I was driving to work and suddenly the engine started running rough, then stalled. I coasted off to the side of the road to get out of traffic. It would not re-start, so I had my car towed home where I started troubleshooting. After investigating, I found it was the timing chain. The chain had enough slack in it to jump about 6 teeth. This caused a total loss of compression in all cylinders.
2001 Saturn LS engine complaints
Page 5 of 12: complaints 101 to 130 of 339, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Timing chain broke while on interstate without warning.
I own a 2001 saturn l200, about two years ago I replaced my engine due to my timing chain breaking and causing internal damage. I recently had the same problem happen and need to replace the engine again. After researching this problem I found that their are many people with this problem. If saturn knows this situation is such a big problem why cant they be made responsible? I just don't think its right that so many incidents are going unanswered.. Thank you for the chance for our problem to be heard.
My 2001 saturn l-200 had the timing chain break (with only 52,000 miles on it). While driving home from work, car was acting erratic. Made me nervous so I got out of heavy traffic and onto a side street. Car quit in the center of an intersection while making a left-hand turn. Fortunately, this happened in a residential neighborhood and the other cars were able to slow down and get around me with no problem. As so many others have stated, saturn says my car was not one of the ones included in their premature timing belt failure recall; they'd be happy to fix it, but at my expense. I know saturn is on its way out, but hopefully other saturn owners can be made aware of this so they can have their timing chains checked out before their car conks out and someone gets hurt.
I replaced the heater control switch, blower motor, and resistor due to the fact that the heater blower would not work. After doing all the above, the heater still did not work. It appears that the wiring harness behind the heater control was the problem. Two of the prongs in the white plug were burnt and did not allow the dc electric current to go into the heater control unit. It is lucky that the fan went out before it had caught fire. There are two children who ride in the car, one 5 years old and one 9 years old. I was surprised that the 40 amp fuse did not blow even though the circuit kept coming on and off. We had already changed the engine 3-4 years ago because the timing chain broke and saturn would not fix.
While driving on the interstate at 55 miles per hour, my car suddenly decreased speed to 20mph. My car continued to limit it's speed to 30mph for one hour. After an hour I was able to regain speed. I later took my car into a shop where they told me that my timing chain guide had rubbed up against a cylinder cause it to crack thus leaking coolant into the engine. My car has 102,000 and now requires a new engine. In 2007 I had all the cylinder head gaskets replaced and head bolt set replaced because my intake valves was leaking and the head the gaskets were all blown.
My 2001 saturn sl200 had extreme vibration at a traffic light while on a long trip out of state. This car is driven by my college age student. Car engine was jumping, idling very rough, and losing power. Fortunately, she did made it back to college safely. The car was brought to saturn of manchester, new hampshire and plugs, wires and spark plug cassette were replaced due to a misfiring diagnosis. When the vehicle was picked up, it still ran rough. I returned to dealer and they said valve cover and engine were dirty. Also, they said timing chain sounded like it was slipping. I was not the original owner of this automobile. When I asked about the saturn timing chain recall, they stated this car was not included in the recall. To me, driving the car, it sounds exactly like a timing chain problem. Saturn charged me an exorbitant amount to do all the above work (over $900.00). I strongly believe that this car should be on the recall list, since saturn continued to make cars with the exact design after february 2001. I believe that gm is trying to get out of repairing an extreme safety issue for this car. This car is a potential death trap. The first in service date of this vehicle was june 2001, so I can almost conclude that this vehicle was manufactured during the recall time frame. If not, shortly thereafter. I am sure there were additional cars made with the same problem after gm's cutoff of problem VIN numbers. My car needs to be included in the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. When attempting to start her vehicle, it exhibited a no-start condition. A private mechanic towed the vehicle to his repair facility. Upon inspection he discovered that the timing chain fractured. She contacted the dealer in reference to recall # 07v519000 ( engine and engine cooling). She was advised that since her vehicle identification number was excluded from the recall, she was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. Whenever the contact attempted to drive the vehicle, she noticed that the vehicle would not accelerate over 40 MPH and that when idling the vehicle will began shaking. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. 2 days prior to the failure, the vehicle would not start. The current and failure mileages were 148876.
Upon driving home from work, my saturn 2001 l200 suddenly stalled - braking, accelerator, and steering became completely unresponsive. With difficulty, I managed to get to the side of the road and eventually get towed 40miles to my local repair center. They advised me that the timing chain had broken and may have also damaged the engine valves.I was advised by saturn, that there was a recall on the timing chain for this model but my VIN was not included and all repair costs would be at my expense. My complaint is the dangerous nature of how this issue can manifest itself and also that I was not made aware of this potential danger earlier as part of the ongoing recall notice.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. The contact stated that when driving the vehicle intermittently stalled without any prior warnings. When attempting to start the vehicle it exhibits a no start condition. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the links in the engine's timing chain separated. The dealer was notified in reference to recall # 07v519000, engine and engine cooling. A technician concluded that because the VIN number was excluded from the VIN range, he was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs have been made. The failure mileage and current mileages were 106,012.
2001 saturn l100, car broke down on mass pike, overheated; towed to mechanic, he replaced thermostat, but the water pump was still not operating correctly and in process of further testing found one of the timing chains had broken and needed to be replaced; (this saturn model has two chains-one runs the engine and one the cooling system); when looking up the information to order the parts for the repair he got a tech note on a recall for this specific problem. Only saturn said my VIN number is not covered in the recall. I've seen many other complaints like this on the web. Saturn will not replace the timing chain as a part of the recall. I am having it done on monday at saturn of medford, massachusetts. I was told to be sure to register this complaint with you in hope of having the recall expanded to cover my car and others like it with this problem that was recalled, but that saturn has somehow found a loop hole and is not fixing. I have not had a car since july 28--the longest since I was 16; my email is [email protected]; karen burke; should I ask saturn to save the old parts? I sent email information to john paul and hank phillippe ryan--local sources for help in matters like this. John paul responded and suggested I be sure to register this complaint in hope of expanding the recall. The incident was reported to the state police because it was a closed road--aaa could not respond to my need for a tow. I was referred through the state police for service on the mass pike. Again I have seen other complaints online about this situation. I would like to see the recall expanded. Obviously the problem exists, my car is proof.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While driving in reverse at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the engine did not have any compression. The engine would have to be replaced at the cost of $7,200. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the timing chain failed, which caused the engine to fail. He was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall for the timing chain and was advised to return the vehicle to the dealer for further assistance. The manufacturer stated that no compensation would be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle experienced excessive hesitation. The contact immediately turned off the ignition. The engine failed to restart after several attempts and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection. The mechanic stated that the timing belt failed and recommenced that the engine be replaced. The VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling), although the failures were identical. Currently, the engine is being replaced. The failure and current mileages were 66,103.
Timing chain broke and engine was destroyed as a result saturn states it is outside their current recall.
Car purchased used and inspected (midas) in june 2007; driven home to ks from ia (8 hrs) in dec--no oil remaining when arrived. Oil level a problem all winter, but not driven much--oil added as needed. Again driven home from ia in may 08-- timing chain exploded and bent engine valves in fast lane on highway bridge! Fortunately, our son was able to push it to side before hit by traffic. Towed to nearest garage and then to saturn dealership in liberty mo. Dealership informed us that valves were bent but didn't mention that there was a recall on timingchain...$2500 fix. Also received a lecture about checking oil properly...basically blamed son for supposedly not checking oil (which he did do). Note: I read an account of another owner who got the same "talking points"--VIN not in recall, change oil regularly. In aug 08, your car lost all oil in 2 days and started making horrible sounds. Midas mechanic said it could be valves again or deeper. Towed it (50 miles) to liberty saturn dealership because it was their valve work under warranty. They guessed it was deeper in engine (wouldn't check w/o payment) and didn't know if the may timing chain break had caused the deeper damage--assessment: engine needed to be replaced for $5900. We asked about the recall and were told our VIN didn't fall under the recall so they hadn't said anything in may when timingchain originally broke. Now we are in the position of replacing the engine with another saturn engine that might have the very same problem! So the car sits in the garage while we hope saturn is pressured to acknowledge their negligence in not fixing all the engines with this problem before an accident. A timing chain break could be fatal on a highway and we would like the federal safety agency to investigate and hold saturn responsible for this blatant act of irresponsibility.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. The contact started her vehicle after placing gas in it and heard a rumbling sound. She turned off the vehicle, but it was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The contact was informed that her vehicle was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 60,000.
Timing chain broke causing engine damage, traffic holdup, and having to push car out of way. Was told by saturn this vehicle did not qualify for recall, but incident happened exactly how it was described in recall.
My 2001 saturn l200, purchased in december of 2006, no longer runs because of a serious design flaw in the timing chain mechanism. The vehicle has only about 90,000 miles on it and the timing chain broke while I was driving. This caused the valves in the engine to bend. I was told that this problem 'hardly ever happened with the l-series' however, upon further investigation I discovered that the timing chain assembly used in the recalled vehicles was also used in model year 1999 through 2003 saturn l-series vehicles with 2.2 liter engines, which would include my vehicle. I got this information from consumer affairs. I also found that saturn has repaired 2,932 vehicles under warranty because of timing chain failures and there are another 890 consumer complaints regarding this problem. When I called with this new information I was told that I had to tow my disabled vehicle to saturn for their diagnosis at additional cost to myself before they could tell me if any of the cost of repair (estimated at 2,272.00 by an independent mechanic) would be covered by saturn. I was informed from saturn's customer service that since I purchased the vehicle used, if saturn did decide to cover something it was highly unlikely that they would cover 100%.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. While driving 25 MPH, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the timing chain failed. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $950. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that a technical service bulletin was open for the failure that he was experiencing; however, he would have to pay for the repair. The contact called the manufacturer back when a recall was issued for the timing chain failure and was informed that no compensation would be provided because his VIN was excluded from the recall. The federal safety agency campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 80,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While driving less than 25 MPH, the engine would skip and eventually stall. The contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that there was a misfire in the vehicle. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a saturn dealer and they stated that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling), although the failures were identical. The vehicle is still at the dealer and has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 49,000.
After 2 timing chain replacements in less than three years,the timing chain broke again on my saturn 2001 l200 damaging the top half of the engine. Towed it to saturn of toms river n.j. They said that since I have already had 1 chain replaced on the recall that I was not eligible for the recall. I was told when the chain was replaced under the recall (at saturn of freehold which is out of business)that this was not the same chain but a new and improved design. I was told today that my repair was not really worth fixing but if I'd like they could install a used engine for $4300. This is just plain neglect from a dying company. Why would they replace a chain that's just going to go again and worsen the damage to my vehicle even more. Saturn/gm needs to make good for their poor history if they're ever going to right the ship. I really feel ripped off.
Saturn 2001 l-200 2.2l I was driving down the road in rush hour morning traffic. As I slowed down for stopped traffic ahead of me, my engine shut off, and I lost power steering, and power brakes. I did not know what to do so I recklessly veered off onto a side street where I came to a complete stop. The car would not restart but would only turn over. I had it towed to the saturn dealership and they said that just by turning it over, and seeing that the power steering pump was not turning, since it was directly connected to the cam shaft, that the timing chain had broke. He also said he sees it all the time on this year model. Along with the broke timing chain, they said that the head would have to be replace as well because the inwards of the engine have collided and caused even more damage. This car was maintained to the t. Every oil change was done at saturn on time and all service was done there. They quote me 3500 dollars to put in a 90k mile used engine. Mine had 150k and ran like a champ before this happened. We then got another quote from a local garage to put in a 60k mile car for 1600 dollars. We will probably do that. They said to replace the head and chain will cost about the same and you never know if the internals will be intact after the timing chain goes.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While driving approximately 55 MPH on normal road conditions, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and roadside assistance was called to the scene. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and they stated that the timing chain failed. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling), although the failures were identical. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 109,000.
I was at a stoplight here in town. When I went to accelerate, without warning, my saturn died. I had it towed to the mechanic. The reason for loss of power -- broken timing chain which caused (ironically) a chain event.
2001 saturn l300 3.0l v6 grinding noise engine stalled. Took to mechanic said timing chain broke and seized engine. Whole engine needs replaced. Noticed 4 cylinders have recall but not the v6.
Timing chain failed while driving at highway speeds. Failure also destroyed engine valves and head.
My car has service light on. My lights flicker. Saturn has a recall on timing belt and saturn company says my car is not in a recall.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. When he inspected the valve cover, he noticed that the timing chain failed. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle will be repaired. The current and failure mileages were 104,321. Updated 03/18/09. *lj updated 03/19/19.
I have a 2001 l200 saturn. My car has approximately maybe 120,000 miles on it. I went to a mechanic and he told me the timing chain is messed up. I contacted another mechanic to find out about the price. He told the price ranges from 1000-1500 dollars. Today I decided to see if I could find someone to repair this car at a much cheaper rate until I came across all these issues people are having with their saturn timing chain.
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