Saturn SL knocking problems

Filed May 16, 2011 · Transmission · 97,000 miles · NY

Saturn 2001 sl1, my girlfriend was driving the car and called me saying that it was knocking she only drove it around the block due to her being scared of the sounds. I then drove the car around to ensure that it was a transmission problem. The car has 97,000 miles on it and I just had the o2 sensor changed for an idle high issue. I also had to clean out the idle air control valve due to build up and faulty operation. I brought my car to aamco to ensure the transmission is taken care of properly. They have to rebuild the transmission replacing every part inside the casing. 2,480$ in the hole, so I better not have anymore issues with this car after this. Also the door lock gets stuck on the driver side, so you have to manually push over the leaver every time you exit the vehicle.

Filed May 2, 2008 · Transmission · 121,842 miles · NJ

Dealer has not been notified as of yet. When transmission is switched to reverse, the vehicle gives a very strong jolt backwards, like a hard-knock engaging of the gears, so strong I am afraid it could cause a whip-lash someday.

Filed Apr 11, 2008 · Engine · OH

Multi engine misfire, knock system, idle speed high, ignition system volts. The intake gasket was leaking. My repairman that he has seen this in multiple different saturns especially in the sl1 model. If not fixed, idle will increase.

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 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 Aug 19, 2004 · Engine · OH

The consumer was told that a risk pin fell from the vehicle. The consumer stated while she was driving she started to hear a loud knocking noise. The next day after a couple of phone calls, she had her vehicle towed to a saturn dealer. It was determined that a new engine was needed.

Filed Mar 12, 2004 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NJ · fire

Consumer heard a knocking then a bang noise from the engine. This occurred while going up an incline at 30 MPH. The noise was followed by smoke. The consumer then pulled off the road and within seconds the engine was in flames. Prior to this incident there was knocking in the engine, and dealership replaced a cylinder because it was bad.

Filed Jan 23, 2004 · Engine · 61,000 miles · NJ

A mixture of oil and anti-freeze were noted. I brought the vehicle to the dealer where they told me that the head was cracked due to a manufacturing defect. They replaced the head and cooling system hoses only. Now 10,000 miles later I am hearing a knocking sound from the engine. I brought the car to a mechanic where he informed me that the bottom half of the engine is gone and needs to be replaced. He stated that the dealer (saturn of morristown, nj) should have replaced the entire engine instead of just the top half.

Filed Nov 25, 2002 · Steering · 110,000 miles · OH

While pulling out of a parking space the consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the steering column, while driving another 2.5 miles the consumer experienced total loss of steering ability. The dealer is aware of the problem. *ts

Filed Jun 25, 2001 · Engine · NY

Vehicle started ticking/overheating, and making noise. Vehicle stalled. Contacted dealer.