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1997 Saturn SL engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 38 of 38, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The vehicle stalled without warning.
The consumer stated that the torque axis motor mounts had broken at 30,000 miles and at 60,000 miles. Mr scc
Approximately two quarts oil consumption every 3000 miles. Problem existed in previous '92 saturn sl1 and my current car '1997 saturn sl2.
Air conditioner: foul smell like cat pee/ammonia after using A/C. Reported several times to dealer; they removed A/C parts and cleaned evaporator, etc but smell persists. Unsafe for owner's health to use A/C; odor causes headache and breathing trouble.
Engine cylinder head had a crack, and this was causing oil to leak into radiator fluid. Consumer felt engine could burn up. *ak
We got car from saturn of warwick leased then bought outright . The service issue we are about to tell was done at the saturn of seekonk loc. It is actually closer to our house. On jan, 16, 2002 we had to bring the saturn in for service because we started that day loosing anti freeze quickly then the car began to run hot but did not over heat, meanwhile the regular heat control didnt work 3 days prior to this incident and we had it sheduled for service that coming sat. We drop it off, car running hot but never overheated the tech only put that in his report . Keep in mind we had no symptoms described by dealer letting us know that we were having problems like run sluggish, not starting at all etc. We had just driven 900 miles up and back over the thanksgiving holiday absolutely no problems. The tech contacts david my husband the next day to tell him the problem . The tech states we have a cracked head and even though its out of manf. Warranty saturn would fix it under warranty suddenly I get a call at my work the service tech says found more damage underneath engine that it had been burn oil and transmission fluid together which no evidence of this existed, didnt seem right stating we really need a new engine which runsabout $3200.00 and they say they wont replace it instead rebuild it if we make a donation of $600. To saturn. We know this wasn't right from the start they could'nt tell us what caused this to happen instead blamed it on poor maint. And claimed to be doing us a favor by only charging 600.00 to rebuild engine which we know was the cost of the new head dealer covering up. This is why they made it look like they were doing a favor the car was maint. And engine heads just dont crack at 70,000 miles. Plant person in tenn. Just agreed with deaier. Pls check edmunds.com saturn repair compl. Plsck we arent only snow job rec. Pls. Can you help us? We want out of the car still owe $4000. Who would buy with this issue can you help solve.
Head gasket leaking - replaced (cost about $1200).
Cylinder head failure between lubrication ports and cooling system, resulting in contamination of cooling system with oil.
Engine is burning oil. Vehicle is burning more oil than required. Also consumer doesn't know where oil is going ,vehicle is not leaking nor smoking. Contacted dealer, and dealer did test on engine and found nothing wrong.
This vehicle is burning oil--I have the oil changed every 2,000 to 3,000 miles but I have had to add oil every week--there is no oil leak that is visible and on accassio I have had no oil but the day or so before it is reading that the oil is full.
Was driving approximately 50mph and was merging into traffic when transmission locked in gear and failed to change.*ak consumer stated prior to purchasing vehicle she complained of a clunk noise when changed gears into reverse, also the driver side brake light is inoperable, also the right side mirror needed to be replaced, engine mounts were replaced,brakes were replaced, serpentine belt was cracked, engine overheats.
The whine noise was heard from the engine diagnostics indicated that the coolant pump was leaking and the serpentine belt had failed.
Vehicle seized while driving at approximately 30 MPH.
Head gasket, water pump, oil pan gasket, serpentine drive belt, and coolant light on, service engine light was also on, work completed by dealer.
When driving at any given time and speed vehicle will cut off without prior warning. Also, when air conditioner wason high and upon depressing accelerator pedal, there was a very slow take off. Vehicle died out. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer stated due a large amount of pressure put on air conditioner compressor problem has occur. Please provide any further details.
Engin burn one quart of oil every 1,000 miles
Engine rod bearings failed. Please provide further detail.
Exhaust system rusted out in 3 years--had to replace. Car was never driven in winter, was washed each week, was parked off-street. Clearly, inferior parts were installed by saturn.
Vehicle stalled intermittently while traveling. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on four occasions, and dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.
This vehicle ([xxx])loses oil 1 quart per 700 miles! *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Possible design flaw is causing the steel timing chain to break resulting in engine failure. Nlm
The serpentine belt became loose and the automatic belt tensioner fell apart causing alternator, water pump and power steering inoperable. Yh
Serpentine belt tensioner kept tension on the belt felled. Later, alternater came on, and then consumer lost power steering. If consumer was to lose it on the highway at 70 MPH, there could be a serious accident. Mechanic says belt was very poorly designed.
Leak discovered when getting oil changed. Took it to dealer, advised not safe to drive, replaced shift gear.. 5 months later leaks again.
Defective fan belt tensioner assembly failed, causing a loss of power steering and ABS while making u-turn.
Passenger and driver's side seat belt failed, not releasing properly.
The service engine light comes on and the vehicle loses power. Have to put the gas pedal all the way to the floor in order for the vehicle to coast off the road. Consumer has contacted the dealer, and has had the problem fixed 6 times. The problem has reoccurred since having fixed. *ak
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