Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||||||||||||
| 07V519000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 11/01/2000 to 02/28/2001 | V (Vehicle) | 20514 | 01/15/2008 | ODI | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 11/07/2007 | 11/07/2007 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.2l 4-cylinder engine, links in the engine's timing chain can separate. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If a timing chain link separates while the engine is running, the engine will stall and will not restart increasing the risk of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace the timing chain free of charge. the recall began on january 15, 2008. owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Gm recall no. 06074.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| PIP-4495C | 03/01/2011 | 10038510 | Ready | 06/16/2011 | |
| PIP-4495C | 03/01/2011 | 10038510 | Gm: there may be noise coming from the cylinder head, because of low oil pressure which is caused by debris. *rm | 06/16/2011 | |
| 3859 | 3859A | 10020923 | Low oil pressure - inspect oil filter for damage. *kb updated 10/18/07. *nj | 01/30/2007 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||
| PE08061 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/16/2008 | 04/08/2009 | TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL | ||
| On may 22, 2008, theoffice of defects investigation (odi) was petitioned by the north carolina consumers council (nccc) to broaden the scope of safety recall 07v-519, which was conducted by general motors corporation (gm) for model year (my) 2001 saturn l-series vehicles equipped with the l61 2.2l engine and built during a 4-month period from november 2000 through february 2001 (dp08-002). on october 16, 2008, odi granted dp08-002 and opened pe08-061 to investigate timing chain failures resulting in engine stall while driving (swd) in the saturn l-series vehicles equipped with l61 engines and that used the same design timing chain and timing chain lubrication system as the recalled vehicles.a redesigned timing chain and lubrication system were implemented late in my 2002 production (may 1, 2002).hence, the subject vehicles for this investigation are all my 2000 through 2002 saturn l-series vehicles equipped with 2.2l l61 engines and built prior to may 2002 that were not included in recall 07v-519. in this investigation, odi analyzed updated complaint and warranty claims data for timing chain failures resulting in incidents of engine stall while driving, which comprise slightly over half of all timing chain failures occurring in the subject vehicle population.odi's analysis of complaint and warranty data shows that vehicles produced with the subject timing chain and lubrication system experienced elevated failure rates when compared with the my 2002 through 2003 vehicles using the revised components.however, the analysis also showed that the my 2001 saturn l-series vehicles recalled in 07v-518 experienced a significantly higher rate of timing chain failures than the subject vehicles.the complaint rate for timing chain failures resulting in swd was approximately 5 times higher for the recalled vehicles,19.2 incidents per thousand vehicles (iptv), than for the subject vehicles, 3.7 iptv.the warranty claims rate for chain failures resulting in swd was over 3 times higher for the recalled vehicles, 2.4 percent, than for the subject vehicles, 0.7 percent.the complaint and warranty rates for the subject vehicles were similar to rates recorded in other recently closed investigations for conditions that could result in swd with no engine re-start, ea07-015 and ea07-018.analysis of all complaints, field reports and warranty claims found no allegations of crashes or injuries associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles after approximately 7 to 9 years in service. odi's analysis of the stalling incidents that have resulted from timing chain failures in the subject vehicles found that they can occur at any speed and almost always result in a no restart condition.these are generally considered to be factors that increase the severity of stalling incidents.however, analysis of swd failure rates in the subject vehicles show that they have occurred at much lower rates than were observed in the recalled population.in addition, the swd complaint and warranty rates for the subject vehicles are similar to rates observed in prior investigations involving similar categories of engine stall consequences that were closed with no action.further investigation of this matter would not be an efficient allocation of agency resources.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action if warranted. | ||||||
| DP08002 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/18/2008 | 10/16/2008 | TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL | ||
| On june 6, 2006, odi opened an investigation of timing chain failure resulting in engine stall while driving with no restart in approximately 20,514 model year (my) 2001 saturn l-series vehicles equipped with 2.2l engines (l61) built from november 2000 through february 2001 (ea06-009).the vehicles built during those months exhibited higher failure rates than similarly equipped vehicles built before and after.gm introduced a new timing chain design in production in may 2002.odi closed its investigation after gm initiated a safety recall on november 7, 2007 (recall 07v-519). on may 22, 2008, the north carolina consumers council (nccc) submitted a defect petition to odi requesting the expansion of recall 07v-519 to include all my 1999 through 2003 saturn l-series vehicles with 2.2l engines using the same timing chain design as the recalled population.the petition states that the nccc continues to receive complaints from consumers that have had a timing chain fail in vehicles built outside the production range covered by the recall.the petition also notes that odi has continued to receive complaints.since the closing of ea06-009 odi has received 80 new complaints from consumers who had a timing chain fail in a my 2000 through 2002 saturn l-series with the 2.2l engine that were not covered by recall 07v-519 and were built prior to the timing belt change in may 2002.the complaints describe the same failure mode as the recalled population where the timing chain can break suddenly and without warning, resulting in engine damage and loss of motive power.the defect petition has been granted. a preliminary evaluation (pe08-061) has been opened. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | |||
| 08/01/2012 | 101000 | 1 | |
| Heard this strange noise coming from my engine...not sure what it was. drove a little ore about a mile ad the noise got louder decided to pull over, shut off my car. tried to turn it back over to see if the noise continued and it would not turn over. had my car towed to mechanic and was told it was the timing chain (belt). $1000.00 bill. i find out there was a recall on certain vin's and hundreds more after that complained and nothing is done. that's crap! i am the second owner...the car has only 100,000 on a car that is 11 years old. i have my oil changed every 3000 miles and serviced all the time. i believe this car has a faulty timing chain and i have to pay for it when it is clearly the manufacturers fault. does someone have to have a fire or die to be covered...it seems that is what your looking for! could someone please advise! *tr | |||
| 08/01/2012 | 101000 | ||
| Heard this strange noise coming from my engine...not sure what it was. drove a little ore about a mile ad the noise got louder decided to pull over, shut off my car. tried to turn it back over to see if the noise continued and it would not turn over. had my car towed to mechanic and was told it was the timing chain (belt). $1000.00 bill. i find out there was a recall on certain vin's and hundreds more after that complained and nothing is done. that's crap! i am the second owner...the car has only 100,000 on a car that is 11 years old. i have my oil changed every 3000 miles and serviced all the time. i believe this car has a faulty timing chain and i have to pay for it when it is clearly the manufacturers fault. does someone have to have a fire or die to be covered...it seems that is what your looking for! could someone please advise! | |||
| 06/24/2012 | 120000 | 1 | |
| I was going to my part time job on sunday and my car shut off on the freeway. i was nearly rear ended by a semi and sidswiped by another car trying to get to the shoulder my hazards where on. i had it towed to a mechanic and they informed me it was the timing chain and the upper end of the engine would need to be rebuilt/replaced. they told me it would be cheaper to replace the engine and those year saturns had a problem with the timing chains. i have since lost my job and quickly aproaching eviction the only reason iam not homeless is because my primary job is 6.8 miles away biking distance .i still owe money on the car so iam now paying $5,000 for a car that needs $2,000 repair i cannot afford. i have owned 2 saturns in the past and they where awesome. *tr | |||
| 06/24/2012 | 120000 | ||
| I was going to my part time job on sunday and my car shut off on the freeway. i was nearly rear ended by a semi and sidswiped by another car trying to get to the shoulder my hazards where on. i had it towed to a mechanic and they informed me it was the timing chain and the upper end of the engine would need to be rebuilt/replaced. they told me it would be cheaper to replace the engine and those year saturns had a problem with the timing chains. i have since lost my job and quickly aproaching eviction the only reason iam not homeless is because my primary job is 6.8 miles away biking distance .i still owe money on the car so iam now paying $5,000 for a car that needs $2,000 repair i cannot afford. i have owned 2 saturns in the past and they where awesome. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 03/10/2012 | 200000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. the contact was driving approximately 40 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the failure was located at the engine timing belt. the mechanic advised that the timing belt was fractured and caused the engine motor to fail. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 200,000. kmj | |||
| 03/10/2012 | 200000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. the contact stated while driving at approximately 40mph, the vehicle loses power, and stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic. the failure was located at the engine timing belt broke, and caused the engine motor to failed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 200,000. li | |||
| 10/06/2011 | |||
| Gm recall #06074 towed to dealer pine belt chevy lakewood n.j. dealer refuses to make the repairs says theirs a vin# brake where this # does not cover recall repair from gm i just think they do not want to repair the vehicle . | |||
| 09/06/2011 | 112000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. the contact was driving 55 mph when the vehicle stalled and all of the warning lamps in the instrument panel illuminated. the contact inspected the vehicle and realized that the timing chain was fractured. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the vin was not available. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 112,000. | |||
| 09/16/2011 | 89869 | ||
| Timing chain has slipped causing car to speed up and slow down and stall. narrowly avoided causing an accident. this failure is reported in security bulletin 06074 yet dealer refuses to honor recall. | |||
| 09/06/2011 | 112000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. the contact was driving 55 mph when the vehicle stalled and all of the warning lamps in the instrument panel illuminated. the contact inspected the vehicle and realized that the timing chain was fractured. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the vin was not available. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 112,000. kmj | |||
| 09/16/2011 | 89869 | ||
| Timing chain has slipped causing car to speed up and slow down and stall. narrowly avoided causing an accident. this failure is reported in security bulletin 06074 yet dealer refuses to honor recall. | |||
| 09/06/2011 | 112000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. the contact was driving 55 mph when the vehicle stalled and all of the warning lamps in the instrument panel illuminated. the contact inspected the vehicle and realized that the timing chain was fractured. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the vin was not available. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 112,000. kmj | |||
| 09/16/2011 | 89869 | ||
| Timing chain has slipped causing car to speed up and slow down and stall. narrowly avoided causing an accident. this failure is reported in security bulletin 06074 yet dealer refuses to honor recall. | |||
| 09/06/2011 | 112000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph the vehicle stalled and all of the warning lamps in the instrument panel illuminated. the contact inspected the vehicle and realized that the timing chain was broken. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offered any assistance since the vehicle was not included on recall nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 ). the vin was not available. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 112,000. pm | |||
| 09/16/2011 | 89869 | ||
| Timing chain has slipped causing car to speed up and slow down and stall. narrowly avoided causing an accident. this failure is reported in security bulletin 06074 yet dealer refuses to honor recall. | |||
| 07/12/2011 | 102400 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn l-series. the contact was traveling 60 mph when the timing chain fractured. the contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic were the contact was informed of a recall for the timing chain. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa recall campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the vehicel was not repaired. the failure mileage was 102,400. | |||
| 07/12/2011 | 102400 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 saturn l-series. the contact was traveling 60 mph when the timing chain fractured. the contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic were the contact was informed of a recall for the timing chain. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa recall campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the vehicel was not repaired. the failure mileage was 102,400. kmj | |||
| 07/12/2011 | 102400 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 saturn l-series. the contact was traveling 60 mph when the timing chain broke on the vehicle. the contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic were the contact was informed the vehicle had a recall for the timing chain. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told the vehicle was not included in nhtsa recall campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the failure mileage was 102,400.rl | |||
| 07/25/2011 | 95000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. the contact stated while driving 50 miles per hour the vehicle unexpectantly loss power, and the engine shut down. the vehicle coasted to a stop, and the engine did not restart. the vehicle was towed to the local body shop, for a failure diagnostic. the body shop diagnostic indicated bad timing chain failure. the manufacturer was contacted, and they indicated the vin did not qualify for recall, under nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the vehicle was not repaired, and the vin is unknown. the failure and current mileage was 95,000. rds | |||
| 06/17/2011 | 124000 | ||
| There were no problems with the car until it died and would not restart. we had it looked at and the mechanic determined it was the timing chain. i saw the recall for the timing chain online and called saturn. they said the recall did not affect my car and the timing chain breaking was a coincidence. | |||
| 07/08/2011 | 80000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. while driving at approximately 25 mph the contact heard a ticking sound coming from the engine. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. the mechanic stated the timing chain needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated the ticking sound was constant and could be heard while parked and while driving. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was contacted and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000. ds | |||
| 06/17/2011 | 124000 | ||
| There were no problems with the car until it died and would not restart. we had it looked at and the mechanic determined it was the timing chain. i saw the recall for the timing chain online and called saturn. they said the recall did not affect my car and the timing chain breaking was a coincidence. | |||
| 07/08/2011 | 80000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. while driving at approximately 25 mph the contact heard a ticking sound coming from the engine. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. the mechanic stated the timing chain needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated the ticking sound was constant and could be heard while parked and while driving. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was contacted and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000. ds | |||
| 06/17/2011 | 124000 | ||
| There were no problems with the car until it died and would not restart. we had it looked at and the mechanic determined it was the timing chain. i saw the recall for the timing chain online and called saturn. they said the recall did not affect my car and the timing chain breaking was a coincidence. | |||
| 07/08/2011 | 80000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. while driving at approximately 25 mph the contact heard a ticking sound coming from the engine. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. the mechanic stated the timing chain needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated the ticking sound was constant and could be heard while parked and while driving. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was contacted and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000. ds | |||
| 06/17/2011 | 124000 | ||
| There were no problems with the car until it died and would not restart. we had it looked at and the mechanic determined it was the timing chain. i saw the recall for the timing chain online and called saturn. they said the recall did not affect my car and the timing chain breaking was a coincidence. | |||
| 07/08/2011 | 80000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. while driving at approximately 25 mph the contact heard a ticking sound coming from the engine. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. the mechanic stated the timing chain needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated the ticking sound was constant and could be heard while parked and while driving. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was contacted and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000. ds | |||
| 12/03/2010 | 70000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled without any warning. the contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the timing chain was fractured and damaged the engine. the vehicle was not repaired. in addition, the contact stated that intermittently, when trying to start the vehicle the key would not turn in the ignition. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000. | |||
| 12/03/2010 | 70000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds when the vehicle suddenly stalled without any warning. the vehicle was unablt to restart and then towed to a independent mechanic. he advised her that the timing chain had fractured and damaged the engine. the vehicle has not been repaired. in addition, when trying to start the vehicle the key will not turn on a intermittent basis. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000. tb | |||
| 03/03/2011 | 88000 | ||
| The timing chain on my 2001 l series sedan broke on 3/2/2011 and the vehicle could not be restarted. a recall had been issued for this repair (recall campaign 07v519000); however my vin was approximately 30,000 vehicles outside of the recall range. i belive that this vehicle should be covered by the recall due to the close proximity to the recall range. | |||
| 02/07/2011 | 140000 | ||
| Timing chain on 2001 saturn 2.2 4 cylinder broke without warning leaving the car stranded in traffic also caused damage to valves as result of timing chain break. date of incident was 02/07/2011 miles 141,000 | |||
| 12/01/2010 | 150000 | 1 | |
| 2001 l200 saturn. consumer states problem with timing chain *tgw the consumer stated she experienced the same failure with the timing chain as stated in the recall. however, her vehicle identification number was excluded from the recall.*jb | |||
| 06/19/2010 | 110000 | ||
| Timing chain broke while driving on interstate 40 causing catastrophic engine damage. engine had to be rebuilt.old parts are available. | |||
| 08/30/2010 | 95000 | ||
| I have a 2001 saturn l2000,with 95000 miles. i brought the car in 2007 with 86000 mile. on august 30, i tried to start my car, and it would not turn over. i had it checked and my timing chain was broken. my repairs are suppose to be around $1000 or more. i haven't decided whether it's worth repairing. | |||
| 06/19/2010 | 110000 | ||
| Timing chain broke while driving on interstate 40 causing catastrophic engine damage. engine had to be rebuilt.old parts are available. | |||
| 08/30/2010 | 95000 | ||
| I have a 2001 saturn l2000,with 95000 miles. i brought the car in 2007 with 86000 mile. on august 30, i tried to start my car, and it would not turn over. i had it checked and my timing chain was broken. my repairs are suppose to be around $1000 or more. i haven't decided whether it's worth repairing. | |||
| 08/10/2010 | 110000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. the contact was driving approximately between 35-40 mph; and a loud rattling noise was coming from outside of the vehicle, followed by the engine stalling. the engine would not restart, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the failure was contributed to the timing chain that resulted to internal damages within the engine. the estimated repair cost was $2,300. there was a recall related to the defect under nhtsa campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the vin was excluded from the recall. the contact stated the engine failure was similar to the recall. the failure mileage was approximately 110,000. js | |||
| 03/22/2010 | 98000 | 1 | |
| Timing chain broke. engine stalled and would not restart. was examined by several mechanics and determined the timing chain broke and may be under the guidelines for a free repair according to the service bulletin. i have contacted saturn, consumer affairs, and i am just looking for a remedy to this problem as it could have been fatal to either me, my son , or any passengers. my car was well maintenances and has 98,000 miles on it. *dt | |||
| 10/05/2009 | 82000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. the contact was driving approximately 65 mph; the timing chain broke without warning. the vehicle was coasted off of the highway. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the authorized dealer for repairs. the vin was not included in the recall defects. the vehicle has not been repaired at this time. the current and failure mileages were 82,000. | |||
| 06/06/2009 | 96000 | 1 | |
| Timing chain broke causing engine damage, traffic holdup, and having to push car out of way. was told by saturn this vehicle did not qualify for recall, but incident happened exactly how it was described in recall. *tr | |||
| 06/05/2009 | 90000 | 1 | |
| My 2001 saturn l200, purchased in december of 2006, no longer runs because of a serious design flaw in the timing chain mechanism. the vehicle has only about 90,000 miles on it and the timing chain broke while i was driving. this caused the valves in the engine to bend. i was told that this problem 'hardly ever happened with the l-series' however, upon further investigation i discovered that the timing chain assembly used in the recalled vehicles was also used in model year 1999 through 2003 saturn l-series vehicles with 2.2 liter engines, which would include my vehicle. i got this information from consumer affairs. i also found that saturn has repaired 2,932 vehicles under warranty because of timing chain failures and there are another 890 consumer complaints regarding this problem. when i called with this new information i was told that i had to tow my disabled vehicle to saturn for their diagnosis at additional cost to myself before they could tell me if any of the cost of repair (estimated at 2,272.00 by an independent mechanic) would be covered by saturn. i was informed from saturn's customer service that since i purchased the vehicle used, if saturn did decide to cover something it was highly unlikely that they would cover 100%. *tr | |||
| 04/21/2009 | 49000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. while driving less than 25 mph, the engine would skip and eventually stall. the contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that there was a misfire in the vehicle. the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a saturn dealer and they stated that the timing chain needed to be replaced. the manufacturer stated that his vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling), although the failures were identical. the vehicle is still at the dealer and has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 49,000. | |||
| 12/05/2008 | 200 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. while driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions, the contact heard a strange noise outside of the vehicle. there were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and the timing chain was diagnosed as the cause of the noise. through research, the technician discovered nhtsa campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the authorized dealer stated that the vin was excluded from the recall. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 200 and the current mileage was unavailable. | |||
| 01/23/2009 | 117887 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. while driving 45 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning. the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle still would not budge. the vehicle stalled and was towed to an auto body shop. the timing chain was diagnosed as the cause of the failure and needed to be replaced. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the vehicle has not been repaired and is currently at the dealer. the failure and current mileages were 117,887. | |||
| 10/27/2008 | 120000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. while driving less than 50 mph, the rpms decreased and the vehicle stalled. the vehicle could not be restarted and was towed to an independent mechanic. it was discovered that the timing belt failed. the mechanic stated that the motor could have possibly been damaged from the timing belt failure. the failure and current mileages were less than 120,000. | |||
| 08/30/2008 | 129000 | 1 | |
| Tl - the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. while driving 50 mph the engine shut off. the vehicle had to be towed. the diagnosis was that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. the contact referenced a safety recall 07v519000 - engine and engine cooling. when the dealer was contacted he said that the recall did not apply to the vehicle identification number. the current and failure mileage was 129,000. kg *updated 10/20/08 *bf updated 10/21/08. *jb | |||
| 07/12/2007 | 1 | 07/31/2005 | |
| My daughter was driving my 2001 saturn on a county road at 55 mph when the car just stopped. luckily, she was able to get off the road safely and was not injured. the mechanic at the dealership told me that the motor was shot due to the timing chain breaking. i now have to pay 1500 for a new motor to be installed. i still owe more than 4,000 on the car. in researching the saturn, i found that there were many complaints about this same problem but there has never been a recall of the saturn for this. i believe it is time for action to be taken against gm regarding this problem with the timing chain in the saturn. *tr | |||
| 01/14/2007 | 58767 | 1 | |
| My family and i were traveling on u.s. 301 at 9:00 a.m. on our way home in our 2001 saturn (l100) coupe. there was a clicking sound coming from the engine that had started while driving home. while going 65 mph, there was a popping sound and the oil light came on. the car quickly lost power and forced us to the side of the road. we were shaken by the thought what could have happen if we were in an area with heavy traffic. i was able to flag down a passing tow truck to help us out. the road service unit dropped the car off at a local mechanic and the family at home. the local car mechanic could not determine what was wrong with the car until it was taken apart and examined. the first examination determined that the timing chain and had failed and would have to be replaced. the mechanic also explain that the engine would have to be taken apart to determine the extent of the damage. i said yes, although i know it would be an expensive repair. i thought with the low miles (58,767) on the car, the work would be worth while. the examination of the engine revealed a damaged head and bent valves. what looked like a $1000.00 timing change replacement quickly went to several thousand dollars worth of damage! i called the saturn dealer to see about warranties that went with the car and what help they could provide. they explain that they couldn't consider a warranty without first examing the car in their own shop and having all the maintenance records provided to them. with the additional towing fees, examination fees from the local mechanic, and no gurantees from the saturn dealer; i decide to allow the local mechanic to do the work. the following parts had to be replace due to the 'premature failure of the timing chain: head, head gasket, valve gasket, front cover gasket, timing chain kit, valves, belt, spark plugs, wire set, filter, oil, and antifreeze. the total bill came to $ 2,480.80. the car is running fine now. | |||
| 11/13/2006 | 53898 | 1 | 04/07/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls1. while driving at a low speed and attempting to make a right turn the vehicle shut off. the vehicle was towed to local service center, who recommend that the vehicle be taken to the dealer. the dealer stated that the timing chain detached and damaged the head. also, the head, front gasket, and all related parts needed to be replaced. the repair was completed and cost $1,669.94. the contact stated that the vehicle did not have enough miles on it to have such a failure. on the nhtsa website he discovered a few complaints for the same failure. the current and failure mileages were 53,898.*ak | |||
| 08/05/2006 | 84972 | 1 | 01/05/2006 |
| My 2001 l-series saturn developed a low speed miss, was diagnosed as a sticking valve at saturn of frederick, md. three days later on a narrow road my timing chain broke at 55 mph. causing a sudden shut down of the vehicle. fortunately, i was able to drift the vehicle over to a very narrow shoulder. the vehicle was towed to a local auto repair shop. diagnosis was made as broken timing chain which also caused bent valves in the cylinder head. new timing chain kit was installed and the head was re-done with new valves and gaskets. it should be noted that the new timing chain kit was and updated kit correct early design problems with an oilier nozzle. *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 07/28/2009 | 114353 | 1 | |
| 2001 saturn l100, car broke down on mass pike, overheated; towed to mechanic, he replaced thermostat, but the water pump was still not operating correctly and in process of further testing found one of the timing chains had broken and needed to be replaced; (this saturn model has two chains-one runs the engine and one the cooling system); when looking up the information to order the parts for the repair he got a tech note on a recall for this specific problem. only saturn said my vin number is not covered in the recall. i've seen many other complaints like this on the web. saturn will not replace the timing chain as a part of the recall. i am having it done on monday at saturn of medford, massachusetts. i was told to be sure to register this complaint with you in hope of having the recall expanded to cover my car and others like it with this problem that was recalled, but that saturn has somehow found a loop hole and is not fixing. i have not had a car since july 28--the longest since i was 16; my email is k505044@comcast.net; karen burke; should i ask saturn to save the old parts? i sent email information to john paul and hank phillippe ryan--local sources for help in matters like this. john paul responded and suggested i be sure to register this complaint in hope of expanding the recall. the incident was reported to the state police because it was a closed road--aaa could not respond to my need for a tow. i was referred through the state police for service on the mass pike. again i have seen other complaints online about this situation. i would like to see the recall expanded. obviously the problem exists, my car is proof. *tr | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 12/10/2008 | 63220 | ||
| In dec 2008 i had to replace the engine in my 2001 saturn l200, which had 63,220 miles, due to faulty timing chain. the mechanic called saturn and was told there was no recall, however i am finding out there is a recall on timing chains(per saturn vin#s 1y504884-1y559453). my car falls within that range and i am told it is not included. i called nhtsa and was told they are not given vin specific information. it is ridiculous to find this many problems with a vehicle and nobody wants to help consumers. | |||
| 01/25/2011 | 116000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. the contact stated the timing chain broke while he was driving 40 mph. the vehicle was pull to the side of the road and was towed to the dealer for them to inspect and repair the failure. there was a recall nhtsa campaign id number: 07v519000; component: engine and engine cooling. the dealer informed him his vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer was contacted who informed him his vin was not included and they are working together to come to a conclusion on who should be repairing the vehicle. the failure mileage was 116,000...mw | |||
| 01/11/2009 | 120000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. when attempting to reverse out of a parking space at 5 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and would not restart. a local mechanic stated that the timing chain failed. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for any repairs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 120,000. | |||
| 07/18/2008 | 80000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle spontaneously stalled. after two hours, the vehicle was able to be restarted. months later, while driving at an unknown speed, the failure recurred. the manufacturer stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. the failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 82,000. | |||
| 06/29/2008 | 41000 | 1 | |
| On sunday afternoon, june 29, 2008 i was traveling on a 3 lane in each direction highway at approximately 45 mph when my 2001 saturn (with 41,000 miles)suddenly stalled, losing all power functions (steering, brakes and speed control). i was able to coast across 3 lanes of following traffic and one lane of parking lane where i beached the car into a parking lot and tried to restart it. unfortunately, the car would crank, but not turn over. i eventually was able to arrange for a tow to my mechanic's nys licensed garage in the next town. my mechanic noted the timing chain failed and would need to be replaced as well as items damaged by the failure like inlet and exhaust valves as well as the head gasket needed to be replaced due to the required access to the parts and other parts involved. using a search i found that over 20,000 saturns with the 2.2l engine (like mine) had been recalled for this same failure (nhtsa campaign id #07v519000). i called saturn customer support, i was issued service request # . i provided her the details including my vin number. i mentioned i the other saturns of my year and model that also experienced the premature failure of the drive chain and requested my need for support. saturn said looking up my vin that my car did not qualify for the recall, although over 20,000 similar units were qualified, but if i brought the car to saturn, they would evaluate it for me. i explained that the car needed to be towed and to tow it to the nearest dealer was not possible as the mechanic had already determined the problem and was working on it, and i could supply the receipt and broken parts as evidence. she said it was not under coverage as the car was over 5 years old. three days later i received the bill for the repairs and towing (almost $2,700.00) and called saturn again to check to be sure there was nothing saturn would do. except for the old head gasket, i have all valves, timing chain and broken links involved in the repair. *tr | |||
| 04/25/2008 | 91300 | 1 | |
| Was driving when timing chain suddenly snapped. pushed vehicle to roadside and proceeded to get towed. repair estimated at $2,400.00. contacted beaverton saturn retailer and was told i'd be contacted later with no response. upon calling saturn corp. and using information acquired from nshta.com about a specific recall on my vehicle was told only that my vehicle's vin # is with in the recall breakpoint but is not covered and they have no information as to why my car is not included in the campaign . only that it wasn't and they have no reason or explanation as to why. *tr | |||
| 11/15/2006 | 83000 | 1 | 06/15/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l100. when the contact applied the brakes, the vehicle completely shut off and would not restart. the vehicle was towed to the saturn dealer who stated that the timing chain, alternator, and battery were not working properly. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 83,000. | |||
| 06/28/2007 | 109000 | 1 | 05/25/2001 |
| My 23 year old son was driving my 2001 saturn l200 down a highway on thursday, june 28, 2007, about 8pm, doing approximately 45 miles per hour, when the car stalled while driving. luckily, he was able to pull over on the shoulder. but, this could have been a tragedy. the car was towed to a saturn dealer who is indicating a $ 2800.00 charge for a known defect, timing chain failure, with an ever increasing trend. it is inexcusable that there is not a recall on this extremely dangerous defect. i have lost all confidence in saturn and it's company after finding out that many thousands of other saturn owners have had to live through this extremely dangerous experience. i encourage the nhtsa to quickly recommend a recall before a life is lost due to saturn not taking responsibility in this matter. *tr | |||
| 11/22/2006 | 1 | ||
| 2001 saturn l series timing chain broke**cc *jb | |||
| 08/19/2006 | 108000 | 1 | |
| My wife was driving our 2001 saturn l-100 west bound on i-70 traveling at approx 65 mph. when she began decelerating while approaching the exit ramp for us 33 south the engine quit. fortunately traffic was light and she was able to navigate the car to as safe stop on the berm of the exit ramp. after having the vehicle towed to the saturn dealer, we were in formed that the timing chain had stretched and skipped a tooth causing this zero clearance engine to require a rebuild costing nearly $3000. the dealer told me this was probably due to insufficient oil changes on my part. i change the oil in this car every 5000 to 6000 miles. since this incident i have discovered that hundreds if not thousands of other saturn l-series owners have experienced this same failure, many with less miles than my car. fortunately this did not happen during a high traffic time of day while driving in a middle or left lane ore while attempting to merge in a high traffic situation. *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 07/21/2009 | 66103 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. while driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle experienced excessive hesitation. the contact immediately turned off the ignition. the engine failed to restart after several attempts and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection. the mechanic stated that the timing belt failed and recommenced that the engine be replaced. the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling), although the failures were identical. currently, the engine is being replaced. the failure and current mileages were 66,103. | |||
| 03/10/2007 | 60000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. while driving 25 mph, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the engine. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the timing chain failed. the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $950. the contact called the manufacturer and was informed that a technical service bulletin was open for the failure that he was experiencing; however, he would have to pay for the repair. the contact called the manufacturer back when a recall was issued for the timing chain failure and was informed that no compensation would be provided because his vin was excluded from the recall. the nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. the failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 80,000. | |||
| 06/27/2007 | 109788 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the failure severely increased the risk of a crash. the vehicle was towed to a dealer and a technician stated that the timing chain link failed. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling). the vin range was between 1y504884 and iy559453. the contact notified the manufacturer again and was informed that they would cover the expense of the parts; however, he would be responsible for the more than $800 in labor costs. the contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. the failure and current mileages were 109,788. | |||
| 03/27/2007 | 101000 | 1 | 01/18/2005 |
| Timing chain failure while driving 60 mph. *ak | |||