2000 Saturn SL engine problems

Filed Dec 5, 2014 · Engine · 150,000 miles · PA

The timing chain went out and needs replaced. The engine cranks but will not turn over. Our mechanic told us we're looking at a $1000 plus repair.

Filed Sep 12, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 96,000 miles · NJ

Key falls out of ignition while driving! This needs to be recalled with all of the other gm vehicles. This is a danger and someone is going to get seriously injured! Step up gm and fix the cost cutting corners you cut and put your customers at risk!

Filed May 27, 2011 · Engine · 103,000 miles · CT

Timing chain failure of saturn 2000 today while driving on an interstate highway my saturn stopped working and I had to drift to the side of the road park in a dangerous location get towed only to find out it was the timing chain that broke causing a catastrophic engine failure. I have to junk my car and get a new one. I am very distressed to find the recall of the timing chain in this vehicle and since it was lawfully registered to me am wondering why I have no recall from you?

Filed Oct 19, 2009 · Engine · 95,000 miles · IL

When I start my car or park it after driving the rpms shoot up extremely high & the engine races. When I shut the car off the engine makes a loud clunk due to shutting it off with the rpms that high. I have had it diagnosed several times & no one knows what is wrong. I had the air idle sensor replaced thinking it was the problem but it is not. This is very bad for the engine.

Filed Sep 2, 2008 · Engine · 83,000 miles · NY

Timing chain on my 2000 saturn l broke. I only have 83,000 miles on it. I have read a lot of complaints online about this problem occurring consistently with gm cars, especially saturns.

Filed Jun 26, 2008 · Engine · NY

My saturn sl2000 is 8 years old. Recent repairs are fuel cap replaced due to broken cap seal. Rear bushings, gasket replacemant gasket top replacement and now air conditioner compressor wont work. All problems discovered since may 2008. Repairs performed on all except air condition which was discovered today 6-25-08. 1000 dollars approx. All 3month maintenance performed on schedule since purchase of car dec, 1999.

Filed Dec 4, 2007 · Engine · FL

Driving my 2000 saturn sl2 70 MPH check engine light suddenly comes on, engine stops running pull over, luckily clear conditions, safely. Towed car to dealer. Dealer says timing chain or belt may have broken. Dealer calls back, says I need a $7000.00 replacement engine. This car has cost me over 5000.00 in repairs. Saturn has not offered any sort of explanation. Just a broken timing chain. There are many many complaints I have read online. I am furious.

Filed Nov 27, 2007 · Engine · 94,000 miles · MN · 1 injury

I purchased the vehicle from a private dealer with an as-is no warranty back in august 2007. The vehicle had a little over 88,000 miles on it. Had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and all major items appeared to be in good working order. Approximately 1 month later, the car came due for an oil change. I had the oil changed at approximately 90,000 miles. At approximately 94,000 miles, while driving on the interstate on november 21, 2007, the engine went bang. The car jerked violently and the oil light and check engine lights came on. I was going at approximately 75-80 MPH and there was no knocking heard prior to engine failure. I pulled the vehicle to the side of the interstate and noticed smoke billowing out of the engine compartment. Immediately called 9-1-1 to report my vehicle was on fire. The fire department arrived and said the engine had not been on fire, but that the engine threw a rod through the block. The fire department asked about knocking prior and I told them there was none. In fact, a mechanic had just looked at it the day before. I recall that the change oil soon light had been coming on intermittently but never steady. The oil light also kept flickering but was never steady. The RPM's increased from 2500 to 3000 and returned to 2500. No previous history of problems reported by dealer. The vehicle was towed to northland community and technical college in east grand forks. The automotive mechanics looked at the engine and said it is totaled. Currently in the process of locating a new or used engine to replace.

Filed May 9, 2007 · Engine · 98,500 miles · NC

Vehicle coolant light low indicator came on. Vehicle was taken to mechanic to service. Upon inspection oil was found in the coolant reservoir. Further inspection revealed a cracked cylinder head. Car had under 100000 miles, and had been maintained. Saturn issued company bulletin 99p01. However, they did not feel any responsibility to repair this problem for a minimal charge due to this defect. Were only willing to offer 25% of the approximate $2200 repair charge.

Filed May 7, 2007 · Engine · 53,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 saturn sl. While driving 35 MPH, the engine failed and would not restart. The vehicle was towed and it was discovered that it contained no oil even though it was serviced three weeks prior. The contact was told that a new engine would cost $3,400 and a used engine without warranty would cost $2,400. The contact stated that no signs of leaking, draining, or oil burning were present, yet the oil is evaporating. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 53,000. Updated 01-11-08. *kb updated 12/12/07