general problems of the 2002 Saturn SL

Keys come out of ignition during use.

We have a Saturn Sl1 that has the exact same problem that the cars on the ignition recall list have. The key comes out in any position - the wheel locks up and we can't get it to unlock - we live in a rural area and our roads are very rough. We feel that the key may move from the run position while we are driving the car and the engine will turn off and we will be in great danger. We have contacted gm and they said that since the car is not on the recall list - there is nothing they can do. . . . We would appreciate it if you could investigate this situation. Our car has been sitting in our driveway for 3 months, because we are afraid to drive it. Thank you for your time -- awaiting your earliest response. L.

While car is moving key comes out of ignition.

Ignition switch fails causes steering wheel to lock and or unable to turn on car.

Spouse and I use car. The very first time the occurrence happened, was when parking car into driveway, I went to turn off car ignition and accidentally hit key ring, and the key fell out of the ignition, with the car in park, yet still running. On numerous occasions, while driving the car, the car is still running and the key easily Slips out of the ignition. Also, on more than one occasion, when trying to unlock the steering wheel, the key will not turn while in the steering ignition. We would have to move the steering wheel many times while simultaneously turning the key many times to unlock the ignition. One day soon, it might not turn. Yes, we know the advise is to use only a single key, not one on a multi-key ring. However, we both have used other cars for many years, and never had such difficulty or frequency of problems as this situation.

The key comes out of the ignition while running. There is also trouble turning the key in the ignition to start it. Similiar to what can happen when the stearing wheel locks, sometimes the key wont turn. This happens without the stearing wheel locked and takes 20-30 trys before it finally turns over.

I have removed the key with the vehicle stopped and the car continues to run. The key falls out of the ignition switch. Additionally, the key can be removed before being turned to the "off" position. This causes the key to be difficult to reinsert into the ignition.

Key comes out freely while car is in drive and key does not need to be in the ignition once car is started. Engine will randomly stall.

The coolant system breaks frequently. The radiator breaks about every year. There also seems to be a sticking accelerator. If you have to accelerate very quickly. The car will idle abnormally high for weeks before returning to normal. The ignition key comes out without turning the vehicle off.

Saturn is an l200 series/there was only the LS on your list. Numerous occasions of engine stall while traveling at all speeds. Called Saturn/said VIN not accepted? live in florida keys/had to go to miami & get tail lamp fixed/only lasted two weeks (this was before engine stall) & call to Saturn. Am 69yr old female/afraid to use car/paid for all sorts of repairs/modules/sensors???and more. No one in keys to repair via gm - Saturn said miami only. Roundtrip over 200 miles. Afraid to drive/can't afford another car/must junk and, ofcourse, Saturn said VIN # not under recall for engine or electrical. Is there any way to recoup dollars I paid for any repairs on this car??? so much more than I am listing here. . . . . . Thank you NHTSA.

When I removed the keys from my car it kept running. They keys have only fallen out twice, but I have since removed all the extras from the key fob. But the car should not continue to run after it has been placed in park and the key removed from the ignition. I know it is an older car and currently has 135,000 miles on it. I have had diligent maintenance performed on it since I purchased it new in 2002. The problem occurred when it had 45,000 miles on it and should have been replaced by gm, but I was advised it was a costly expense for me. Gm should replace the ignition at their cost.