Engine Problems of Saturn LS - part 2

Timing chain failure in l61 (ecotec) engine. Service "tech found that the timing chain is starting to separate" during visit for brake maintenance, at 69,000 miles. Vehicle manufactured 2 months before window for recall 07v-519 (November 2000 - February 2001). Parts replaced as per recall procedure.

See all problems of the 2001 Saturn LS 🔎.

Was driving car loss power. . Once parked car would not start. . Brought to service center they told me it was the timing chain and there is engine damage.

See all problems of the 2000 Saturn LS 🔎.

My daughter was driving along at 50 mph when the vehicle engine stopped and she lost all power. She nearly avoided an accident while trying to get to the shoulder and eventually rolled to a stop. After having a mechanic look at the engine at the site, it was determined there was no engine compression. The vehicle was towed to our local mechanic and determined the timing chain had snapped. I contacted the Saturn dealer and was told there was a recall but we did not qualify. Even though the recall was for our exact make, model and year vehicle the VIN did not match. Saturn dealer stated that they would not repair as it wasn't covered and it would cost about $3500-$4000. I spoke to local mechanic and he is repairing for $1355. I called Saturn corporate and filed a report and have that id#. I was told that is was not covered but they would open a case and report it to the area manager. The area manager contacted me and said that they might be able to help me out. However, I would have to stop all work, tow it to Saturn, pay for a rental car while they researched the problem, and they didn't know if they could help or not even if it was defective. If the couldn't help I would have to pay the $3500-$4000 at the dealer. I informed him that I can't take all that time and spend the extra money. I have need for use of the car. I told him I would have to seek other assistance with Saturn being held liable for their defective part and he agreed. He apologized for the part breaking so early in the life of the car and also apologized for the inconvenience. At this point, the vehicle is being repaired at our local mechanic and I have all of the defective parts. The defective chain snapped and injured valves on the engine as well. Those are also being repaired.

Was driving when timing chain suddenly snapped. Pushed vehicle to roadside and proceeded to get towed. Repair estimated at $2,400. 00. Contacted beaverton Saturn retailer and was told I'd be contacted later with no response. Upon calling Saturn corp. And using information acquired from nshta. Com about a specific recall on my vehicle was told only that my vehicle's VIN # is with in the recall breakpoint but is not covered and they have no information as to why my car is not included in the campaign . Only that it wasn't and they have no reason or explanation as to why.

Timing chain failure on my vehicle caused the car to stop suddenly while driving around 65mph on a highway. The Saturn technician said my chain 'snapped in two' and caused damage to the head. After brief research I found that this is a common issue with the ecotec engine in the Saturn l-series from 2000-2003. Saturn was very unwilling to help or accept any sort of responsibility.

See all problems of the 2002 Saturn LS 🔎.

Took car in to replace recalled timing chain, about 500 miles less than 3 weeks later the crank seal went out, (a part that was removed to do the recalled repair) when the crank seal went out all the oil left the engine resulting in damage to the engine, lucky for us we were the only car on the road at the time and only going about 30 mph, called the dealership and asked them about this and was told it had nothing to do with the recall, they said this is a know problem with the car in cold weather, they said the seal in cold weather can retain moisture freeze and when started can tear, this seems much worse than the timing chain recall that we took the car in for, at least with the timing chain going out the motor will not lock up. I looked on the internet and it seems they have a new seal that will not freeze, not sure if they know about this problem that they do not mention it to their customers.

Our 2002 l200 Saturn had the timing chain fail at aprox 79,000 miles. Cost to repair this was $2973. 15 that is including the cost of towing o the dealer. The timing chain should not of failed at 79,000 miles. They need to include 2002 l200's in the recall that they already have on the 2001 l series cars for the timing chain on those. There is obviously a problem with the 2002's as I have read many others with this year having the same problem.

At 104,000 miles, our Saturn lw2 wagon's timing chain suffered complete failure while I was traveling with my wife and infant son. When the timing chain failed, it destroyed the valves on its engine, requiring the complete replacement of the engine. The replacement cost has been estimated at $6,000.

On August 8, 2007 I was driving on the highway with my son in the back seat traveling 65 miles per hour when the power to my car cut off and my wheellocked in position. Lucky for my I happened to be in the lane closet to the side of the road and was able to safetly exit the road. I then brought my car to my trusted mechanic to find out that my timing chain snapped and I did extenstive damage to my car that I only bought 1year prior in June of 2006 from a Saturn dealership. I had to pay $2400 to get my car repaired and had no vehicle to use for 2 weeks. I am a single mother who thought she bought a reliable car. I couldn't afford to pay the damages to my car and had to borrow money. My nexy step is to contact Saturn to complain.

I purchased a 2001 Saturn l200 with approximately 37- or 29k miles from a Saturn dealer in July of 2004. There are about 80,500 miles on the car now. Two days ago I went out to start the car and the timing chain "failed" and beat up the engine (per the Saturn dealer, where I had the car towed that morning). Although I never used Saturn for oil changes, I did change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Recently, however (several months ago) after having the car in to replace the ignition and housing, Saturn gave me a complete inspection. There were several minor items listed needing attention, but the timing chain issue was never mentioned, nor did I ever receive notice of this inherent and dangerous defect (funny how they can find me to send notices of their upcoming sales "events", however). Since it was late Friday when I contacted the zone rep, I was told I should receive a return call from Saturn by Monday noon. I will be more than happy to update this if you like.

Hi, I am the owner of a 2001 Saturn l200, 4 door sedan. On Monday June 4, 2007, I was driving to work in a rainstorm when my vehicle at highway speed approximately 60 mph lost power locked. Coasted to the side of the highway and luckily avoided an accident on the busy highway. Stuck in the rain for a few hours until the towing company I called picked me up and towed me to a local garage. At the garage they checked my vehicle and advised me to have my car towed to the nearest Saturn which was Saturn of white plains, NY. They said that my vehicle needed dealer service and they said that my vehicle did not have any compression. It had fuel, spark. It did not have compression. I had the car towed to Saturn at white plains again in carrying another towing expense. The car sat at the Saturn dealership since they were busy with other vehicles. On Wednesday,the service lady called me to tell me that they were able to run some diagnostics and it turns out that my "timing chain broke" which caused extensive damage to my vehicle and it would cost about $3600. 00 to fix the vehicle. I told service that I needed to think about this and during the conversation asked to get transferred to sales to weigh out my options since I still had a loan on my vehicle estimated remainder $ 4000. 00. The salesman said I would get $ 500 for my car, which was a huge loss. I called him back a little bit later and told him I would repair my vehicle on my own, which than led to another $ 200. 00 tow. On June 8th, I rented a car - $ 250/wk. June 10, 2007 - vehicle getting serviced with a new/used engine. It was a horrible last few weeks with my car. This was not the first problem I have had with my Saturn an this is one in a string of frustrations that have occurred. Vehicle was well maintained, oil changed and preventively care. He vehicle had 126,000 miles and it was driven primarily on the highway.

Timing chain broke off and damged the head, rods and valves. Car has only 7)k miles. I have received an estimate from Saturn to repair for 3k.

I was driving my 2001 l200 Saturn in moderate traffic when I heard a sound and the engine quit. I coasted to the side of the road and called for a tow truck. The dealers maintenance department later informed me that the timing chain had broken and that it would cost between $2,900 and $3,300 to repair or replace the engine.

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn l200. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stopped without warning. There was light rain at the time of the incident. The failure and current mileage was 36,361. Updated 02-01-08. The timing chain failed. Updated.

I own a 2001 Saturn l200 with the 2. 2l 4 cylinder engine. Without warning, and with no prior symptoms, the vehicle would not start. Took it to local mechanic and found the timing chain failed. The engine needed total replacement to the tune of $5000. We've owned the vehicle for three years, total of 60000 miles on the car. Regular oil changes from the same service facility.

The timing chain broke on the 2002 Saturn l200 while driving , not at start up while parked . We were driving at 30 mph on a secondary road when it happened so we avoided a collision or other physical mishap. As we have learned has been the case with dozens of other Saturn, the chain breakage caused significant damage to the upper engine components, e. G. , valves. Thus, the repair cost was far greater than it should have been, had the engine been designed well. One need not be an automotive engineer to conclude that Saturn has produced several models with a major design flaw in the engine, and that this flaw was potentially dangerous. Those unfortunate enough to own such a model, and to those driving on our nation's highways and byways.

Timing chain broke on my 2002 Saturn l200 at 75000 miles.

I was driving my car and it quit. Upon investigation I determined the cause to be a timing chain failure. I purchased the parts and made the repair. Recently I discovered this model of car was involved in a recall for timing chain failure and want to be reimbursed for my expense. I have contacted the dealer and customer service hotlines but they tell me my particular car was not involved in the recall even though my VIN number is in the range indicated in the recall notice.

While driving on the interstate at 55mph my timing chain broke on my 2001 Saturn Ls200. When this happened it also blew the motor in my car. I am still shopping around for parts and to get it replaced.

On February 24, 2007 at about 3:30 pm, we were heading east on highway 509 in tacoma, washington when the car just lost power & died. We were coming around a corner and made it to a narrow shoulder & was able to pull off to the side of the freeway so that cars could barely go around. We had several near misses while waiting for the tow truck since the shoulder was not very wide & we were stranded on the other side of a mild corner. The car would not restart and we waited for a tow truck. When we finely got the vehicle home, I called severely local mechanics to see if they would know what the problem was. Most told me that it was probably the timing chain & instructed me on how to check. Once the cover was off, it was clearly visible that the timing chain was gone. I was then told that my whole engine was now probably gone. This was an extremely unsafe situation for us to be in due to something that should have lasted more than 57,000 miles, the timing chain.

Saturn l200 2. 2 ecotec - timing chain failed while at highway speed on route 2 in Lincoln MA. Drifted to stop on side of road. The engine was ruined and required replacement.

I have a 2001 Saturn l series. A few months ago I started hearing little noises in the engine when it was cold, and as the engine warmed up the noise would stop. I have the car serviced pretty regularly, and have not had any bad experiences with the car. 2 days ago, I drove one mile from my work,and with no warning at all I heard a loud pop in the engine and everything stopped. I was surprised to know that the timing chain had broke and the rear cam was completely frozen. I had the car towed to my house and there it will sit for awhile. I cannot afford to fix it as the estimated cost to just get into it is $400, and then most likely will need a new engine. I am on a modest income, and I am still making payments on this vehicle and have to continue to make payments on a car I can't drive. This is my primary transportation to and from work, so it will most likely affect my livelihood. I contacted Saturn and they told me they had not serviced the car since 2001 and pretty much I was on my own. I had serviced the car regularly, but not at the dealership. This happened at 89000 miles. I think that Saturn should stand behind this problem as it is a safety issue. Apparently by the research I have done, this is a common problem with Saturns and I want them to replace my engine, parts and labor and stand behind their work as well. I feel like with all the complaints that there should be a recall, as well as a class-action suit against Saturn.

2002 Saturn l200 with 111,000 miles. I had a total loss of power while driving down a state road. Mechanic said it was the timing chain. Possibly damage the engine as well .

I was pulling out of a driveway and my Saturn l200 engine just died. Upon inspection at Saturn of dayton north, I was told that the timing chain had failed. I have changed the engine with used and still have little power. I am waiting for test results. The repair shop said that the oil was dirty, but the timing chain should not break after only 61,000 miles. I always believed that Saturn was a different kind of auto company. Needless to say I am very disappointed with Saturn's response that I must not have changed the oil! I will never buy or recommend a Saturn to anyone, at this point in my experience.

2001 Saturn l200 had a cam chain failure which has caused cylinder head and possible piston damage that will cost well over 1500 dollars to fix on a car that has 75000 miles on it! I understand this problem is in investigation by your agency now.

My daughter was driving our 2000 Saturn Ls1 in downtown louisville, ky on 12/19/06. The car died as she was driving. She was able to get over to the side of the road. She was carrying two small children in the car at the time. After analysis by a mechanic it was found the timing chain had broken and ruined the engine. Estimated repair cost is $4000. I am turning the car in for salvage.

Went out one morning and tried to start car and it would crank but would not start. Had towed to mechanic and was told that the timing chains were broke and needed replaced.

Failed timing chain in my 2002 Saturn l100. I only had 69,000 miles on this car. It took my mechanic hours to find the problem why the car wouldn't start. The timing chain looked ok. Turned out it was stretched and wasn't catching. To find the problem this had to be done by turning the motor by hand. He suggested I have it towed to our local Saturn dealer(of clarence) which I did. He also said there was a service bulletin out on this exact problem. Also my mechanic said Saturn has redesigned the timing chain because of past problems with it. It now is a whole kit. The hole that the oil goes through was too small and they designed it with a larger hole. This repair cost me $913. 00!! I am very upset and have filed a complaint with Saturn. They said they will "review my complaint. ".

My timing chain broke on the way to my families thanksgiving with no warning. I was stranded on the side of the road for over 5 hours trying to find out what happened. My oil has been changed on time the whole life of the car, this I have records of. And I still have not heard back from Saturn corporate regarding this issue. With the number of other claims I have seen this should definitely be recalled. I am now without a car because the bill to fix the problem is way to high for me to pay, over 3 thousand dollars.

2001 Saturn l series timing chain broke*.

I was driving my 2000 Saturn Ls1 and the car lost all power, almost causing an accident. Luckily, I was able to stop the car and avoid other traffic in motion when I lost all power brakes and power steering. The car was towed to a mechanic shop and they found the timing chain broke and the engine can not be repaired. The car only has 68,000 miles and could have caused a major accident with my children in the car. I am unable to afford the engine replacement and I still owe $1500. 00 on the loan.

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l100. When the contact applied the brakes, the vehicle completely shut off and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the Saturn dealer who stated that the timing chain, alternator, and battery were not working properly. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 83,000.

While driving, my husband's 2001 l200 Saturn 4-cyl lost all power. He safely coasted to a parking lot. The car would not restart. Repair shop states timing chain malfunction. The extent of damage/costs is not known at this time.

The timing chain on my 2001 Saturn l200 (81,00 miles) broke while driving. All power stopped and had to coast to safety, wait alone on the turnpike for help. Research shows an open investigation of this problem. I just want you to know this is still happening!.

I bought my car with 36,000 miles on it and spent $8000. Less than four months later, I had to spend almost $2000 to fix a timing chain. Then when it had 61,000 miles on it, I had to have a fuel pump fixed. I have found out this is such a common problem, there is a fix it kit for it. They refuse to assist me in getting it fixed because I will not pay for a second tow to take it to their retailer to have it diagnosed because my certified mechanic lets me make payments. They also refuse to recall the defective part.