10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,253 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #11

May 262011

SL 4-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
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?

- Wolcott, CT, USA

problem #10

Jun 152009

SL

  • 95,000 miles
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.

- Manteno, IL, USA

problem #9

Aug 262008

SL

  • 83,000 miles
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 Saturn.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #8

Jun 252008

SL

  • miles
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.

- New Rochelle, NY, USA

problem #7

Apr 212007

SL 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles
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. Updated 12/12/07

- East Rockaway, NY, USA

problem #6

Aug 272005

SL 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 94,000 miles
A 2000 SL1 Saturn passenger vehicle is the source of this complaint. Saturns are often recognized as being 200K mile cars - look for the wall at the service centers. - polaroids of 'happy' Saturn customers. After 94K miles, my Saturn had a piston fragment inside the engine. The vehicle motor is a total loss. I just paid it off 6 months ago. Saturn refused to supply any explanation or offer to stand behind their product.

- Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA

problem #5

Oct 012002

SL 4-cyl

  • miles
While driving transmission failed with no warning. While driving, the vehicle all of a sudden overheated and stalled. The consumers mechanic told her the intake manifold was severely damaged.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #4

Aug 192004

SL

  • miles
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.

- Boardman, OH, USA

problem #3

Feb 152003

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,568 miles
Had to replace transmission casing had a bad leak wiring harness from ignition caught on fire putting me and my families life at risk rattles real bad in rear portion of car heater quit working

- Christiansburg, VA, USA

problem #2

Jan 032004

SL

  • 29,220 miles
While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. Dealer could not fix the vehicle because they were unable to duplicate the problem.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #1

May 202003

SL

  • miles
The vehicle caught on fire. The cause was unknown.

- Nashua, NH, USA