Six problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 2001 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l200. While the vehicle was still in drive, the contact was able to easily remove the key from the ignition. As a result, the vehicle struck two vehicles and caused $2,320 in damages. The manufacturer stated that nothing could be done because the failure was not due to a safety defect. The Saturn dealer stated that the failure may have been due to an old steering column and the number of times the key has been used. The failure mileage was 66,900 and current mileage is 68,000. Updated 01/29/08 there was no damage done to the consumers vehicle. The consumer discovered he left the vehicle in drive, in though he had removed the key. Updated.
My family and I were traveling on u. S. 301 at 9:00 a. M. On our way home in our 2001 Saturn (l100) coupe. There was a clicking sound coming from the engine that had started while driving home. While going 65 mph, there was a popping sound and the oil light came on. The car quickly lost power and forced us to the side of the road. We were shaken by the thought what could have happen if we were in an area with heavy traffic. I was able to flag down a passing tow truck to help us out. The road service unit dropped the car off at a local mechanic and the family at home. The local car mechanic could not determine what was wrong with the car until it was taken apart and examined. The first examination determined that the timing chain and had failed and would have to be replaced. The mechanic also explain that the engine would have to be taken apart to determine the extent of the damage. I said yes, although I know it would be an expensive repair. I thought with the low miles (58,767) on the car, the work would be worth while. The examination of the engine revealed a damaged head and bent valves. What looked like a $1000. 00 timing change replacement quickly went to several thousand dollars worth of damage! I called the Saturn dealer to see about warranties that went with the car and what help they could provide. They explain that they couldn't consider a warranty without first examing the car in their own shop and having all the maintenance records provided to them. With the additional towing fees, examination fees from the local mechanic, and no gurantees from the Saturn dealer; I decide to allow the local mechanic to do the work. The following parts had to be replace due to the 'premature" failure of the timing chain: head, head gasket, valve gasket, front cover gasket, timing chain kit, valves, belt, spark plugs, wire set, filter, oil, and antifreeze. The total bill came to $ 2,480. 80. The car is running fine now.
On March 17, 2006, my wife and I returned home from supper around 8:45 pm. At approximately 9:00 pm, I heard a crash outside. I soon discovered that our Saturn had rolled out of the garage and into our neighbors yard across the road. Upon inspection inside the car, I discovered the car was not in park, yet the ignition system had allowed me to remove the key. This is a major safety failure. No car should allow a key to be removed from the ignition without the car being in park. As yet, the failure hasn't been corrected since the car is still at the body shop.
Unable to shift into gear. Vehicle at dealer shop for repairs. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.
Tires are wearing unevenly, all tires were replaced by dealer at 234 miles. At this time tires need to be replaced again. Affinity ap, p205/65r15.
While accelerating transmission is harsh or fails to shift immediately, resulting in car surging forward. Dealer has replaced seals and problem diminished some. Problem then came back to pre-repair state- taken to dealership. Problem cannot be identified.