While driving at 30 MPH the alternator failsedwithout warning. As a result the vehicle did not accelerate. The part has been replaced three times within two years. Please provide additional information.
1996 Saturn SL electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 39 of 39, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I replaced my brakes and rotors today. The mechanic wanted to show me the mess that they were. I looked at them and he pointed out how unusually destroyed the inside pads are. He said he rarely sees anything that bad. The horn works when it wants to. The key gets stuck in the ignition and some days I really have to work hard to get it out or get the steering wheel to release so I can turn the key. Also the exhaust system is just hanging on before the rust overruns it.
Rear lights kept going out - saturn dealer said the electrical system had been butt-spliced. Since only saturn worked on the vehicle, this was unexplainable. It seems, however, my car is not the only one with this problem. Apparently, the butt-splicing is being done by saturn and being blamed on the consumer -- and charged to the consumer. I discovered this problem after being stopped by the police, twice.
Horn failed as in the federal safety agency recall campaign id #98v307000. Dealer denies VIN part of recall. The federal safety agency web site lists "z" for saturn model, which does not exist. Dealer required me to pay for replacement of horn.
The vehicles horn was inoperative.
The vehicle experienced the same defect as stated in recall number 98 v 307 000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.
The horn had to be replaced 4 times.
While driving engine quit, which was caused by computer failure .
The alternator failed.
Vehicle had been sitting all day in a cool damp spot. Horn started to blow on and off on its own. Consumer had to take out fuse to stop horn from blowing. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and dealer stated there was a short in horn that could possibly start a fire. Please provide any further information.
Horn assembly failed in same manner as recall, saturn claims this vehicle not part of the recall.
One time at a stop sign, press the braking all the way to the floor but no braking effect. After adjusting the rear drum or disk, problem did not repeat. The car's alternator was dead after only 36000 but dealer would not pay for the repair. The car start to shaking from the start to end of braking process. Do not know what the problem is.
Squealing noise from engine area in rainy weather, dealer replaced the engine drive belt due to it being dry and cracked.
1,2,3. Brakes have been a constant problem on this vehicle. First known problem was about 08/99 when dealer found pitted & blistered rear brake rotors. Replaced them "as a favor" since car was still under warranty (less than 36,000 miles). I had complained about lower gas mileage and feeling like car was "dragging" and had been told earlier that there were no problems - use a lower gear. In june, 2000, I noticed that my right rear brake disk was glowing red after a 36 mile freeway drive. Later, when I was able to get under the car, I found that the parking brake actuator on the driver's side rear caliper was frozen in the "on" position. Wd40 and muscle freed it, but it had to be left off at all times. The dealer found the disks to be warped, caliper ruined and front disks also warped. Pads were not terribly worn on the front. I have routinely gone 50,000 on pads in previous calls; the rear pads on this car had less than 15,000!! Again, dealer implied it was my fault and not a defect by saturn. #4. Speed control - device began erratic function - sped up and slowed down without warning; at times wouldn't turn on. Dealer fixed under warranty, but no notice of this problem. #5. Ignition switch - started having difficulty in turning on or fully off (locked position). First told by dealer it must be jammed with key shavings-if key shows brass color, must be replaced. Dealer found that there was a groove in the switch housing-due to use of a "heavy key chain by previous owner". I paid 50% - looks like cheap, soft metal housing-design flaw. #6. Horn failed without warning at around 26,000 miles - 3 1/2 year old car. Replaced under warranty. I wonder what will fail next - all of these could have LED to an accident.
Due to defective alternator, vehicle would stall unexpectedly and without warning which may have caused a crash. Dealer could not determine the cause. Also, there are problems with electrical wiring harness.
Right brake light burned out prematurely. Right brake light was replaced on 3 different occasions. Dealer had advised consumer that problem had occurred on other vehicles, but had no remedy. Consumer has seen 3 other vehicles withsame problem of the right brake light burning out.
Consumer took vehicle in for electrical problems & found that rotors were corroded on the inside. Dealer checked vehicle for inspection in june & said nothing to the consumer about rotor corrosion. Consumer will have to pay out of pocket. *ak the mechanic stated that the rotors should not have been machined because it does not meet the required minimum thickness.
Horn is inoperable which is very dangereous in emergency situations, cause unknown. Please give any further details.
Alternator failed.
Interior junction box failed.
Spark plugs and wires replaced due to improper gapping from factory.
Muffler and pipes rusted and several other parts have failed.
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, the brakes failed and weren't stopping the vehicle properly. Also, there is virbration within the steering and a short within the electrical system.
When pulling out from a stop light the vehicle just dies. When the vehicle was towed to the dealership, dealer stated that problem was due to a bad alternator which destroyed the battery. The alternator was replaced under warranty. Battery replaced at owner's expense.
Ignition key sticking.
Key will not release from ignition switch.
Difficulty accessing horn buttons in emergency situations, buttons are too small.
Computer generates a strong signal on the international calling frequency on the 2 meter amteur band, making any emergency call on that frequency unworkable in/near the vehicle.
While driving the vehicle lost power and than backfired, finally the vehicle shut off. The vehicle will not start up when it shuts down, the vehicle shuts down without any notice and anywhere.
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