Car Stall Problems of Saturn LS - part 2

Saturn LS owners have reported 91 problems related to car stall (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

36 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 03/03/2011

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn l series. The contact was driving 60 mph when the vehicle jolted abnormally and then stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to a local mechanic shop where he was advised that the timing chain failed and caused the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2002 Saturn LS 🔎.

37 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 03/01/2011

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l200. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning similar to NHTSA campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where they performed a diagnostic test which concluded that the timing chain would need replacing. The vehicle was awaiting repairs. The dealer was notified who informed the contact that her vehicle had not been included in the previous recall. The current and failure mileages were 103,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Saturn LS 🔎.

38 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 12/03/2010

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l series. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled without any warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the timing chain was fractured and damaged the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that intermittently, when trying to start the vehicle the key would not turn in the ignition. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

39 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 11/08/2010

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn l200. The contact was driving 65 mph the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning and stalled. The contact was informed by roadside assistance that the timing chain was fractured. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop who confirmed that the timing chain had fractured and the valves were bent abnormally. The mechanic stated that he would repair the vehicle after contacting the manufacturer. There were no recalls for the vehicle. The failure mileage was 88,000.

40 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 04/30/2010

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l200. While traveling 20 mph, there was an abnormal thump from the exterior of the vehicle. Seconds later, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine would need to be replaced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileage was 86,000.

41 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 04/08/2010

2001 Saturn l200 timing chain failure. Car stalled in busy traffic. Car had 50k miles on it. Repairs cost $3,200.

42 Car Stall problem of the 2000 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 03/13/2010

Had the timing chain on my 2000 Saturn Ls1 snap on me, leaving me stranded in a parking lot late at night and waiting more than an hour for a tow truck to show up. Repair cost of this part, which is meant to last the life of the vehicle, ran $800. A recall against Saturn was issued by your agency by your agency on the 20001 model of this car but none of the other years, despite the fact that the model years 2000 through 2003 all have the same defective timing chain and oiler installed in them from the factory.

See all problems of the 2000 Saturn LS 🔎.

43 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 02/01/2010

I was driving to work and suddenly the engine started running rough, then stalled. I coasted off to the side of the road to get out of traffic. It would not re-start, so I had my car towed home where I started troubleshooting. After investigating, I found it was the timing chain. The chain had enough slack in it to jump about 6 teeth. This caused a total loss of compression in all cylinders.

44 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 01/22/2010

2002 Saturn l200 stalled at 55mph and did not restart. Saturn diagnosed broken timing chain which destroyed motor.

45 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 01/21/2010

I went outside to get in my car this morning which started right away. After shifting into first I began to take off when the car stalled only getting about 2 feet forward. Push car back toward the curb and attempted to jump the car with my sisters. Then tried to charge the battery, after all of this failed, we called the local mechanic over and said the timing chain had snapped. . 3200 repair. I'm not ready to search for a new car but lately it's been one thing after another with this car I used to love. At this point no repairs have been made. This should be recalled!!!!!!!!!.

46 Car Stall problem of the 2000 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 12/15/2009

I started the car and backed out of the driveway when a put it in forward it stalled. It started again and I drove to my destination. It also started again and I was able to return home. While I was driving to and from my appointment I could not maintain speed going up hills on the highway. When I went to start the car the next day it turned over but did not start. From there on it would not turn over at all. My mechanic says there no compression on any of the cylinders and it is most likely the timing chain.

47 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 10/16/2009

Upon driving home from work, my Saturn 2001 l200 suddenly stalled - braking, accelerator, and steering became completely unresponsive. With difficulty, I managed to get to the side of the road and eventually get towed 40miles to my local repair center. They advised me that the timing chain had broken and may have also damaged the engine valves. I was advised by Saturn, that there was a recall on the timing chain for this model but my VIN was not included and all repair costs would be at my expense. My complaint is the dangerous nature of how this issue can manifest itself and also that I was not made aware of this potential danger earlier as part of the ongoing recall notice.

48 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 10/11/2009

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn l200 sedan . While driving the vehicle stalled without any prior warnings. He was able to coast the vehicle to a nearby service shop. A technician discovered a fractured timing chain in the vehicle. He then added that there could be more damage to the vehicle and the pistons as a result of the failure. The manufacturer concluded that his vehicle identification number was excluded from recall # 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling), therefore he was ineligible for a free remedy. The current and failure mileages were under 100,000.

49 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 08/18/2009

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l200. The contact stated that when driving the vehicle intermittently stalled without any prior warnings. When attempting to start the vehicle it exhibits a no start condition. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the links in the engine's timing chain separated. The dealer was notified in reference to recall # 07v519000, engine and engine cooling. A technician concluded that because the VIN number was excluded from the VIN range, he was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs have been made. The failure mileage and current mileages were 106,012.

50 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 06/17/2009

I have a 2002 Saturn l200. I was driving on a busy highway in the dallas area (i635). When suddenly my car stalled when I tried to accelerate and then idled to about 5 mph. I drove my vehicle to the access road where it died and the engine no longer turned. After diagnostic I am told that I was the timing chain. Since I was driving on the highway my valves and engine heads cracked. Now something that should have cost me $500 is now going to cost me $1500. I practically have to get a new engine.

51 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 05/26/2009

After 2 timing chain replacements in less than three years,the timing chain broke again on my Saturn 2001 l200 damaging the top half of the engine. Towed it to Saturn of toms river n. J. They said that since I have already had 1 chain replaced on the recall that I was not eligible for the recall. I was told when the chain was replaced under the recall (at Saturn of freehold which is out of business)that this was not the same chain but a new and improved design. I was told today that my repair was not really worth fixing but if I'd like they could install a used engine for $4300. This is just plain neglect from a dying company. Why would they replace a chain that's just going to go again and worsen the damage to my vehicle even more. Saturn/gm needs to make good for their poor history if they're ever going to right the ship. I really feel ripped off.

52 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 04/07/2009

Six days ago I was on my to work in my 2002 l-series200 2. 2 liter that only has 77,000 miles on it when it just died on me. I was almost hit by another car cause I couldn't get out of traffic, so I had to pull into a ditch. That day my uncle helped me towed it back to his personal work shop cause he knows how to work on vehicles. He tried everything to find out what was wrong with without getting inside the engine, well it came to that. The timing chain is broke and he showed it to me and said he said it looks like this link was weak. . You can see how it was stretched, just that one. . And because of the chain breaking the chain oiler is broken also, the bolt holding it up was completely bent, so we think the chain hit it. . Because of the warranty was already out we were going to fix it ourselves. I went to go get a timing chain and the chain oiler, but the clerk ask me if Saturn had replaced your chain oiler? I told him no, and he asked me if my valves were bent because when the chain breaks that usually happens. So I asked my uncle and he went ahead to check and yes they were. So I went back to the car parts store and told them yes that the valves were bent. . I come to find out that there was a recall on the oiler because of a brass insert that in the oiler. But he said it was only for the 2001 not 2002. My uncle search around in the oil pan and he found pieces of the oiler along with a brass insert, so I think my car was also installed with part. So that's when I went home to get online to do research on this and found pictures of that recalled oiler, it look similar. And then I find out there are so many owners with this same year model that also had their timing chain broke. . I called Saturn and they are not going to do nothing and plus I find out that there is an investigation on this matter. My car is still at my uncles shop and I kept all the broken pieces in hope Saturn will help with this matter.

53 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 01/23/2009

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l series. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle still would not budge. The vehicle stalled and was towed to an auto body shop. The timing chain was diagnosed as the cause of the failure and needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle has not been repaired and is currently at the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 117,887.

54 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 01/18/2009

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l series. The vehicle stalled while it was parked and in idle. The vehicle was towed to an auto shop and then towed to another auto shop with a better quote. It was diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be repaired. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The failure mileage was 140,000 and current mileage was 140,500. Updated 02/24/09. Updated 02/05/09.

55 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 01/11/2009

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l series. When attempting to reverse out of a parking space at 5 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and would not restart. A local mechanic stated that the timing chain failed. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for any repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

56 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 12/20/2008

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn lw300. Intermittently, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled when attempting to decelerate. Typically, fifteen minutes after the failure, the vehicle was able to be restarted. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The contact is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer to determine the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 69,000. Updated 3/3/09 the crankshaft position sensor was the cause of the failure. Updated 03/04/09.

57 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 12/05/2008

My car stalled on highway and would not start. Had it towed to a local Saturn dealer and they charged me $85 to diagnose the problem. It is a defected timing chain that destroyed my engine. The cost of repair will be over $3,000. My car is a 2002 series and does not fall under the recall for timing chain failure. We have contacted the main Saturn headquarters in detroit to voice our complaint and waiting to see what can be done with this car defect.

58 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 11/16/2008

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn l200. While driving less than 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. An independent mechanic investigated the failure and discovered that the timing chain failed and some of its components fell into the engine. The failure and current mileages were less than 74,000.

59 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 11/10/2008

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn l100. While driving less than 50 mph and accelerating, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the timing chain was defective. The manufacturer stated that there was a recall for the same year, make, and model vehicle; however, his VIN was not included. The failure and current mileages were 145,000.

60 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 10/03/2008

I have been having trouble with my Saturn 2001 l200 series engine; where it will stall the first time starting the engine in the morning. I researched the problem on the internet and found that the vehicle was part of a recall for the timing chain. I called the dealership to make an appointment to have the vehicle serviced under the recall. I was told that my vehicle was not part of the recall, because my VIN# was outside of the recall range. I asked the dealership "what is the range"? I was told the excluded range is between 1y504884 and 1y559453. I then asked the dealership "what is the life expectancy for the timing chain"? I was told the chain should last the life of the vehicle; as long as I change the oil according to the vehicle's maintenance schedule. I did further research on the timing chain issue a found that vehicles in the excluded range have had timing chain failures as well. I called the dealership again and I was told that there was nothing they could do for me. I have not attempted to start the vehicle since the stalling problem; for fear that I may cause damage, if not already, to the vehicle. I been told, by several mechanics, that the repair could cost any where for $2500 to $4000; depending on the damage to engine. How can the manufacturer get away with picking and choosing whose vehicle is repaired under the recall, when they know that this is obviously a serious manufacturer defect. Suppose my vehicle had stalled on a crowded high speed highway; in front of a car or a bus or a tractor trailer? would the manufacturer respond to my request, after my or someone else's demise. I would like to see the NHTSA force the manufacturer to live up to their ethical and legal responsibilities, when it comes to a reliable and safe vehicle. It appears that the manufacturer knew about this problem throughout the 2001 and 2002 model years and chose not to do anything about the problem. That is a total disregard for public safety.

61 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 09/11/2008

On Thursday September 11 2008 while driving my 2001 "l" series Saturn stalled, cut off in traffic and would not restart. Luckily no one was behind me. I have contacted customer service, and a couple of people at the main office. 2 people from the main office stated I should have been included in the warranty work of the service bulletin and 2 people from customer service stated I was not included. I have transcripts of every conversation, a copy of the service bulletin, my receipts and photos.

62 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 08/25/2008

Timing chain on 2002 l200 sedan with 2. 2 l engine broke while traveling on interstate at 65 mph, causing vehicle to stall and refuse to start. This car had not had any problems prior to the unexpected break. Luckily, it was very early in the morning (6:10 am) and traffic was minimal. I did manage to get the car to the edge of the road safely. If this had happened at a busier time, my life would have been in danger. In addition to the timing chain needing replacement, all valves and the head needed to be replaced. Car has been in the shop for a week and cost is estimated to be at least $ 2,500. 00. Blue book price for this car is $ 4,165. 00.

63 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 08/20/2008

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn l200. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer stated that the engine's timing chain failed and needed to be replaced at the cost of $3,000. The manufacturer stated that because his model year was not affected by NHTSA campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling), they would only assume partial financial responsibility. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.

64 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 07/18/2008

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l series. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle spontaneously stalled. After two hours, the vehicle was able to be restarted. Months later, while driving at an unknown speed, the failure recurred. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 82,000.

65 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 06/29/2008

On Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2008 I was traveling on a 3 lane in each direction highway at approximately 45 mph when my 2001 Saturn (with 41,000 miles)suddenly stalled, losing all power functions (steering, brakes and speed control). I was able to coast across 3 lanes of following traffic and one lane of parking lane where I beached the car into a parking lot and tried to restart it. Unfortunately, the car would crank, but not turn over. I eventually was able to arrange for a tow to my mechanic's nys licensed garage in the next town. My mechanic noted the timing chain failed and would need to be replaced as well as items damaged by the failure like inlet and exhaust valves as well as the head gasket needed to be replaced due to the required access to the parts and other parts involved. Using a search I found that over 20,000 Saturns with the 2. 2l engine (like mine) had been recalled for this same failure (NHTSA campaign id #07v519000). I called Saturn customer support, I was issued service request # . I provided her the details including my VIN number. I mentioned I the other Saturns of my year and model that also experienced the premature failure of the drive chain and requested my need for support. Saturn said looking up my VIN that my car did not qualify for the recall, although over 20,000 similar units were qualified, but if I brought the car to Saturn, they would evaluate it for me. I explained that the car needed to be towed and to tow it to the nearest dealer was not possible as the mechanic had already determined the problem and was working on it, and I could supply the receipt and broken parts as evidence. She said it was not under coverage as the car was over 5 years old. Three days later I received the bill for the repairs and towing (almost $2,700. 00) and called Saturn again to check to be sure there was nothing Saturn would do. Except for the old head gasket, I have all valves, timing chain and broken links involved in the repair.

66 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 02/27/2008

Nhtsa complaint April 6, 2008 ref: 2001 Saturn l200 4-door sedan with 2. 2l dohc engine purchase date: July 15, 2004 with 27,309 miles date of incident: Feb. 27, 2008 what happened? my wife drove approx 13 miles, just pulled into the driveway at her workplace, and the vehicle died. She called and I drove to the location to attempt to diagnose the problem which I could not. I had it towed to a nation-wide auto repair center where I work as a technical service advisor. The vehicle was inspected by two of the master technicians as well as the service manager. They removed the valve cover and determined that the timing chain had separated and the 4 cylinders had no compression due to bent valves. The repair estimates are from $1,150. 00 to $3,800. 00. Results: I discovered there is a recall for correcting this problem from Saturn affecting approx 20,000 vehicles. I contacted a Saturn dealer in colorado springs and discussed the problem with the service manager. He checked and said our vehicle was not included in the recall and would contact the ?regional manager? and see what could be done. Two days later, he informed me that Saturn would install a new engine assembly but we would have to pay half of the total expense which is $7,200. Saturn has a problem with the timing chain and oiler nozzle in these engines. At eng idle, there is lack of lubrication to the timing chain resulting in failure. Saturn now has an improved timing chain and oilier design which "increases oil flow to the timing chain at idle". See Saturn technical bulletin "timing chain design change and revised service procedures #03-06-01-017 - (Jun 9, 2003). I've changed the oil and filter every 3-4k miles, using only specified oil. There were no symptoms nor any noise coming from the engine immediately prior to the failure. Hope you folks can help! best regards, william major.

67 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 12/17/2007

I was driving my vehicle to the gym. As I was on a highway on ramp, my car suddenly stalled, and would not restart. I took the vehicle to a mechanic who stated that the timing chain went out, and when it did, it bent the valves and did damage to a piston, as evidenced by compression test failure and visual inspection. He also noted that even once the timing chain was grabbed, it could not be pulled free of the engine without complete disassembly. He stated that the parts could be replaced and engine repaired for approximately $3,400. 00 plus tax, or I could replace the engine for $3,500. 00 plus tax, and have a one year warranty on parts and labor. I opted to replace the engine instead of repair the defective parts. Saturn just notified me of the safety recall for this issue on my vehicle, but will only pay for replacement of the timing chain, not the damage caused when the timing chain broke.

68 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 12/17/2007

My wife was on the on ramp to a very bust state highway when the car stalled, and she could not restart the vehicle. Turns out the timing chain broke, causing valves to bend and piston damage, which wound up costing 3746. 29 to replace the engine with a used engine to repair (replacement of parts was going to cost the same amount if not more. ).

69 Car Stall problem of the 2002 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 07/15/2007

2002 Saturn lw300 stalled without warning when it was traveling at @ 40-50 mph. It would not restart and had to be towed. Vehicle mileage is @ 59k.

70 Car Stall problem of the 2001 Saturn LS

Failure Date: 07/12/2007

My daughter was driving my 2001 Saturn on a county road at 55 mph when the car just stopped. Luckily, she was able to get off the road safely and was not injured. The mechanic at the dealership told me that the motor was shot due to the timing chain breaking. I now have to pay 1500 for a new motor to be installed. I still owe more than 4,000 on the car. In researching the Saturn, I found that there were many complaints about this same problem but there has never been a recall of the Saturn for this. I believe it is time for action to be taken against gm regarding this problem with the timing chain in the Saturn.



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