Two problems related to engine clicking and tapping noises have been reported for the 2001 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2001 Saturn Ls. While driving approximately 25 mph the contact heard a ticking sound in the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the ticking sound was constant and could be heard while the vehicle was parked and while driving. Nhtsa recall campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling) may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
I was driving home with the windows open and at a stop heard a subtle metallic clicking sound coming from the front of the car. When I pulled into my driveway a few minutes later I left the car running and lifted the hood to investigate. The sound was coming from the top of the engine where the timing chain drives the cams. Having heard about a problem with these cars breaking timing chains and reading complaints on the nets web site about this very problem I was immediately alarmed. Before I could even step away from the car to shut it off, I heart a louder metallic clank and the care stopped. The timing chain broke literally under my nose. Had I been on the freeway, crossing an intersection or such this sudden loss of power could have caused a serious accident endangering myself and others. I have always been faithful about changing the oil in my 2001 Saturn l200 at the recommended intervals and such a thing should never happen at only 85000 miles. The car is in the shop now being fixed. The service representative at Saturn would not admit having ever heard of this problem and acted like it was very unusual that this happened. I know otherwise. I beg of you to please take action on this. Myself and others should not have to bare the cost of this very expensive repair caused by bad engineering not to mention the terrible safety hazard this represents. Thank you.