2001 Saturn LS: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jul 13, 2011 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. While driving approximately 25 MPH the contact heard a ticking sound in the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the ticking sound was constant and could be heard while the vehicle was parked and while driving. The federal safety agency recall campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling) may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2007 · Electrical, Engine · 77,535 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact heard a persistent knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently and she was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument panel lights flickered when she depressed the brake pedal. The dealer inspected the vehicle, but was unable to diagnose the cause of the failures. The current and failure mileages were 77,535.

Filed May 30, 2007 · Engine · 77,468 miles · NY

Engine knocking badly. Dealer listed cause as "weak timing chain tensioner"told it was not normal for the mileage (77468). Chain pkg cost $733.86 (parts/labor) I've heard that there are many saturns with this type of problem.

Filed Jul 13, 2006 · Engine · 78,000 miles · OH

My wife and I own a 2001 saturn l200 sedan that we have been very happy with. Over the years there have been nothing more than the normal little problems with the car. About two weeks ago my wife started noticing a 'ticking' noise coming from the engine. The sound came and went but mostly when she started the car. We had it in to a garage and they were unable to determine the cause, but assured my wife everything would be fine. Two days later everything was not fine. My wife, who is a nurse, went to start her car after work. The car started, with the noise, and then stalled. She tried to restart the car but was unable to. All of this happened sunday july 9th at 4:00 am in the morning. We had the car towed the following monday, at an increased expense because she was in a low clearance parking garage. We had the engine checked and it was discovered to be a timing belt failure. Lucky, for us it happened when she started the car not when she was driving, so there was no other damage done to the motor. As I stated earlier our car is a 2001 saturn l200 that has only 78,000 miles. Never before have I heard of a timing chain failing, let alone at 78,000 miles. The last car we owned, a 1993 nissan maxima had a timing belt and the manufacturer did not recommend replacement until 90,000 mile at that. I have had many cars and have driven them well beyond 100,000 mile mark and never have I had to fix a timing chain before.

Filed Jul 6, 2006 · Engine · 49,821 miles · GA

My sixteen year-old daughter was driving our 2001 saturn l200 and came home to tell me that the car started making a knocking sound. I took it to the mechanic to investigate the problem. He called me to show me the results: a shattering timing chain. The links of the chain were breaking apart, but had not yet completely failed. Since the pieces that had broken off could not be confidently recovered from the engine, we are currently in the process of replacing the engine. This failure could have caused an emergency that my daughter would not have been able to handle had this timing chain failed completely while she was driving on any of the busier streets in our area, where traffic can be moderate to heavy. The engine with the failing timing chain is still currently available if needed for ea06-009.

Filed Nov 11, 2003 · Engine · NC

Timing chain tensior failed, resulting in loud engine knocking sounds and difficulty turning steering wheel. Interior lights will dim when pressing brake pedal or turning on headlights. Charging system tests normal.

Filed Nov 6, 2003 · Suspension · CA

2001 saturn l200 - heavy steering wheel vibration/noise and severe premature tire wear. I was told by the dealer on at least 6 occasions that this was normal on this year and model and many times nothing was even done, there have been 3 brand new sets of tires put on by the dealer over the past year or so as well as new front end components and 2 sets of alignment specifications. The new tires only lasted approx. 5-6mos before new ones were needed with the tire brand being firestone. This has become a serious saftey issue. A fourth set of tires were put on with 1/2 paid by dealer and 1/2 paid by me (pro-rated use) along with another new set of alignment specs. So far it appears to be good. However, it appeared as such every other time and all the while the warranty clock is ticking.