLEGE AGE STUDENT. CAR ENGINE WAS JUMPING, IDLING VERY ROUGH, AND LOSING POWER. FORTUNATELY, SHE DID MADE IT BACK TO COLLEGE SAFELY. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO SATURN OF MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND PLUGS, WIRES AND SPARK PLUG CASSETTE WERE REPLACED DUE TO A MISFIRING DIAGNOSIS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP, IT STILL RAN ROUGH. I RETURNED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID VALVE COVER AND ENGINE WERE DIRTY. ALSO, THEY SAID TIMING CHAIN SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING. I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS AUTOMOBILE. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE SATURN TIMING CHAIN RECALL, THEY STATED THIS CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. TO ME, DRIVING THE CAR, IT SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE A TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM. SATURN CHARGED ME AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT TO DO ALL THE ABOVE WORK (OVER $900.00). I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THIS CAR SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL LIST, SINCE SATURN CONTINUED TO MAKE CARS WITH THE EXACT DESIGN AFTER FEBRUARY 2001. I BELIEVE THAT GM IS TRYING TO GET OUT OF REPAIRING AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE FOR THIS CAR. THIS CAR IS A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP. THE FIRST IN SERVICE DATE OF THIS VEHICLE WAS JUNE 2001, SO I CAN ALMOST CONCLUDE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED DURING THE RECALL TIME FRAME. IF NOT, SHORTLY THEREAFTER. I AM SURE THERE WERE ADDITIONAL CARS MADE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER GM'S CUTOFF OF PROBLEM VIN NUMBERS. MY CAR NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR

• 12/03/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  2001 L200 SATURN. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH TIMING CHAIN *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN AS STATED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL.*JB

• 12/03/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  OIL COOLER FAILURE. NOTICED ORANGE COLORED "GUNK" ON GROUND UNDER CAR FOLLOWING OIL CHANGE. SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM COOLANT RESERVOIR. TOOK CAR IN FOR COOLANT FLUSH. WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS OIL IN THE COOLANT AND THAT ENGINE HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO TEAR INTO ENGINE TO DISCOVER SOURCE. FOUND IT TO BE A LEAKING OIL COOLER. OIL COOLER WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH ALL COOLANT HOSES, THERMOSTAT, AND COOLANT RESERVOIR. TOTAL WAS $2100 ($571 FOR OIL COOLER). HAVE ALL OLD PARTS. SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGES A TSB REGARDING OIL COOLER IN THE L81 ENGINE BUT REFUSES TO REIMBURSE EVEN FOR PARTS. *JB

• 12/02/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MY TIMING CHAIN BROKE ON THE WAY TO MY FAMILIES THANKSGIVING WITH NO WARNING. I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR OVER 5 HOURS TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED. MY OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED ON TIME THE WHOLE LIFE OF THE CAR, THIS I HAVE RECORDS OF. AND I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM SATURN CORPORATE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. WITH THE NUMBER OF OTHER CLAIMS I HAVE SEEN THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE RECALLED. I AM NOW WITHOUT A CAR BECAUSE THE BILL TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS WAY TO HIGH FOR ME TO PAY, OVER 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS. *JB

• 12/01/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L200. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

• 12/01/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L SERIES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY STALLED. AFTER TWO HOURS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V519000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

• 12/01/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY

  IN OCTOBER 2006, MY ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A BAD CAP THAT WAS NOT HOLDING THE PRESSURE. WITHIN TWO WEEKS, THE SAME LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT BACK AND THEY SAID CAP WAS FINE AND COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. STATED THAT THEY HAD ADDED A DYE TO THE ENGINE COOLANT TO LOOK FOR THE PROBLEM AND COME BACK IN TWO WEEKS. ALMOST EXACTLY TWO WEEKS LATER, DEC. 1, I RETURNED BECAUSE I HAD FOUND THE PROBLEM. THE COOLANT - INCLUDING THE BRIGHT, FLUORESCENT GREENISH, YELLOWISH DYED - LEAKED ALL IN THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD AND WAS BEING SOAKED INTO THE MAT AND UPHOLSTERY. MY HEATER CORE HAD FAILED. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE WISDOM OF USING THE DYE, SATURN SAID THERE WAS NO WAY FOR THEM TO KNOW THIS WOULD HAPPEN, IE LEAK INTO MY CAR - YET I HAVE FOUND ONLINE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME HEATER CORE PROBLEM. *JB

• 12/01/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  SATURN HAS A RECALL ON TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES. I HAVE A 2001 L SERIES SATURN. BOUGHT IT FROM OLDS DEALER IN HELENA MT. THERE ARE NO SATURN DEALERS IN MONTANA. I CALLED THE 800# IN THE RECALL LETTER AND THEY SAID TO GO TO UNDERRINER OLDS IN BILLINGS, APPROXIMATELY 240 MILES AWAY. I BOUGHT IT AT AN OLDS DEALER TWO MILES FROM MY HOUSE. SEEMS TO ME THEY COULD AUTHORIZE THAT OR PAY ME A COUPLE OF DAYS WAGES, GAS, MOTEL, PER DIEM OR HAVE IT FIXED IN HELENA!!! THIS IS REALLY STUPID, BECAUSE MY TAILLIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND KEEP WIGGLING LOSE AND I LOSE MY BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS.*JB

• 12/01/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFire

  SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND THE SMOKE EXTINGUISHED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HAZARD SWITCH UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

• 11/30/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  FAX FM (KS) REQUEST THAT A RECALL IS ISSUED BY GM/SATURN FOR A FAULTY TIMING CHAIN, REPLY ATTN SHAWN COWING/ OVERLOAD PARK OFC. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM, THEREFORE THEY REDESIGNED THE TIMING CHAIN OILER. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. *JB

• 11/29/2012· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L-SERIES. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE FUEL CAP AND FUEL FILTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A MECHANIC TWICE WHO STATED THE EMISSION CONTROL MODULE SEAL ON THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE FUEL TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE EMISSION CONTROL MODULE SEAL WAS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL TANK. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 01/02/2013*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS REMOVED, THERE WERE GAS STREAKS FOUND WHERE THE GAS LEAKED OUT AROUND THE EMISSION SEAL AND ON TOP OF THE TANK. GAS HAD RAN DOWN THE SIDE OF THE GAS TANK CAUSING FIRE HAZARD. UPDATED 1/7/2013*JS

• 11/29/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  FUEL PUMP FAILURE ON 2001 SATURN. FUEL LINE CONNECTOR CRACKED AND LEAKING GAS FUEL PUMP AND FUEL GUAGE SENDING UNIT REPLACED. *TR

• 11/29/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  I HAVE A 2001 SATURN L-SERIES PASSENGER VEHICLE WITH A 2.2 4-CYLINDER ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAS 69K MILES AND THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE CAUSING SEVERE ENGINE TROUBLE (BENT VALVES), WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $2400. IF THERE IS DAMAGE TO ANY OF THE PISTONS THEN THE COST WILL INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY. THE MECHANIC THAT I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO USED TO TEACH AUTO MECHANICS AT THE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL UNTIL THEY ELIMINATED THE PROGRAM. AS MY MECHANIC WAS EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM TO ME HE TELLS ME THAT ONE OF HIS FORMER STUDENTS NOW WORKS AS A MECHANIC FOR SATURN. MY MECHANIC HAD TROUBLE DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM AND SO HE CALLED HIS FORMER STUDENT WHO INFORMED HIM THAT IT COULD POSSIBLY BE A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. HE GOES ON TO TELL ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN IS OILED BY SPRAYING OIL ON TO THE CHAIN THROUGH AN ORIFICE THAT IS NOT MUCH BIGGER THAN A PIN HOLE. THIS TINY HOLE WHERE THE OIL SPRAYS FROM IS AT THE END OF A PLASTIC PIECE ABOUT A HALF INCH LONG. IF SOMETHING SHOULD BLOCK THIS HOLE THE CHAIN BECOMES DRY AND EVENTUALLY BREAKS. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THEIR ORIGINAL DESIGN HAD A FATAL DESIGN FLAW, WHICH SATURN CAME TO RECOGNIZE, I CAN ONLY ASSUME DUE TO NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE TIMING CHAIN BREAKING, PROBABLY WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE UNDER WARRANTY, FORCING THEM TO COME UP WITH THE REDESIGN. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL FOR ANYONE WHO DRIVES A SATURN WITH THE ORIGINAL OILIER. IT IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. SHOULD SOMEONE BE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY AND HAVE THEIR TIMING CHAIN BREAK FOR IT WOULD BE LIKE SOMEONE PUTTING ON THE BRAKES BUT WITHOUT THE SIGNAL THUS PLACING THEM AS WELL AS ANYONE BEHIND THEM IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I SENT THE FULL STORY TO YOUR WEBMASTER. YOU NEED TO ALLOW MORE SPACE. *NM *SC

• 11/28/2001· POWER TRAIN

  UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. VEHICLE AT DEALER SHOP FOR REPAIRS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER. *AK

• 11/28/2001· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ON TWO OCCASIONS, VEHICLE LOST BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. VEHICLE AT THE DEALER SHOP AT THIS PRESENT TIME. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES DUE TO THE MANY FAILURES INCLUDING INOPERATIVE LOCKS, TRANSMISSION, IGNITION, AND LIGHTS. *JB

• 11/26/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE FAILED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT. THE CAR (ENGINE) STALLED, LOCKED UP AND IT COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED AT TWO SEPARATE INSTANCES. I REPLACED THE ENTIRE ENGINE WITH THE FIRST INSTANCE (3/14/06) AND THE MOST OF IT THE SECOND TIME (2/4/08). I WAS TOLD BY SATURN THAT OUR VIN # DOES NOT FALL WITHIN THE RECALL. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS A FLUKE WHEN IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS AND ME TWICE. *TR

• 11/26/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN L300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND BOTH THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS LOSING POWER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND THEN THEY WOULD TRY TO ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,642. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS NOT WHAT SHE SAID. WHILE DRIVING, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY WHICH RESULTED IN THE BCM MODULE BEING REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY DIED 2 DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT. UPDATED 12/12/07

• 11/25/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS MY WIFE'S 2001 SATURN L300 TURN SIGNALS HAVE BEEN WORKING AND NOT-WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. WE HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL, AND THINK THAT THE SAME AND/OR SIMILAR PROBLEM MAY BE OCCURRING WITH HER VEHICLE. *AK

• 11/24/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  SATURN LW300 CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE (3/05) - REPLACED BODY CONTROL MODULE FAILURE (11/05) - REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILURE (11/05) - REPLACED OIL COOLER LEAK (11/05) - RESEALED BATTERY FAILURE (JUST OVER 1 YEAR OLD, 11/05) - REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB

• 11/24/2000· TIRES

  WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR LEVEL ROAD THE LEFT REAR TIRE RUPTURED AT THE SIDEWALL FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED HEAVILY TO THE RIGHT UNDER ACCELERATION. I THEN CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE ON ALL FOUR WHEELS AND FOUND THEM TO BE NORMAL PRIOR TO THE TIRE RUPTURING. I THEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER WITH THE TIRE AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I ALSO COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER STEVE ABOUT THE CAR VEERING HEAVILY TO THE RIGHT. I THEN EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE WITH THE TIRES THAT ARE ON THE CAR AND REQUESTED THAT THEY BE REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR EQUIVALENTS. THE DEALERSHIP AGREED AND REPLACED THE FIRESTONE TIRES WITH GOODYEAR INTEGRITY TIRES. I WAS THEN ADVISED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE VEERING HEAVILY TO THE RIGHT UNDER ACCLERATION AND THAT NOTHING HAD BEEN DONE TO THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN REPLACE THE TIRES. SINCE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES THE VEHICLE HAS PERFORMED WELL WITHOUT THE VEERING TO THE RIGHT. I NOTICED THAT THE RENTAL VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FIRESTONE TIRE AND FOUND THE SIDEWALLS TO BE SOFT.THIS AFTER CHECKING THAT THE AIR PRESSURE HAD BEEN NORMAL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ADVISE.*AK (TIRESIZE: 205/65R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 205/65R15 )

• 11/23/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  DEALER FOUND BRAKE TAIL LIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK OR DIM WHEN DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKE. DEALER SAYS THIS PROBLEM IS INHERENT TO SATURN L SERIES; APPARENTLY DUE TO BULB NOT MAKING CONTACT WITH SOCKET ON CIRCUIT BOARD ASSEMBLY.*AK

• 11/22/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I PERSONALLY DON'T OWN ONE OF THESE VEHICLES, BUT HAVE WORKED FOR THE MANUFACTURER OF THESE VEHICLES. I WORKED FOR SATURN FOR A COUPLE YEARS AND HAVE LONG SINCE KNOWN THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE MY 00-02 L-SERIES TAILLIGHTS. ALMOST 100% OF EVERY L-SERIES NEEDS NEW TAILLIGHTS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. TO ADD TO THE PROBLEM, SATURN HAS NOT REDESIGNED THE TAILLIGHTS, THEY ARE JUST PUTTING THE SAME PRODUCTS BACK ON THE CAR. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CUSTOMER FEELS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN CARE OF, THEN A COUPLE MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD, ONE OR BOTH OF THE TAILLIGHTS DON'T WORK AGAIN.*JB

• 11/20/2006· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP LEAKED GAS PROFUSELY AND ON A WORSENING BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER SERVICED THE VEHICLE, AND NO FURTHER PROBLEMS HAD OCCURRED. UPDATED 12/15/06. *JB

• 11/19/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  I HAVE A 2001 SATURN L-SERIES, 2.2L ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING UNDER 30 MPH,ENGINE DIED. DIAGNOSIS: TIMING CHAIN BROKE, + ALL THE VALVES BENT COST TO ME $2400 (SEE ODI ID #10142499.) ALSO SEE COMPLAINT ODI ID #10129780, DATED 7/16/05. THIS VEHICLE WAS A 2000 SATURN L-SERIES, PASSENGER CAR. THIS INDIVIDUAL WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 101 IN CALIFORNIA WHEN HIS MOTOR SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. HE WAS TOLD SEVERAL DAYS LATER THAT THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND IN HIS CASE THE ENTIRE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I AM SURE IN HIS CASE BECAUSE HE WAS DRIVING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED AND THE VALVES CONTINUED TO HIT THE PISTONS DAMAGING THE ENTIRE ENGINE. HAD HE BEEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW IF SATURN HAS ISSUED ANY TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, MY DEALER SAYS NO BUT I WOULD GUESS THEY HAVE SINCE THE AREA (ENGINE REBUILDERS ASSOCIATION) HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETINS DATED APRIL 2004 WHICH SAYS, "THE AREA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE TIMING CHAIN AND OILING NOZZLE ON THE 2000-2003 SATURN 2.2L ENGINES. ALL GM TIMING CHAIN KITS AVAILABLE THROUGH GM SERVICE HAVE A REVISED NOZZLE INCLUDED IN THE KIT. THE REVISED NOZZLE HAS HIGHER FLOW RATE CHARACTERISTICS THAT WILL INCREASE OIL FLOW TO THE TIMING CHAIN UNDER LOW RPM OPERATING CONDITIONS. WHENEVER REPLACING THE TIMING CHAIN, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REPLACE THE OIL NOZZLE." THIS SAME ENGINE IS IN AT LEAST THE CHEVY CAVALIER. I CONTEND THAT THE ORIGINAL TIMING CHAIN OIL IS FAULTY, IT DOES NOT MAINTAIN THE PROPER OIL TO THE TIMING CHAIN UNDER LOW RPM, THUS CAUSING IT TO HEAT UP AND OVER TIME BREAK, WHICH CAUSES MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE AND EXPENSE TO THE CUSTOMER. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD THIS HAPPEN IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AROUND ANY MAJOR CITY PUTTING INNOCENT PEOPLE'S LIVES IN JEOPARDY. GM SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BY INSTALLING OR IN MINE AND I AM SURE OTHERS CASES PAYING FOR THE REPAIR. *JB