Owners filed 382 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
07700077,000 milesMedian miles at failure
223 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine and Engine Cooling
63
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
34
0
0
3
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
23
0
0
0
Electrical System
21
0
1
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
18
0
0
0
Tires
10
0
0
0
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
9
0
0
1
Suspension
8
0
0
0
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
8
0
0
0
Structure › Body
7
1
0
2
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights05V245000
Filed Jun 2, 2005291,652 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Electrical System › Ignition › Module03V231000
Filed Jun 23, 2003239,993 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR.
Risk. FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.
Seat Belts00V228003
Filed Aug 7, 2000156,305 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage99V345000
Filed Dec 2, 199936,848 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES IN THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVER PRESSURE RELIEF (OPR) VALVE THAT CAN BECOME STUCK OPEN IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR.
Risk. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY SEAL THE OUTLET PORT OF THE OPR VALVE.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM IN THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH ASSEMBLY, THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS MAY NOT WORK OR MAY WORK INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE DRIVER USES THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER OR HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. IF THE VEHICLE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS ARE NOT FLASHING, THEN THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS MAY NOT BE FLASHING.
Risk. OTHER DRIVERS MAY NOT BE ALERTED THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly99V197000
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN INOPERATIVE VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
Risk. IF A VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE VALVE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER, FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THEY WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 7, 2024NY
I am listing this vehicle identification number to fulfill your request on the safety complaint form, however I believe what I am about to share is an issue that applies to all vehicles on the road today, regardless of their source of motive power, if they have a hydraulic-brake system. I believe the current federal specifications for brake lines are too susceptible to corrosion, and although the materials brake lines are made of on most vehicles, probably meet Federal standards. Federal standards for this and other vehicle parts should evolve more frequently, sensitive to modernization and field experience. Corrosion-resistant brake lines are available and Federal statutes should be upgraded to specify they be constructed of more durable material and also be positioned in vehicles to increase their ease of replacement. Replacement of just the rusted sections of my rear brake lines cost me approximately $3000, and most of that cost was driven by brake line inaccessibility. Brake lines are typically one of the first components installed during vehicle assembly and several layers of components are then placed over them. Given the difficulty of replacement they should be one of the most durable components in the vehicle and calculated to last an appropriate multiple of the vehicle’s service life that is economically feasible.
Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2020170,000 milesMA
THE WHOLE SUBFRAME ON MY 2000 SATURN LS IS ROTTED SO BAD THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED WITH MY CAR NOT STARTING AND PUTTING IT UP ON A LIFT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THAT NOT STARTING PROBLEM IS A BAD RESONATOR, BUT IN THE PROCESS THE SUBFRAME WAS FOUND TO BE SERIOUSLY ROTTED AWAY. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 12, 2018106,000 milesMI
CAR LEAKING OIL - NOW ENGINE TROUBLE
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 26, 20175 milesOH
NOTHING, THANK GOD HAD HAPPENED YET, BUT IT WILL IN A MATTER OF TIME, HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE NO IDEA. THE PROBLEM IS THE MOTOR CRADLE OR FRAME IS RUSTING OUT, THE FRONT WHERE THE MOTOR SETS HAD WHOLES RUSTED IN IT, THE WHOLE THING IS RUSTING AWAY.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 20, 2017180,000 milesTN
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE MY TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED. CAR LOST POWER AND PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2016140,569 milesCA
REF: 07V519 I AM FILLING THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNING MY 2000 SATURN LS1 2.2L ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING ON A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FREEWAY IN JULY 2008 MY TIMING CHAIN BROKE. THIS CAUSED US TO TRY AND GET TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY, A VERY NERVE-RACKING SITUATION. AFTER TALKING TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SEVERAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS I ELECTED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF FIXING THE TIMING CHAIN AND THE OTHER DAMAGE THAT WAS CAUSED IN THE BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BY CLAREMONT AUTO CENTER IN POMONA CA ON 14/JULY/2008. IF NECESSARY I SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A COPY OF THE REPAIR BILL.
Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2016FL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE WHERE THE TIMING BELT PREMATURELY FRACTURED INTO THE MOTOR AND FRACTURED THE VALVES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed May 9, 20167,704 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TURN SIGNAL DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY DISENGAGE THE SIGNAL. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,704.
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 17, 2015150,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM BOTH THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND ALL OF THE WHEEL WELLS AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Exterior LightingFire
Filed Aug 24, 2015152,680 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE HIGH BEAMS ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE HIGH BEAMS FAILED TO TURN OFF CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DETACH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,680.
Suspension
Filed Mar 13, 2015153,000 milesNJ
TOOK CAR TO HAVE STRUTS REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED AWAY TO MAKE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE,ALWAYS CHECKED THE BODY AND FRAME YEARLY FOR RUST ON CHASSIS AND UNI BODY SO THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY POTENTIAL PROBLEM S. I LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST PART OF THE USA.. THE PROBLEM WITH THE SUB FRAME IS IT RUSTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT SO IT MAKES INSPECTION EXTREMELY HARD TO SEE. *TR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 23, 2015GA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION THAT BURNED THE SOCKETS AND WIRES CAUSING THE BULBS TO SHORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS THREE TIMES AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V245000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 3, 201430,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN L SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER INADVERTENTLY PULLED THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Structure › BodyCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 19, 2014FL
I WAS DRIVING A 98 TOYOTA TACOMA ON A 45 MPH HIGHWAY WHEN A PEDESTRIAN IN THE ROAD CAUSED ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC TO SUDDENLY STOP. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME AND WENT INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP MY VEHICLE IN THE MEDIAN AND STRUCK THE 2000 SATURN COUPE DRIVERS SIDE FENDER TO DRIVERS SIDE FENDER. UPON IMPACT THE BODY OF THE SATURN BURST INTO 12 TO 14 INCH SHARDS OF WHATEVER THE BODY IS MADE OF, (PERHAPS FIBERGLASS OR SOMETHING SIMILAR). ONE SUCH SHARD SHATTERED THE DRIVERS WINDOW AND IMPALED ME THROUGH MY LEFT SHOULDER AND LODGED ITSELF PROTRUDING SLIGHTLY FROM MY BACK. THE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WERE UNABLE TO STOP THE BLEEDING SO I WAS AIRLIFTED TO ORMC FOR EMERGENCY SURGERY, AND AM LUCKY TO HAVE SURVIVED. THE SURGEON STATED THAT ANOTHER INCH WOULD HAVE MEANT ME BLEEDING OUT IN THE ROAD. THAT VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE SHOT DEADLY PROJECTILES UPON IMPACT. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Nov 4, 2014MO
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR SATURN 2000 LS "KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE IGNITION IS NOT IN THE "OFF" POSITION. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING OUR SATURN LS. WE HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON OUR SATURN VUE SUV REGARDING "KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE IGNITION IS NOT IN THE "OFF" POSITION. THANK YOU, *TR
Electrical System
Filed Sep 11, 201423,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE KEY WOULD TURN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Engine
Filed Aug 6, 201499,000 milesVA
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE SHOOK, THE ENGINE ROARED AS THE RPMS DECREASED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THE TIMING CHAIN, TENSIONER, AND GUIDES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE APPEARED TO BE REMEDIED, BUT RECURRED A YEAR LATER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN COULD NOT BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED AND WAS STRIKING THE GUIDES, WHICH PRODUCED THE ROARING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 25, 201486,000 milesDC
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A TUNE UP AND FOUND OUT THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER HAD GONE BAD DESTROYING MY MOTOR. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jun 16, 2014253,625 milesMI
I HAVE A 2000 SATURN LS 1 THAT I HAD BOUGHT IN JUNE 14 2012 @ THE US TRUCK & AUTO ON US. 31 SOUTH HERE IN TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGAN 49685. THE SALESPERSON'S NAME IS[XXX]. I WAS ON CRAIGS LIST LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE CAR AND I CAME UPON US TRUCK & AUTO AND WYANE WOULD NOT LET ME TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND THAT THE CAR IS IN PERFECT RUNNING CONDITION UNTIL MARCH 14,2014 MY WHEEL CAME OFF AT A STOPLIGHT GETTING TO GO ON GREEN BUT DIDN'T MOVE FAR. AND WHEN I GOT THE CAR THE DOME LIGHT WASN'T WORKING AND A WIRE HAD BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE DAYTIME HEAD LAMP AND BURNED OUT TAIL LIGHTS. SINCE I PURCHASED IT AT A CAR DEALERSHIP I TOOK THEY HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BUT LEARNED LATER THAT WAYNE DOES NOT ALWAYS HAVE THE VEHICLES INSPECTED THAT HE PUTS ON HIS LOTS BUT SELLS LEMONS. HE WOULD RATHER SALE A LEMON OR A VEHICLE THAT WILL IN DANGER A PERSON THEN TO FOLLOW THE LAWS AND MAKE SURE THE VEHICLES ARE ROAD SAFE BEFORE HE SELLS THEM. I NEEDED A CAR BECAUSE I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS ISSUES WITH HER BACK AND LEGS PLUS WE LIVE 7 TO 8 MILES OUT OF TRAVERSE CITY, MI AND DON'T HAVE MUCH MONEY TO DO MUCH OF ANYTHING RIGHT NOW. MY FRIEND AND I LOVE THIS CAR THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ARE FAIRLY NEW. WE HAVE TRIED TO ASK FOR HELP GETTING THE CAR FIXED FROM CHURCHES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS BUT EVEN THEY BARELY HAVE THE MONEY TO HELP. THE BUSES HERE REFUSE TO WORK FOR US AND TAXIS ARE WAY TO MUCH MONEY TO TAKE US SHOPPING FOR FOOD OR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS. PLEASE HELP US GET OUR CAR FIXED OR MAYBE EV
Electrical System
Filed May 20, 2014120,000 milesFL
CAR RUNS OK AND AFTER 1 HOUR OF RUNNING AND YOU SHUT IT DOWN IT WONT START. I'VE REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH, NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH, CRANK SENSOR. AND PROBLEM REMAINS' HAVE TO JUMP OUT THE STARTER IT ORDER TO START IT. I THINK THE IGNITION HOUSING AND KEY SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE. I GOT NO INDICATION THE PASS LOCK SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. *TR
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jun 2, 2005. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.