general problems of the 2000 Saturn LS - part 1

36 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2000 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/11/2020

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.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2012

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.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2010

4 cylinder shot, engine shot. This 2000 Ls2 v-6 had the whole 100,000 mile maintenance done, timing chain bla bla bla. Electric windows,4 ways hazards, turn signals,engine,a/c-heater,blower motor,handles broke-interior only,car ran good when it ran but when it stopped it always costs money.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2009

I used the vehicle to pick my son up from college for the weekend, when we returned home he went out to start the vehicle later that night it would not start at all. All electrical and power to the car worked, like the radio, lights, windows, etc. , but the car would not start. I had the car towed to the repair shop and the repair company called me to inform me that the timing chain had went on the vehicle and it would cost me anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 to be reapired. As I did more research about the vehicle I came across a few websites that had complaints about this same vehicle and the same problems. Right now we are in the process of locating a repair shop that will do the work for less than the dollar amount quoted by the repair shop, because the vehicle was just purchase on feburary 13, 2009. On September 22, 2009 I contacted Saturn about my concerns about the possible recall of vehicles from 1999 to 2003 l-series Saturns, but I was informed that my VIN number was not on their list for any recalls, so I questioned if they had so many complaints about the same issue with this year, make, and model why has nothing been done to fix the problem and I was told that there was nothing they could do, but have me tow my car to a Saturn dealer about 25 miles from my home and pay for a diagnostic test to see what the problem is with the car and they might, "might" not be able to do anything for me!.

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/30/2009

Timing chain on my 2000 Saturn Ls1 is failing which could result in engine being damaged and full power loss, which in turn could result in an accident. My Saturn has the same exact timing chain as the 2001 Saturn Ls1 which was recalled after your agency deemed it susceptible to failure due to poor design. Saturn refuses to fix this for me and instead wants to bill $400 just to look at it. Repairing the failing chain, the dealer said, would cost $900. It's a known defect and needs to be covered by Saturn, as per your agency's investigation last year.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/31/2009

I have a 2000 Saturn l series sedan. The timing chain is making a horrible racket and our mechanic informed us that it must be replaced at a cost of about $1,200. If we don't replace it, the chain could break, cause further damage to the engine and could leave us stranded or even on the highway with no way to get out of heavy traffic. I've noticed that the NHTSA administration has a recall campaign number of 07v519000 (and action number - ea06009) under which Saturn was required to issue a recall for 2001 model year l series sedans with this very same issue. I don't see why my car should not be included as well since it is the exact same issue and could cause the exact same dangerous situation. The only difference appears to be that the recall is limited to model year 2001 and my car is a 2000. The two cars probably even use the same timing chain. I'm asking that the recall be extended to cover my car, which seems only fair as it is the same issue on a very, very similar car.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/24/2009

Saturn 2000 Ls timing chain I purchased it new in 2000. I got stuck yesterday and aaa had to tow it. Mechanic says it's timing chain. This will be the 3rd timing chain since I bought it. Last one was replaced at 52,000 miles in March 2006. Now I have 66,000 miles and it has happened again. I was told last time, a timing chain should last a minimum of 100,000 miles. It cost me almost 3,000. Last time. My dealership, Saturn of stamford is now closed. I will have it towed to Saturn of fairfield. This type of thing should not happen after only 66,000 miles. I've kept up with maintenance and my oil and filter was changed just about a month and a half ago. I feel Saturn should cover this repair, and provide me with a rental.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/28/2009

I went to start my 2000 Saturn and it did not start. There was no problem or warning the day before, Saturn of ramsey said the timing chain broke and caused other engine problems and quoted a price of almost 3,000. After reading information on the internet including information from you, I called gm. They said all the information on the internet was "bogus" and not true. They said they would offer no help. I always did regular oil changes. I need help please. . Thank you.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2009

Timing chain broke and engine had to basically be rebuilt.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2009

2000 Saturn l-series timming chain broke engine no good.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/26/2008

My mechanic gave me information about a recall that is being done on 2000 and up Saturns on the timing chain, however Saturn has yet to accept that as a recall. I spoke with someone from NHTSA and they directed me to Saturn who again directed me back here to file a complaint. I would like to know if this is going to be recalled.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2008

The contact owns a 2000 Saturn l-series wagon. The contact stated that the timing chain slipped on the vehicle. The recall for the 2001 Saturn l-series described the identical failure she was experiencing. The dealer stated that the repair would cost $900; however, Saturn offered to take $100 off the cost because the failures were recognized in the following year of the Saturn l-series. The failure and current mileages were less than 90,000. Updated 11/26/08. Updated 12/01/08.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/10/2008

I was driving on a highway when my car made a stuttering noise. I pulled over - luckily near a service station and they discovered the timing chain had snapped.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2008

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.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2008

My 2000 Saturn Ls1 was running perfectly fine. I came back to my car after work and all of a sudden it wouldn't start at all. I had to have it towed to a Saturn dealership, who then told me that it was a faulty timing chain.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2008

Timing chain failure on 2000 Saturn Ls1 model. Failure came unexpectedly. Looking into it, I found dozens of other Saturn owners who experienced the same problem. This simple failure has damaged my engine. I am facing a minimum of $2600 in repairs to replace the engine. This seems to be an persistent problem with this engine. Mechanics I have consulted state that they have seen this happen many times before.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/07/2008

2000 Saturn Ls1 timing chain failed.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2008

I have been informed by my reliable, caring mechanic that my timing chain is about to go out and not to drive any distances or it could be dangerous. I have taken proper care of my car with regular oil changes. This part should last the lifetime of my car. I cannot afford to fix it and fear the danger of driving it.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/20/2008

The contact owns 2000 Saturn lw2. While driving 35 mph, all of the warning lights on the instrument control panel would illuminate immediately after severely reducing speed and power. The technician diagnosed the failure as a failed mass air flow sensor. The contact researched the recalls and discovered that he was experiencing the same failures noted in recall # 03v231000. The dealer informed him that his VIN was not included in the recall and that all repairs would be at his own expense. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 76,000.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/21/2008

The contact owns a 2000 Saturn Ls1. While the contact's spouse was driving approximately 35 mph onto the highway, the vehicle shut completely off and could not be restarted. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer and they stated that the timing chain snapped and bent the valves and the head. Nhtsa campaign id number 07v579000 (power train:driveline:driveshaft) was referenced for the 2001 Saturn. The current mileage was 58,000 and failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 09/10/08 updated 09/15/08.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2008

2000 Saturn with broken timing chain caused damage to engine. Consumer states that the mechanic stated that the timing chain breaking caused damage to the engine. She states that upon her research this is a common problem with Saturn vehicles. Consumer wrote in on behalf of her father-in-law.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2008

My 2000 Saturn lw1 has been diagnosed with needing a new timing chain. Saturn service has indicated that the 2001 version of my car has been recalled for this problem, but not mine.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2008

Broken timing chain on 2000 Saturn Ls. Recall does not cover my vehicle but covers the same exact 2001 model with the same exact engine.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2008

I was driving on the higway at 65mph and the engine quit I coasted to the shoulder ands had the car towed to Saturn dealer they said the timing chain broke and caused engine damage Saturn said I will need a new engine.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/27/2008

Timing chain failure on a 2000 lw1 station wagon. Engine must now be replaced with an estimated replacement cost of $2500.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/16/2007

I have a 2000 Saturn Ls 2. 2 the timing chain broke and destroyed the engine.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/14/2007

The contact owns a 2000 Saturn Ls1. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle accelerated and then decelerated. The contact immediately pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder and it would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic and he stated that the timing chain failed. As a result, the entire engine was damaged. The current and failure mileages were 108,700.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/06/2007

My 2000 Saturn Ls1 was working just fine until all of the sudden I lost all power to the car. The car died while I was driving at 45 mph in the middle of a busy road. I had both of my children in the car, one of who is 10 months old, and luckily I was not hit by another car. I had the car towed to the shop and they said my timing chain was broken and it caused two valves to become bent and the motor head needs to be replaced.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/24/2007

Timing chain broke, timing chain cover and valve cover gasket also need to be replaced. Car only has 45,000 miles on it.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2006

I wish to report the same defect already identified by action number pe06006 (and subsequently ea06-009). The timing chain defect was discovered before complete failure due to very rough idling, and after getting a first opinion from my Saturn dealership and a second opinion from a local garage, I paid $820 for a timing change. Saturn refused to cover this obvious defect under warranty.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/12/2005

Car stopped backing out of driveway at my home - would not restart - battery ok. Towed to dealership in oak lawn IL -- advised $2,500. 00 repair to snapped timing chain and related engine damage.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2005

2000 Saturn l series timing chain failure while driving down the road. I was not injured but have concern that someone could be. This is a costly catastrophic and potentially dangerous failure that gm has seemed to know about for some time as evidence shows they released an upgrade timing chain kit. The cost from $2700 to over $4000 to repair. The repair cost could exceed the value of the car.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2005

While driving the vehicle lost power. This problem has continued to happen despite several attempts by the dealer to repair it.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2004

When starting the vehicle engine warning light illuminated then lost power and shut off. Dealership will be notified.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2004

Engine check light continually illuminated on the dashboard. Independent repair shop and dealership inspected the vehicle about 13 times. The cause of the problem had not been determined.



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