Saturn SL engine failure problems

Filed Aug 28, 2015 · Electrical · 78,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sl. After parking the vehicle and returning twenty minutes later, the ignition key would not turn and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2014 · Steering · 114,000 miles · LA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sl. While coming out of a left turn at an unknown speed, the power steering failed. The steering wheel seized and excessive force was required to steer the vehicle. The failure caused the contact to drive into a ditch, over a levee, and crash into a pipe. Once the vehicle came to a stop, the contact noticed the ignition key was on the floor. The air bags deployed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn sl. The contact stated that while traveling at unknown speeds, the key could be removed and the vehicle would continue to operate as normal. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire ignition system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

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 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 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

Filed Dec 28, 2006 · Engine · 82,000 miles · AR

Loud engine knock. Engine consumes oil but no leak. Took to saturn dealer in fayetteville, ar and told it needs a new engine. Engine has less than 85,000 miles on it. Told there was a bulletin about this sometime in the past. All regular maintenance done as recommended by saturn. Cost to replace engine $2600. Engine should not be on brink of failure at 83,000 miles.

Filed Dec 27, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 64,000 miles · CT

I purchased a 2001 saturn sl from a small car dealership at the end of june 2006. The car was purchased with a 30 day warranty. In the middle of august, many components of the electrical system began to fail - alternator, battery, starter. All were replaced. In addition, the engine failed. Just today (12/27/06) the car started to act up again. Worst car I've ever owned.

Filed Nov 13, 2006 · Engine · 90,000 miles · GA

I purchased a 2000 saturn sl2 which was used, therefore, I had a shop thoroughly check that all major components were in working order...I was told that all were in great shape..ie., the engine, starter, and any vital parts. The car ran great...well, for 5-6 mos. I was in the middle of driving,when the car just shut off...the car would not start again...no warning, no lights, nothing! The car is now in the shop to find the problem. The lights and radio worked but I just heard clicking when turning the ignition. With only 80,000 miles on the car, the mechanic says that the engine is shot, there's nothing he can do other than put a brand new engine in it...with a small fee of 4000.00. Both of us do not understand why the car was in great shape and within 6 months and barely 3,000 miles the engine went from great to gone! I have read several documents from this site and there are many persons with 2000 saturns that are saying that they too have a car that stopped suddenly and the stories sound very similar to mine...I've seen many of have similar VIN #s...I identified with the docs regarding the 2000-2003 saturn l-series issues, although, mine is of the s-series (I guess, because it is an sl-2). The letter discussing this issue referred to (ea06-009), the defect petition (dp05-008) or the odi investigation pe06-006 that was opened on 1/24/06. I am not sure that those document include my vehicle being that I thought my engine was of the size 1.9l, I-4, mp, dohc. If you have the time to view the docs mentioned, they are basically describing the same prob. That I have. Will you please find out if I am incorrect with the info. That I've viewed and if there has been an investigation into the problems that I've had for over 1 yr. Of course, if you have any questions, advice, or know what I should do or with whom I should speak...please let me know. I would greatly appreciate any help that you could provide me with.

Filed Dec 29, 2005 · Engine · 80,000 miles · CA

When checking the color of my oil, the dip stick was found 3 times bone dry. No oil light indicator would come on and finally one time it was too late. On christmas eve my engine blew due to heat and lack of oil. I would lose 5 quarts before my 3000 mile oil change. I had to buy a used engine and have it installed by a family friend due to lack of money to fix this unexpected problem on my 5 year old car that I am still making payemnts on.