Timing Tensioner problems of the 2003 Saturn VUE

While driving my son noticed a sound coming from the engine that was not normal. When we stopped I opened the hood and investigated. When idiling it sounded like a chain slapping, at 1000 rpms the sound was like a whir instead of a slap. After listening for a few moments I decided it sounded like the timing chain. The next day my wife brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer and they determined that the tensioner had failed and the chain was indeed slapping around, but it had not damaged a valve. I checked on the internet and found that Saturn engines, such as mine (2. 2l engines), did indeed have a problem with the timing chain. A recall was issued for that engine, but only 2000-2002 model year. Total cost to repair was almost $1400. 00.

Vehicle lost timing chain tensioners at 57k miles, due to poor oil flow at low rpms despite regular oil changes and maintenance. Cost to repair is $1400. 00, Saturn will not recall or cover costs to repair engine. And says there are no 'known issues with this model' yet the l-series which has the same 2. 2l engine has recalls out for timing chain issues. And in the new parts purchased for repair Saturn has included upgraded oilers to increase oil flow to failed components.