Owners have filed 228 complaints
about the 1993 Saturn SL with NHTSA between 1995 and 2017.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Saturn SL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 32
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
318.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
637.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
531.3%
150,000+ miles
212.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1993 Saturn SL 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 12Jul 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1993 Saturn SL
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA95003Opened 24 Feb 1995Closed 31 May 1996EQUIPMENT
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES
THIS INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTED HTE FUNCTIONAL ABERATIONS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM.MOST OF THE MALFUNCTIONS INVOLVED FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO PROPERLY REGULATE VEHICLE SPEED WHEN ENGAGED, FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO ENGAGE, OR SELF-DISENGAGEMENT OF THE SYSTEM. THESE PROBLEMS WERE INVESTIGATED AND STEPS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER TO REMEDY THEIR OCCURRENCES.SERVICE PROCEDURES WERE ISSUED FOR VEHICLES IN USE, AND A DESIGN MODIFICATION MADE FOR NEW VEHICLES.NO CONFIRMED ALLEGATIONS OF FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISENGAGE UPON COMMAND WERE IDENTIFIED.IMPRO...
PE94079Opened 7 Nov 1994Closed 24 Feb 1995EQUIPMENT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
93V132000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
Risk: SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
93V094000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE BATTERY CABLE ANDTHE STARTER HOUSING CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199310823,367 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a short circuit in the generator could cause excessive current flow in the generator wiring harness resulting in overheating and a possible engine compartment fire. Correction: Generator wiring harness will be replaced with one that will open, as a fuse would under these conditions, to eliminate the potential for an underhood fire.
Recall 1993023191 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the stakes securing the two halves of the brake booster assembly may not withstand the loads applied in a high effort manoeuvre. If separation occurs, the brake master cylinder will be disconnected resulting in loss of brakes. Correction: vehicles will be inspected and boosters replaced where required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Stockton, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 SATURN SL-2. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BUT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THREE POLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND EJECTED THE CONTACT THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS AND A PERMANENT HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT WAS IN A COMA ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ *JS
NHTSA complaint #11006222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, MOCrash1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 SATURN SL-2. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BUT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THREE POLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND EJECTED THE CONTACT THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS AND A PERMANENT HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT WAS IN A COMA ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ *JS
NHTSA complaint #11006222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOAK Park, MICrash1 injured
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014
NHTSA complaint #10585967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOAK Park, MICrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014
NHTSA complaint #10585967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOAK Park, MICrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014
NHTSA complaint #10585967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOAK Park, MICrash1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014
NHTSA complaint #10585967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Stockton, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 SATURN SL-2. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BUT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THREE POLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND EJECTED THE CONTACT THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS AND A PERMANENT HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT WAS IN A COMA ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ *JS
NHTSA complaint #11006222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, MOCrash1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 SATURN SL-2. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BUT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THREE POLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND EJECTED THE CONTACT THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS AND A PERMANENT HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT WAS IN A COMA ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ *JS
NHTSA complaint #11006222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesEugene, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
KEY CAME OUT OF IGNITION WHILE GOING AROUND CORNER, ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, EVERYTHING ELSE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. A LOCKSMITH CUT A NEW KEY THAT IS SINGLE SIDED, THIS DOES NOT FALL OUT BUT ALSO DOES NOT FUNCTION ON LOCKS.
NHTSA complaint #10775455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesVacaville, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 93V132000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10611240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOAK Park, MICrash1 injured
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014
NHTSA complaint #10585967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOAK Park, MICrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014
NHTSA complaint #10585967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOAK Park, MICrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014
NHTSA complaint #10585967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesOAK Park, MICrash1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014
NHTSA complaint #10585967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granby, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, THE MOTOR WOULD JUST STOP AND THEN WOULD NOT START UNTIL IT COOLED OFF. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED 6 TIMES WITHIN 6 MONTHS. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #10584831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granby, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, THE MOTOR WOULD JUST STOP AND THEN WOULD NOT START UNTIL IT COOLED OFF. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED 6 TIMES WITHIN 6 MONTHS. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #10584831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesFriendswood, TX
TIRES
I HAVE A TEMPORARY SPARE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN USED & CAME WITH THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT NEW. ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006, I DISCOVERED MY RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS PLAT & CHANGED IT, INSTALLING THE EMERGENCY FLAT (WHICH HAD NEVER BEEN USED). I HEADED TO THE NTB TIRE STORE TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE. AFTER DRIVING ONLY 2 ,MILES, THE EMERGENCY TIRE EXPLODED. I HAD TO CALL AAA & BE TOWED TO THE TIRE STORE. THE TIRE THAT EXPLODED: FIRESTONE TIEMPA SPARE T115/70R14 88M I HAD TO BUY A NEW TIRE. NOW, I ALSO HAVE TO BUY A NEW RIM + TIRE TO SERVE AS MY SPARE. I FEEL THAT, ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS OLD, THE EMERGENCY SPARE, NEVER USED, WAS DEFECTIVE, AND EITHER GM (SATURN) OR FIRESTONE SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. THIS UNSAFE TIRE SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SPARE. I HAVE SAVED THE TIRE FOR INSPECTION BY ANY PARTY.
NHTSA complaint #10174776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,310 milesAugusta, GA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT EXTRACT. THE DEALER DETERMINED BOTH RETRACTOR MODULES NEED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10158245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,900 milesCharles City, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PROBLEMS WITH THE HARMONIC BALANCER HAVING EXCESSIVE RUN OUT CAUSING IMPROPER SERPENTINE BELT ALIGNMENT WHICH CREATED EXCESSIVE BELT WEAR. IF PROBLEM IS LEFT UNATTENDED, SERPENTINE BELT/BALANCER CAN SEPARATE CAUSING ENGINE STALL AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHICH MAY CAUSE ACCIDENT. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER BUT DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM EXISTED EVEN THOUGH THE BALANCER WAS REDESIGNED. BALANCER WAS REPLACED BY THE OWNER AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL HAZARDS. I ALSO NOTICED SEVERAL FAILURE NOTICES BY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME BRAND/MODEL OF VEHICLE POSTED ON THE INTERNET. VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS A 1993 SATURN SL2 SDN W/DOHC 1.9L ENGINE COULD NOT FIND THE PROPER CATEGORY TO CLASSIFY THE VEHICLE I THE NEXT PAGES.
NHTSA complaint #10131997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH AND CRUISE CONTROL JUST SPEED UP ABOUT 10 MPH OUT OF THE BLUE. CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK AND RPMS TO JUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10112206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ANY SATURN KEY OF OR AROUD THE SAME YEAR CAN UNLOSK OTHER SATURN DOORS.
NHTSA complaint #10087011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesIdyllwild, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER PUMPED THE BRAKES, AND THE THEY MALFUNCTIONED. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT HOME. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION THE NEXT DAY. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY LEAKED ACID ON THE BRAKE LINE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE FAULTY DESIGN WHICH LOCATED THE BATTERY OVER THE BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10081573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,875 milesFredericksburg, VA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
SIDEWALLS CRACKING OPEN PREMATURELY.
NHTSA complaint #10056536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesFenton, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND PLACING THE GEAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL VEHICLE WILL JUMPED FORWARD, DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER OWNS FOUR OTHER SATURN VEHICLES. THREE OF THEM HAVE ALSO HAD THEIR VALVE BODY ASSEMBLIES REPLACED. ALL OF THE VEHICLES HAD UNDER 50000 MILES ON THEIR ODOMETER'S.
NHTSA complaint #10053882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesFarmington Hills, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT/ABS LIGHT, AND BATTERY LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE CONSUMER LEFT THE DEALER ALL THE DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10042763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesEnfield, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
THE ALTERNATOR BELT BROKE FOUR TIMES SINCE OWNERSHIP. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND THE BELT BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM.*AK THE SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING, DEALER REPLACED. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10042105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesEnfield, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
THE ALTERNATOR BELT BROKE FOUR TIMES SINCE OWNERSHIP. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND THE BELT BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM.*AK THE SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING, DEALER REPLACED. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10042105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,788 milesEnfield, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
OUR VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO VACATION ON HIGHWAY 95. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN. WE WERE APPROACHED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. AT THIS POINT WE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR, AND IMMEDIATELY, THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD OF THE CAR. VISIBILITY IN THE CAR WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBILE. WE TRIED TO STOP THE CAR, BUT WE HAD NO BRAKES, NOR ANY EMERGENCY BRAKES. WE TRIED PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, BUT THE GEAR SHIFT HAD BEEN MELTED DOWN AS WELL. WE HAD TO CUT THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND LET IT COAST TOWARDS A DITCH TO STOP IT.WE JUMPED OUT AND RAN OVER A DITCH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS THERE WITHIN TWO MINUETS FROM ANOTHER BURNING CAR. EVERTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS MELTED. WE WERE TOLD BY THE FIREMEN THAT UNDER THE CAR WAS ALSO MELTED DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10026096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeport, CTFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.*JB
NHTSA complaint #10009241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St.cloud, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
VALVE TRAIN SEEMS TO FAIL AT ABOUT 95-160 THOUSAND MILES WITH UNKNOWN CAUSE. CALLED BOTH DEALER AND REPAIR SHOPS. BOTH SEEM TO SAY THE SAME. EITHER VALVE SEATS OR PISTON RINGS FAIL AT THESE POINTS OF MILAGE. BETWEEN 95,000 TO 160,000 MILES WITH UNKNOWN CAUSE. SOME SAID MIGHT BE THE ALUMINUM HEAD DEFECT, OTHERS SAID THAT THERE ARE STRESS CRACKS FROM THE MOLDING OF THE HEAD. THEY ALL SAY CAN NOT REALLY TELL UNTIL TAKEN APART AND VISUALLY CHECKED. HIGH COST TO DO THIS. BUT NO KNOWN RECALLS ON THE HEAD DEFECT OR VALVE SEAT OR VALVE TRAIN SYSTEM. ALSO ON THE DOOR HINGE, THE DOOR SEALS LET WATER DOWN TO THE HINGE AND IT ROTS OUT THE HINGE ON THE DOOR, CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL OR ROT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #768642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St.cloud, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VALVE TRAIN SEEMS TO FAIL AT ABOUT 95-160 THOUSAND MILES WITH UNKNOWN CAUSE. CALLED BOTH DEALER AND REPAIR SHOPS. BOTH SEEM TO SAY THE SAME. EITHER VALVE SEATS OR PISTON RINGS FAIL AT THESE POINTS OF MILAGE. BETWEEN 95,000 TO 160,000 MILES WITH UNKNOWN CAUSE. SOME SAID MIGHT BE THE ALUMINUM HEAD DEFECT, OTHERS SAID THAT THERE ARE STRESS CRACKS FROM THE MOLDING OF THE HEAD. THEY ALL SAY CAN NOT REALLY TELL UNTIL TAKEN APART AND VISUALLY CHECKED. HIGH COST TO DO THIS. BUT NO KNOWN RECALLS ON THE HEAD DEFECT OR VALVE SEAT OR VALVE TRAIN SYSTEM. ALSO ON THE DOOR HINGE, THE DOOR SEALS LET WATER DOWN TO THE HINGE AND IT ROTS OUT THE HINGE ON THE DOOR, CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL OR ROT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #768642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.