My daughter was driving to work and a pop was heard from the engine, then the car quit and she was able to maneuver the car to the shoulder of the road. Event occurred at night on a unlit roadway. When the ar was towed to a mechanic, I was told the timing belt had broken and the engine would need to be replaced. Saturn said it was due to oil change maintenance but all oil changes were done on a regular basis. Saturn also claimed that the problem was not a major one, but after researching I found numerous complaints for the same problem. Saturn issued a tsb in june 2003 which stated that the oiler to the timing chain housing was not large enough to properly oil the chain, but refuses to take any responsibility for repeated failures. A class action suit on behalf of all owners with this failure may need to be started if saturn continues to refuse to own up to the problem.
2001 Saturn LS engine complaints
Page 10 of 12: complaints 251 to 280 of 339, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have a 2001 saturn l series. A few months ago I started hearing little noises in the engine when it was cold, and as the engine warmed up the noise would stop. I have the car serviced pretty regularly, and have not had any bad experiences with the car. 2 days ago, I drove one mile from my work,and with no warning at all I heard a loud pop in the engine and everything stopped. I was surprised to know that the timing chain had broke and the rear cam was completely frozen. I had the car towed to my house and there it will sit for awhile. I cannot afford to fix it as the estimated cost to just get into it is $400, and then most likely will need a new engine. I am on a modest income, and I am still making payments on this vehicle and have to continue to make payments on a car I can't drive. This is my primary transportation to and from work, so it will most likely affect my livelihood. I contacted saturn and they told me they had not serviced the car since 2001 and pretty much I was on my own. I had serviced the car regularly, but not at the dealership. This happened at 89000 miles. I think that saturn should stand behind this problem as it is a safety issue. Apparently by the research I have done, this is a common problem with saturns and I want them to replace my engine, parts and labor and stand behind their work as well. I feel like with all the complaints that there should be a recall, as well as a class-action suit against saturn.
2001 saturn l200 had a cam chain failure which has caused cylinder head and possible piston damage that will cost well over 1500 dollars to fix on a car that has 75000 miles on it! I understand this problem is in investigation by your agency now.
Tl* - the contact stated that on the evening of 12/29/06 vehicle would not start. The contact stated that the week before he was having problems accelerating the vehicle. The contact called the mechanic and he pushed the vehicle to the auto shop. The mechanic informed the contact that the timing chain broke. The contact stated that the mechanicwas replacing the timing chain, and then he will be able to tell if any valves were bent. 8ak
2001 saturn l series timing chain broke**cc
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!
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.
While driving, my husband's 2001 l200 saturn 4-cyl lost all power. He safely coasted to a parking lot. The car would not restart. Repair shop states timing chain malfunction. The extent of damage/costs is not known at this time.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 MPH on normal road conditions, the engine stalled and could not be restarted. No warning lights alerted the contact prior to the incident. The dealership was contacted who indicated the battery could be the problem. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic because the nearest dealer was 100 miles away. The mechanic determined the timing chain fractured. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle remained inoperable at the auto shop. The contact was aware of several complaints due to the time chain failure. Updated 12/05/06.
The timing chain on my 2001 saturn l200 (81,00 miles) broke while driving. All power stopped and had to coast to safety, wait alone on the turnpike for help. Research shows an open investigation of this problem. I just want you to know this is still happening!
I was driving with my two young children on I-75 in kentucky doing 70 miles per hour. I noticed that I lost the gas peddle and barely had steering. No lights were on in the dash and I had very little control over the vehicle. I managed to get my car to the right side of the road on a steep down grade crossing 3 lanes of traffic! Had my car towed to a local mechanic (after sitting for 2 hours on the side of the highway with children). The mechanic said that the timing chain broke and caused additional damage to the engine. The car was then 3 hours from home with it needing a completely new engine!! I consider myself lucky to not have been hurt! My children and myself could have been seriously injured or killed on a busy highway with a car the decided to quit running on a steep grade and all the semis around!!
I own a 2001 saturn l200 which I bought in 2003 used. I was driving on a very busy 6 lane major road when my car suddenly died and could not be restarted. I was able to pull into the right lane before rolling to a stop, but caused a major hazard sitting in the road with cars having to go around me. We had the car towed and found it was the timing chain that had broken, also damaging several valves in the process. The repair was completed after 12 days at a cost to me of $2700. I also had to rent a car for the time my car was being fixed at a cost of several hundred dollars. I had to take a loan to pay for the repair and rental. In doing a little research, I found that many, many saturn l200's have had the same problem at various mileage marks. I have only 56,000 miles on my car and up until now, have had no other problems with the car, but this was major. I, like the other owners with the same problem, have kept my oil changed and kept up the maintenance on this car. I understand there was an investigation launched by the federal safety agency which was closed. I have seen at least 45 pages of complains on the internet and wonder if anything is being done. Please do not wait until the death toll is significant to address this problem. Thank you.
I was driving yesterday, and my 2001 saturn l200, just gave out on me. I could not turn my steering wheel, I had no control over my car. It wouldn't stop or anything. I was scared that I would crash into anything. I came about 2 inches away from hitting a light pole. Must of been god that stopped the car. I had my car towed, and they said it was the timing belt or chain. I been reading that there were so many complaints on this same issue. I could of been really hurt or got into a bad accident or anything. Right now I'm waiting on the cost of how much it will be for repairs.
2001 saturn l-200 timing chain failure with only 70k miles seems to be a real problem that saturn will not admit.
2001 saturn 200l key would not turn in engine, steering shook vigorously while driving. *ts while driving 65 MPH, on the day the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle's steering wheel began to vibrate and pull to the right. There was also a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle on the passenger side. The consumer assumer the problem would resolve itself but it didn't. Two weeks later the consumer called the dealer. The vehicle wa taken tot he dealer who determined that the problem was wheel balancing. The adjustment were made and the vehicle was returned tot he consumer. About a month later the vehicle would not start intermittently. The consumer called the dealer who explained that this was a safety feature. Several months went by and the problem continued to occur. Someone suggested tot he consumer that she needed a new starter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The vehicle was returned to the consumer . Once again the vehicle began to not start. The dealer finally replaced the starter. The vehicle tie rod eventually had to be replaced. That was the noise the consumer heard when she first purchased the vehicle. On day while driving the vehicle sudden lost all power. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer who determined that the vehicle's timing chain had broken. None of these failures were covered by the vehicle extended warranty. The consumer contacted yhe manufacturer but they provided no assistance.
I bought my car with 36,000 miles on it and spent $8000. Less than four months later, I had to spend almost $2000 to fix a timing chain. Then when it had 61,000 miles on it, I had to have a fuel pump fixed. I have found out this is such a common problem, there is a fix it kit for it. They refuse to assist me in getting it fixed because I will not pay for a second tow to take it to their retailer to have it diagnosed because my certified mechanic lets me make payments. They also refuse to recall the defective part.
Wife's car...she noticed a noise,took to mechanic...timing chain broke. Damage to pistons....reported to (geico mechanical breakdown insurance) inspector came out said lack of oil changes. Wanted records...I do all oil changes. Many incidents reported on internet. Tech service bulletin 03-06-01-017. Saturn says only for dealerships to read ... Saturn l200 with 63000 miles.
Timing chain failure at low speed resulting in stall. Car restarted after a few tries and was able to be driven about 2 blocks home with very poor performance. After turning off engine vehicle would not restart. Independent mechanic diagnosed timing chain failure.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH on a city street, the timing belt fractured without warning and there was a loss of all vehicle power. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the engine was damaged when the timing belt fractured. The mechanic suggested replacing the engine as well as the timing belt. The manufacturer was alerted.
My wife was driving our 2001 saturn l-100 west bound on I-70 traveling at approx 65 MPH. When she began decelerating while approaching the exit ramp for us 33 south the engine quit. Fortunately traffic was light and she was able to navigate the car to as safe stop on the berm of the exit ramp. After having the vehicle towed to the saturn dealer, we were in formed that the timing chain had stretched and skipped a tooth causing this zero clearance engine to require a rebuild costing nearly $3000. The dealer told me this was probably due to insufficient oil changes on my part. I change the oil in this car every 5000 to 6000 miles. Since this incident I have discovered that hundreds if not thousands of other saturn l-series owners have experienced this same failure, many with less miles than my car. Fortunately this did not happen during a high traffic time of day while driving in a middle or left lane ore while attempting to merge in a high traffic situation.
My 2001 l-series saturn developed a low speed miss, was diagnosed as a sticking valve at saturn of frederick, md. Three days later on a narrow road my timing chain broke at 55 MPH. Causing a sudden shut down of the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able to drift the vehicle over to a very narrow shoulder. The vehicle was towed to a local auto repair shop. Diagnosis was made as broken timing chain which also caused bent valves in the cylinder head. New timing chain kit was installed and the head was re-done with new valves and gaskets. It should be noted that the new timing chain kit was and updated kit correct early design problems with an oilier nozzle.
Car is a 2001 saturn lw 200 station wagon, which had been maintained regularly with the dealer (last date of service was approximately 3 1/2 to 4 months prior to incident). Vehicle's timing belt failed during short local trip (2 miles from home) under normal driving conditions. Timing belt failure resulted in additional engine damage including dented valves. Driver had no warning of impending failure: engine simply stalled out and never started again. Car had been maintained regularly with dealer and dealer never indicated that timing belt was worn or required scheduled maintenance. Car is only five years old and had approximately 60,000 miles on it. Car was towed to repair shop for evaluation of problem. First repair shop believed problem was timing belt but was not equipped to handle the problem; recommended dealer service. Dealer estimated repair costs at $2300. Owners decided to delay repair pending potential sale or donation of the damaged vehicle.
We purchased a 2001 saturn l200 from a saturn dealer in 2002 with 14,000 miles on the vehicle. We had the vehicle properly maintained by a chevrolet dealership mechanic. The oil was changed every 3,000 miles. The vehicle had timing chain failure at 57,000 miles resulting in sudden and complete loss of power while on an interstate highway. The cylinder head had to be replaced at a cost of $2,348.00.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20mph, the timing chain fractured without warning. Afterwards, the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined that upon the initial fracture of the timing chain, the engine was damaged, and both components would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted.
At 62000 miles, timing chain broke in engine - no warning, car just stopped the timing chain broke causing damage to the valves and pistons. 2001 saturn l-200 2.2 l engine, 5-speed transmission
Driving on highway I 293,and my engine blew it got towed to saturn of nashua (offered me $200 on a trade in for it or other wise 3600 to fix).my ignition module s#%t the bed (a recalled part) saturn of nashua once again could not help me because they replaced it for the previous owner and they would have replaced it for me if it went 1600 mi ago (didn't help at all).the tentioner spring went threw the side of the housing,02 censor broke,lights dim when rolling up & down the windows,loose power when the AC is on,use lighter in car once then fuse needs replacing,cv joints went,my brake lights go out like crazy and I replace them like crazy and get pulled over for it too, what else oh yagh! I drive 61 miles to then from work 5 to 6 days a week .and do all my required maintenance and then some and still owe 4 more years on this car sucks huge I am only suckered once saturn and saturn of nashua has lost my business for good! But they did cover the cost of putting my car on the diagnostic machine $96.00 when my engine blew because I was going to leave it there thanks saturn for all the people you ripped off.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH and turning a corner the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who determined the timing chain fractured and caused damage to two cylinder heads. The dealer replaced the timing chain and cylinder heads. The battery was replaced. Updated 09/13/06.
On august 4, 2006 my 2001 saturn l series sedan did not start. As the saturn dealership is 20 miles away, I had my car towed to a local auto repair shop. I was informed that the timing chain on the vehicle and gears were defective. The mechanic and myself thought this was odd as the car has only 49,145 miles on it. Luckily, I was not driving the car when this failure occurred, although I could have been. I researched this problem and found there is an ongoing investigation concerning this problem in my type vehicle. I contacted saturn and was told there would be no reimbursement as this was not an open recall for my car. The cost to repair this defective part was $940. I have had the gears and timing chain replaced and still have the defective parts.
The car would start rocking when waiting for a light. It would loose power at low rpms and eventually the whole head had to be replaced because the saturn service center in clarence did not tell us to check the timing chain. Typically I travel on expressways and a blown engine could have caused a multiple car crash.
July 4, 2006, several months after just having new computer installed on my 2001 saturn l-series 200, I was driving with my mother and two sisters when suddenly the vehicle lost all power including steering and braking capability. The engine died and the vehicle was difficult to control. Fortunately, I was traveling at a low rate of speed rounding a rather innocuous bend. But had this taken place under different circumstances the casualty loss, both property and personal, could have been disastrous. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealership, where the next day a mechanic told me that it was the timing chain that broke. Proceeded to call saturn, they said it would be roughly three-thousand dollars to fix. The car is outside of warranty, but I was still making payments. There is absolutely no reason why a car in today's day and age, should not be warranted against an unreasonable dangerous defect such as what is happening with the saturn l-series 200. Please help with contacting saturn and seeing about a replacement to cover my loss. Thank you.
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