Eight problems related to ignition module have been reported for the 2001 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2001 Saturn Ls200. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, smoke started to emit from the ignition switch. The switch then burst into flames. The contact was able to exit the vehicle without injury. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition control module and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The approximate failure and current mileage was 221,744.
The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l 200. The contact was driving approximately 70 mph uphill when the vehicle experienced an abnormal reduction of engine power. In addition, the service engine warning light flashed intermittently and the exhaust became abnormally loud. The contact inquired with the manufacturer in regards to NHTSA campaign id number: 03v231000 (electrical system:ignition:module) but was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Ignition module will not release the key. It removes part way but appears to be stuck. Tried obvious remedies like lubrication with no positive result. Currently I cannot remove the key.
2001 Saturn l200 customer is disappointed and concerned about recalled ignition control module that failed 35,000 miles after being replaced* the consumer believed that the recall part was no better than the original part. The left rear window regulator broke and the rear guide was mis-aligned.
Noticed my alarm remote key was becoming ultra sensitive and just figured the small watch-like battery needed to be replaced. Shortly afterward on the same day I realized my interior dome light was dimming and my engine made a loud wrenching noise upon the initial start. Upon leaving my place of destination the same evening I was unable to start my car at all. I figured the battery had died so I had a friend give me a jump to no avail. My car would turn over and automatically shut off less than two seconds later. This further validated that I most likely didn't have a starter issue on my hands. The other peculiar thing is that I noticed my car would not shift out of park so I could put it in neutral for the inevitable tow that followed. This left me concerned, and much to my dismay the dealership indicated that my bcm (body control module) had failed completely and threw my electrical system off the map. I've only had this car for a few years and the computer chip is failing, what gives? I had just recently dropped a few hundred dollars on the preventively maintenance package for 35000 that Saturn recommends. This most recent incident resulted in $650 more. I am disgusted with the lack of response that I'm getting from the manufacturer, as several attempts have been made over the course of this week to file my concerns with their home office.
After repairs,steering wheel started smoking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repairs to the ignition module. About a month and a half after the repairs the vehicle caught on fire in the area around the steering wheel. The consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer who did the recall repairs, but they indicated that the consumer would have to pay for any diagnosis and repair.
After inserting ignition key, the cylinder would not turn therefore not allowing the car to start. Tried the spare key, but no difference. Able to remove key and lubricate ignition cylinder with graphite. Was able to start car 1 out of 5 tries. Called dealer and was informed that it was a problem with ignition lock cylinder housing failure. In order to temporarily fix was told to "jiggle" the steering wheel and lubricate cylinder. In order to properly fix would need to replace ignition with new keys.
On two occasions, vehicle lost both interior and exterior lighting while driving at night. Vehicle at the dealer shop at this present time. Consumer states that the computer has been replaced three times due to the many failures including inoperative locks, transmission, ignition, and lights.