1997 Saturn SL: fuel pump failure

Filed Aug 8, 2004 · Fuel system · 32,000 miles · NJ

Every few months since I've had my car, for no apparent reason, it will start, but will idle low. If I try to put it in gear, it will stall. If I try to restart it and give it gas it will imediately cut off. I've had it to the dealership and to a private mechanic numerous times and no one can duplicate the problem. I've had the fuel pump, fuel filter, oxygen sensor (twice), wires, spark plugs, etc. Replaced costing thousands of dollars. One mechanic told me that it was "the way I was driving the car!" the most recent time I had my 2 month old in the car and it stalled when I was in the intersection, to make it through I had to accelerate almost resulting in an accident. There is no pattern to the problem like the weather, so it is hard to pinpoint.

Filed May 8, 2003 · Transmission · 91,328 miles · CA

We brought our saturn into the oakland, ca dealer for a transmission diagnosis. Automatic transmission has developed some leaks and clutch / gear assembly problems. Initial quote from the dealer service manager for repair is $2600.00+. Extended warranty expired 12/31/02, and the car is currently at the 94,904 mile mark. At the 91,328 mileage mark, the dealer performed an "87,000 mile" service, not a "90,000 mile" service. Why didn't the service advisor inform my daughter that the "90,000 mile" service was due, which included a transmission service? From my perspective this appears to be a case of this dealership not training their service advisors properly to advise a customer regarding routine maintenance. The car is currently at the 94,904 mile mark, and it seems reasonable that if the dealer had performed the "90,000 mile" service when the car was at the 91,328 mileage mark and inspected the transmission these problems would have been identified and repaired while the car still under warranty. Saturn has issued at least one dozen service bulletins regarding maintenance of this transmission several targeted to the specific issue of transmission leaks and repairs. Does this saturn dealer have a pattern of not informing female customers about recommended maintenance? Is this an issue at other saturn dealers? Is this a case of gender bias since the male service advisor did not communicate the factory recommendations to a female customer? Maintenance work by the saturn oakland (ca)dealer:fuel pump replaced, water pump replaced, window mechanisms replaced, drive belt replaced, idler pulley replaced, motor mounts replaced, alternator replaced, the power steering pump replaced. We don't understand how they could have inspected/diagnosed/repaired all these items and not have included the transmission maintenance at key mileage milestones.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · CA

Pe00020; original tire equipment on a 1997 saturn sl2, tire size p18565r15, and dot number not available. Tires only had under 27 thousand miles on them. When driving on highway at 65 MPH driver's side rear tire tread separated, tread pealed off, and came into contact with fuel pump wiring harness which caused loss of all power. Engine came to a complete stop due to the fuel not capable of reaching engine. Consumer contacted the dealer, dealer replaced the tires *ak

Filed May 17, 2000 · Electrical, Fuel system · NJ

I have experienced loss of power, no start conditions,and long periods of crank time,even killing a battery that I had to pay for! Notified my dealership and they told me if they---determined it wasn't the fuel pump, I would have to pay a service charge !---and I have the best extended warranty they have !

Filed Feb 23, 2000 · Fuel system · FL

When turning ignition vehicle would turn over, but it wouldn't start. Owner has to start vehicle a number of times to in order to run. Dealer says its due to a faulty fuel pump. Dealer has replaced the fuel pump.

Filed Mar 18, 1999 · Fuel system · VA

First incident was at 3600 miles on the car. On interstate travelling at 55+ car loses power will not accelerate. Must pull off road where car stalls out. No idiot lights and at dealer no computer codes. Car returned to me dealer unable to duplicate.I get 15 miles car again has problem. Finally dealer replaces fuel pump.at 5900 miles again car has same problem 1.5 hours from home 55+MPH on interstate.dealer again replaces fuel pump.at 24000 miles on interstate again same symptoms at 70+ MPH.after 3 different dealerships in two different states again fuel pump is replaced.