“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn l series. The contact stated that in the attempt to start the vehicle, the warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel and the vehicle would not start. The dealer diagnosed that the there was no compression taking place, causing the vehicle to stall.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 28, 2011 at 50,000 miles
“My timing chain separated and caused major damage to my engine. I have a saturn 2000 ls 2.2l engine. I never had a problem, never knew the chain was a problem. I went to start my car, it would not start. It was towed to goodyear, they said I have no compression, the timing chain broke. My only solution is to put a new engine into my car.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 16, 2010 at 185,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2000 LS peaked in 2004, with 52 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 35% of the complaints. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 7 name the 2000 LS.
On may 22, 2008, theoffice of defects investigation (odi) was petitioned by the north carolina consumers council (nccc) to broaden the scope of safety recall 07v-519, which was conducted by general motors corporation (GM) for model year (my) 2001 saturn l-series vehicles equipped with the l61 2.2l engine and built during a 4-month period from november 2000 through february 2001 (dp08-002). On october 16, 2008, odi granted dp08-002 and opened pe08-061 to investigate timing chain failures resulting in engine stall while driving (swd) in the saturn l-series vehicles equipped with l61 engines and …
On june 6, 2006, odi opened an investigation of timing chain failure resulting in engine stall while driving with no restart in approximately 20,514 model year (my) 2001 saturn l-series vehicles equipped with 2.2l engines (l61) built from november 2000 through february 2001 (ea06-009).the vehicles built during those months exhibited higher failure rates than similarly equipped vehicles built before and after.GM introduced a new timing chain design in production in may 2002.odi closed its investigation after GM initiated a safety recall on november 7, 2007 (recall 07v-519). On may 22, 2008, …
On december 12, 2005, odi received a defect petition (dp05-008) requesting the investigation of timing chain failures that could cause stalling in saturn vehicles equipped with the 2.2l (l61) engine. Odi opened pe06-006 on january 24, 2006, with 24 vehicle owner complaints that alleged a broken timing chain caused the vehicle to stop operating.on april 12, 2006, odi received information from general motors (GM) concerning timing chain failures in approximately 412,000 model year (my) 2000 through 2003 saturn l-series and ion vehicles with 2.2l engines. Gm's response included 1,020 owner …
TIMING CHAIN FAILUREDefect petition DP05008Closed
Opened Dec 20, 2005Closed Feb 6, 2006engine
Analysis undertaken in response to the petition identified 26 complaints alleging timing chain failures in my 2000-2003 saturn l-series vehicle equipped with the 2.2l l4 engine.most complaints of timing chain failure reportedly resulted in a sudden loss of engine power and stalling.odi also noted that certain my 2002-2003 saturn vue and my 2003 saturn ion model vehicles with the 2.2l engine vehiclescovered by a technical service bulletin (03-06-01-017) that addressed timing chain design and service procedure changes, exhibited no complaints of timing chain failure.odi will grant the petition …
Opened Feb 15, 2005Closed Jun 3, 2005Led to recall 05V245000electrical system
General motors has decided that a safety related defect exists on certain model saturn 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.this can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake or tail lamps (including the center high-mounted stop lamp).GM will conduct a safety recall on an expanded scope of saturn vehicles to install a reinforcing socket adapter (and corresponding nw socket) to the back of the existing lamp …
Opened Feb 10, 2005Closed Feb 22, 2005electrical system
On january 25, 2005, a safety defect petition was received by the office of defects investigation (odi), requesting an investigation of inoperative tail lamps on my 2000-2002 saturn l-series vehicles.the petitioner alleges a defect in the design and assembly of the tail lamp assembly circuit board and light socket contact.the petitioner identified 47 vehicle owner questionnaire's (voq's) associated with the alleged defect, and odi concurs that 40 of those voq's satisfy the scope of this investigation.odi has found an additional 10 voq's related to the allegation.odi has granted the petition …
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITYPreliminary evaluation PE99064Closed
Opened Oct 27, 1999Closed Feb 11, 2000Led to recall 99V345000throttle and acceleration
Allege that the fuel tank over-pressure relief (opr) valve may leak fuel in excess of fmvss 301 allowances in a crash
Technical service bulletins
196 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2000 LS. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 49equipment 26body and frame 21electrical system 13visibility 13transmission 11suspension 9seats 7
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Showing the newest 6 of 49 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
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
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 15, 2014138,000 milesCA
MY CAR DRIVES LIKE ITS COUGHING AND SOMETIMES IT CUTS OFF ON ME, AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS WORK SOMETIME, I HAVE HAD PEOPLE HONK TO TELL ME MY LIGHTS NOT WORKING THEN THEY WILL POP ON WHEN THEY GET READY. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Apr 5, 2014125,000 milesMI
WHEN I WENT TO GET NEW TIRES FOR THIS CAR I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY FRAME AND SHOULD GO RIGHT TO A DEALERSHIP. I CONTACTED SATURN AND THEY AUTHORIZED IT FOR ME TO GO TO MY NEAREST DEALERSHIP, AT THE DEALERS CONVENIENCE AND MY EXPENSE FOR A REVIEW OF THE PROBLEM. I MADE THE APPOINTMENT BUT IN THE MEAN TIME THE FRONT WHEELS STATED TO SHAKE AND SHIMMY. I WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR, SO I PULLED INTO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP AND WAS GIVEN THE ADVICE TO LEAVE THIS CAR PARKED. DO NOT DRIVE IT AT ALL. CONTACTING SATURN AT THIS POINT THEY REFUSED TO EVEN LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. NEVER HAVE I HEARD OF A FRAME SUPPORTING THE ENGINE, AND FRONT WHEELS EVER RUSTING THROUGH ON A CAR BEFORE. THEY SAID IT WAS MY CHOICE TO HAVE IT FIXED, THEREFORE THEY HAD NO OBLIGATION TO LOOK INTO THIS ANY LONGER. I BELIEVE I HAD NO CHOICE OTHER THAN TO GET IT FIXED RIGHT THERE AND THEN. NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT HAD TO BE DONE BUT FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. *TR
Suspension
Filed Mar 5, 201480,150 milesMI
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING NOISE AND STEERING WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. I TRAILERED THE VEHICLE BACK HOME. CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED THE FRONT SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE SPOTS, VERY DANGEROUS!!! I CONTACTED THE DEALER TO GET A NEW SUBFRAME AND I WAS ADVISED THE SUBFRAME IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND TO TRY FINDING ONE IN A SALVAGE YARD. I CONTACTED A SALVAGE YARD AND THEY SAID THEY HAD A FEW AND IT WOULD BE NO PROBLEM TO PULL ONE. I GOT THE CALL TODAY SAYING THEY WERE SORRY BUT ALL OF THE FRONT SUBFRAMES ON THE SATURN L SERIES THEY HAVE ARE RUSTED THROUGH AND ARE NOT USABLE. I CONTACTED OTHER YARDS WITH THE SAME RESPONSE. I ENDED UP HAVING TO FIND A SALVAGE YARD DOWN SOUTH THAT HAD A USABLE SUBFRAME. I WENT ONLINE TO FIND NUMEROUS FORUM POSTS DISCUSSING THIS TOPIC AND I'M FINDING IT IS VERY COMMON ON THIS VEHICLE. WHY WAS THERE NEVER A RECALL FOR THIS WITH SUCH A WIDESPREAD SAFETY HAZARD? FROM WHAT I CAN TELL IT HAPPENS ON ALL MODEL YEARS OF THE L SERIES. THE IRONY IS THE REST OF THE CAR IS VERY CLEAN, NO RUST ON THE REST OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THERE IS NO CLEAR EXPLANATION WHY THE SUBFRAME WOULD HAVE CORROSION PERFORATION AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE WITH NO OTHER RUST/CORROSION ON THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED THIS COULD HAVE HAD A BAD OUTCOME. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2014NC
JUST READ THE RECALL ON GM CARS DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION. MY DAUGHTER OWNED A 2000 SATURN LS UNTIL JULY 2012 (WHEN SHE TRADED IT IN) AND ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, IT ALSO STOPPED RUNNING AS SHE WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY IT DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 8, 2013CA
I WASN'T IN A ACCIDENT THANK GOD BUT I BOUGHT THIS CAR GOING ON A YEAR FROM A AUCTION AND IN ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO NOTICED THE BACK TAIL LIGHTS KEPT GOING OUT AND THEN JUST WOULDN'T COME BACK ON I TRIED EVERYTHING. AD OF 10/6/2013. I CHANGE THE FUSES THE BRAKE. LIGHTS CAME ON FOR ONE NIGHT AND THEN WENT OUT AGAIN. SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.SO NOTICED THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THIS. AND I WANTED.TO SEE IF I COULD STILL GET IT FIXED ON THE RECALL BECAUSE I CANT DRIVE MY CAR LIKE THIS AND IT NEED TO BE FIXED. AND DIDN'T HAVE THIS CAR AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL AND THIS IS SERIOUS AND ANY OTHER RECALLS ON THIS CAR THAT NEED TO BE FIXED I NEED IT. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Sep 30, 2013OH
MY SATURN HAS A MASSIVELY RUSTED SUBFRAME. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 2013130,000 milesKS
THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON AND STARTS BLINKING ALSO THE TAIL LAMP BULB MELTS THE PLASTIC ON BULB. *TR
Suspension
Filed Apr 16, 201374,000 milesMI
SUBFRAME ON SATURN TOTALLY RUSTED AWAY ONLY THING HOLDING PASSENGER WHEEL ON WAS STRUT BRACKET. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 13, 2013182,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TURNING SIGNALS AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 26, 201262,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE INTAKE SENSOR, SPEED SENSOR AND VARIOUS OTHER COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TURN SIGNALS ALSO BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, IT WAS ABNORMALLY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Service Brakes1 injured
Filed Oct 21, 2012102,012 milesME
I HAD JUST GONE TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP MY 2000 SATURN LW2 WHEN I WAS ABOUT TWO BLOCKS FROM THE GAS STATION. I WAS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER FROM MY HOUSE, AND HAD JUST TURNED RIGHT ONTO A STREET WITH A HILL. SUDDENLY, MY CAR STARTED SPUTTERING SO I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO PULL OVER. I WASN'T COMPLETELY OUT OF THE STREET WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING GOING DOWN THE HILL AT 25 MILES PER HOUR. I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR SO I PUT IT IN PARK, WHICH STOPPED IT INSTANTLY, CAUSING MY NECK TO JERK, WHICH HAS BEEN SORE FROM WHIPLASH FOR THE PAST FOUR DAYS SO FAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC WHO FOUND BITS OF MY TIMING BELT ALL THROUGH THE MOTOR, WHICH BLEW THE ENTIRE ENGINE. AFTER HEARING THAT IT WOULD BE OVER $3,000 FOR A USED ENGINE INSTALLED, WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO DETERMINE OUR NEXT MOVE, FINANCIALLY. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 4, 2012165,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LSERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN INDEPENDENTLY STEERING TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE SUB FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 165,000. UPDATED 10/25/12 *CN UPDATED 11/08/12 ..UPDATED 11/14/12 *BF UPDATED 11/15/2012 *JS
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 5, 201260,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS1. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED PROBLEM AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2012143,000 milesNE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN L-SERIES WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A NEW TIMING CHAIN AND A NEW ENGINE, AS THERE WAS A LOT OF INTERNAL DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 143,000. UPDATED 11/07/12*LJ THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, IN ONE WEEK, BY THE CONSUMER'S HUSBAND. UPDATED 11/07/2012 *JS
Engine
Filed Jun 29, 201298,000 milesND
I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, RAN INSIDE FOR NO MORE THAN 5 MINS AND WHEN I CAME BACK OUT THE ENGINE WAS UNABLE TO TURN OVER AND MADE HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO COME PICK IT UP TO BRING IT BACK TO THEIR SHOP TO CHECK IT OUT. WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE SHOP TODAY THEY TELL ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAS BROKEN AND BENT THE VALVES. THE WHOLE ENGINE NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY TELL ME IT IS $3600 MINIMUM TO REPLACE AND THIS IS WITH A USED ENGINE FOR $2400+ JUST FOR HIS USED ENGINE. ALL IN ALL, I'M VERY GLAD THE VEHICLE WASN'T MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT STILL VERY FRUSTRATED SINCE THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN UNCOMMON THING WITH THE SATURN L-SERIES. *TR
Exterior LightingCrash
Filed Jun 15, 2012154,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR-ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BREAK LIGHTS FAILED TO ALERT THE OTHER DRIVER THAT SHE WAS BRAKING. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE AND THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP OR DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 23, 201274,500 milesWI
ENGINE BEGAN HAVING A SLOW KNOCKING NOISE, PRIOR TO THAT I WOULD HEAR A NOISE OF THE CHAIN SLAPPING, WHICH I WAS EXPLAINED TO BY SATURN THAT THIS WAS NORMAL IN MY VEHICLE. DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME THEN WHILE I WAS PARKING, HEARD A LOUD BANG AND WHEN I GOT OUT - THERE WAS OIL GUSHING FROM UNDERNEATH. PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE NOT REPAIRED IT SINCE... WAS JUST DOING RESEARCH NOW TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND FOUND THAT FINALLY THERE WAS ANOTHER ROUND OF RECALLS REGARDING THE ENGINE. I HAVE ASKED MY SATURN DEALER BEFORE ABOUT THIS (WHILE THEY WERE STILL IN BUSINESS) AND WAS TOLD THAT ONLY SPECIFIC YEARS WERE COVERED... *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 30, 2012105,063 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LW1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,063.
Steering
Filed Mar 20, 2012130,000 milesNY
THIS HAPPENED VERY SUDDENLY. I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO ENTER THE RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT AND MADE A NOISE. I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A BEARING OR BRAKE PROBLEM BUT I HAD NOT HAD ANY ISSUES BEFORE THAT SO I WENT ON SINCE IT SEAMED TO BE DRIVING OK. WHILE I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE I WENT TO GO INTO THE LEFT LANE AND REALIZED THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. I SLOWED DOWN AND GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY TO THE SHOP. I WAS TOLD THERE THE K FRAME HAD LESS THAN 1/2" BEFORE BREAKING COMPLETELY AND COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT SINCE IT HAS TO DO WITH STEERING. I HAVE REGULAR MAINT ON THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN. THE UNDERSIDE IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. I HAD THE FRAME REPLACED. I FEEL IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE FRAME. I'M SURE IM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. *KB
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 10, 2012100,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE TIMING BELT LOCATED IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 28, 201150,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN L SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN THE ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE THERE WAS NO COMPRESSION TAKING PLACE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V519000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), DID NOT INCLUDE THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 02/03/12*LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/10/12
Steering
Filed Nov 28, 201144,000 milesNM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE KEY TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,200.
Suspension
Filed Nov 25, 2011117,000 milesNJ
THE FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH. MECHANIC STATED WAS NOT NORMAL WEAR. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 23, 201198,000 milesNY
RIGHT REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLE RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED. RESULT: NO PARKING BRAKE (NO HAND BRAKE). LOCAL MECHANICS ADVISED US THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. IT CANNOT BE FIXED. SATURN IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. GM NO LONGER SELLS THIS CABLE. NONE OF THE AFTERMARKET COMPANIES MAKE A CABLE THAT FITS THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 15, 2011170,000 milesMA
VEHICLE PULLED WHEN BRAKING. SYMPTOMS STARTED ON A MONDAY AS A LIGHT PULL. MORE NOTICEABLE ABOVE 50 MPH, AND NOT NOTICEABLE BELOW 35. BY THURSDAY MORNING, PULL WAS SEVERE ABOVE 50MPH. STAYED TILL AFTER 6:00 AT NIGHT TO AVOID TRAFFIC. RIDE HOME WAS "ENTERTAINING" AS STEERING WHEEL DID NOT ALWAYS GO BACK TO "CENTER" WHEN GOING STRAIGHT. I THOUGHT I NEEDED A STEERING RACK UNTIL I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON SATURDAY. MY INSPECTION SHOWED THAT FRONT SUBFRAME (A.K.A. ENGINE CRADLE) FAILED WHERE THE "PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHING WAS ATTACHED". A SIZABLE PIECE OF FRAME RIPPED OUT, WITH BUSHING STILL ATTACHED TO LOWER CONTROL ARM. RUSTED PERFORATIONS IN SUBFRAME VISIBLE APPROXIMATELY 6" BEHIND WHERE FRAME FAILED. TWO SETS OF RIMS (SUMMER AND WINTER) WITH NO "DINGS" TESTIFIES THAT VEHICLE NEVER EVEN HIT A CURB IN 170,000 MILES. 4 CYLINDER, SO NO EXHAUST NEARBY TO "WEAKEN STEEL". BAD CHOICE OF CORROSION PROTECTION IN A CRITICAL PART OF THE FRAME, AND/OR UNDERSIZING OF STEEL THICKNESS TO ACCOMMODATE FOR CORROSION IS MY ESTIMATE OF "FAILURE MODE". CONTACTED DEALER AND NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE. WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE, VERY DISAPPOINTED IT FAILED THIS WAY. LAST VEHICLE I JUNKED WAS A 17 YEAR OLD 1973 OLDS. EVERYTHING BUT THE SUBFRAME INDICATED I'D GET ANOTHER 5 YEARS OUT OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 15, 2011103,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 SATURN L-SERIES SEDAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TIMING CHAIN HAD TO BE REPLACED AND DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE DAMAGE THE HEAD ON THE ENGINE ALSO HAD TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V519000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT IT DO NOT INCLUDE 2000 MODELS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 UPDATED 04/19/12*LJ UPADTED 04/27/12
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 2, 201195,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS1. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 27, 2011150,000 milesNE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS1. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UPHILL WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STALLED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Mar 21, 2011108,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN L. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PATH LOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 3, 2011185,000 milesIL
TIMING CHAIN BROKE ON 2000 SATURN LS2 3.0L V6 ENGINE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. THE 2.2L ENGINE HAS BEEN RECALLED AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 3.0L ENGINE HAVING THE SAME FAILURES. THIS ENGINE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ALSO. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 382, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Owners filed 382 complaints with NHTSA; there are too few LS years on record to rank this one against the others. The most common complaint is about the engine (35%).
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Saturn LS?
The engine: 133 of the 382 complaints (35%) are about it. Owners most often say it will not start (13%), loses power (11%) and stalls (11%). The typical report comes at 86,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn LS have?
6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jun 2, 2005. The largest, 05V245000, covered 291,652 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2000 Saturn LS problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 77,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 86,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2000 Saturn LS?
Yes, 7 times. The latest, PE08061 ("TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL"), was opened Oct 16, 2008 and closed Apr 8, 2009.
Are there service bulletins for the 2000 Saturn LS?
The manufacturer filed 196 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (49), the body and frame (21) and the electrical system (13). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
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.