Door Latch Problems of Saturn SL2

Prior to failure the rear door handle was not working properly, and the window had a motor problem. While driving the rear door popped open. Children were in the car, and consumer stopped immediately, took it to get repaired. They said it was a problem with the child safety locks being broken.

See all problems of the 1999 Saturn SL2 🔎.

Beginning in 2002 the rear doors on 1996 Saturn Sl2 began opening spontaneously while driving, first the passenger side, then the driver side. They would not relatch. We used bunji cords and then finally rope through partially open windows to keep them from flying open at speed. Repeated open and shutting and playing with mechanism finally got them to latch and keeping them locked seemed to help. Recently the door on passenger side was accidentally opened and would not latch again. Same thing on drivers side. Although we got them latched and locked again, no passenger or cargo is safe in the back seat if those doors are unlocked or sometimes even when locked.

See all problems of the 1996 Saturn SL2 🔎.

I would like to report a safety issue related to my vehicle. Earlier this week I purchased a used Saturn from a dealership in full working condition. When I came home to show the rest of my family the vehicle, we all went for a ride. My brother in the front passenger seat, and my mother in the back seat. After arriving back to my house my brother and I exited the vehicle, while my mother struggled unsuccessfully to exit the vehicle. Every time she pulled the door handle to open the door, the lock button directly above the handle would catch and remained locked. My brother and I were not able to open the vehicle doors from the outside either until about 10 minutes later after numerous unsuccessful attempts. This frightened our family quite a bit and poses a potentially lethal situation in the event of an accident. We are concerned for passengers that will not be able to exit the vehicle during an emergency. We have taken the vehicle to Saturn for inspection, and they will not even look into the issue unless I agree to pay $85/door to have them take apart the door to approach the problem. I feel this is unfair and an irresponsible attempt on their part to resolve this potentially dangerous issue. Thank you for your concern and let me know if you can be of any assistance in this matter.

See all problems of the 1997 Saturn SL2 🔎.

On 7/20/00, 9/21/00, 8/14/01, and 7/26/02, the doors on this vehicle did not close and secure. While driving, the doors must be tied shut with rope to secure them. Very dangerous as one incident, the left rear door opened while vehicle was moving. Passengers could fall out of the vehicle causing death or serious injury!! Saturn states they have never seen this problem. Current incident of 7/26/02 will be brought to dealer's attention. Saturn of danbury, CT also performed work on vehicle for same problem ( 8/14/2001). At this time, both rear doors had assembly and door handles replaced. The most recent incident on 7/26/2002, the passenger right-front door would not secure. Passenger must ride in rear seat. Vehicle is garaged year round and maintained by Saturn dealerships in stamford and danbury, CT.

While drving at various speeds, the rear doors would swing open for no reason. Would have locks (child proof also) on. The lock, sometimes, fails to keep the door locked. Had notified the manufacturer for parts. Was informed there was no problem with the door locks.