The problem is with the Firestone Tempa Spare T115/70 R14 spare tire. This tire came with the car when new, and has never been used. Tire date of manufacture is 42 2000. I periodically check its air pressure, but it has never been out of the spare tire well. I checked the pressure 1 week ago, and found a large bulge in the tread, along with broken cords, both steel, and polyester (see photos). The inner tire liner has not ruptured, and the tire still holds air. One month ago I checked the pressure, and it looked completely normal. If I had a flat tire then, I would have put it on the car without hesitation. I suspect that it would have failed on the road leading to a possible disaster. My reason for alerting the federal safety agency is that I suspect there are many compact spare tires in people's trunks, in the same condition, just waiting to cause trouble. I brought it to a Firestone store and they showed no interest in it. I have removed the tire from the steel wheel, and you are welcome to have it to inspect. I live about 25 miles south of Chicago, IL. When you look at the attached photos, numbers 1-3 show the tire on the steel wheel with the tire inflated, number 4 shows the tire deflated, and off the wheel.
Saturn SL hesitation problems
20 of the 2,211 owner complaints about the Saturn SL describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 1994 model year.
- owner complaints
- 20
- worst model year
- 1994
By model year
- 20021
- 20012
- 20002
- 19982
- 19971
- 19963
- 19953
- 19943
- 19931
- 19922
Often reported together
Stalling 3Jerking 3Transmission failure 1Won't shift 1Seat belt 1Harsh shifting 1
What owners say
My 2001 saturn sl2 recently developed a sever 'buck' in the automatic transmission when it shifts. That is, when it changes gears it either slams into the next or hesitates then slams. Reverse is the most severe as it slammed so hard that it broke the muffler from its mount at the very rear of the vehicle. The fluid has been changed ahead of schedule on the transmission, and the oils changes have also been timely. I've read on several forums that this is not only symptomatic of the make and model of my car, but predominate in quite a few of the models in the saturn family. I've since had the fluid changed to no avail of correcting the problem. The symptoms described are exactly synonymous with others posted elsewhere on electronic mediums such as here: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/saturn_trans.html. The symptoms have not resolved and it is obvious that saturn is aware of the problem but has not been compelled to perform any repair recompense to the consumer for what statistically must be a faulty part known as the power control valve. I realize that this appears to be more of a mechanical failure than a safety recall, as a transmission that goes on the mend can hardly precipitate a high-speed crash resulting in a fatality that would spur an immediate investigation. However, with reports of motorists being stranded, or the possibility of a severe 'bucking' while being tailgated, I would hope swift investigative action would be warranted prior to anymore consumers falling prey to an unstable vehicle purchase.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn sl2. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated intermittently and was taken to the dealer. The dealer discovered that the spark plugs were set at different specifications, which was the cause of failure. The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 175,000 and failure mileage was 148,000.
My 2000 saturn sl1 has a problem which I feel is a manufacturer's defect. When put into reverse, the car either does not shift at all, or, hesitates then shifts unexpectedly, or shifts only when gas and brake are pressed at the same time. This is a very dangerous problem that is just an accident waiting to happen.
Transmision hesitates and jerks before going into any gear. Problem has existed for 3 months.dealer was notified, and found a faulty transmission valve.
After a long distance drive and stopping at local store for a moment vehicle would hesitate while consumer was traveling at about 45mph. Then, when pulling into a parking lot vehicle started smoking, releasing very thick vapor. Also, smoke was coming from exhaust, and vapors was from inside of vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
Interior overhead sagging above dome light, tried to have dealer fix (same condition after "repair"). Traction control button failed, had to be replaced. Ash tray light failed 3 times, dealer replaced. Ventilation blower only works on high speed - all other speeds burned out over 2 weeks (could smell electrical burning). Remote control works half of the time, no improvement after dealer replaced batteries, saying "white film" was a known cause of remotes not working. Change oil light came on 1000miles after last oil change, coinciding with fan blower burning out. Had to replace all 4 tires because of irregular wearing on rear and premature alignment drift on the front. Brake dust is excessive - front rims always coated black from dust. Some hesitation when automatic is shifting gears. Oxygen sensor replaced after 4 trips to the dealer to determine cause of "service engine soon light" coming on while accelerating. Adding 1liter engine coolant per month - no leaks noted under vehicle.
Alternator has been replaced three times and battery replaced 5 times. Now experiencing surging, hesitation and stalling, and the dealer cannot find the cause after four trips.
Caution: saturn automatic transmision may be dangerous if it hesitates and clunks into gear or downshifts inappropriately. Saturn's computer diagnostic system may not detect dangerous transmission control condition. Saturn corp. Policy on paying dealer for diagnostic work for warranty items may discourage dealer from further investigating possibly dangerous conditions.
When changing gears vehicle hesitates before engaging the gear. If driver's foot is not on brake pedal, at this time, vehicle would take off. Problem was reported to the dealership about 8 or 9 months ago. Problem has not been corrected. Please provide any further information.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with automatic transaxles, fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles were built with an improperly adjusted automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly. If improperly adjusted, it is possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed.
- Risk
- This condition increases the risk of a crash resulting from the unintended movement of parked vehicles.
- Remedy
- Saturn is asking owners and retailers to perform a functional check of the automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly operation, and if necessary, to have the cable adjusted. If owners are not comfortable performing the functional check themselves, they can have their dealer perform this inspection for them.
Recall number 00V310000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
- What is wrong
- The automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly was improperly adjusted making it possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed, or remove the ignition key with the shift lever in a position other than "park." this does not meet the requirements of fmvss 114, "theft protection."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: unintended vehicle movement can occur which could result in an accident.
- Remedy
- Consumers are being asked to inspect the park lock cable. If it does not perform correctly, dealers will make the necessary adjustments.
Recall number 94V217000 · Recall details
Power train
- What is wrong
- The transaxle valve assemblies were improperly machined. Vehicles may not properly engage in neutral or park, even though the gear selector indicates the vehicle is in neutral or park.
- Risk
- If the gear selector indicates the vehicle is in park orneutral, it could be in reverse or drive. If this happens, the car could startin reverse or drive, or might move unexpectedly, which may result in a vehiclecrash or injury to persons outside the vehicle, without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Replace the defective valve bodies.
Recall number 92V098000 · Recall details
Questions about the Saturn SL hesitation
Which Saturn SL years have hesitation when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1994 (3 complaints), 1995 (3 complaints) and 1996 (3 complaints).
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