Page 7 of 8 · complaints 301–350 of 382

2000 Saturn LS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2000 record →

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Jul 15, 200343,500 milesTX

THE BRAKE ROTORS ON MY 2000 SATURN LS FRONT END WORE DOWN BELOW THE MINIMUM RECOMMENDED THICKNESS. BEFORE MY BRAKE PADS WORE DOWN TO THE POINT THAT THE WEAR INDICATORS WARNED THAT THE PADS WERE WEARING OUT. FILED A COMPLAINT WITH SATURN CORP, AND THE RESPONSES RECEIVED FROM THEM DID NOT SEEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DANGERS OF THE DEFECTIVE ROTORS. IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MY EMAILS AND SATURN'S RESPONSES, I WILL FORWARD THEM IF YOU PROVIDE ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS. THEY ARE TOO LENGTHY TO ATTACH HERE. *AK

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jul 9, 2003NJ

PARTS FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH MODULE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER, AND THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS.*AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 26, 200327,319 milesTX

FRONT END VIBRATION AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FEELS UNSAFE FO DRIVE. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALER FOR REPAIR 7/16/01. AGAIN ON 6/23/03. PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSIST. REQUESTING GM SATURN LOOK CLOSELY AT THE PROBLEM, PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO DEALERSHIPS, AND INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF VEHICLE OWNERS. RECALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 24, 2003NJ

CAR HAS A VERY NOISY DRIVE TRAIN TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID WAS TIRES I CHANGED TIRES AND THE NOISE IS STILL THERE,THE SOUND IS LIKE A GRINDING NOISE, IT STARTS AT 40 MPH AND INCREASES AS I GO. *JB

Electrical System
Filed May 19, 200377,000 milesPA

THERE IS AN INTERNAL SHORT IN THE TAIL LIGHT HOUSINGS THAT RESULTS IN NO BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN PARKING LIGHTS OR HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS IS AN OCCASIONAL PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL BUT THAT SATURN DOES NOT VIEW THIS AS A DEFECT AND IT IS OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. A NEIGHBOR OWNS THE SAME MODEL CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Apr 28, 2003MD

WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT FAILED, THE ENTIRE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Mar 31, 200335,000 milesTN

THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS, CALIPERS AND MASTER CYLINDER. *SCC *NLM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 10, 200312,000 milesME

OVER 3.5 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED MY 2000 SATURN LW2 WAGON, THERE HAVE BEEN RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH SEVERE ENGINE MISFIRES AND EXTREMELY ROUGH SHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ACCOMPANIED BY "SERVICE" OR "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" DASHBOARD LIGHTS COMING ON. TWO DIFFERENT SATURN DEALERS HAVE REPEATEDLY INVESTIGATED AND FOUND "COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC CODES" PROVING THAT "SOMETHING" DID HAPPEN, BUT REPEATEDLY SAY THAT THERE IS NEITHER DIAGNOSIS OF THE ROOT CAUSE NOR CURE THAT CAN BE APPLIED, OTHER THAN THE BAND-AID OF "RESETTING THE COMPUTER" AND TELLING ME TO GO ON MY WAY, THAT WILL BE FIFTY BUCKS PLEASE. IN TWO CASES THIS PROBLEM CAUSED A COMPLETE BREAKDOWN REQUIRING THE CAR TO BE TOWED.*JB

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump
Filed Feb 25, 2003CA

THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED DUE TO NOISE. AND REAR MIRROR VIEW MIRROR WAS REPLACED.*AK *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 17, 200358,184 milesMI

THE HEAT SHIELD BETWEEN THE EXHAUST PIPE AND THE GAS TANK FELL OFF OF MY 2000 SATURN L-SERIES. IT APPEARS TO BE FROM GALVANIC CORROSION(METAL FASTENERS USED TO SECURE A ALUMINIM HEAT SHIELD).

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 29, 2003FL

THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PH

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Jan 13, 2003VA

WHEN CONSUMER WOULD APPLY THE BRAKES, THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, ALSO THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH GOT SO HOT THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TOUCH. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jan 9, 2003MI

WHEN CONSUMER PUSHES ON THE BRAKES THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT DEACTIVATE. *NLM

Tires › Valve
Filed Dec 31, 20026,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE THEN HAD A JERKING MOVEMENT DUE TO THE TIRES CUPPING AND WEARING. DEALER CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

Electrical System
Filed Dec 16, 200244,000 milesMA

1. CAR HAS 44,000 MILES ON IT. COOLANT SYSTEM IS LEAKING. ESTIMATED $500 TO FIX IT. CAR IS 2.5 YRS OLD. 2. WHEN WINDSHIELD WASHER IS USED, IT SHORTS OUT AND WIPER SYSTEM STOPS WORKING COMPLETELY. DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT RECOMMENDS $400 WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT EVEN THOUGH THEY CAN NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. I WENT THRU THREE FUSES IN ONE DAY. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IT IS WINTER AND I LIVE IN NEW ENGLAND

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Dec 4, 2002FL

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ENGINE WILL START TO SHAKE UNCONTROLABLY MAKING VEHICLE FEEL AS IF WE'RE SHAKING APART. DT

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Nov 13, 2002CO

BRAKE LIGHTS INTERMITTENT, BULBS VIBRATE IN LIGHT ASSEMBLY CAUSING THEM TO STOP WORKING. CONTACTED LOCAL SATURN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY'VE SEEN THE SAME THING SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. DT

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections
Filed Nov 5, 200235,800 milesWA

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON A CURVY ROAD, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED. THIS WAS VERY DISCONCERTING DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR WAS IN A FAST LEFT HAND CURVE AT THE TIME BEGINNING TRANSITION TO A RIGHT CURVE. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING INPUT CAUSED AN UNCOMMANDED LANE CHANGE TO THE RIGHT LANE WHICH NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE THAT WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE JUST AFTER OUR REAR BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED FOR A LOOSE OR BROKEN POWER STEERING BELT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SNAP RING WHICH RETAINS THE POWER STEERING PUMP VANE AND VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD PARTIALLY UNSEATED. WE WERE ABLE TO PUSH THE VALVE BODY BACK INTO THE PUMP AND PRESS THE SNAP RING BACK INTO THE RETAINER BOSS (LAND). THE CAR WAS RESTARTED AND SUFFICIENT FLUID WAS PRESENT IN THE RESERVOIR TO PROVIDE NORMAL STEERING INPUT. ABOUT TWO MILES DOWN THE ROAD AND ANOTHER SUDDEN FAILURE OCCURRED. THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO SHIMMY, OR GRADUAL LOSS OF STEERING INPUT. THE CAR WAS AGAIN RE-INSPECTED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS TIME THE SNAP RING WAS GONE, THE VALVE BODY AND VANE ASSY. HAD EJECTED AN WAS ON TOP OF THE BATTERY. POWER STEERING FLUID WAS EVERY WHERE. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN HOME WITH SIGNIFICANT EFFORT AND PARKED. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE DEALER TWICE SINCE THIS INCIDENT. DUE TO MY WORK. *JB ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****769327

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 30, 2002AZ

ALL THE ORIGINAL FIRESTONE TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THREAD SEPARATION. *YH

Air Bags2 injured
Filed Oct 21, 2002NY

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER HIT A CURBED ISLAND AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. TS THE CONSUMER STATED, IN TURNING TO FIND A PARKING SPOT, SHE DID NOT COMPLETE THE TURN AND ENDED UP ON THE ISLAND HITTING THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS INJURED BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER BADLY. *SCC

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights › Switch
Filed Oct 10, 2002VA

TAIL LIGHT BULB DISENGAGES FROM CONTACT AND GOES OUT. IF CONSUMER JIGGLES CORD IT WILL COME BACK ON. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT ANYTIME BULB CAN GO OUT AND THERE IS NO INDICATION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

Tires
Filed Aug 29, 2002IA

FIRST INCIDENT WAS REPORTED ON 6/22/00. VEHICLE WAS NOISY. ON A VIST ON 8/01/2000 HAD AN OCCASION TO BORROW A VEHICLE OF THE SAME KIND. CAME BACK AND INFORMED THEM THAT I WANTED SOMEONE TO DRIVE MY CAR. UPON DRIVING AND INVESTIGATING NOISE, FIRST INCIDENT OF TIRES CUPPING. TWO TIRES WERE REPLACED. NOTICED TIRES NOISE AGAIN AT APPROX. 35,730 MILES, AGAIN TIRES WERE CUPPED AND TWO REPLACED. ASKED AT THAT TIME IF THIS WAS OCCURRING IN OTHER 2000 L SERIES SATURNS, WAS TOLD YES. ASKED WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW. NOISE OCCURRED AGAIN IN 8/15/01, AGAIN CUPPING OF TIRES, REPLACED TWO. WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE THE LAST TIME. CALL SATURN IN TENNESSEE AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM. NOTICED NOISE AGAIN THIS MONTH. INFORMED SATURN ON VISIT ON 8/17/02, WAS TOLD TIRES WERE CUPPED AGAIN. WAS TOLD THAT I COULDN'T EXPECT TO GET ANY MORE TIRES REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE. I TOLD THEM I DIDN'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR THEM AS I WASN'T CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I AGAIN CALL SATURN IN TENNESSEE AND INFORMED THEM. I BASICALLY WANTED TO KNOW WHY AND WHAT THEY WERE DOING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I WAS REPEATEDLY INFORMED THAT I WAS OVER MY ORIGINAL AND EXTENDED WARRANTY AND COULDN'T EXPECT TIRES CHANGED AGAIN FOR NOTHING. I ENDED UP WITH TELLING THEM THAT THEY HAD LOST A SATURN CUSTOMER AND THAT I WOULD REPORT THE MATTER. THIS IS MY 3RD SATURN, I HAVE HAD NO COMPLAINT UNTIL NOW. I DON'T REALLY HAVE A COMPLAINT WITH MY DEALER, ITS JUST THAT I AM NOT GETTING ANY ANSWERS. I TOLD THEM THAT IF THEY NEEDED

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 23, 2002CA

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON ,VEHICLE WILL SHIFT HARD INTO GEAR, AND JERK FORWARD.CONTACTED DEALLER. HAD VEHICLE SERVICED 3 TIMES, HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIX PROBLEM.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Aug 23, 2002CA

CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER. THIS WAS A RESULT OF AN IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Aug 23, 2002CA

BACK LEFT BRAKE LIGHT KEEP GOING OUT, HAD BULBS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. CONTACTED DEALER. THIS WAS A RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION.*AK

Suspension › Rear
Filed Aug 1, 2002MD

WHILE DRIVING, BOTH REAR WHEEL SIDEWALLS WORE OUT. REPLACED TIRES 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. DEALER NOTIFIED/REPAIRED AND REPLACED TIRES. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM ON FOUR OCCASIONS, HOWEVER VEHICLE EXPERIENCES VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING, SATURN HAS IDENTIFIED A MANUFACTURING FLAW IN THE WAY THE REAR SUSPENSION IS MOUNTED TO THE CHASSIS OF THE VEHICLE, THIS CAUSES THE REAR TIRES TO ERODE, VIBRATION IS FELT MOSTLY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *SLC

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Jul 3, 2002NV

CONSUMER STATES A/C EXPERIENCED A FUNNY SMELL, DEALER FOUND COROBEAL INFESTATION IN EVAP VENTS, A/C MADE LOUD NOISE WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, THERE IS A RUMBLING SOUND WHEN RECYCLE BUTTON IS ON AND THE FAN IS OFF, FAULTY VENTILATION IS CAUSING AIR TO COME FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. *SLC

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jun 7, 2002GA

VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY 5 TIMES. .

Tires
Filed Jun 6, 2002MD

CONSUMER PUT AIR IN THE TIRE EVERY OTHER WEEK DUE TO TIRE LOSING AIR QUICKLY. SIZE AND DOT UNKNOWN. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK

Suspension
Filed May 15, 2002FL

2000 L2W MODEL. CONSUMER STATES HEARS A ROARING NOISE WHILE DRIVING MORE SO AT AROUND 30 - 35 MPH. ALSO THERE IS FRONT END VIBRATION. DEALER FOUND TIRES WERE CHOPPED. DEALER REPLACED LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND PERFORMED COMPLETE FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT. *TT

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed May 9, 2002MD

FRONT BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 37,929 MILES BECAUSE THE INSIDE EDGES WERE WORN BELOW SPECIFICATION AND THE BRAKE SHOES WOULD NOT SEAT PROPERLY ON THE ROTOR. THE EDGES COULD NOT BE TURNED OR RESURFACED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF METAL GRINDING INTO THE ROTOR. ALSO, ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED FOR UNEVEN WEAR. THE REAR BRAKE RETAINER SPRING BROKE. THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW IS INOPERABLE. THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE CONSOLE. CONSUMER ALSO CLAIMS THERE IS PLAY IN THE STEERING. THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2001. THERE IS STILL VIBRATION AND PLAY BEING FELT IN THE STEERING. THERE WAS A BENT HUB WHICH WAS CAUSING THE VIBRATION. *JG

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed May 9, 2002MD

CONSUMER RETURNED FIVE TIMES TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CORRECTED FOR VIBRATION AND PLAY. THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED UNDER WARANTY, HOWEVER THERE IS VIBRATION AND PLAY. THE DEALER HAS BEEN WORKING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF A BENT HUB. THIS REPLACEMENT STOPPED THE VIBRATION. THERE IS STILL CONTINUOUS PLAY. THE TIRES WERE FEATHERED AND CUPPED. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND REAR BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED AS WERE THE FOUR TIRES. *JG

Suspension
Filed Apr 17, 2002FL

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE REAR END OF VEHICLE SHAKES AND THERE IS NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. THE TIRES ARE WEARING UNEVENLY. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED TIRES TWICE, ALIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN DONE. DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. NLM

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump
Filed Apr 10, 2002MI

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH OR MORE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, VEHICLE VIBRATES, DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE OUT OF BALANCE, TWICE AT 17748 AND 24575 MILES. AT 40 MPH VEHICLE POPS AND JERKS INTO GEAR, WHOOSHING AND GRINDING NOISE WHEN BRAKING, HEARING A CLICKING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AND DEALER FOUND POWER STEERING PUMP BAD, AUTO LOCK NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *YD

Suspension › Rear
Filed Apr 10, 2002MI

WHILE ACCELERATING A CLICKING NOISE WOULD APPEAR FROM THE RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THERE IS A RATTLE NOISE IN DASH BOARD. FOAM TAPE BETWEEN CLUTSTER AND BEZEL INSTALLED. THERE IS A CLICKING AND/OR SCREECHING NOISE WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AND THERE IS VIBRATION COMING UP THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES ALONG WITH REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. *TT

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Mar 15, 2002AR

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.*AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 9, 2002CA

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR SEVERAL WEEKS (NOT CONSECUTIVELY) FOR WARRANTY WORK TOTALING $2500. THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION 5 TIMES AND HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED. *AK (TIRESIZE: P205/65R15)

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Feb 27, 2002NV

LEFT REAR BACK DOOR HANDLE HAD BROKEN OFF IN CONSUMER'S HANDS. FRONT DRIVER'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS BROKE AND REPLACED UNDER RECALL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE WAS ALSO REPLACED. *YD

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Jan 15, 2002NY

VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENLY START UP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER NOTED THAT A WIRE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 15, 2002NY

WHILE DRIVING BRAKE LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND STAY ON. PROBLEM CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME WHEN CONSUMER IS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

Tires
Filed Jan 5, 2002PA

I HAVE CONTACTED SATURN ABOUT THE TIRE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LS SERIES, WHICH I CURRENTLY OWN THE CAR OF THE FIRST LAUNCH YEAR, 2000. I AM NOW ON MY THIRD SET OF TIRES. THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS THE TIRES, BUT I AM ALSO ON THE THIRD BRAND OF TIRE. I KNOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS PROBLEM. WHILE AT THE GARAGE WITH THIS LAST SET OF TIRES, ANOTHER CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THEIR TIRES AT 5000 MILES. I HAVE ASKED SATURN TO LOOK INTO A POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW WITH REGARDS TO THE WAY THE CAR'S CHASSIS IS STYLED. THEY REFUSE TO LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEND TO YOU COPIES OF LETTERS I HAVE DIRECTED TO THE SATURN CORPORATION. THANK YOU, BETTE GREY. *AK (TIRESIZE: R185)

Tires
Filed Dec 3, 2001VA

TOOK CAR IN TO DIAGNOSE WOBBLE IN FRONT END. DEALER REPORTS THAT ONE TIRE SUFFERED FROM "A BLOWN STEEL BELT AND TREAD SEPARATION. OTHER THREE TIRES ARE ON WEAR INDICATORS." THESE TIRES ARE OE, AND AND STILL AT LEAST 10000 MILES BELOW THEIR EXPECTED LIFE.*AK (TIRESIZE: P205/65R15)

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Nov 24, 2001IL

AFTER PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD JUMPING THE PARKING ABUTMENT AND CRASHING INTO MY BUILDING AND FENCE. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Sep 5, 2001VA

MISALLIGNMENT CAUSED TIRES TO CUP AND FRONTEND TO SHIMMY. BOTH GOT INCREASINGLY WORSE. WAS REPORTED TO SATURN. WAS TOLD BY A SALESMAN THERE THAT HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS CAR(SAME YEAR AND MODEL). WAS TOLD BY HIM THAT SATURN WAS LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM. FOUND OUT LATER FROM SERVICE CENTER THAT IT WAS NOT ALLIGNED RIGHT IN FACTORY. DO NOT KNOW WHO IS IS TELLING THE TRUTH. FELT CAR OWNERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN WARNED OF THE PROBLEM...HONESTLY AND UP FRONT. CONTACTED SATURN ONLINE.*AK

Child Seat
Filed Aug 20, 2001FL

THE OWNERS HANDBOOK PROVIDES INSTRUCTION FOR PLACING A REAR FACING INFANT SEAT IN THE CENTER POSITION OF THE REAR SEAT. IN THIS POSITION THE INFANT CAN BE STRUCK BY THE ARM REST DURING A CRASH. THE ARM REST IS UNRESTRAINED AND MAY FOLD DOWN INTO THE INFANT SEAT DURING A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PLACE A WARNING IN THE OWNERS HANDBOOK ABOUT THIS CONDITION.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 17, 2001MN

COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON, AND DEALER DID PRESSURE TEST, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY DEFECT. ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER, CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT ENGINE SEALED UP, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE. THERE WAS NO INDICTATION LIGHT THAT CAME ON TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jun 25, 2001MO

VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED, TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES, CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Jun 16, 2001CA

WHEN THE VEHICLES HEAD LIGHTS ARE ON, AND THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, THERE IS A SHORT THAT CAUSES THE BRAKE LIGHT TO GO OUT, WHEN THE BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED, THE LIGHT IS ON, BUT MUCH DIMMER THAN THE LIGHT STANDARD ON THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE, A NEW LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS INSTALLED, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS, CONSUMER WENT BACK TO DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT A BULB WAS LOOSE AND RESECURED, HOWEVER PRIOR TO LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP CONSUMER FOUND THE BRAKE LIGHT TO BE INOPERATIVE, ANOTHER LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN ORDERED, WHICH WILL REQUIRE A FIFTH TIME TO THE DEALER.*YH

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 4, 2001CA

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM AND BLADES WERE DEFECTIVE. *YH

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Jun 2, 2001WI

HAVE HAD THE SLAVE CYLINDER GO OUT TWICE. SEAT BELT NO BUCLES TWICE. *AK

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2000 Saturn LS → · Every LS year → · How the figures are calculated →