Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 08/11/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer will provide information. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||
| Defective fan belt tensioner assembly failed, causing a loss of power steering and abs while making u-turn. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 08/06/2007 | 131000 | 1 | 07/31/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 saturn sl2. while driving 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke rising from the hood. he then pulled over as the smoke turned into flames. after he extinguished the fire, he restarted the vehicle and oil sprayed out from the cylinder head. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 131,000. updated 01-11-08. *kb updated 12/12/07 *tr | |||
| 11/08/2001 | 1 | 09/08/1999 | |
| A extreme problem with oil consumption since the time of ownership of the vehicle and the problem is getting worse with every mile driven. i am at the point now of putting/adding 2-3 quarts of oil every 300-400 miles. engine freeze is now on the horizon due to sludge build-up. and i've been told this is what saturns do. can this be right to the consumer. *nm | |||
| 09/02/1999 | 1 | ||
| Excess oil consumption: vehicle could stop without warning as a result of engine burn-up. saturn denies responsibility for defective engine.*ak | |||
| 03/01/2000 | 30000 | 2 | 08/08/1996 |
| The consumer stated that the torque axis motor mounts had broken at 30,000 miles and at 60,000 miles. mr scc | |||
| 10/20/2001 | 1 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Was driving approximately 50mph and was merging into traffic when transmission locked in gear and failed to change.*ak consumer stated prior to purchasing vehicle she complained of a clunk noise when changed gears into reverse, also the driver side brake light is inoperable, also the right side mirror needed to be replaced, engine mounts were replaced,brakes were replaced, serpentine belt was cracked, engine overheats.*slc | |||
| 12/21/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Possible design flaw is causing the steel timing chain to break resulting in engine failure. nlm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| Approximately two quarts oil consumption every 3000 miles. problem existed in previous '92 saturn sl1 and my current car '1997 saturn sl2.*ak | |||
| 09/01/2000 | |||
| Air conditioner: foul smell like cat pee/ammonia after using a/c. reported several times to dealer; they removed a/c parts and cleaned evaporator, etc but smell persists. unsafe for owner's health to use a/c; odor causes headache and breathing trouble.*ak | |||
| 10/20/2001 | 1 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Was driving approximately 50mph and was merging into traffic when transmission locked in gear and failed to change.*ak consumer stated prior to purchasing vehicle she complained of a clunk noise when changed gears into reverse, also the driver side brake light is inoperable, also the right side mirror needed to be replaced, engine mounts were replaced,brakes were replaced, serpentine belt was cracked, engine overheats.*slc | |||
| 03/26/2001 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle seized while driving at approximately 30 mph. *ak | |||
| 02/12/1998 | 10/01/1997 | ||
| Engin burn one quart of oil every 1,000 miles | |||
| 03/01/2000 | 4 | ||
| Vehicle stalled intermittently while traveling. vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on four occasions, and dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 12/27/1999 | 2 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Leak discovered when getting oil changed. took it to dealer, advised not safe to drive, replaced shift gear.. 5 months later leaks again. *ak | |||
| 04/03/1998 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle's engine continually makes noise, louder with air conditioner running, unable to determine cause. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 01/24/2004 | 135039 | 2 | 03/19/2000 |
| While driving at app. 45 mph on a city road there was a loud clunking sound in the engine followed by a continuous rattle. i pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle. the serpentine belt had come off the pulley by 3/4 inch. i proceeded to get the belt so that it would not work itself off. i promptly went to the local exxon and pulled off the belt and put the car on a lift. after inspection it was noted that the alternator bracket..an extension of the engine block, had broken off cleanly. after consulting with the mechanics there, and 2 other ase certified mechanics, it was determined that the cause was a defect in the casting of the engine block. i contacted the local saturn dealership who was of no help. i will be having the braking tig welded back on monday, then driving to the dealership with pictures and documentation asking for reimbursement of the cost. *la | |||
| 03/30/1998 | 1 | ||
| Noise from engine area due to failed compressor leaking and contaminated serpentine belt. | |||