Loud Engine Noise Problems of Saturn LS

I arrived at my destination, turned off the engine, ran inside for no more than 5 mins and when I came back out the engine was unable to turn over and made horrible noises when attempting to start. I called a tow truck to come pick it up to bring it back to their shop to check it out. When I arrive at the shop today they tell me that the timing chain has broken and bent the valves. The whole engine now needs to be replaced. They tell me it is $3600 minimum to replace and this is with a used engine for $2400+ just for his used engine. All in all, I'm very glad the vehicle wasn't moving when this happened but still very frustrated since this does not seem to be an uncommon thing with the Saturn l-series.

See all problems of the 2000 Saturn LS 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn Ls. The contact stated that the vehicle would shake along with an abnormal noise coming from the engine and the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but failed to rectify the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

See all problems of the 2002 Saturn LS 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn Ls. The contact stated that while reversing from a residential driveway when the vehicle exhibited a loud, abnormal noise. The contact parked the vehicle and later, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light illuminated after the contact had made several attempts to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, who stated the timing chain would need to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The dealer stated the vehicle was not included in any recalls and declined to provide a remedy to the failure. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 139,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l200. The contact started her vehicle after placing gas in it and heard a rumbling sound. She turned off the vehicle, but it was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The contact was informed that her vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 07v519000. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 60,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Saturn LS 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Saturn Ls1. While driving 20 mph, the engine made a loud noise, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle completely lost power. The vehicle cruised to a stop and triple a was called to tow it to the dealer. The contact was informed that the timing chain failed and would cost $2,700 to replace. The failure and current mileages were 121,000.

Car purchased used and inspected (midas) in June 2007; driven home to KS from IA (8 hrs) in Dec--no oil remaining when arrived. Oil level a problem all winter, but not driven much--oil added as needed. Again driven home from IA in may 08-- timing chain exploded and bent engine valves in fast lane on highway bridge! fortunately, our son was able to push it to side before hit by traffic. Towed to nearest garage and then to Saturn dealership in liberty mo. Dealership informed us that valves were bent but didn't mention that there was a recall on timingchain. . . $2500 fix. Also received a lecture about checking oil properly. . . Basically blamed son for supposedly not checking oil (which he did do). Note: I read an account of another owner who got the same "talking points"--VIN not in recall, change oil regularly. In Aug 08, your car lost all oil in 2 days and started making horrible sounds. Midas mechanic said it could be valves again or deeper. Towed it (50 miles) to liberty Saturn dealership because it was their valve work under warranty. They guessed it was deeper in engine (wouldn't check w/o payment) and didn't know if the may timing chain break had caused the deeper damage--assessment: engine needed to be replaced for $5900. We asked about the recall and were told our VIN didn't fall under the recall so they hadn't said anything in may when timingchain originally broke. Now we are in the position of replacing the engine with another Saturn engine that might have the very same problem! so the car sits in the garage while we hope Saturn is pressured to acknowledge their negligence in not fixing all the engines with this problem before an accident. A timing chain break could be fatal on a highway and we would like the NHTSA to investigate and hold Saturn responsible for this blatant act of irresponsibility.

The contact purchased a used vehicle two years ago, and the second day after purchasing the vehicle there was a roaring noise from the front of the vehicle. The dealer said this was a problem with the front tires ,and the dealer replaced both tires. About two weeks later the noise returned. The vehicle has been to the dealer numerous times for numerous repairs. The vehicle would jerk to the right which caused the contact to hit a curb. There were no injuries but a police report was taken. There have been multiple repairs to the wheel bearings and joints which have not corrected this problem. Also the motor mounts and axles have been replaced in hopes of correcting this problem. The dealer has never been able to accurately repair the vehicle. Currently there is a need for new rotors and more tires. The vehicle continues to have a roaring sound like a locomotive as noted by the contact. Update 1/11/2006 -.