Six problems related to catalytic convertor have been reported for the 2002 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2002 Saturn l100. Consumer writes in regards to recall repairs the consumer stated the ignition module problem first surfaced in November 2010 when the check engine light illuminated. The dealer informed the consumer there was no problem with the vehicle, just a fuse light. The consumer stated when the check engine light illuminated, she was informed it was simply a glitch and it would go out by itself. A few months later, the consumer went to two other mechanics and was informed the catalytic converter was bad. Updated 09/06/11.
My wife's 2002 l100 Saturn sedan, began to idle rough, so I changed the spark plugs figuring it was a bad plug (I always kept up with maintenance on the vehicle, I am a qualified aircraft mechanic for the military, so I am mechanically inclined). The vehicle ran fine for a couple of days, then became extremely worse. The vehicle had a rough idle, low power and would stall. We had the vehicle towed to the lexington, ky. Dealership. Later the service rep. Called and said I have some bad news, the catalytic converter was bad and the ignition module, you have gone 3,000 miles over the warranty. I asked how does a catalytic converter go bad in less than 5 yrs. And under 100,000 mi. ? the rep. Said I don't know but it is going to cost $3,000 to replace everything. I told him wait a minute, you all already changed the ignition modulator on the recall before. I contacted an out in town mechanic, who provided me with recall info about the bad ignition modulator, that when it fails it could/would damage the catalytic converter. I called the dealer back with this information and documentation provided to me from the mechanic I saw. Rep. Said we have changed three modulators before you came in with this problem, they seem to keep failing and you should call Saturn's customer service line. I did and informed them what the mechanic told me and what the dealer informed me of. Saturn said they would contact me back after contacting their engineers. Saturn called back and said they would fix the repairs if I paid the deductible as if the vehicle was still under warranty. I paid $100 and asked what about this constant problem with the ignition module, they said when it acts up again call us back. So, Saturn is avoiding the problem at hand which I was shocked because I was told they always back their products and appreciate their customers. I plan not to purchase a Saturn in the future and have been advising others not to either.
On Dec. 23 or 24th, 2005, I stopped by the Saturn of gresham dealership because my car was making a very odd noise. The service manager and technician listened to the car and looked at the engine. They told me that it sounded like a an exhaust problem but the car would be safe to drive until I could make an appointment after christmas. I made the appt. For the wed. Following christmas, I believe. On christmas, while driving up a hill, my car began jerking and lost power. I was not disabled but my car could barely make it up the hill. I was able to get off of the freeway and get help from family. I had the car taken to Saturn of beaverton. They were able to look at the car on Dec. 26 or 27th and determined that the catalytic converter had malfunctioned. The dealership did make the necessary repairs under the warranty.
This vehicle has had 3 catalytic converters replaced. The first one when the car was made, second one was installed 09/17/2004, which was put on backwards by the dealership, which caused my exhaust manifold to crack in several places and the third catalytic converter was installed on 03/03/2005, six months after the second one. I have strong exhaust fumes inside my vehicle. I have asked the Saturn dealership why so many converters are having to be replaced and they tell me it's either cheap gas or lack of tune-ups. They want $2,000. 00 to replace the manifold and another converter. Also, my head lights keep flickering. I am the second owner of this car, so when I started having problems with it, I had the dealership do a history summary on the vehicle and noticed the first owner had the same problems that never had been resolved.
Electronic ignition and catalytic converter went out. Car would not operate.
Ignition control module and catalytic converter failure. Car would not run.