Car stopped running would not restart. Saturn dealer said timing chains failed causing catastrophic engine damage. Replaced engine at my cost approx 1 year ago. On 2-11-09 the same [xxx] thing happened. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2001 Saturn LS engine complaints
Page 6 of 12: complaints 131 to 160 of 339, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While driving 25 MPH, the timing belt detached from the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired and was not included in the recall. The federal safety agency campaign id number was unknown. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 117,000.
Timing chain broke. Engine is freewheeling, interference motor, cylinder head damage. A new motor was needed. I was driving on a highway at about 45 MPH. When it happened. I was luck there was a turn out. It was a two lane, curvy road.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While driving at an unknown speed, the timing chain failed and the vehicle stopped working. The contact took her vehicle to a mechanic and they notified her of the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). She was informed to call the saturn manufacturer and they stated that they would not cover the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. When attempting to reverse out of a parking space at 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and would not restart. A local mechanic stated that the timing chain failed. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for any repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. While driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact heard a strange noise outside of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and the timing chain was diagnosed as the cause of the noise. Through research, the technician discovered the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the authorized dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from the recall. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 200 and the current mileage was unavailable.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. The vehicle stalled while it was parked and in idle. The vehicle was towed to an auto shop and then towed to another auto shop with a better quote. It was diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be repaired. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The failure mileage was 140,000 and current mileage was 140,500. Updated 02/24/09. *lj updated 02/05/09.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle still would not budge. The vehicle stalled and was towed to an auto body shop. The timing chain was diagnosed as the cause of the failure and needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle has not been repaired and is currently at the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 117,887.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the engine stalled and would not restart. Aaa arrived and stated that there was a timing change failure with the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer informed them to bring the vehicle in for a diagnosis because they could not rely on aaa's information. The contact stated that they would not pay for the dealer's diagnostic if it will be the same information. The failure mileage was 60,343.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. When the contact started the vehicle and placed the gear into reverse, the vehicle lost all power and the engine shut off completely. She attempted to restart the engine multiple times, but it would never completely start. She took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was timing chain failure. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling ). The contact believes that her vehicle should be included in the recall and repaired for free since the failures are identical. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 115,000.
In june of 2007, my husband and daughter were traveling to los angeles, when our 2001 saturn l200 (with only 65,714 miles) stopped running on the freeway outside of santa barbara, ca. That morning the car started, drove off fine and gave no warning of anything going wrong, until the car's engine immediately stopped and fortunately they were not involved nor the cause of an accident. The saturn was towed and the mechanic informed us that it needed a new engine as the timing chain broke. Upon calling saturn we were informed that the car was no longer under warranty, and they would not pay for the new engine. We did file a complaint with the saturn customer care center. We incurred a $3,000+ repair bill before having the engine rebuilt. After further investigation, we had learned that the '00-'03 l series were being investigated by the federal safety agency and consumer affairs. We filed a complaint with the consumer affairs , but not with the federal safety agency as our year, make and model was currently under investigation. Yesterday, we looked at the federal safety agency site to see the outcome of the saturn l200. Again after contacting saturn they stated that the recall did not affect our VIN.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn lw300. Intermittently, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled when attempting to decelerate. Typically, fifteen minutes after the failure, the vehicle was able to be restarted. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The contact is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer to determine the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 69,000. Updated 3/3/09 *cn the crankshaft position sensor was the cause of the failure. Updated 03/04/09.
Timing chain failure in the 2001 saturn l200 series 2.2l "f" engine resulting in severe engine damage. This engine damage virtually leaves this car with a negative net worth value. I believe saturn knows well of a poor timing chain component in these engines and should broaden the scope of the recall campaign. My vehicle apparently falls 1 month short of the original recall parameters. I have much experience with engines and have a very hard time believing that there is any difference in the quality of timing chains before and after the recall time line seeing that these chains fail in the same manner. Timing chains do not just break or separate at 100,000 miles, wear is a component I completely understand. The end result is most likely engine replacement, which is due to valve interference in an out of timed engine. My failure occurred while my daughter was driving on interstate 94 at 65 MPH when the engine just shut down without warning. I commended my daughter on some fine driving, darting through heavy traffic and avoiding a collision while finding her way to the shoulder of the road. I might add that this vehicle is in fine shape and has had regular service work completed.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle spontaneously stalled. After two hours, the vehicle was able to be restarted. Months later, while driving at an unknown speed, the failure recurred. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 82,000.
While driving the engine failed and would not restart. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The car (engine) stalled, locked up and it could not be restarted. This happened at two separate instances. I replaced the entire engine with the first instance (3/14/06) and the most of it the second time (2/4/08). I was told by saturn that our VIN # does not fall within the recall. I find it hard to believe that this a fluke when it has happened to others and me twice.
I have been having trouble with my saturn 2001 l200 series engine; where it will stall the first time starting the engine in the morning. I researched the problem on the internet and found that the vehicle was part of a recall for the timing chain. I called the dealership to make an appointment to have the vehicle serviced under the recall. I was told that my vehicle was not part of the recall, because my VIN# was outside of the recall range. I asked the dealership "what is the range"? I was told the excluded range is between 1y504884 and 1y559453. I then asked the dealership "what is the life expectancy for the timing chain"? I was told the chain should last the life of the vehicle; as long as I change the oil according to the vehicle's maintenance schedule. I did further research on the timing chain issue a found that vehicles in the excluded range have had timing chain failures as well. I called the dealership again and I was told that there was nothing they could do for me. I have not attempted to start the vehicle since the stalling problem; for fear that I may cause damage, if not already, to the vehicle. I been told, by several mechanics, that the repair could cost any where for $2500 to $4000; depending on the damage to engine. How can the manufacturer get away with picking and choosing whose vehicle is repaired under the recall, when they know that this is obviously a serious manufacturer defect. Suppose my vehicle had stalled on a crowded high speed highway; in front of a car or a bus or a tractor trailer? Would the manufacturer respond to my request, after my or someone else's demise. I would like to see the federal safety agency force the manufacturer to live up to their ethical and legal responsibilities, when it comes to a reliable and safe vehicle. It appears that the manufacturer knew about this problem throughout the 2001 and 2002 model years and chose not to do anything about the problem. That is a total disregard for public safety.
On 3 separate occasions I was driving and went to accelerate to pass a vehicle when the vehicle lost power causing me to put the vehicle into neutral to restart it causing the service engine soon light to come on and the vehicle to have hard shifting. The result was due to the failure of the o2 sensor which I replaced once with saturn that failed 2 years later and 2 others refurbished that were purchased from napa which the first failed 3 months after installation and the other a month after that one was replaced.
We were driving on rt. #98 running about 40 MPH and the motor just stopped. We didn't hear anything so coasted to edge of highway. Got out and raised the hood and could see nothing out of the ordinary. Tried to start the engine and it just cranked over and would not restart. This is the first problem we have had with this vehicle. Called aaa road service and they towed car back to my home since it was late in the afternoon. The next morning I checked it all over and decided that I could not discern what was wrong. I then had it towed to msc repair here in marysville and their mechanic found out the timing chain had broken so I had him go ahead and repair this at an estimated cost of $1500.00. After he had it back together and before he tried to start it he ran a compression test and found out that the valves were bent so the head had to be taken off to assess the damage and depending on how bad it is it could run another $2000.00 to fix it if it can be fixed. So far all gears and timing chain,balance kit and gaskets have been replaced and will not know for sure about other parts until the head has been evaluated.
Timing chain failure. No restart of vehicle, towed to nearest repair shop, ( not saturn) was told by saturn no recall was issued for this vehicle, therefore I had no recourse available to me. Engine damage occurred. Options are replace engine or purchase new vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. While driving less than 50 MPH, the rpms decreased and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted and was towed to an independent mechanic. It was discovered that the timing belt failed. The mechanic stated that the motor could have possibly been damaged from the timing belt failure. The failure and current mileages were less than 120,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l-series sedan. While attempting to merge onto the interstate at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle completely shut off and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the timing chain failed, which caused further engine damage. Recall 07v519000 is related to the failure; however, the VIN is not a part of the recall. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.
On thursday september 11 2008 while driving my 2001 "l" series saturn stalled, cut off in traffic and would not restart. Luckily no one was behind me. I have contacted customer service, and a couple of people at the main office. 2 people from the main office stated I should have been included in the warranty work of the service bulletin and 2 people from customer service stated I was not included. I have transcripts of every conversation, a copy of the service bulletin, my receipts and photos.
Our 2001 saturn has a broken timing chain and with little help from gm or the saturn corp. Our local dealer is doing everything they can, but their hands are tied to an extent. Our car has just under 70,000 miles and we are the original owners and have taken care of the car. This has happened and we feel there needs to be some accountability from the manufacturer.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine shut off and would not restart. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the timing chain failed. The failure caused other damages to the engine. Currently, the vehicle is inoperable and has not been repaired. The contact experienced failures identical to the ones mentioned in the recall; however, the VIN was excluded. The federal safety agency campaign id number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.
I was traveling on the interstate @ a speed of 70 MPH when my car just suddenly died. I had my two children in the back seat and was lucky that I was near an off ramp. My car was towed to a mechanic who said that the timing chain had snapped and that it had bent all of the pistons. The total cost of repair was over $1600.00. I later found out about the recall and was upset to find out that my VIN was not included. Saturn said it must have been a coincidence that my car was affected by the same thing that the recalled vins were affected by. Saturn needs to recall all cars that the timing chain were used in. This was not a coincidence!
Tl - the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. While driving 50 MPH the engine shut off. The vehicle had to be towed. The diagnosis was that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced a safety recall 07v519000 - engine and engine cooling. When the dealer was contacted he said that the recall did not apply to the vehicle identification number. The current and failure mileage was 129,000. Kg *updated 10/20/08 *bf updated 10/21/08.
2001 saturn l200. Daughter was driving 45 miles per hour and the car cut off. There was no steering or brakes. She luckily was on a straight a way and coasted to a stop. The timing chain broke and took the top half of the engine with it. Not the belt the chain broke. It came to a total of $2500.00 to repair. I went online and typed in 2001 saturn l200 timing chain and came up with a list of over 9 pages of complaints for this exact problem. The mileage on the cars ranged from 20,000 (new) to 100,000 miles. I believe this needs to be investigated and recalled. Not to mention my daughter could have been killed. I am very disgusted in how we were treated as well by saturn.
I received a recall notice on my 2001 saturn l-series vehicle concerning the timing chain in jan. 2008, when I called to schedule the service, I was told that my car was not in the recall population. I questioned why I had gotten the recall notice, but was not given a reason. However, the technician assured me that the timing chain in my car was good and would not be a problem. However, eight months later - the timing chain is out in car. After investigating, I realized that my car was built in march 2001 and the recall population ended with cars built in feb. 2001. I have contacted saturn and they were extremely unhelpful. My car is being fixed at my cost. The car just refused to start one day without warning. There was nothing to indicate that anything was going bad. I have since found out that saturn was aware that the timing chain parts were faulty, but did nothing about it.
I was driving my car and it quit. Upon investigation I determined the cause to be a timing chain failure. I purchased the parts and made the repair. Recently I discovered this model of car was involved in a recall for timing chain failure and want to be reimbursed for my expense. I have contacted the dealer and customer service hotlines but they tell me my particular car was not involved in the recall even though my VIN number is in the range indicated in the recall notice.
I had just exited from interstates 440 when my timing chain snapped and rendered the vehicle without any engine power or power steering in the middle of a busy road.
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