Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 1998 Saturn SL2

One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 1998 Saturn SL2. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Engine Belts And Pulleys problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2003

For the past 2-3 years I have had a massive oil consumption problem with my Saturn Sl2 '98. I brought it to two Saturn dealerships who told me that I had no leak nor was my car burning oil, in essence that I was imagining this problem. In July of 2003, the problem had gotten so bad that I was adding oil every 100 miles, then the car broke down and I brought it to a Saturn dealership. They said it was the timing belt/gasket and I replaced them on their recommendation that it would fix all the problems - cost $1000. The car continues to consume massive amounts of oil and regularly exhibits a burning smell. I brought it to a Saturn dealer last week who now tells me that the cam cover is cracked and needs to be replaced; however, he told me that I probably indeed have significant engine damage as a result of my many oil problems that this repair will not fix. I have worked my way up the Saturn corporate complaint system and I cannot get anyone to either pay for the repair, reimburse me for the previous repair or even acknowledge the underlying engine problem. Originally, I thought that this was a just me getting a "lemon" but after researching the problem my concern is much much greater. Specifically, there are numerous (well over 100) complaints on various internet cites about the same problem - everyone has massive oil consumption and many people's engines have actually caught on fire as a result of low oil. They have also tried to get Saturn to acknowledge the problem with the engines and to no avail. I am now afraid to drive the car for fear of it catching on fire. I would like the NHTSA to investigate the problems with Saturn engines and oil consumption. I am an attorney and plan to pursue my own case against Saturn for the cost of my repairs, but really feel like is a safety issue and that Saturn or the NHTSA needs to issue a warning to consumers to keep careful watch on their engines.




SL2 Service Bulletins
SL2 Safety Recalls