Two problems related to engine rattling and whining sounds have been reported for the 2002 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The vehicle was driven on an interstate when power to the drive wheels was reduced and a lack of acceleration was felt. The steering felt slightly heavy and power to the drive wheels was lost. The vehicle was driven to the hard shoulder and the engine cut out. The engine would not restart. No other warning lights were shown on the display, and all fluid levels were normal. When the ignition key was turned, a whirring noise was heard from the engine compartment, however the cylinders were not firing.
I had told my Saturn dealership approximately 6 months ago about a rattling noise under the hood of my l-200 (2002). They told me it was probably just the normal noise that this car makes when it first starts. The noise continued, but only at start-up. I brought it in recently for a regular oil change and no problems were noted. The next day the timing chain broke. It seems that this is quite a common problem with these cars and it is frustrating and puzzling to me that the dealership did not investigate further when I first reported the problem.