Automatic Transmission problems of the 2000 Saturn SL2

The contact owns a 2000 Saturn Sl2. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact heard a loud bang. The vehicle shook and smoke appeared under the hood. There was a lot of fluid on the ground, and the vehicle had to be towed to the contact's residence. He found a hole in the transmission and called the dealer and manufacturer; however, they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was 117,000. Updated 07/29/08 updated 08/01/08.

Dt- was on the internet wondered if there was a recall for Saturn Sl2. There was, but it didn't include this vehicle due to VIN. When key is not in the ignition one can shift in any gear, and the vehicle will roll. It can be stolen if someone chose to push it onto a truck.

When vehicle is engaged in reverse it makes a terrible noise. Dealer notified.

While shifting in reverse the vehicle became inoperative. Consumer applied the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to move. Consume rwas unable to turn of the windshield wiper. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, an d mechanic determined that transmission and windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced.

While driving transmission failed with no warning. While driving, the vehicle all of a sudden overheated and stalled. The consumers mechanic told her the intake manifold was severely damaged.

I have only had this car 11 months. It only has 42, almost 43,000 miles on it and the transmission needs to be replaced. I dont understand that. I need some help getting my car repaired or replaced. I came to a complete stop and put the car in reverse to park. It wouldnt go into reverse. I took it to the dealer the following morning and they told me that I need a new transmission but couldnt explain how or why it happened. Help!! please!!ak.

Failure of reverse and 2nd gear consistent with sb612478, dated 4/2000. 2nd gear faded effectiveness over time, while reverse gear disappeared suddenly on 11/1/01. Examination by mechanic found the gear ring for reverse (which also holds 2nd gear) had disintegrated spraying debris throught the rest of the transmission. Manufacturer was aware of defect while vehicle was still under warranty, and vehicle had been serviced by dealer subsequent to the 4/00 bulletin. This information was not presented by Saturn to the customer, and Saturn has tried to claim the service bulletin means nothing. Dealer/Saturn corporate require examintion by their representative (dealer) prior to remedy, yet they will not do it without requiring labor be paid upfront. I purchased a 2nd Saturn in June 2001, a 2001 l200, that is also having 2nd gear difficulty at only 9000 miles. My trust in Saturn is in shambles -- I have been driving this vehicle for a year and half since this bulletin under the assumption that the vehicle was safe to drive, only to learn that information had been hidden relating to my vehicle. I purchased my second Saturn based on this false trust, and I feel cheated. I expect Saturn to remedy the defect, promtly and at their cost.