Engine Rattling And Whining Sounds Problems of Saturn LS

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.

See all problems of the 2002 Saturn LS 🔎.

Engine started with rattling sound, engine was shut off. Attempted to restart engine, would crank but not fire.

See all problems of the 2001 Saturn LS 🔎.

2000 Saturn l series timing chain failure. Meticulous maintenance and sensible driving still have left me with a broken timing chain, bent valves(interference motor, I'm told) and basically a busted motor. Big problem not covered by a recall for the 11/00 to 01 l series. Bunch of bull recall isn't for my car when it's the exact same design separated by only months in production ! normal driving down road and awful rattle sound and motor was stalled and so was I .

See all problems of the 2000 Saturn LS 🔎.

Vehicle was driving in non adverse conditions at a low rate of speed. Audible rattling sound came from engine compartment, within 30 seconds the vehicle stalled. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the timing chain had broken. The vehicle will turnover but will not fire. Timing chain is still available as repair has not been completed, pending any response from the NHTSA, with regard to a similar complaint and recall for same model year Saturn l200 series with chain manufactured in another plant.

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.