Seven problems related to body have been reported for the 2000 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Water is leaking into the dashboard and vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
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.