2000 Saturn LS: engine failure

Filed Aug 24, 2016 · Engine · 140,569 miles · CA

Ref: 07v519 I am filling this complaint concerning my 2000 saturn ls1 2.2l engine. While driving on a southern california freeway in july 2008 my timing chain broke. This caused us to try and get to the side of the freeway from the left side of the freeway, a very nerve-racking situation. After talking to the dealership and several independent repair shops I elected to replace the engine instead of fixing the timing chain and the other damage that was caused in the broken timing chain. The repair was completed by claremont auto center in pomona ca on 14/july/2008. If necessary I should be able to get a copy of the repair bill.

Filed Aug 6, 2012 · Engine · 143,000 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn l-series wagon. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnosis. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would need a new timing chain and a new engine, as there was a lot of internal damage. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 143,000. Updated 11/07/12*lj the repairs were completed, in one week, by the consumer's husband. Updated 11/07/2012

Filed Apr 23, 2012 · Engine · 74,500 miles · WI

Engine began having a slow knocking noise, prior to that I would hear a noise of the chain slapping, which I was explained to by saturn that this was normal in my vehicle. Drove the vehicle home then while I was parking, heard a loud bang and when I got out - there was oil gushing from underneath. Parked the car and have not repaired it since... Was just doing research now to replace the engine and found that finally there was another round of recalls regarding the engine. I have asked my saturn dealer before about this (while they were still in business) and was told that only specific years were covered...

Filed Mar 3, 2011 · Engine · 185,000 miles · IL

Timing chain broke on 2000 saturn ls2 3.0l v6 engine while driving down the road causing engine failure. The 2.2l engine has been recalled and there are many complaints about the 3.0l engine having the same failures. This engine should be included in the recall also.

Filed Dec 16, 2010 · Engine · 185,000 miles · SC

My timing chain separated and caused major damage to my engine. I have a saturn 2000 ls 2.2l engine. I never had a problem, never knew the chain was a problem. I went to start my car, it would not start. It was towed to goodyear, they said I have no compression, the timing chain broke. My only solution is to put a new engine into my car. I have always changed the oil at 3,000 miles and mechanically took care of my car. I am looking to replace the motor with money I do not have. A timing chain should not fail in these conditions.

Filed Sep 3, 2009 · Engine · 72,550 miles · RI

2000 saturn ls timing chain failure. Engine noise from right front, dealer removed valve cover found piece of top chain guide missing. Dealer removed front cover and found chain to have excessive play. Replaced timing chain, guides and tensioner assembly cost of $846.68 and later discovered no recall has been made other then with thousands of complaints of saturn ls and l-series sedans and wagons with bad timing chains and noise the only way to notice it failing is if you really pay attention to the car and the noise and can remain unnoticed to average owner and premature engine failure to result. Timing chain replaced at 72550 miles.

Filed Aug 27, 2009 · Engine · 107,000 miles · NC

I was driving on the highway when I suddenly lost all power with no warning. I am told by the dealership that the timing chain was broken. I now need to replace the engine - at a cost close to what the car is worth. I see that the 2001 cars have this same problem and were subject to recall. Why not the 2000?

Filed Jan 23, 2009 · Engine · 89,000 miles · WV

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 saturn l series. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start and was towed to a local repair shop. The mechanic stated that the timing chain LED to engine failure. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $2,300. The failure and current mileages were 89,000.

Filed Aug 21, 2008 · Engine · 93,000 miles · MD · 3 injuries

I was driving my 2000 saturn ls at 45 MPH when it just shut off, lost all power, and thankfully had a place to drift off to the side of the road. However, I was without a phone, and had to walk 5 miles in the sun to call for help. I had the car towed ($100) and was told that the timing chain had broken and I needed a new engine. I called for a second opinion and could not incur the cost to tow it again, but was told that the mechanic was more than reputable. After almost 3 weeks without a vehicle, as a single mother with a new job, this wreaked havoc in our lives and a $2500 expense for a new engine. I'm now driving a saturn with a chevy cavalier engine that is warranted for only 90 days. I kept the timing chain and took photos of the engine. I'm joining the millions of other people in a class action suit, because saturn knew about this problem, continues to know about it, has done nothing to recall, even has its service people claim ignorance or try to blame the consumer. I am the only owner of this vehicle, and it has had all of the required servicing every 3,000 miles as directed by the manual, which I also have. There is nothing in the manual to service the engine/timing chain, and every 3,000 mile service I got was done at a saturn dealership until the last four.

Filed Jul 23, 2008 · Engine · 140,000 miles · TN

Timing chain broke on 2000 saturn l200 causing bent rods and engine failure. Saturn estimates cost of repairs to be $2000-3000. I have been reading of the current the federal safety agency investigation of 1999-2003 saturns and the high occurrence of timing chain failures. I do hope something can be done for saturn to recall affected vehicles.

Filed Jul 23, 2008 · Engine · 115,000 miles · OH

Timing chain failure on 2000 saturn ls1 model. Failure came unexpectedly. Looking into it, I found dozens of other saturn owners who experienced the same problem. This simple failure has damaged my engine. I am facing a minimum of $2600 in repairs to replace the engine. This seems to be an persistent problem with this engine. Mechanics I have consulted state that they have seen this happen many times before.

Filed Mar 20, 2008 · Engine · 84,026 miles · IL

I was driving on the higway at 65mph and the engine quit I coasted to the shoulder ands had the car towed to saturn dealer they said the timing chain broke and caused engine damage saturn said I will need a new engine.