Saturn SL owners have reported 7 unknown or other related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common unknown or other problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's unknown or other (7 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
Before buying Saturn Sl the dealership told me they had to replace a motor mount and promised me a good running car. Since buying this vehicle "used" in March of 2003 I have taken it to the shop on at least 5 occassions for a vibration in the motor that causes the vehicle to shake and a loud earing ringing humming in the car itself that would cause the steering wheel itself to shake. All but one of the times the dealer told me that it was a 4 cylinder and that is how they sound. Yhey would then reset the service engine soon light and send me on my way. The noise got gradually worse to the point that it was uncomfortable physically to drive it. I recently requested another look at the vehicle, they did in fact finally say " ya that's bad" and questioned why the service engine soon light had not come on but again replaced the same defected motor mount again. Now I have it back and there is still a noise in the engine that is not right and was told that it is no longer their problem. The vibration isn't as terrible as it was but my fear is that they never fixed the problem that casued the vibration just a symptom and therefore like when I first bought it it will come back. Thank you for listening.
Accessories: volume knob fell off. . . Not replaced yet. Overhead interior light fell off roof. . . Repaired in August. Other:since around 40,000 miles this car has had a severe vibration, wether from motor or transmission, or ??? is not known. Vibration is so bad that you cannot see clearly out of rearview mirror when in park, or in drive with foot on brake. If you are sitting in car while in park, vibration can actually cause a numb feeling in your butt (I am serious. . . This is not a joke!!!) other times it is a fight to keep the car to a stop if in drive because of vibration and a "leaping" feeling. Dash panel vibrates terribly loud, and is very distracting from this problem too.
Had to replace transmission casing had a bad leak wiring harness from ignition caught on fire putting me and my families life at risk rattles real bad in rear portion of car heater quit working.
No summary. Dt.
Interior overhead sagging above dome light, tried to have dealer fix (same condition after "repair"). Traction control button failed, had to be replaced. Ash tray light failed 3 times, dealer replaced. Ventilation blower only works on high speed - all other speeds burned out over 2 weeks (could smell electrical burning). Remote control works half of the time, no improvement after dealer replaced batteries, saying "white film" was a known cause of remotes not working. Change oil light came on 1000miles after last oil change, coinciding with fan blower burning out. Had to replace all 4 tires because of irregular wearing on rear and premature alignment drift on the front. Brake dust is excessive - front rims always coated black from dust. Some hesitation when automatic is shifting gears. Oxygen sensor replaced after 4 trips to the dealer to determine cause of "service engine soon light" coming on while accelerating. Adding 1liter engine coolant per month - no leaks noted under vehicle.
I recently had a frightening experience in my Saturn, only to be humiliated by the service manager and owner of the torrance dealership. Sunday night- I left my friends house to go home. Up until now my Saturn always ran perfectly and I took it in to the Saturn dealership for regularly scheduled maintenance. As soon as I started driving the car down the street I heard a loud metal bang under my car. It was incredibly frightening - I thought I ran over a bomb. Then I wanted to pull over so I continued to drive to pull over to the side. The clutch went into first and then second, then the car started to drift, I put it back in first only to find it started pulling backwards all on its own. I was scarred out of my mind at this point. I could have hit or killed someone -- thank god it wasn't on a freeway - this was an accident waiting to happen. I immediately stopped the car and called aaa to have it towed to the Saturn of torrance dealer. My regular service dealer as well as the dealer I purchased the car from. Next morning, bora cummings, the service rep called me at 7:30 am to tell me that it was probably a clutch or gear problem and that it was "still covered under warranty" (the car is less than 3 yrs old and only has 27,690 mi on it) she then called me back 1 hour later and told me that her manager said, "it would probably not be covered as this is normal wear, but they would call me at 4 pm and let me know - she also said that she didn't think the car could be fixed today anyway as it takes quite a number of hours to do this. They never called. By 5 pm I was worried. I was at least going to need a rental for the next days work if the car wasn't going to be done. Bora told me she reserved a rental car and to come and get it. When I got to the station -- 5:45 pm I was told, lo and behold that my car was almost ready and if I could come back in half and hour I could have it. I asked if they knew what the problem was yet. No safety defect listed in summary.
Engine warning light illuminated.