Saturn LS adaptive cruise problems

Filed Jun 16, 2014 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · VA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH the cruise control independently engaged and the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence; however, the following day when the contact started the vehicle, the windshield wipers independently engaged. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 100,670 miles · MT

Under cruise control at speed, hill prompted a downshift and engine immediately stalled. Would not restart.

Filed Jan 21, 2010 · Engine · 75,000 miles · OH

Today, while traveling 70 MPH (on cruise control) on a busy interstate, my 2002 saturn l200 (with 75,000 miles) started losing all power, making it difficult to control the car. Luckily I was able to get over to the median and waited for a tow truck. The dashboard lights showing oil and battery were lit up before turning the car off. Not knowing what was wrong, I tried starting the car twice, both times resulting in the car not turning over. After running diagnostic tests on the car, aaa found out the timing chain snapped. At this point, no repairs have been made, as I am waiting on quotes from various mechanics.

Filed May 25, 2008 · Engine · 80,300 miles · NE

I was driving at a steady speed (cruise control) of 72 MPH, having just raised the speed setting from 70 MPH. Engine speed increased to 4200 RPM while increasing vehicle speed. 1 to 2 minutes later, the engine stopped producing power and I quickly lost speed. I pulled over the shoulder and stopped. This could have proven to be disastrous had I been in a left lane with no shoulder or had the engine seized and lock the wheels.

Filed Sep 27, 2007 · Fuel system · 75,200 miles · CA

There were no special events (accidents, unusual road conditions, etc) precipitating this problem. We have a 2002 saturn l200 with 75.5k mi.s on it. We have been increasingly smelling gasoline odor coming from this car after parking it. I got underneath the car and found that liquid gasoline is coming from on top of the gas tank and soaking the sides of the tank. When I called the dealer, the service dept seemed familiar with the problem. They said it is likely a leaking fitting on the fuel pump; requiring a new fuel pump $400+. We own an 2002 ford f-150 that had a recent recall on a cruise control device that they said could cause a fire after engine shutdown-we had that recall done although we had no problems. The gas leak we are having on our saturn seems much more volatile than the ford's problem. The odor has bad enough that we have been afraid to park the car inside our garage (near our water heater), but no recall. This seems like a very serious safety hazard that saturn is well aware of (I found multiple references to fuel pump problems on this model with the 2.2l 4-cyl eng on the internet). I'd like to know if your agency is aware of this problem and if you have considered compelling saturn to do something about repairing this leaking fitting. Can you recommend what my immediate action or recourse on this matter should be at this point?

Filed Feb 25, 2007 · Engine · TX

I noticed about all the complaints throughout the internet and I decided to add my complaint to the federal safety agency. I was driving on the highway out of town on cruise control at 70 MPH when my vehicle lost all engine power. I was able to glide it off the road. I had it taken to my mechanic and he said that the timing chain has broke on it. I was under the impression that timing chains should never break. My car has less than 110k on it. Now I have a broken vehicle with payments still and a large cost to fix or replace the engine.

Filed May 9, 2006 · Acceleration, Lights · 31,057 miles · FL

Dt*: the contact stated recall letter #05v245000 concerning the brake lights was received in december 2005. However, the vehicle was not experiencing any problems and was not taken to the dealer for immediate repair. Recently, the contact was alerted by another driver that the brake lights were not working. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for inspection, and the dealer installed two tail lights, reinforced socket adapters and sockets under the recall. Also, the dealer determined the brake light switch needed to be replaced, but this work has not been completed. When the vehicle was taken from the dealer, the cruise control no longer worked, the gear shift became difficult to shift into drive, and the parking lights and brake lights no longer worked. The dealer informed the contact these items failed as a result of the need to replace the brake light switch. Updated 05/30/06.

Filed Oct 12, 2005 · Lights · 96,045 miles · MN

Exterior lighting - brake lights and cruise control. Brake lights randomly fail to work. When the headlights are on, brake lights, tail lights and cruise control do not work. We were able to adjust the lights slighty to get them to work for a period of time, but they would go off and on. We were not aware of this problem until driving at 10:30 p.m. And being told we have no rear lights. Have changed the light bulbs a few times and also have been to the dealer 5 + times on this issue. The last time they replaced the complete light sockets. This seems to have stopped the problem for now.

Filed May 10, 2005 · NC

Vehicle had been taken to dealership with concerns that it would sometimes accelerate without warning while using cruise control and then would continue to accelerate with application of the service brake. Dealership could not find any problem. Independent mechanic found the positive crankcase ventilation system was clogged. System cleaned and problem never resurfaced.

Filed Mar 14, 2005 · Acceleration · 60,000 miles · MN

The car accelerates suddenly while cruise control is "on". Both times the vehicle accelerates suddenly when brakes are applied, and approaching an exit ramp from a freeway. First time this occurred speeds reached 95 MPH, brakes had no effect in slowing down vehicle. Second time the vehicle was shifted to neutral and ignitin turned off.