2000 Saturn LS: windshield wiper failure

Filed Apr 6, 2006 · Electrical · OH

Since we bought the car, we have had chronic problems with the HVAC system and other minor electrical problems; re-charging the AC the first 3 summers we owned the car, determining the AC did not have enough power going to it to run properly, dash lights going out, automatic doors not working, and the taillights going out intermittently, and difficulties with the wipers working appropriately. The engine light would chronically go on, but the dealer mechanics could find nothing wrong after reading the codes. We requested the dealership please trace the electrical lines to find a short, but said there was none and the problem was "fixed". Then, after 6 years of ongoing problems, and no AC for 2 years, the heater began to remain on for approx. 30 seconds after the car was turned off and the key was no longer in the ignition. A week later the car failed to start. A personal mechanic friend discovered that the blower motor was cross wired and there was a short in the relay from the HVAC system to the engine. We have replace the relay and the blower motor. The AC and the heater now work fine. I am frustrated that saturn refused to deal with this chronic problem appropriately.

Filed Sep 2, 2005 · Lights, Steering · 48,000 miles · PA

Dt: the windshield wiper control on the steering column broke off when the consumer tried to turn the windshield wipers on. This occurred in the middle of a storm. Consumer took the vehicle to a dealer and they said there were pins missing from the steering column that caused the failure. No corrections have been made at this time. Consumer said saturn was contacted by the dealer about this problem. Also there is a problem with the rear taillights that make them go out when the consumer hits a slight bump or pothole. The consumer can tighten the taillight and it will work properly for a while then stop. Consumer feels he should not have to pay for this.

Filed Mar 18, 2005 · Body, Visibility · CA

Saturn lw2 4dr wagon 2000, windshield wiper multi function switch broke. *bf the consumer stated the upper edge of the front door is a hazard. The edge of the door is 56 inches from the ground and is sharp.

Filed Nov 8, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 70,000 miles · MD

I noticed my brake lights and tail lights were not working all the time...upon further inspection it appears that the brake lights do not work when the headlights and/or tail lights are on. There is definitely a wiring problem... I have had several electrical problems with this vehicle, which is only 4 years old... The door locks and electric windows have been broken, and the intermittent wiper setting does not work properly.

Filed Oct 30, 2004 · Lights, Suspension · IN

Have owned the car, 2000 ls1, since it had about 8k miles. Have had to buy 3 sets of tires so far due to irregular wear. Been to saturn dealership and other garages several times about this before finally learning from saturn this past summer that the lower control arms on this make and model are defective and that saturn had put together a shim kit to fix the problem. This solution would cost over $500, especially when you count the four wheel alignment that would also be necessary. Also having brake light problems. Brake lights don't work when parking lights are turned on. Have replaced bulbs several times, particularly the driver side brake light. Mechanic cleaned and adjusted the socket's contact points, but 3 weeks later the driver side brake light was not working again. Wipers don't get windshield clean, even when brand new. Auto unlock stopped working.

Filed Dec 16, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · 44,000 miles · MA

1. Car has 44,000 miles on it. Coolant system is leaking. Estimated $500 to fix it. Car is 2.5 yrs old. 2. When windshield washer is used, it shorts out and wiper system stops working completely. Dealer's service dept recommends $400 wiper motor replacement even though they can not replicate the issue. I went thru three fuses in one day. Very dangerous situation as it is winter and I live in new england

Filed Jun 4, 2001 · Body, Electrical · CA

The windshield wiper arm and blades were defective.

Filed Jan 22, 2001 · Visibility · VA

The windshield wipers on my saturn ls1 do not work properly. I brought the problem to the attention of the dealer one week after purchase, and they swapped the driver's side wiper with one from another new saturn ls, but offered no other solution. The blades on both sides scape the windshield, like fingernails scrapping over a countertop. The problem is worse at higher speeds, and the wipers do not clear the windshield effectively. During snowfall, the blades are virtually useless. I believe this is a design flaw; or the windshield is warped. The lack of visibility during rain and snow is a safety problem for this vehicle.