1998 Saturn SL engine problems

Filed Oct 30, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 101,000 miles · NC

Coolant around the spark plug nearest the transmission, engine oil is visible in coolant tank. Internet search revealed a cracked head due to factory defect in head casting. Gm did not issue a recall!

Filed Feb 14, 2008 · Engine · MI

1998 saturn sl2 muffler broke off and hit another vehicle while driving 65 MPH. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-0070-91.

Filed May 4, 2007 · Engine · 40,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 saturn sl2. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure occurs when the vehicle has traveled long distances. The dealer is unable to diagnose the cause of failure. The current mileage is 181,000 and failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Nov 21, 2006 · Engine · 83,000 miles · MO

Dt*: the contact stated the coolant level indicator light illuminated. When the coolant was checked, the coolant level was low and thickened. On further investigation, coolant had been found mixed into the oil due to the gasket breaking down from contact with the coolant. The oil mixed with the coolant caused sludge build up in the engine. The contact notified the service dealer who recommended flushing the radiator. The manufacturer was notified.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Engine · 70,000 miles · NY

Cracked cylinder head on 1998 sl1 saturn with 70,000 miles. Car was loosing coolant. Cost $2,000 in labor to repair, problem seems to appear with other consumers complaining as well. Manufacturer should consider this a defect and reimburse for cost of reapir.

Filed May 28, 2004 · Engine · 40,000 miles · MA

The car was parked at home saturday night, went to drive it sunday and it made a strange noise. The car was brought to the mechanic who sent it to saturn where it was determined to have a blown motor (the car only has 40,000 miles on it,and the oil was changed regularly).

Filed Feb 18, 2004 · Engine · 81,000 miles · MN

Saturn sl2 1998 - cracked cylinder head.

Filed Oct 22, 2003 · Engine · 60,000 miles · GA

For the past 2-3 years I have had a massive oil consumption problem with my saturn sl2 '98. I brought it to two saturn dealerships who told me that I had no leak nor was my car burning oil, in essence that I was imagining this problem. In july of 2003, the problem had gotten so bad that I was adding oil every 100 miles, then the car broke down and I brought it to a saturn dealership. They said it was the timing belt/gasket and I replaced them on their recommendation that it would fix all the problems - cost $1000. The car continues to consume massive amounts of oil and regularly exhibits a burning smell. I brought it to a saturn dealer last week who now tells me that the cam cover is cracked and needs to be replaced; however, he told me that I probably indeed have significant engine damage as a result of my many oil problems that this repair will not fix. I have worked my way up the saturn corporate complaint system and I cannot get anyone to either pay for the repair, reimburse me for the previous repair or even acknowledge the underlying engine problem. Originally, I thought that this was a just me getting a "lemon" but after researching the problem my concern is much much greater. Specifically, there are numerous (well over 100) complaints on various internet cites about the same problem - everyone has massive oil consumption and many people's engines have actually caught on fire as a result of low oil. They have also tried to get saturn to acknowledge the problem with the engines and to no avail. I am now afraid to drive the car for fear of it catching on fire. I would like the federal safety agency to investigate the problems with saturn engines and oil consumption. I am an attorney and plan to pursue my own case against saturn for the cost of my repairs, but really feel like is a safety issue and that saturn or the federal safety agency needs to issue a warning to consumers to keep careful watch on their engines.

Filed Oct 8, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

While driving, the engine stalled. The dealer replaced the crankshaft senor and coolant temperature sensor, however the engine stalled again. *ak the power steering and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The gear did not shift properly, mainly in first gear.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Engine · 51,000 miles · CA

The motor mount failed. Dealer notified. *ak the mount probably malfunctioned prior to 52184 miles. The mounts for the vibration was found on the top of the engine in which the mount(s) cracked. *scc the water pump was replaced because a leak was found.