1996 Saturn SL

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING. THE PINION BEARING CAGE IN THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE UNDER HIGH STEERING SYSTEM LOAD CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKING LOT OR SIMILAR LOW SPEED MANEUVERS.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PINION GEAR DISENGAGING FROM THE RACK CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

FIRST PROBLEM IS DOOR CHIMES WITH KEY OUT OF IGNITION. SECOND PROBLEM IS DOME LIGHT STAYS ON IN FRONT OR REAR POSITION WITH ALL DOORS SHUT. THIRD PROBLEM IS NO POWER AT ALL TO THE CAB WHEN I TRIED TO START CAR, AND THEN MY PASSENGER OPENED AND SHUT THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR AND THE POWER CAME BACK ON AND I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR. I HAD TO RESET THE CLOCK AND RADIO.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED RIGHT AND LEFT INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MUSCULAR PAIN THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V138000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING AND THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

I NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD GO 3/4 TOWARDS THE RED. IF I AM STOPPING AT A LIGHT, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE KEEP GOING 3/4 TOWARDS THE RED, THEN GOES BACK VERY SLOWLY TO THE MIDDLE. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE MY GASKET. THIS WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,200. *TR

I WAS IN A BROAD SIDE COLLISION (T-BONE) TYPE ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT ANOTHER DRIVER AFTER SHE TURNED IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING THIS COLLISION AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED MY SEATBELT LOCKED CAUSING ME TO HAVE SEVERE NERVE DAMAGE IN MY NECK ON THE LEFT SIDE, MY LEFT LEG NOW HAS INJURY FROM THIS ACCIDENT NEEDLESS TO SAY I WILL HAVE THIS LIFELONG PROBLEM STEMMING FROM THIS ACCIDENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING OVER A TWO YEAR PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

THE HORN DOES NOT WORK. WHEN I LOOKED UP A RECALL THIS IS WHAT I FOUND.: RECALL DATE:12-07-1998 UNITS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:64,199 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:98V307000 DEFECTIVE PART OR COMPONENT:COMMUNICATIONS:HORN ASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION:VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED OR SERVICED WITH A HORN ASSEMBLY WHICH COULD FAIL. THE HORN COULD EITHER BECOME INOPERABLE OR ACTIVATE WITHOUT THE DRIVER PRESSING THE HORN BUTTON. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, HEAT CAN BUILD UP WITHIN THE ASSEMBLY AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HORN ASSEMBLY. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER COLE GILMORE IN PORTAGE, MICHIGAN. I WAS TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

1996 SATURN SL2, A VEHICLE DEFECT CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND STRIKE THE CONCRETE BARRIER. *BF THE LEFT FRONT STRUT BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0304-91)*JB UPDATED 08/05/10 *BF

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION, THE CONTACT HAD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HARNESS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,824. UPDATED 02/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/18/10

ON HIS WAY TO WORK ON SEPT. 16, 2008, MY BOYFRIEND HEARD A STRANGE SOUND AND THEN LOST USE OF 2,4,R GEARS. IN MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON US 1, HE CONTINUED TO WORK WITH THE USE OF 1,3 GEARS. WE TROUBLESHOOT ONLINE AND THROUGH FRIENDS WITH MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE AND TEMPORARILY USED A ZIP TIE CONFIRMING THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART WAS THE SHIFT CABLE BUSHING. LOCAL STORES DO NOT CARRY THE PART AS IT IS CARRIED BY DEALER ONLY. SATURN DOES NOT SELL THE PART WITHOUT THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY (MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE BUSHING WITH CLIP PART # 14043) AND HAS PRICED WITHOUT INSTALLATION AT $198.00. THE PARTS MANAGER DID NOT EVEN ASK ME FOR THE MODEL, SAID HE HAS PLENTY IN STOCK AND THAT THERE IS A MINIMUM 3 HOUR INSTALLATION WITH LABOR PRICED AT $95/HR. HE ALSO STATED THAT AS THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT HE HAS KNOWN OF PEOPLE TO USE ZIP TIES AND THEIR OWN NUT/BOLT SYSTEM TO REMEDY. UPON FURTHER INTERNET RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM, SOME OWNERS WITH UNFORTUNATE OUTCOMES. IT IS A BLESSING THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING THAT DAY WITH MY 2 YOUNG CHILDREN, AS I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE! IT IS AMAZING TO ME THAT SATURN HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO SELL SUCH DANGEROUS VEHICLES WITH NO RECALL! MORE HORRIFYING IS THAT I FOUND THE PART AT NAPA AUTO PARTS FOR $19.95 AND SATURN INSISTS ON SELLING THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO JUST DON'T KNOW BETTER. THIS REEKS OF SCAM TO THE CRIMINAL LEVEL!!!!!!! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL1. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HORN ACTIVATES WITHOUT THE DRIVER PRESSING THE HORN BUTTON. AS A CONSEQUENCE, IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, HEAT CAN BUILD UP WITHIN THE ASSEMBLY AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD OCCUR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND IS WAITING FOR AN INSPECTION. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL1. WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING TIGHTENS. WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS, THE STEERING BECOMES LOOSE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE SHOULD NOT HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS VERY UNSAFE. THE GEARS FELL APART INTERNALLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE CHEAPER PARTS WHEN HE DISCOVERED A RECALL RELATED TO HIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO SATURN VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL ON THE GROUND AND ALL OVER THE COOLING SYSTEM. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE KEPT FLUCTUATING INTO THE RED ZONE. THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE DIFFERENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS $2,257. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SPECIAL POLICY LETTER FROM SATURN IN JUNE OF 1999 CONCERNING A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. THE LETTER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL CAMPAIGN AND IT WAS UNNECESSARY TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 05/06/08. *LJ UPDATED 05/06/08. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL2 SEDAN. ON MARCH 16, 2008, THE HORN STARTED TO BLOW WITHOUT WARNING. THE CIRCUIT BREAKER WAS DISCONNECTED TO STOP THE HORN FROM BLOWING. THE NATIONAL SERVICE CENTER STATED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO THE VIN; HOWEVER, THEY LATER STATED THAT THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THE RECALL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE HORN. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MOTOR IN THE HORN WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VIN, RECALL NUMBER, AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS WERE SET AT DIFFERENT SPECIFICATIONS, WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE TIE ROD END WAS REPLACED APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS BEFORE THE CRASH WITH AN AFTERMARKET PART, MANUFACTURED BY TRW AUTOMOTIVE (PART NUMBER ES3238). THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE CRASH WAS CAUSED BY THE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TIE ROD END. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED BETWEEN THE BALL AND SOCKET STEERING ABILITY WAS COMPLETELY LOST. UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

I AM LOSING A LOT OF OIL. I SPOKE WITH MY MECHANIC HE STATED THAT A LOT OF TIMES IT IS THE VALVE COVER GASKET, SO HE CHANGED IT. THE CAR IS STILL LOSING A LOT OF OIL. ABOUT A QUART EVERY 400 MILES. I STARTED RESEARCHING ON MY OWN AND HAVE FOUND THAT SEVERAL SATURN OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. *JB

1996 SATURN SL2. HORN TURNS ON BY ITSELF AND WON'T TURN OFF, HAD TO UNPLUG IT. HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, SOME OF THE PEOPLE HAD THE HORN SHORT OUT AND CAUSE A FIRE. I'VE ALMOST BEEN RUN OFF THE ROAD A FEW TIMES BECAUSE I COULDN'T HONK THE HORN WHEN SOMEONE WAS CHANGING LANES AND DIDN'T SEE ME. VERY, VERY DANGEROUS. MANY PEOPLE HAD TO REPLACE THEIR HORN MORE THAN 3 TIMES. *JB

1. HIGH REVVING ON IDLE MANUAL TRANS 2. FRONT END NOISE MANUAL TRANS P/S SIMILAR TO OTHER RECALL WORN OUT ? *NM

TL* - THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE BRAKES ON 1996 SATURN SL2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN SHE WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER CAR. SHE THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH GAVE NO RESISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE BEING CUT OFF THE BRAKES DID WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED AFTER SHE PUMPED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH UNTIL SHE REACHED HER DESTINATION AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A SATURN DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY DECEMBER 5, 2006. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS A NICE DAY, AND THAT THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE CONTACT PULLED MUSCLES IN HER BODY, AND WAS CURRENTLY ON MUSCLE RELAXANTS. THE CONTACT ASKED THE SATURN DEALER FOR THE DAMAGED PARTS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE THROWN AWAY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES PULSATING AND GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE CAR. THE CONTACT STATED HAD BRAKE WORK DONE IN 2001 AT 36,000 MILES, THE BRAKE CALIPERS HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA BY THE RHODE ISLAND STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. *AK

RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. *JB

I HAVE A 1996 SATURN SL1. ONE DAY I WENT TO PULL UP THE PARKING BRAKE AND FOUND THAT THE LITTLE BUTTON HAD POPPED OFF AND LANDED ON THE DASH, THE SPRING ENDED UP ON THE FLOOR. THE BUTTON IS PLASTIC AND ONE SIDE THAT LATCHED IN TO KEEP IT IN PLACE APPARENTLY BROKE. TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE I WOULD HAVE TO PUT THE SPRING AND BUTTON BACK ON AND ENGAGE THE BRAKE, THEN LET IT POP OFF AGAIN OR JUST TAKE IT OFF. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REPLACE IT YET AS I UNDERSTAND THEY DON'T SELL JUST THE PART FOR THE 1996 SATURN. *JB

HI, I HAVE A 1996 SATURN WITH VIN NUMBER [XXX] AND THERE IS A RECALL NHTSA RECALL NO. 98V307/ GM RECALL NO. 98C01 THAT APPLIES TO SATURNS OF MY MODEL BUILT FROM JULY 1995 TO FEBRUARY 1997. ACCORDING TO SATURN THE RECALL ONLY APPLIES TO VIN NUMBER RANGING FROM [XXX]TO [XXX], WHICH MY VEHICLES DOES NOT FALL. ACCORDING TO SATURN, HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT 12/1995, WHICH WOULD BE DURING THIS PERIOD. SINCE THERE IS ONLY ONE PLANT FOR WHICH THE CAR COULD HAVE BEEN BUILT IT IS UNCLEAR HOW MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT APPLY. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT I MAY NOT BE THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT FELL THROUGH THIS CRACK. MY HORN IS EXHIBITING THE EXACT FAILURE (HORN STICKING ON) THAT THE RECALL IS FOR. SATURN HAS REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE PROBLEM. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE THROUGH THE NHTSA? THANKS. *JB UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

DT: THE CONTACT STATED GEAR SHIFTER BROKE. SHE HAD IT REPAIRED BY A MECHANIC. CURRENTLY, THE SHIFTER BROKE AGAIN. THIS RESULTED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH. SHE SPOKE TO A MECHANIC. HE WAS COMING TO GET THE VEHICLE AND REPAIR IT. SHE HAS NOT SPOKEN TO SATURN OR GENERAL MOTORS.*AK

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SHIFTER BROKE. SHE HAD IT REPAIRED BY A MECHANIC. THEN, THE SHIFTER BROKE AGAIN. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE AFOREMENTIONED MECHANIC WAS COMING TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS.*AK

THE FUEL LINE IN THIS CAR IS EXPOSED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, AND TWICE NOW (ON 11/3/05 AND EARLIER IN 12/2003) THE FUEL LINE HAS RIPPED AND GASOLINE HAS SPILLED ONTO THE GROUND WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR. THE GASOLINE SPILL OBVIOUSLY CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD. *NM

5 SPEED TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CONNECTION INSIDE CONSOLE BROKE OFF CAUSING CAR TO COME TO A FULL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. COULD NOT MOVE CAR AT ALL BECAUSE SHIFTER WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE SHIFTER CABLE. TRANSMISSION REMAINED IN NEUTRAL. PART TURNED OUT TO BE MADE OF PLASTIC AND COST ONLY $10 PLUS TAX.

1996 SATURN SL-1 CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. A KNOWN DEFECT TO THE SATURN CORPORATION.$2400 TO FIX! MY "CHECK ENGINE SOON" LIGHT COMES ON OFTEN. SATURN FINDS NOTHING! HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWMORECOMMENTS_REVIEW_5215_1.HTML SIMPLY "GOOGLE" SATURN + CYLINDER + HEAD HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/SATURN_ENGINE.HTML

THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE; WHEN I TRIED TO PRESS THE GAS IT JUST REVVED THE ENGINE BUT HAD A HARD TIME GETTING UP TO SPEED; I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY TWO DAUGHTERS; GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AND I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THEN STUFF FALLING UNDER MY CAR....THE CAR DIED. I PUSHED THE CAR ABOUT A BLOCK AND HALF TO MY HOUSE. MY CHILDREN AND I THEN WENT TO PICK UP THE PIECES OF THE ENGINE...ONE OF THE PISTONS HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE BLOCK. THERE WAS A HUGE WHOLE ON THE LOWER RIGHT OF THE ENGINE. I HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS COME LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS A "FREAK" ACCIDENT. THERE WAS STILL OIL IN THE ENGINE SO I HAD NOT RAN IT OUT OF OIL. THE NOISE JUST STARTED AND IMMEDIATELY THE ENGINE WAS BAD. I BOUGHT IT WITH 113000 MILES ON IT AND HAD IT ONLY A 6-8 WEEKS WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAD 117000 MILE ON IT WHEN IT BROKE DOWN.

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON ITS ON. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP BY TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES, THEN RESTARTED IT AND DROVE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ABS CONTROL UNIT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

REQUEST A DEFECT INVESTIGATION FOR POSSIBLE RECALL OF 1990-96 SATURN SL. *BF THE WRITER'S SON WAS KILLED IN AND ACCIDENT IN WHICH, PER WITNESS STATEMENTS, HER SONS VEHICLE VEERED SHARPLY LEFT AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES SOME TYPE OF DEFECT CAUSED HER SON'S ACCIDENT. *NM

FOR THE 4TH TIME, THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN AND THE HEAD IS WARPED. THIS IS THE RESULT OF A FACTORY DESIGN DEFECT IN THE ENGINE AND WAS REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME WITHOUT CHARGE BY SATURN. HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS DO NOT LAST AND THE HEAD BLOWS APPROXIMATELY EVERY 30,000 MILES. THERE IS NO ENGINE BUILT THAT SHOULD ONLY LAST 30,000 MILES! SATURN REFUSES TO HELP WITH THESE REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS BEEN DUTIFULLY MAINTAINED AND SERVICED AT THE SATURN DEALER. THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS IS $2,140 WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF NEW RODS AND BEARINGS AT THIS TIME ALSO. WE HAD NEW RINGS, RODS AND BEARINGS IN EARLY 2002. IF SATURN ADMITTED TO THE DESIGN DEFECT THE FIRST TIME, AND IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR, SHOULDN'T SATURN BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS?

RECALL 98-V307. SATURN REFUSES TO REIMBURSE ME FOR A REPAIR THAT WAS OUTLINED IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY VEHICLE FALLS OUTSIDE THE VIN RANGE. IF YOU LOOK AT THE RECALL DOCUMENTS, IT SHOWS VEHICLES ALL AROUND MY VIN BUT NOT MY VIN. I HAD THE TWO PARTS IN QUESTION REPLACED 5/20/03 DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE EXACT SAME SYMPTMS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL OCCURED TO MY VEHICLE. THE HORN WOULD SOUND WITH NO ONE AROUND. I FINALLY HAD TO DISCONNECT THE HORN MANUALLY. I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHEN IT FAILED BUT I HAD IT FIXED ON THAT DATE.

BEGINNING IN 2002 THE REAR DOORS ON 1996 SATURN SL2 BEGAN OPENING SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING, FIRST THE PASSENGER SIDE, THEN THE DRIVER SIDE. THEY WOULD NOT RELATCH. WE USED BUNJI CORDS AND THEN FINALLY ROPE THROUGH PARTIALLY OPEN WINDOWS TO KEEP THEM FROM FLYING OPEN AT SPEED. REPEATED OPEN AND SHUTTING AND PLAYING WITH MECHANISM FINALLY GOT THEM TO LATCH AND KEEPING THEM LOCKED SEEMED TO HELP. RECENTLY THE DOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE WAS ACCIDENTALLY OPENED AND WOULD NOT LATCH AGAIN. SAME THING ON DRIVERS SIDE. ALTHOUGH WE GOT THEM LATCHED AND LOCKED AGAIN, NO PASSENGER OR CARGO IS SAFE IN THE BACK SEAT IF THOSE DOORS ARE UNLOCKED OR SOMETIMES EVEN WHEN LOCKED.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. AS A RESULT THE REAR QUARTER PANEL AND BUMPER WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK *NM

PURCHASED THE SATURN SL1 IN SEPT 24 OF 2004 WITH 94,32 0MILES. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED THAT VERY SAME DAY. I 'VE KEPT UP ON ALL FLUIDS AND SERVICE RELIGIOUSILY. AT 96910 MILES THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO 1ST, 3RD OR REVERSE WITHOUT FORCE. ON 9/10/03 I HAD THE CLUTCH REPLACED AND THE SLAVE CABLE. THEN IS WHEN IT STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS OVERHEATING, MECHANIC DID TWO DIFFRENT DIAGNOSTIC TEST BOTH CAME BACK WITH NO CONCLUSIONS. THE CAR STILL HEATS UP EVERYDAY ,BUT I HAVE NO OTHER CAR TO DRIVE. THERE IS NO POWER IN THE CAR NOW AND THE OIL IS SLUDGE FILLED. I'VE PURCHASED TEMPERATURE SENDING UNITS, BOTH O2 SENSORS, THERMOSTAT, COOLANT,CLUTCH,RELAYS,ETC...TO TRY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF THE OVER HEATING. PRETTY MUCH IT'S A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I'M LIKE THE OTHER 1996 SATURN DRIVERS WHO WILL HAVE TO PAY THE $ 1000.00-2000.00 TO FIX MY HEAD GASKET THAT WAS A KNOWN FACTORY DEFECT. WHAT CAN WE DO. *JB

MY SON WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY @ 65MPN. SLOWED TO EXIT AT EXIT 105. AS HE ENTERED THE EXIT, HE FELT SOMETHING BREAK, LOST STEERING, AND THE CAR SHOT TO THE RIGHT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR SLID DOWN THE GUARD RAIL AND CAME TO A STOP JUST BEFORE IMPACTING A CONCRETE JERSEY WALL. THE INITIAL INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE SPINDLE HAD SNAPPED. THE ARM ON THE SPINDLE THAT THE TIE-ROD ATTACHES TO SNAPPED IN HALF. *AK

I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT WHEN MY SHIFT WENT LOOSE. MY CAR WAS STUCK IN REVERSE. AFTER REMOVING THE CENTER CONSOLE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY SHIFTER BUSHING HOLDING THE CABLE TO MY SHIFTER BROKE OFF. I CONTACTED SATURN, BUT THEY INFORMED ME THIS PART IS ONLY PART OF A CABLE KIT WHICH SELLS FOR $169. SATURN WILL NOT SELL THE BUSHING ALONE. THE CABLE IS CURRENTLY BEING HELD ON WITH DUCT TAPE.*AK

HORN ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES BECAUSE THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION WHEN ENGAGED. THERE WAS RECALL 98V307000 ON THIS ISSUE BUT THIS MODEL AND YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK

I OWN A 1996 SATURN SL1 THAT I PURCHASED USED IN DECEMBER OF 2000. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY HORN SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT SERVICED TWICE AND THE HORN IS BROKEN FOR A THIRD TIME. I REPLACED A FUSE IN SPRING 2001, BECAUSE IT WENT OUT. IN DECEMBER OF 2002 THE HORN WENT OUT AGAIN, SO IN MAY OF 2003 HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE ENTIRE HORN ASSEMBLY. THIS LASTED UNTIL OCTOBER OF 2003 WHEN MY HORN STARTED GOING OFF WILDLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, CAUSING THE LOCAL POLICE TO RESPOND AND GIVE ME A WARNING FOR A NOISE VIOLATION. IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA I AM REQUIRED TO HAVE AN OPERATIONAL HORN TO GET MY VEHICLE INSPECTED, WHICH IS CURRENTLY COSTING ME AN $66/YEAR IN REPLACEMENT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED REGULAR MAINTENANCE. I WAS LOOKING ON THE INTERNET FOR PARTS TO FIX MY HORN AGAIN, WHEN I CAME ACROSS A RECALL NHTSA: 98V-307, GM RECALL: 98C301. THIS APPLIES ONLY TO THE SW MODELS OF THE 1996 SATURN LINE. WHY DOES THIS ONLY APPLY TO THIS MODEL? THE EQUIPMENT AND THE CONFIGURATION ARE ALMOST IDENTICAL, AND YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS SPECIFIC COMPLAINT. *JB

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE ALTERNATOR FAILSEDWITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN TWO YEARS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

PLASTIC BUSHING THAT CONNECTS THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION BREAKS WHITHOUT ANY WARNING, AND LEAVES YOU WITHOUT THE ABILITY TOSHIFT.THIS HAPPENED WHILE PULLING ONTO THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *AK

IN SUMMER OF 2002, I PAID OVER $1500 TO HAVE A HEAD GASKET REPAIRED ON MY SATURN. LAST THURSDAY, THE CAR WAS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT HAS A CRACKED ENGINE CYLINDER. THIS IS AN ITEM ON A TSB ISSUED FROM SATURN, I REALIZED TODAY. NOW I AM FACING OVER $2000 TO HAVE THE CYLINDER REPLACED, PUTTING MY TOTAL COST FOR REPAIRS OVER $3700 ON AN ISSUE THAT SATURN HAS BEEN AWARE OF FOR SOME TIME, YET NEVER NOTIFIED ITS CUSTOMERS.

DIFFERENTIAL PIN IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 1996 SATURN SL2 (MP7 TRANSMISSION) THIS PIN WORKS IT'S WAY LOOSE AND PUTS A HOLE IN THE FRONT PUMP COVER WHICH INTURN LEADS TO FLUID LEAKING AND AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME.

THE VEHICLE'S HEAD GASKET CRACKED CAUSING THE OIL FROM THE ENGINE TO POURS INTO THE RADIATOR COOLANT. THIS CAUSES THE ENGINE TO OVER HEAT. *MR

MY WIFE AND I OWN A 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH 69001 MILES ON IT. I NOTICE THAT OIL WAS IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR. CONTACTED SATURN OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND ASKED IF THEY HAD AN IDEA OF THE PROBLEM. MAYBE A BAD HEAD GASKET AND GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $840 PLUS $2.30/MILE TO TOW IT IN. LIVING OUTSIDE OF BEEVILLE 65 MILES AWAY A TOTAL OF 13O MILES. CONTACTED MY MECHANIC TOLD HIM THE PROBLEM AND HE GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $900 SAVING ON TOWING FEE, I WENT TO HIM. HE LOOKED AT IT AND TOLD ME THAT MY CYLINDER HEAD WAS ALSO CRACKED. HE THEN SHOWED ME A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #96-T-65B THAT SATURN SENT OUT IN MAY 1999 DOCUMENTING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CYLINDER HEADS CRACKING. HE THEN SHOWED ME THAT MY CYLINDER HEAD WAS CRACKED JUST LIKE THE DIAGRAMS ON PAGE 2 OF THE BULLETIN SHOWED. I CONTACTED SATURN IN TENNESSEE TALKED TO CHAD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE, HIS SUPERVISOR MS. RAMIREZ, HER SUPERVISOR BRENDA SALSBERRY, HER SUPERVISOR JOEY FITZGERALD AND ALL GAVE ME THE SAME ANSWER THAT OUR CAR WAS OVER 6 YEARS OLD. THEY SAID THAT THEY'LL SENT OUT TO ALL SATURN OWNERS SPECIAL POLICY#99-P-01 IN JUNE 1999 EXTENDING OUR WARRANTY FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM FOR 6 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY EXTENSION POLICY FROM SATURN FOR US TO BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. AFTER THEM KNOWING AND DOCUMENTING PROBLEMS WITH CYLINDER HEADS DOES THIS NOT MAKE IT A DEFECTIVE OR FLAWED PART, AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY TIME ON DEFECTIVE PARTS. I'M ASKING YOU TO INVESTIGATE THIS FOR US INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE GETTING NO WHE

ENGINE OIL LEAKING INTO COOLANT RESULTING IN A CRACKED HEAD GASKET. *JB

IF YOU WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE RADIATOR. WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT'S PLASTIC? WHERE THIS PLASTIC IS MOLDED TOGETHER THERE IS A CREASE AND IN EVERY PERSON I HAVE SPOKE WITH WHO HAS ONE IT SPLIT OPEN RIGHT DOWN THE CREASE IN WHICH CAUSES WATER AND COOLANT TO LEAK SOMETIMES SPRAY OUT. THIS IS A DEFECT ON THE MANUFACTURES PART AND SHOULD BE REDESIGNED AND REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE, INSTEAD THEY ARE OVER LOOKING THESE PROBLEMS AND SAYING IT'S AFTER WARRANTY. SATURN SHOULD STAND BEHIND THE MAKING OF THEIR VEHICLES AND ADMIT THEIR MISTAKES, BETTER YET CORRECT THEM. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND TO BE WRONG WITH THESE CARS IT'S JUST THE ONLY ONE THAT'S A DESIGN FLAW AND ONLY SATURN CAN MAKE RIGHT. SEVERAL OTHERS I KNOW HAVE GOTTEN NEW RADIATORS AND REPLACED THEM AND STILL THEY BREAK OPEN SAME PLACE. THE TEMP GAUGE DOESN'T SHOW THE VEHICLE RUNNING HOT AND SAYS IN THE MANUAL THAT THE GAUGE WILL DEFAULT AND RETURN TO THE MIDDLE POSITION NOW YOU TELL ME WHAT GOOD THAT DOES FOR TELLING IF YOUR CAR IS RUNNING HOT. COME ON SATURN DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR MISTAKES!!!!!!!! *JB

I HAVE A 1996 SATURN, SL1 WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR A REGULAR OIL CHANGE, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WATER COOLING SYSTEM. THE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AND OIL LEAKS INTO THE RADIATOR SYSTEM. I CALLED SATURN AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO TALK TO A LOCAL DEALER. I WAS NOT EVEN ABLE TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM, AND WAS DISMISSED HUMILIATINGLY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD CONTACT SATURN, AFTER WHICH I WAS TOLD THAT I WAS ON MY OWN AS THE PURCHASE DATE WAS BEFORE THE 6 YEAR WINDOW THEY HAD DESIGNATED (6 YEAR/100,000 MILES WARRANTY). IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT SATURN KNEW ABOUT THE DESIGN FAULT SO THEY WENT WITH THIS SECRET WARRANTY. IT IS COSTING ME OVER $1000 FOR A PROBLEM I DID NOT CAUSE! I DO NOT BELIEVE SATURN SHOULD GET AWAY WITH SUCH A PRACTICE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS AND MY TIME (I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THE HARDSHIP AND INCONVENIENCE I HAVE EXPERIENCED BECAUSE OF THIS DECEPTIVE ACTION BY SATURN.) I HOPE YOU WILL BE MY (AND THE OTHER CITIZENS IN MY SITUATION) ADVOCATE AND HELP US IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY,FASSIL GHEBREMICHAEL. *JB

CRACKED HEAD CYLINDER - MANUFACUTURER HAS "SECRET WARRANTY" ON THIS PART FOR 1994-1996 SATURNS. SATURN WOULDN'T COVER WHOLE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE "SECRET WARRANTY EXPIRED IN JUNE 2002" ON MY CAR. REASON I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD PAY FOR ALL OF IT: (1) KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT WITH ENGINE (2) MY CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP GARAGE FOR ENGINE WORK DURING THE SECRET WARRANTY TERM AND DURING MY WARRANTY COVERAGE, FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. ENGINE WAS REBUILT BUT HEAD CYLINDER WAS NEVER CHECKED FOR KNOWN PROBLEM AND I WASN'T NOTIFIED OF THE KNOWN PROBLEM. NOW BOTH WARRANTIES ARE EXPIRED SO THEY WANTED ME TO PAY THE WHOLE BILL. I REFUSED BUT THEY ONLY OFFERED TO COVER HALF. I HAVE PUT A COMPLAINT INTO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU.