Engine problems of the 2001 Saturn LS - part 1

The engine on my 2001 Saturn lw 200 (73k miles) suddenly quit while I was driving on an interstate freeway in seattle. I was lucky to be able to pull off to a shoulder without getting rammed. My mechanic found a broken engine timing chain, which he said is unusual for a car with that mileage. I checked on-line at NHTSA and saw that only a limited number of 2001 l series Saturns were recalled for correction of this potentially life-endangering problem. When I contacted Saturn, such as it is in 2010, the representative said that my particular vehicle (based on VIN) was not covered by the recall, and that I was out of luck. I was nearly killed because of this defect, which many others have reported on-line. Saturn should be responsible for the repair costs, which are in excess of $2,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l200. Whenever the contact attempted to drive the vehicle, she noticed that the vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph and that when idling the vehicle will began shaking. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. 2 days prior to the failure, the vehicle would not start. The current and failure mileages were 148876.

Timing chain failed while driving at highway speeds. Failure also destroyed engine valves and head.

Car stopped running would not restart. Saturn dealer said timing chains failed causing catastrophic engine damage. Replaced engine at my cost approx 1 year ago. On 2-11-09 the same damn thing happened.

In Dec 2008 I had to replace the engine in my 2001 Saturn l200, which had 63,220 miles, due to faulty timing chain. The mechanic called Saturn and was told there was no recall, however I am finding out there is a recall on timing chains(per Saturn VIN#s 1y504884-1y559453). My car falls within that range and I am told it is not included. I called NHTSA and was told they are not given VIN specific information. It is ridiculous to find this many problems with a vehicle and nobody wants to help consumers.

Timing chain failure. No restart of vehicle, towed to nearest repair shop, ( not Saturn) was told by Saturn no recall was issued for this vehicle, therefore I had no recourse available to me. Engine damage occurred. Options are replace engine or purchase new vehicle.

We were driving on rt. #98 running about 40 mph and the motor just stopped. We didn't hear anything so coasted to edge of highway. Got out and raised the hood and could see nothing out of the ordinary. Tried to start the engine and it just cranked over and would not restart. This is the first problem we have had with this vehicle. Called aaa road service and they towed car back to my home since it was late in the afternoon. The next morning I checked it all over and decided that I could not discern what was wrong. I then had it towed to msc repair here in marysville and their mechanic found out the timing chain had broken so I had him go ahead and repair this at an estimated cost of $1500. 00. After he had it back together and before he tried to start it he ran a compression test and found out that the valves were bent so the head had to be taken off to assess the damage and depending on how bad it is it could run another $2000. 00 to fix it if it can be fixed. So far all gears and timing chain,balance kit and gaskets have been replaced and will not know for sure about other parts until the head has been evaluated.

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l-series sedan. While attempting to merge onto the interstate at approximately 40 mph, the vehicle completely shut off and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the timing chain failed, which caused further engine damage. Recall 07v519000 is related to the failure; however, the VIN is not a part of the recall. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.

I had just exited from interstates 440 when my timing chain snapped and rendered the vehicle without any engine power or power steering in the middle of a busy road.

I received a recall notice on my 2001 Saturn l-series vehicle concerning the timing chain in Jan. 2008, when I called to schedule the service, I was told that my car was not in the recall population. I questioned why I had gotten the recall notice, but was not given a reason. However, the technician assured me that the timing chain in my car was good and would not be a problem. However, eight months later - the timing chain is out in car. After investigating, I realized that my car was built in March 2001 and the recall population ended with cars built in Feb. 2001. I have contacted Saturn and they were extremely unhelpful. My car is being fixed at my cost. The car just refused to start one day without warning. There was nothing to indicate that anything was going bad. I have since found out that Saturn was aware that the timing chain parts were faulty, but did nothing about it.

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l-series. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost power and the power steering and brakes failed as well. She pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and, after several attempts to restart the vehicle, it was towed to a local Saturn dealer. The dealer stated that the cause of the failure may be computer related. A mechanic stated that the failure was the timing chain, which damaged the valves. The repairs would cost $2,700. The contact was informed of a possible recall and, through online research, she called the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. No repairs have been made. The failure and current mileages were 108,000.

I was driving at a steady speed (cruise control) of 72 mph, having just raised the speed setting from 70 mph. Engine speed increased to 4200 rpm while increasing vehicle speed. 1 to 2 minutes later, the engine stopped producing power and I quickly lost speed. I pulled over the shoulder and stopped. This could have proven to be disastrous had I been in a left lane with no shoulder or had the engine seized and lock the wheels.

Timing chain failure in l61 (ecotec) engine. Service "tech found that the timing chain is starting to separate" during visit for brake maintenance, at 69,000 miles. Vehicle manufactured 2 months before window for recall 07v-519 (November 2000 - February 2001). Parts replaced as per recall procedure.

My daughter was driving along at 50 mph when the vehicle engine stopped and she lost all power. She nearly avoided an accident while trying to get to the shoulder and eventually rolled to a stop. After having a mechanic look at the engine at the site, it was determined there was no engine compression. The vehicle was towed to our local mechanic and determined the timing chain had snapped. I contacted the Saturn dealer and was told there was a recall but we did not qualify. Even though the recall was for our exact make, model and year vehicle the VIN did not match. Saturn dealer stated that they would not repair as it wasn't covered and it would cost about $3500-$4000. I spoke to local mechanic and he is repairing for $1355. I called Saturn corporate and filed a report and have that id#. I was told that is was not covered but they would open a case and report it to the area manager. The area manager contacted me and said that they might be able to help me out. However, I would have to stop all work, tow it to Saturn, pay for a rental car while they researched the problem, and they didn't know if they could help or not even if it was defective. If the couldn't help I would have to pay the $3500-$4000 at the dealer. I informed him that I can't take all that time and spend the extra money. I have need for use of the car. I told him I would have to seek other assistance with Saturn being held liable for their defective part and he agreed. He apologized for the part breaking so early in the life of the car and also apologized for the inconvenience. At this point, the vehicle is being repaired at our local mechanic and I have all of the defective parts. The defective chain snapped and injured valves on the engine as well. Those are also being repaired.

Was driving when timing chain suddenly snapped. Pushed vehicle to roadside and proceeded to get towed. Repair estimated at $2,400. 00. Contacted beaverton Saturn retailer and was told I'd be contacted later with no response. Upon calling Saturn corp. And using information acquired from nshta. Com about a specific recall on my vehicle was told only that my vehicle's VIN # is with in the recall breakpoint but is not covered and they have no information as to why my car is not included in the campaign . Only that it wasn't and they have no reason or explanation as to why.

Took car in to replace recalled timing chain, about 500 miles less than 3 weeks later the crank seal went out, (a part that was removed to do the recalled repair) when the crank seal went out all the oil left the engine resulting in damage to the engine, lucky for us we were the only car on the road at the time and only going about 30 mph, called the dealership and asked them about this and was told it had nothing to do with the recall, they said this is a know problem with the car in cold weather, they said the seal in cold weather can retain moisture freeze and when started can tear, this seems much worse than the timing chain recall that we took the car in for, at least with the timing chain going out the motor will not lock up. I looked on the internet and it seems they have a new seal that will not freeze, not sure if they know about this problem that they do not mention it to their customers.

I purchased a 2001 Saturn l200 with approximately 37- or 29k miles from a Saturn dealer in July of 2004. There are about 80,500 miles on the car now. Two days ago I went out to start the car and the timing chain "failed" and beat up the engine (per the Saturn dealer, where I had the car towed that morning). Although I never used Saturn for oil changes, I did change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Recently, however (several months ago) after having the car in to replace the ignition and housing, Saturn gave me a complete inspection. There were several minor items listed needing attention, but the timing chain issue was never mentioned, nor did I ever receive notice of this inherent and dangerous defect (funny how they can find me to send notices of their upcoming sales "events", however). Since it was late Friday when I contacted the zone rep, I was told I should receive a return call from Saturn by Monday noon. I will be more than happy to update this if you like.

Hi, I am the owner of a 2001 Saturn l200, 4 door sedan. On Monday June 4, 2007, I was driving to work in a rainstorm when my vehicle at highway speed approximately 60 mph lost power locked. Coasted to the side of the highway and luckily avoided an accident on the busy highway. Stuck in the rain for a few hours until the towing company I called picked me up and towed me to a local garage. At the garage they checked my vehicle and advised me to have my car towed to the nearest Saturn which was Saturn of white plains, NY. They said that my vehicle needed dealer service and they said that my vehicle did not have any compression. It had fuel, spark. It did not have compression. I had the car towed to Saturn at white plains again in carrying another towing expense. The car sat at the Saturn dealership since they were busy with other vehicles. On Wednesday,the service lady called me to tell me that they were able to run some diagnostics and it turns out that my "timing chain broke" which caused extensive damage to my vehicle and it would cost about $3600. 00 to fix the vehicle. I told service that I needed to think about this and during the conversation asked to get transferred to sales to weigh out my options since I still had a loan on my vehicle estimated remainder $ 4000. 00. The salesman said I would get $ 500 for my car, which was a huge loss. I called him back a little bit later and told him I would repair my vehicle on my own, which than led to another $ 200. 00 tow. On June 8th, I rented a car - $ 250/wk. June 10, 2007 - vehicle getting serviced with a new/used engine. It was a horrible last few weeks with my car. This was not the first problem I have had with my Saturn an this is one in a string of frustrations that have occurred. Vehicle was well maintained, oil changed and preventively care. He vehicle had 126,000 miles and it was driven primarily on the highway.

Timing chain broke off and damged the head, rods and valves. Car has only 7)k miles. I have received an estimate from Saturn to repair for 3k.

I was driving my 2001 l200 Saturn in moderate traffic when I heard a sound and the engine quit. I coasted to the side of the road and called for a tow truck. The dealers maintenance department later informed me that the timing chain had broken and that it would cost between $2,900 and $3,300 to repair or replace the engine.

I own a 2001 Saturn l200 with the 2. 2l 4 cylinder engine. Without warning, and with no prior symptoms, the vehicle would not start. Took it to local mechanic and found the timing chain failed. The engine needed total replacement to the tune of $5000. We've owned the vehicle for three years, total of 60000 miles on the car. Regular oil changes from the same service facility.

I was driving my car and it quit. Upon investigation I determined the cause to be a timing chain failure. I purchased the parts and made the repair. Recently I discovered this model of car was involved in a recall for timing chain failure and want to be reimbursed for my expense. I have contacted the dealer and customer service hotlines but they tell me my particular car was not involved in the recall even though my VIN number is in the range indicated in the recall notice.

While driving on the interstate at 55mph my timing chain broke on my 2001 Saturn Ls200. When this happened it also blew the motor in my car. I am still shopping around for parts and to get it replaced.

I have a 2001 Saturn l series. A few months ago I started hearing little noises in the engine when it was cold, and as the engine warmed up the noise would stop. I have the car serviced pretty regularly, and have not had any bad experiences with the car. 2 days ago, I drove one mile from my work,and with no warning at all I heard a loud pop in the engine and everything stopped. I was surprised to know that the timing chain had broke and the rear cam was completely frozen. I had the car towed to my house and there it will sit for awhile. I cannot afford to fix it as the estimated cost to just get into it is $400, and then most likely will need a new engine. I am on a modest income, and I am still making payments on this vehicle and have to continue to make payments on a car I can't drive. This is my primary transportation to and from work, so it will most likely affect my livelihood. I contacted Saturn and they told me they had not serviced the car since 2001 and pretty much I was on my own. I had serviced the car regularly, but not at the dealership. This happened at 89000 miles. I think that Saturn should stand behind this problem as it is a safety issue. Apparently by the research I have done, this is a common problem with Saturns and I want them to replace my engine, parts and labor and stand behind their work as well. I feel like with all the complaints that there should be a recall, as well as a class-action suit against Saturn.

2001 Saturn l200 had a cam chain failure which has caused cylinder head and possible piston damage that will cost well over 1500 dollars to fix on a car that has 75000 miles on it! I understand this problem is in investigation by your agency now.

Went out one morning and tried to start car and it would crank but would not start. Had towed to mechanic and was told that the timing chains were broke and needed replaced.

My timing chain broke on the way to my families thanksgiving with no warning. I was stranded on the side of the road for over 5 hours trying to find out what happened. My oil has been changed on time the whole life of the car, this I have records of. And I still have not heard back from Saturn corporate regarding this issue. With the number of other claims I have seen this should definitely be recalled. I am now without a car because the bill to fix the problem is way to high for me to pay, over 3 thousand dollars.

2001 Saturn l series timing chain broke*.

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l100. When the contact applied the brakes, the vehicle completely shut off and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the Saturn dealer who stated that the timing chain, alternator, and battery were not working properly. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 83,000.

While driving, my husband's 2001 l200 Saturn 4-cyl lost all power. He safely coasted to a parking lot. The car would not restart. Repair shop states timing chain malfunction. The extent of damage/costs is not known at this time.

The timing chain on my 2001 Saturn l200 (81,00 miles) broke while driving. All power stopped and had to coast to safety, wait alone on the turnpike for help. Research shows an open investigation of this problem. I just want you to know this is still happening!.

I bought my car with 36,000 miles on it and spent $8000. Less than four months later, I had to spend almost $2000 to fix a timing chain. Then when it had 61,000 miles on it, I had to have a fuel pump fixed. I have found out this is such a common problem, there is a fix it kit for it. They refuse to assist me in getting it fixed because I will not pay for a second tow to take it to their retailer to have it diagnosed because my certified mechanic lets me make payments. They also refuse to recall the defective part.

At 62000 miles, timing chain broke in engine - no warning, car just stopped the timing chain broke causing damage to the valves and pistons. 2001 Saturn l-200 2. 2 l engine, 5-speed transmission.

My wife was driving our 2001 Saturn l-100 west bound on I-70 traveling at approx 65 mph. When she began decelerating while approaching the exit ramp for us 33 south the engine quit. Fortunately traffic was light and she was able to navigate the car to as safe stop on the berm of the exit ramp. After having the vehicle towed to the Saturn dealer, we were in formed that the timing chain had stretched and skipped a tooth causing this zero clearance engine to require a rebuild costing nearly $3000. The dealer told me this was probably due to insufficient oil changes on my part. I change the oil in this car every 5000 to 6000 miles. Since this incident I have discovered that hundreds if not thousands of other Saturn l-series owners have experienced this same failure, many with less miles than my car. Fortunately this did not happen during a high traffic time of day while driving in a middle or left lane ore while attempting to merge in a high traffic situation.

Timing chain failure, vehicle died while driving on highway.