Engine Funny Noise problems of the 2001 Saturn LS

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l series. The contact was starting the vehicle when she heard an unusual noise, the vehicle stalled and the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who informed her that the timing chain failed and ruined the piston and engine valve. The vehicle was never taken to a dealer. The contact inquired with the manufacturer in regards to NHTSA campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling) but was advised that her VIN was not included in the recall. No further assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 151,000.

Heading I-64 westbound in ky when there was a very loud pop/backfire type noise heard from engine compartment. Immediately lost all power and was barely able to get out of traffic. Car made humming noise when I turned the key, that was it. Immediately called tow service. Car was checked out and I was told I was basically looking at a motor. I was told the timing chain had broke and that because it was an interference engine the rods/pistons etc. Become damaged because motor finishes its revolution. Called local gm dealer next and was told that sometimes the block cracks with these also when this happens. Now a nice car with no motor. Estimates are through the roof. Called Saturn,was told there was nothing known at this time. They gave me their name, number, and extension to let them know when it was going to a dealer.

Driving down the highway between 60 and 65 miles per hour the engine just quit running. There where no warning lights, no unusual sounds, etc. Upon stoping the car I tried to restart it to no avail. Car towed into Saturn dealer. It seems the cams froze which broke the timing chain which caused the valves to hit the pistorns. . . Thus new motor is needed. Dealer checked oil it was clean and found no problems. Car has been serviced on a regular basis. Cost to repair $5,000. 00. Car is less than one year old. I have been on the phone with the dealer who has been talking to Saturn. Saturn states the car is out of warranty and they are not responsible for anything. They did say they would offer to conribute 50% or 2,500 toward replacing the engine. I stated that they need to do better than that. I followed basic maintenance and drove the car in a prudent fashion - highway miles to and from the office from home. Car is at the dealer at this point. I am undecided on what I will do next. Thank you, bob trautman.