Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saturn ls. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle did not accelerate. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the highway where it stalled. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,192. Updated 6/8/15
2002 Saturn LS: jerking or lurching
5 of the 493 complaints about the 2002 Saturn LS describe jerking or lurching.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 90,000
- recalls
- 0
Jerking or lurching by model year
- 20025
- 20012
- 20006
What owners say
As I drove, up hill, while using the speed control feature, the engine began to rev high rpms. It then jerked and began to overheat. I was able to slowly drive it to a safe location and then have it towed to a repair facility. At the repair facility I was told it was a timing chain issue. I began researching the issue and found a recall had been issued for that issue for the 2001 saturn l200. The federal safety agency campaign id number : 07v519000 gm recall number:06074 I then read that the north carolina consumer council petitioned (the federal safety agency action number : dp08002) to have the recall expanded to include all 1999 to 2003 saturn vehicles that used the same timing chain.
I was driving about 60 MPH on the highway and felt a jerk. The engine died and I had to quickly move over to the side of the highway. Turns out the timing chain broke. The auto repair shop said that the engine valves were bent. Total repair cost would be around $3,500.
On dec. 23 or 24th, 2005, I stopped by the saturn of gresham dealership because my car was making a very odd noise. The service manager and technician listened to the car and looked at the engine. They told me that it sounded like a an exhaust problem but the car would be safe to drive until I could make an appointment after christmas. I made the appt. For the wed. Following christmas, I believe. On christmas, while driving up a hill, my car began jerking and lost power. I was not disabled but my car could barely make it up the hill. I was able to get off of the freeway and get help from family. I had the car taken to saturn of beaverton. They were able to look at the car on dec. 26 or 27th and determined that the catalytic converter had malfunctioned. The dealership did make the necessary repairs under the warranty.
Dt: the contact purchased a used vehicle two years ago, and the second day after purchasing the vehicle there was a roaring noise from the front of the vehicle. The dealer said this was a problem with the front tires ,and the dealer replaced both tires. About two weeks later the noise returned. The vehicle has been to the dealer numerous times for numerous repairs. The vehicle would jerk to the right which caused the contact to hit a curb. There were no injuries but a police report was taken. There have been multiple repairs to the wheel bearings and joints which have not corrected this problem. Also the motor mounts and axles have been replaced in hopes of correcting this problem. The dealer has never been able to accurately repair the vehicle. Currently there is a need for new rotors and more tires. The vehicle continues to have a roaring sound like a locomotive as noted by the contact. *ak update 1/11/2006 -
Service bulletins that may apply
- Information on 4T40-E (MN4) and 4T45-E (MN5) front wheel drive automatic transmission valve body...
- Service wrench and ses telltale may be illuminated and transaxle may shift harshly
- Service vehicle soon lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1811 maximum adapt and long shifts
- Bleeding procedure for hydraulic clutch release system including clutch actuator cylinder
- Service manual update for certain 2002-2003 model powertrain electrical diagnostics service manuals...
- Subject regarding service manual update for transaxle service manuals regarding new differential ring gear...
- Subject regarding service information regarding new design line pressure control solenoids
- Subject regarding inaccurate odometer reading after loss of battery power
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2002 Saturn LS jerking
Is jerking or lurching a common problem on the 2002 Saturn LS?
5 of 493 owner complaints about the 2002 Saturn LS (1%) mention jerking or lurching. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Saturn LS?
There are 0 recalls and 10 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Saturn LS
Stalling 72Headlights 52Loss of power 43Engine failure 30Fuel pump 25Fuel smell 24Won't start 20Check engine light 16Fuel leak 14Fire or smoke 8Brake failure 7Misfire 7Tire blowout 7Fuel gauge 6Wipers 5
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