Seven problems related to rear suspension have been reported for the 2001 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Continuous cupping of rear tires due to an engineering defect. Shims placed in rear of car. The cupping has continued causing dangerous wearing of the tires at one point, the tread was beginning to separate from the core after a highway trip. Saturn told me that they corrected the problem with the shims. The fourth set of tires in 90,000 miles is now placed on the car because on the continuing cupping.
I purchased a 2001 Saturn lw200 new from Saturn of greenville, SC. My tire dealer upon checking alignment discovered that the rear camber (which is not adjustable) was out of spec. I had the Saturn dealer check this & they verified it. I think this is an assembly or design defect. However, the Saturn dealer wanted approximately $500 to retrofit a kit that would fix the problem. Obviously, Saturn is aware of the problem but will not take responsibility for dealing with it.
I own two 2001 Saturns, an l300 and a lw300, both purchased at Saturn of silver spring. Both of these cars have eaten rear tires on a regular basis. The dealer maintained that I didn't rotate tires enough. I previously never had a fwd car that ate rear tires. Fortunately I regularly prematurely replaced tires before cupping led to blowouts. I believe that the fix outlined in service bulletin number: 00t72a NHTSA item number: 633545 should result in a manufacturer recall before someone gets killed in an accident as a result of this obvious defect.
Rear tires failed well within their expected mileage and had to be replaced, along with a rear-end alignment. This should be a recall issue for all 2001 Saturn l300 owners. Make: Saturn model: l-series year: 2001 service bulletin number: 00t72a NHTSA item number: 633545 summary description: subject regarding service manual update for chassis service manuals regarding alignment specifications and service procedure for installation of spacers between rear suspension support and vehicle body when performing wheel alignment.
2001 Saturn, purchased June 2001, had to replace rear tires twice due to alignment problems. Currently I have about 41000 miles on the l300. The tires were firestone affinity. Also the drivers seat has shifted to the right, dealer will not repair under warranty. The deck lid is misaligned and after several attempts, it is still not right.
At 12000 miles I took my l200 Saturn in for routine service and was informed that the rear wheels were out of alignment and the tires (2) were choppy. They replaced the tires and did the alignment at no charge. I inquired as to why this happened and was informed that it was a problem with this model Saturn because of the light weighted rear end of the car. I am not sure that this is or is not a safety problem?? I notified Saturn CO and they filed my complaint under reference # 1-4597347, and stated the man made components may require repair or replacement. That I understand, but what I don't know is if this is a safety problem. Is ongoing, and that I must assume the costs, or a problem that requires a recall to correct the wheel alignment problem? or could this result in a buy back etc. . . . ? please advise. Thank you. William surbrook. ****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****769742.
The Saturn l-200 has a rear suspension problem. I know there is a service bulletin out there somewhere, but Saturn is neglecting to acknowledge this problem no matter if the car is in or out of warranty. It makes the car unsafe to drive, and could very easily cause loss of control.