2000 Saturn LS: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Aug 24, 2015 · Lights · 152,680 miles · CO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn ls. While driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the steering wheel into the vehicle and the high beams activated without being prompted. The high beams failed to turn off causing the contact to detach the headlights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,680.

Filed Jul 16, 2007 · Lights · WI

2000 saturn ls1 with smoke coming out of the steering column**cc the dealer stated the reason for the smoke was because the headlight switch had shorted out. The consumer also stated the tail lights were shortening out.

Filed Mar 8, 2007 · Acceleration · WI

I have a saturn sl year 2000. It currently has 63,000 miles on it. About 6 weeks ago I was driving to work and it suddenly started accelerating on its own, I went through a red light because I couldn't slow it fast enough. The brakes would slow it down if I floored them but not slow it to a stop. The engine rpms were up to 5 and would not decrease. I had to through the car in to neutral then park (rpms still at 5) then take the keys out. I had the nearest auto repair check it and they said that an ice block had froze in the air intake causing accelerator to freeze. 2 weeks later the same event occurred. I proceeded with the same actions to stop, and when I restarted the car the problem was gone. (this time I smelled an awful burning smell which I assume was either from riding my brakes or from the engine revving so high) lucky no red lights this time and not caught off guard as the first time. I decided to use the saturn dealer ship to have the car checked. They stated that "mice" had chewed through the wires going to the accelerator sensor/control. They replaced the wires and said it was fixed. Now 2 weeks later the same problem occurred. I called the saturn dealership and they said that they may have to keep the vehicle until they can duplicate the problem to diagnose it. I explained it has occurred only about every 2 weeks and that I have only one vehicle. I then decided to research the internet about the problem. On one site www.consumeraffairs.com I found a few disturbing reports/complaints from people (including one 10 miles from where I live). They described the same problems ( although 1 was a saturn 2002) and that after many incidents and various repairs they have not had their problem resolved and they are terrified to drive their vehicle. One described their vehicle as a possessed death trap which is exactly how I am feeling. . I am very frightened to even drive now. People could be killed by this problem.

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Electrical · 78,045 miles · MA

Driving to work when power seat began moving forward on it's own. Then seat switch started smoking a lot. I then pulled over exited vehicle and had someone notify fire dept in west brookfield ma. I then disconnected battery fire dept removed switch and inspected seat to make sure it was not on fire. The switch itself was toasted the wiring to the switch was fine, also the fuse to the seat did blow out. I will contact dealer for replacement switch. I also do have the burnt out switch.

Filed Sep 8, 2005 · Lights · 89,018 miles · NJ

Dt: while driving home and giving left turn signal there was smoke coming out of the steering column. Took the vehicle to the dealer, and the switch was defective and it caught on fire on the inside. The dealer replaced the switch ,but they charge d the consumer for the work. This happened on september 7, 2005.

Filed Sep 20, 2004 · Electrical · WI

Since car was bought problems with the electrical system. The car goes cuts off when it feels like it. Said it was a loose ground wire. They fixed it and not even two miles down the road it did it again. The if I would step on the brakes too hard the "service engine" light would go on. Usually the car computer would note a code if the service light would go on it didnt. Then a puff of smoke came from the stirring wheel and the dealership told me that it was from a piece of dust. No two months later the switch for the high beams would flash on and off and then it would stay on after you shut off the car. They turn on when they want when the car is off. We have also replaced the passenger airbag because the airbag started coming out of the dash board. The dashboard is also bubbling around the area where the airbag sits.

Filed Apr 2, 2004 · Engine · NV · fire

We had recently bought a saturn from henderson saturn with the understanding that we were covered for 24,000 miles or 2 years of any mechanical defects. The car caught on fire yesterday and was towed to saturn. We were called this morning and told that we have to foot the bill to tear down the car because the head is cracked from the water pump going out. I explained to the dealership that the radiator light came on and I immediately pulled off and put water in it. They told me that it was my responsibility to call them when that light came on. I was never told this at the time of purchase. I explained to him that when the low fuel light comes on I never call them and I asked what the difference was. They told me I should have known. Because I'm not a mechanic I only knew that when a radiator light comes on, it means the radiator needs water/coolant. The warranty covers the bad water pump but not the result of the cracked head it caused from being unfunctional. We are told this will cost us upwards of $500 out of our pocket. We just got the license plates on the car yesterday. This is so unjust of saturn to sell us a bill of goods that we have contracted to pay for and them not take responsibility for the work that needs to be done as a result of a bad water pump, they agree is still under warranty that they will replace, that slipped by their inspection of the vehicle when it was in their possession. We've already agreed to pay an ample amount above what the car sells for in order to finance this vehicle. Why should we have to pay for their promise to take care of the maintenance for the next 2 years?

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Seats · 49,879 miles · CO · fire

The drivers seat heater shorted out and caught fire burning a substantial hole in the seat, causing considerable discomfort to my wife by burning her leg. When the manufacturer was informed there was no alarm or concern what-so-ever. I believe this incident is but one of many and should cause considerable concern as the fire hazzard should not be overlooked.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Electrical · 49,744 miles · TX · fire

Driving home I smelled an electrical burning smell. I then noticed smoke coming from the steering column. With the car off the smoke continued and the high beams were on. I drove to saturn and they found an internal short in the head lamp switch (p/n 22679804). At no time did any fuse blow to protect the circuit. I have the old part and can see evidence of burnt/melted wires. This is a fire hazard. 2000 saturn ls1 VIN [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).