Saturn SC owners have reported 8 equipment related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common equipment problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's equipment (8 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
Car key locks up in ignition, wont turn or come out. Cable to park mechanism wont disengage. Has happened multiple times, today it took 40 minutes of jiggling steering wheel,key, brake shifter to disengage to get the car started.
The key can be removed in any position, including while running.
I contacted gm's customer service regarding my ignition switch which is stuck on accessory and has been draining my battery. My car was a year before the recalled ignition switches in other Saturn but after significant research it appeared to be similar issues that the majority of the recalls had. They referred me to a chevy dealership for a quote and said that they would determine if it would be covered. When I arrived the dealership said they had seen many of these issues but gm always refused to cover and that I should call them to get a case number. After spending 45 minutes on the phone with a representative to determine if I was eligible I was then passed to another representative who told me that because the ignition switch did not turn while driving, it was my problem because my car is over 10 years old and parasitic drains were not their remit. I asked if these were in the same batch as the recalled switches because they should take responsibility for all faulty switches within that time frame and they told me to file a complaint with NHTSA. I reached out to their digital customer service reps who were able to issue me a case number and said that someone would call me within 24 hours and no one called. I just want to make sure that 2002 switches are investigated for possible recall issues and I have my case number on file in case anyone actually helps me there.
The keys to the ignition switch have worn down so much that they will not work. I purchased new key blanks, went to the dealer and had them copy the keys. The dealer had to run the keys through the machine twice to cut them properly. The new keys work, but a very great deal of friction is felt when the key is inserted or removed. The key drags badly in the ignition switch lock. The ignition switch has worn out.
I was driving my 1997 Sc Saturn north bound FL turnpike when the road felt really bumpy and suddenly the engine electrical (cables/wires)components flew & splash against the windshield blocking my view, "OH my god" I immediately eage to the left shoulder, got out of the vehicle to assess the situation, contacted geico road service. I was shocked to see that one of the lemans tire (right passenger side) tread had completely peeled & blown off. Apparently, as the tire began to fail the steel belts from the tire destroyed the inner fender, the outer fender and ripped out the main wiring harness that provided power to all electrical components inside the passenger compartment such as door locks, windows etc. It appears that the placment of this wiring harness over the front wheel should have been through the firewall and not over a wheel and with no protection.
I was driving the above mentioned vehicle (Saturn Sc1 1997) north bound on FL turnpike when the road felt really bumpy and suddenly pieces of debris started flying by the window and a large bundle of wires was flapping on the hood, coming from the front of the car; which I had to eased over to the left shoulder, got out of the vehicle immediately and contacted geico road service. Apparently, the chain of events that occured were as follows: the lemans/bridgestone tire (p195-60r15) tread completed peeled off the tire with such force. . That it got shredded the fender and ripped out a large bundle of electrical cables that was in the fender. The tire remained inflated, the wire cable ran from the fuse box in the engine compartment over the wheel in the fender, to provide power to virtually every electrical component in the car, and was ripped out of the passenger compartment. A highly hazarderous & dangerous incident. . . The pictures are extremely impressive! be careful!!!!.
On may 12, 2012 I tried to start my car and it wouldn't turn over. I had it towed to the local mechanic and he replaced the ignition module (part number lx386) on my 1999 Saturn Sc2. Then on December 5, 2013, I was driving on the grand central parkway in nyc and my car died. Luckily I was able to safely make my way over to the side of the busy parkway. I was towed to my mechanic and once again I had to pay to replace the ignition module. I'm wondering why my car isn't on the recall list for the gm ignition switch as I have now had to replace this part twice in the past 2 years and I'm very worried that I currently have a faulty ignition switch in my car which could lead to a dangerous crash where my airbags won't deploy.
Key switch no longer works on my 2001 Saturn Sc2. Dealer wants $400 to fix because car is out of warranty. . My key still works on the doors and trunk. I have a '53 Chevrolet with the original key and it still works. I understand this is a problem with all Saturns.