2002 Saturn Vue: engine failure

Filed Jan 6, 2020 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving 30 MPH, several dashboard warning indicators illuminated, including the battery warning indicator. Simultaneously, the power steering seized operation temporarily and caused the vehicle to swerve. Also, while traveling up an incline, the battery warning indicator flashed and then turned off when driving on leveled ground. A fax was sent to the vice president of safety at general motors in regards to the failure; however, there was no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2016 · Engine · 146,000 miles · KS

My car seized up while going down the road I could barely turn or push on the brakes! Thankfully I had just left work so I was only doing 10 MPH. I took it to a mechanic whom said the timing chain went out, and that with that type of motor a v6 that it most likely bent the valves and id have to get a new engine!!! Im curious if this happens often?????

Filed Mar 5, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 110,000 miles · OR

The timing chain ruined the entire engine as a result of the chain tensioner failing from lack of oil being applied. Apparently as soon as I heard the clanging sounds it was too late. I am buying a whole new engine which has replaced the oiling mechanism that was faulty in the 2002-2003 models of the saturn vue.

Filed Nov 10, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 120,000 miles · GA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the ignition key released from the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified if the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Apr 5, 2009 · Engine · 68,000 miles · TX

Timing chain broke on my 2002 saturn vue leaving my daughter & me stranded. It only had 68k miles. Saturn dealerships only suggestion: new engine @ $3400 installation @ $1600. I chose an independent mechanic, who was unaware of the zero tolerance engine. What is that?! I am hearing about class action lawsuits, thousands of dollars in repairs nationwide due to this same malfunction. They have known of this dangerous malfunction for years & fail to do a recall. Isn't it time they be made accountable. There are many many similar stories to mine. Please research!!

Filed Mar 19, 2009 · Engine · 140,129 miles · IL

I had just left a stop light on a busy street in chicago driving about 15 miles an hour and the engine just died. I tried to restart the car and it would not start. I called a tow truck to have it taken back to my repair shop. The next day I was told that the timing chain had broken and crushed the casing and valves and that I would need a new engine at a cost of $3,200.00. I spoke with the saturn dealership in tinley park, il and they agreed to put a new engine in for $2,200.00. I spoke with the saturn main office of consumer complaints and they stated that no recalls were made on the 2002 saturn vue's and would not help with the cost of the replacement engine.

Filed Feb 4, 2009 · Engine · 55,000 miles · MD

Approximately 6-9 months ago my 2002 saturn vue, 4 cyl, with approx 55,000 miles stopped working. Saturn of bowie, now closed, told me that the timing chain broke and engine was now no good. They said the only way to fix vehicle was to replace engine at my expense. Approximately $6,500. I complained and after my discussions with a saturn hq person, they replaced the engine and charged me approximately $5,500. I have exact figures in my files. I asked if there was any history of this problem and saturn responded that it wasn't known problem. This morning after doing some research, on the internet, relating to another problem with my saturn vue regarding the fuel gauge, I learned that saturn was aware of the timing chain problem and should have sent me a recall notice. They charged me alot of money to fix something that was their responsibility because of poor engineering.

Filed Nov 15, 2008 · 104,000 miles · NC

I had my 100,000 service performed on my car(2002 saturn vue) and six months later (less then 5,000 miles) my timing belt broke while traveling on the interstate at 65mph. I was told that it was due to a "possible oil leak" or because I hadn't had my oil changed since my last service and sludge had possible built up in the engine. While researching the problem, I noted that many others had the same problem with the saturn l series and a few vues. I was told to repair the timing chain, cylinder head, and gaskets would cost $2600 or I could replace the engine (not sure of the cost of a used engine at this point).

Filed Aug 30, 2008 · Engine · 102,639 miles · MI

I was driving my 2002 saturn vue (4 cyl, 2.2 l engine, manual transmission) on the freeway. The engine stalled and then lost power. I fortunately was able to coast down the freeway exit, and I (with the assistance of a few kind hearted motorists) had to push my car out of the exit lane and on coming traffic. My car was towed through aaa to a service garage. The mechanic informed me that the timing chain broke, and in turn damaged the pistons, thus requiring me to replace the engine in my vehicle. Replacing the engine is estimated to cost between $1,800 and $2,800 depending upon the availability of the engine in my area. It is my understanding through reading today that there may have been a recall on this very issue with the saturn 2.2 l engines, but I was never contacted by general motors concerning this issue with the 2.2 l engine. I am fortunate that I was able to exit the freeway safely, that other motorists were able to hold off traffic and assist me pushing the car to safety, and that my child, other family members, and I were not in an accident or injured due to this failure at high speed.

Filed May 16, 2007 · Engine · 74,000 miles · FL

2002 saturn vue 4 cylinder engine. Catastrophic engine failure at 74,000 miles. Timing chain broke without warning, shutting down vehicle while driving. Caused damage to eight of the sixteen valves. Have to replace chain, have cylinder heads machined and other work done (still in progress). Parts are only available from saturn.

Filed Dec 27, 2006 · Engine · 54,430 miles · OH

This is the second instance in 54,438 miles of: timing chain 'slipped' due to lack of lubrication. In both instances, the engine stalled while driving (at low speed), then restarted with reduced power/performance along with the service engine warning light. This time, the engine was badly damaged and must be replaced. Saturn blames me for not keeping up with the every 3000 mile oil change requirement. (and is satisfied to look no further for any other causes.) I have seen the investigative report (pe06-006), on this site, of an investigation into frequent timing chain failures in l-series models (having the same engine as this vehicle). The report references lack of oil flow to the timing chain when operating at low RPM. (this is the type of driving I do.) the report also references gm tsb 03-06-01-017 stating "all timing chain service kits now available will include an oiler nozzle, a new design that will increase oil flow to the timing chain under low RPM operating conditions". The dealer does not acknowledge existence of the improved design for the vue engine. The first failure instance was covered under warranty at 24,663 miles. The current instance occurred at 54,438 mi. , and is now out of warranty. Saturn is offering to take 50% cost of an engine replacement.

Filed Dec 26, 2006 · Engine · 54,430 miles · OH

Incident = second instance in 54,438 miles of: timing chain 'slipped' due to lack of lubrication. This is on my 2002 saturn vue, 4 cyl. Engine - front wheel drive. Saturn blames me for not keeping up with the every 3000 mile oil change requirement. (and is satisfied to look no further for other causes.) I have seen a report, on this site, of an investigation into frequent timing chain failures in l-series models (having the same engine). The report references lack of oil flow to the timing chain when operating at low RPM. (this is the type of driving I do.) the report also references "all timing chain service kits now available will include an oiler nozzel, a new design that will increase oil flow to the timing chain under low RPM operating conditions". The first instance was covered under warrantee at 24,663 miles. The current instance occurred at 54,438 mi. , and is now out of warrantee. Damage resulting = engine damage for the second instance is "beyond repair", and I am told the engine must be replaced. Even though the vehicle is out of warantee, saturn offers to pay 50% of the cost of a rebuilt engine replacement. But, I cannot afford even 50% at this time. I have openned a case with saturn to get more support. The case is currently awaiting action by the district manager who is on vacation until the firtst of the year.