Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 2002 Saturn VUE

Over the past year, I have had several instances where the "check engine" light comes on and the car just shuts down and won't start up. I have also had the low coolant light come on and was leaking anti-freeze, which I kept on filling up. Once it was towed to the dealer and when they went to look at it the next morning, it started right up and they could not figure out what was wrong. Another time I left it and when I came back, it started right up. In both of those instances, I was driving less than 40 mph and was able to get to the side of the road safely. The 3rd time that the car died, I was traveling 65 mph on an interstate when the car suddenly died, without any warning. I had just enough time to pull over to the side of the road and avert an accident. I bought a new car, because I was afraid to drive this one and it has been sitting in my driveway for 8 weeks. I recently had the Vue towed to a different dealership. They said that I need a new timing belt and water pump. They also say that I need to have an I-bolt pulley, belt tensioner, alternator, and serpentine belt replaced. Other repairs that are needed are a front sway bar links and the bearing on the drive shaft. This car has only 92,000 miles.

The only "event" which led to the failure was accelerating to then merge into oncoming traffic. The timing chain failed/broke during acceleration while merging with oncoming traffic. Power was then lost,the vehicle died while going downhill. This caused loss of full brakes and steering while the vehicle rolled to a stop. The chain then damaged multiple valves leading to a potential minimum $2000 repair.

Driving at @ 35 miles per hour in our 2002 Saturn Vue when it stopped. Just stopped. Waited 2 hours in frigid conditions for a tow. Found out the following day that the timing chain had snapped. This in turn damaged two of the engine valves causing 1400 dollars in damage. Vehicle has only 65,000 miles.

Incident = second instance in 54,438 miles of: timing chain 'slipped' due to lack of lubrication. This is on my 2002 Saturn Vue, 4 cyl. Engine - front wheel drive. Saturn blames me for not keeping up with the every 3000 mile oil change requirement. (and is satisfied to look no further for other causes. ) I have seen a report, on this site, of an investigation into frequent timing chain failures in l-series models (having the same engine). The report references lack of oil flow to the timing chain when operating at low rpm. (this is the type of driving I do. ) the report also references "all timing chain service kits now available will include an oiler nozzel, a new design that will increase oil flow to the timing chain under low rpm operating conditions". The first instance was covered under warrantee at 24,663 miles. The current instance occurred at 54,438 mi. , and is now out of warrantee. Damage resulting = engine damage for the second instance is "beyond repair", and I am told the engine must be replaced. Even though the vehicle is out of warantee, Saturn offers to pay 50% of the cost of a rebuilt engine replacement. But, I cannot afford even 50% at this time. I have openned a case with Saturn to get more support. The case is currently awaiting action by the district manager who is on vacation until the firtst of the year.