Owners have filed 154 complaints
about the 2002 Saturn SL with NHTSA between 2001 and 2023.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 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 — 29
Against the median year of the Saturn SL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% 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.
Automatic Transmission
1428.0%
Ignition
1122.0%
Recliner
510.0%
Engine
510.0%
Switch
48.0%
Gasoline
48.0%
Rotor
48.0%
Frontal
36.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
22.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
44.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1010.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2425.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1920.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1212.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1414.7%
150,000+ miles
1010.5%
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.
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2002 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.
Nov 2001peak 6Jul 2023
Recalls on the 2002 Saturn SL
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
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200203164 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles. These vehicles were assembled with an inadequate weld at the brake pedal pad to brake pedal actuator arm assembly. During braking, the brake pedal pad could separate from the brake pedal actuator arm. If this were to occur, the driver's foot could become dislodged from the pedal resulting in a loss of brake system application and a vehicle crash could occur. Correction: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the brake pedal assembly.
Recall 200200990 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles fail to comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards no. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and no. 214, "Side Impact Protection." these vehicles were manufactured with welds between the door striker and belt-line that do not meet Saturn specifications. If the seat belt anchorage on the pillar failed in a crash, the driver could be injured more seriously. In a side impact, occupants could also be injured more seriously because of greater intrusion or reduced performance of the optional side curtain air bag. Correction: dealers will install additional structural fasteners to the driver's side door pillar.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
High Point, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
A car hit me it the front passenger side the hood of my car bent up the passenger side of my windshield cracked and my car went spinning not one air bag came out
NHTSA complaint #11530331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 252,000 milesSouth Paris, MECrash1 injured
SEATS
THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, WAS INVOLVED IN A 3 CAR COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY A 1985 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD TRAVELING AT AT LEAST A MODERATE RATE OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO A 2002 AUDI (I BELIEVE IT WAS) SUV. DURING THE COLLISION THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK FAILED AND COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEAT. I BELIEVE IT WAS THE SEAT ADJUSTER THAT FAILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION DUE TO THE COLLISION AND THE SEAT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A STATE ROAD, AND WAS STATIONARY.
NHTSA complaint #11123911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesPaterson, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RT. 80, WHEN A CAR SWERVED INTO RIGHT LANE IN FRONT OF ME FROM ENTRANCE RAMP. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 45 MILES AN HOUR. AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONT END COLLISION, CAUSING LIFE ALTERING INJURY. LEFT TEMPORAL BRAIN DAMAGE, POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND EPILEPSY, ALSO OTHER INJURIES TO NECK, SHOULDER AND TO LOWER BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10944042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesST. Martinville, LACrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. WHILE COMING OUT OF A LEFT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE INTO A DITCH, OVER A LEVEE, AND CRASH INTO A PIPE. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE IGNITION KEY WAS ON THE FLOOR. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10631621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,414 milesCentennial, COCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE STARTER MOTOR ENERGIZED WITHOUT A KEY IN THE IGNITION OR ANYONE IN/NEAR THE CAR. IT WAS IN GEAR WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, AND IT RAN OVER A 12 INCH "STOP" AND INTO A FREEZER WHERE IT CONTINUED TO RUN FOR SOMETIME UNTIL IT BURNED UP. THE FREEZER PREVENTED IT FROM GOING THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL AND INTO THE HOUSE.
NHTSA complaint #10285018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesArlington, TXCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
MY SON HAD AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING 3 OTHER VEHICLES. THE MOTOR OF THE 2002 SATURN SL1 IN WHICH HE WAS DRIVING STALLED AS HE EXITED THE HIGHWAY ONTO A SERVICE ROAD. ONCE THE ENGINE STALLED,HE DID NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO STEER OR STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, HE STRUCK 2 VEHICLES THAT WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT CAUSING A CHAIN REACTION. THE SECOND VEHICLE THAT HE STRUCK HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE MY SON DROVE. THE RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE 1 SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THE REAR AND FRONT BUMPERS WERE DAMAGED ON VEHICLE 2. THE REAR OF VEHICLE 3 IS DAMAGED. THE SATURN IN WHICH MY SON WAS DRIVING HAD FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE, HOOD CRUMPLED, AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, LEFT REAR VIEW MIRROR SEPARATED FROM THE CAR, LEFT HEAD LIGHT AND BRACKETS DESTROYED, AND DAMAGE ALONG THE LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. *JB MY SON RECEIVED A SUPERFICIAL CUT IN WHICH THE EMERGENCY PARAMEDICS BANDAGED WHILE ON SITE. THE SATURN WAS TOWED TO SATURN OF ARLINGTON FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT THE COMPUTER CONTAINS VEHICLE SYSTEMS INFORMATION THAT OCCURED IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE COLLISION, HOWEVER HE DID NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO EXTRACT THE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10186683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
High Point, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
A car hit me it the front passenger side the hood of my car bent up the passenger side of my windshield cracked and my car went spinning not one air bag came out
NHTSA complaint #11530331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesCumming, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION REQUIRES KEY JIGGLE IN ORDER TO START. ELECTRICAL ISSUES SUCH AS CONSTANT SHORTS, MAJOR FAILURE IN SUPPORTING SYSTEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11361173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesCumming, GA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
IGNITION REQUIRES KEY JIGGLE IN ORDER TO START. ELECTRICAL ISSUES SUCH AS CONSTANT SHORTS, MAJOR FAILURE IN SUPPORTING SYSTEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11361173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,244 milesBloomington, IL
POWER TRAIN
I OWN A 2002 SATURN SL VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 7/2016. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY VEHICLE. BOTH STARTER AND BATTERY HAVE BOTH BEEN CHECKED OUT OK. ALL SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED ON 10/31/18. AFTER THESE REPAIRS, WHEN STARTED IT STILL MADE VERY NOISY SOUNDS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. NOW I CAN'T GET IT TO START AT ALL. I TRIED TO GET HELP ABOUT A RECALL RELATING TO MY VEHICLE'S STARTING PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED SATURN COMPANY 1(800)533-6000 AND GM RECALL CENTER 1(866)694-6546. NEITHER WERE WILLING TO HELP. I FOUND INFO ON THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK WEBSITE. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER AND FOLLOWING WAS DISPLAYED: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 03V231; REPORT DATE: INFO UNAVAILABLE; VEHICLES AFFECTED: 239,993; CONSEQUENCE: INFO UNAVAILABLE; WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR DEALERS FOR APPOINTMENTS TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED. PARTS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE DURING SEPTEMBER 2003. SUMMARY: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR. FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE. **CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH FINDING OUT IF THIS RECALL EFFECTED MY VEHICLE?
NHTSA complaint #11162608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,244 milesBloomington, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I OWN A 2002 SATURN SL VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 7/2016. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY VEHICLE. BOTH STARTER AND BATTERY HAVE BOTH BEEN CHECKED OUT OK. ALL SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED ON 10/31/18. AFTER THESE REPAIRS, WHEN STARTED IT STILL MADE VERY NOISY SOUNDS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. NOW I CAN'T GET IT TO START AT ALL. I TRIED TO GET HELP ABOUT A RECALL RELATING TO MY VEHICLE'S STARTING PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED SATURN COMPANY 1(800)533-6000 AND GM RECALL CENTER 1(866)694-6546. NEITHER WERE WILLING TO HELP. I FOUND INFO ON THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK WEBSITE. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER AND FOLLOWING WAS DISPLAYED: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 03V231; REPORT DATE: INFO UNAVAILABLE; VEHICLES AFFECTED: 239,993; CONSEQUENCE: INFO UNAVAILABLE; WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR DEALERS FOR APPOINTMENTS TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED. PARTS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE DURING SEPTEMBER 2003. SUMMARY: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR. FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE. **CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH FINDING OUT IF THIS RECALL EFFECTED MY VEHICLE?
NHTSA complaint #11162608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,244 milesBloomington, IL
ENGINE
I OWN A 2002 SATURN SL VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 7/2016. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY VEHICLE. BOTH STARTER AND BATTERY HAVE BOTH BEEN CHECKED OUT OK. ALL SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED ON 10/31/18. AFTER THESE REPAIRS, WHEN STARTED IT STILL MADE VERY NOISY SOUNDS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. NOW I CAN'T GET IT TO START AT ALL. I TRIED TO GET HELP ABOUT A RECALL RELATING TO MY VEHICLE'S STARTING PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED SATURN COMPANY 1(800)533-6000 AND GM RECALL CENTER 1(866)694-6546. NEITHER WERE WILLING TO HELP. I FOUND INFO ON THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK WEBSITE. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER AND FOLLOWING WAS DISPLAYED: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 03V231; REPORT DATE: INFO UNAVAILABLE; VEHICLES AFFECTED: 239,993; CONSEQUENCE: INFO UNAVAILABLE; WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR DEALERS FOR APPOINTMENTS TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED. PARTS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE DURING SEPTEMBER 2003. SUMMARY: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR. FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE. **CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH FINDING OUT IF THIS RECALL EFFECTED MY VEHICLE?
NHTSA complaint #11162608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 252,000 milesSouth Paris, MECrash1 injured
SEATS
THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, WAS INVOLVED IN A 3 CAR COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY A 1985 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD TRAVELING AT AT LEAST A MODERATE RATE OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO A 2002 AUDI (I BELIEVE IT WAS) SUV. DURING THE COLLISION THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK FAILED AND COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEAT. I BELIEVE IT WAS THE SEAT ADJUSTER THAT FAILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION DUE TO THE COLLISION AND THE SEAT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A STATE ROAD, AND WAS STATIONARY.
NHTSA complaint #11123911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,400 milesLebanon, PA
ENGINE
RPMS GO UP TO 5 AND THEN DROP TO 0 - ENGINE STALLS AND WILL START BUT WILL CONTINUE AT HIGH RPMS AND KEEP STALLING. AS I WAS TRAVELING AT 50 MPH, THE RPMS WENT UP TO 5, AND THEN QUICKLY DROPPED TO 0. THE ENGINE STALLED AND I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD START BUT WHEN REACHING 35 MPH, WOULD DO SAME THING (HIGH RPMS AND THEN DROP AND STALL). I HAD TO KEEP SITTING AND RE STARTING TO GET THE REMAINDER OF 6 MILES TO MY HOME. GARAGE RAN DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE CAR CONTINUES TO DO THIS AT LEAST 2 TIMES PER WEEK, CURRENTLY SITTING IN OUR GARAGE BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AND GET STRANDED AGAIN. THIS OCCURS ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS.
NHTSA complaint #11097012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesHunlock Creek, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
AFTER OPENING ANY DOOR, THE HANDLES STICK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, WON'T RELEASE AND THE DOOR MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED.
NHTSA complaint #11075178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 988,000 milesThousand Oaks, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION CYLINDER IS WORE OUT, WHEN PUTTING IN THE KEY, YOU HAVE TO JIGGLE THE KEY, SOMETIMES TAKES UP TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE KEY TO TURN AND START. SOMETIMES IT WORKS FINE. THIS IS AN OFF AND ON PROBLEM. THIS MONTH (SEPT 2017) IT HAS BEEN REAL BAD. I AM AFRAID TO GO ANYWHERE, FEARING I WILL BE STRANDED.
NHTSA complaint #11023642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesPaterson, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RT. 80, WHEN A CAR SWERVED INTO RIGHT LANE IN FRONT OF ME FROM ENTRANCE RAMP. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 45 MILES AN HOUR. AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONT END COLLISION, CAUSING LIFE ALTERING INJURY. LEFT TEMPORAL BRAIN DAMAGE, POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND EPILEPSY, ALSO OTHER INJURIES TO NECK, SHOULDER AND TO LOWER BACK.
NHTSA complaint #10944042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE COOLANT SYSTEM BREAKS FREQUENTLY. THE RADIATOR BREAKS ABOUT EVERY YEAR. THERE ALSO SEEMS TO BE A STICKING ACCELERATOR. IF YOU HAVE TO ACCELERATE VERY QUICKLY. THE CAR WILL IDLE ABNORMALLY HIGH FOR WEEKS BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL. THE IGNITION KEY COMES OUT WITHOUT TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10934318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesTarpon Springs, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND RETURNING TWENTY MINUTES LATER, THE IGNITION KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #10759947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,795 milesFernandina, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,795. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL EACH TIME. UPDATED 08/19/15*JB ALSO, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 11/19/15.
NHTSA complaint #10735168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Egypt, NJ
STEERING
THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAN NOT START, WHOLE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE, KEY COMES OUT DURING DRIVING. ...UPDATED 09/22/15
NHTSA complaint #10731864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Egypt, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAN NOT START, WHOLE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE, KEY COMES OUT DURING DRIVING. ...UPDATED 09/22/15
NHTSA complaint #10731864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesMcconnelsville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE KEY EJECTED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN IN THE ON POSITION WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #10691605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,330 milesKEY Colony Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
SATURN IS AN L200 SERIES/THERE WAS ONLY THE LS ON YOUR LIST.NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF ENGINE STALL WHILE TRAVELING AT ALL SPEEDS. CALLED SATURN/SAID VIN NOT ACCEPTED? LIVE IN FLORIDA KEYS/HAD TO GO TO MIAMI & GET TAIL LAMP FIXED/ONLY LASTED TWO WEEKS (THIS WAS BEFORE ENGINE STALL) & CALL TO SATURN. AM 69YR OLD FEMALE/AFRAID TO USE CAR/PAID FOR ALL SORTS OF REPAIRS/MODULES/SENSORS???AND MORE. NO ONE IN KEYS TO REPAIR VIA GM - SATURN SAID MIAMI ONLY. ROUNDTRIP OVER 200 MILES. AFRAID TO DRIVE/CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER CAR/MUST JUNK AND, OFCOURSE, SATURN SAID VIN # NOT UNDER RECALL FOR ENGINE OR ELECTRICAL. IS THERE ANY WAY TO RECOUP DOLLARS I PAID FOR ANY REPAIRS ON THIS CAR??? SO MUCH MORE THAN I AM LISTING HERE......THANK YOU NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #10643802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,330 milesKEY Colony Beach, FL
ENGINE
SATURN IS AN L200 SERIES/THERE WAS ONLY THE LS ON YOUR LIST.NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OF ENGINE STALL WHILE TRAVELING AT ALL SPEEDS. CALLED SATURN/SAID VIN NOT ACCEPTED? LIVE IN FLORIDA KEYS/HAD TO GO TO MIAMI & GET TAIL LAMP FIXED/ONLY LASTED TWO WEEKS (THIS WAS BEFORE ENGINE STALL) & CALL TO SATURN. AM 69YR OLD FEMALE/AFRAID TO USE CAR/PAID FOR ALL SORTS OF REPAIRS/MODULES/SENSORS???AND MORE. NO ONE IN KEYS TO REPAIR VIA GM - SATURN SAID MIAMI ONLY. ROUNDTRIP OVER 200 MILES. AFRAID TO DRIVE/CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER CAR/MUST JUNK AND, OFCOURSE, SATURN SAID VIN # NOT UNDER RECALL FOR ENGINE OR ELECTRICAL. IS THERE ANY WAY TO RECOUP DOLLARS I PAID FOR ANY REPAIRS ON THIS CAR??? SO MUCH MORE THAN I AM LISTING HERE......THANK YOU NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #10643802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oroville, CA
AIR BAGS
WE HAVE A SATURN SL1 THAT HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT THE CARS ON THE IGNITION RECALL LIST HAVE. THE KEY COMES OUT IN ANY POSITION - THE WHEEL LOCKS UP AND WE CAN'T GET IT TO UNLOCK - WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND OUR ROADS ARE VERY ROUGH. WE FEEL THAT THE KEY MAY MOVE FROM THE RUN POSITION WHILE WE ARE DRIVING THE CAR AND THE ENGINE WILL TURN OFF AND WE WILL BE IN GREAT DANGER. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY SAID THAT SINCE THE CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST - THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO....WE WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION. OUR CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY FOR 3 MONTHS, BECAUSE WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME -- AWAITING YOUR EARLIEST RESPONSE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10641820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oroville, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE HAVE A SATURN SL1 THAT HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT THE CARS ON THE IGNITION RECALL LIST HAVE. THE KEY COMES OUT IN ANY POSITION - THE WHEEL LOCKS UP AND WE CAN'T GET IT TO UNLOCK - WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND OUR ROADS ARE VERY ROUGH. WE FEEL THAT THE KEY MAY MOVE FROM THE RUN POSITION WHILE WE ARE DRIVING THE CAR AND THE ENGINE WILL TURN OFF AND WE WILL BE IN GREAT DANGER. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY SAID THAT SINCE THE CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST - THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO....WE WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION. OUR CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY FOR 3 MONTHS, BECAUSE WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME -- AWAITING YOUR EARLIEST RESPONSE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10641820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,619 milesCamp Hill, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
KEYS COME OUT OF IGNITION DURING USE.
NHTSA complaint #10639765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBaltimore, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY SATURN AND REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS IT WAS FINE THEN AFTER 200 MILES THE BRAKES STARTED GRINDING THEN WOULD STOP. CHECKED THE CALIPERS THEY WERE FINE HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AGAIN DUE TO THE GRINDING BRAKES WERE FINE. 2 WEEKS LATER SAME THING THEN STOPPED IT STARTS AND STOPS GRINDING WHEN IT WANTS.
NHTSA complaint #10638585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesST. Martinville, LACrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. WHILE COMING OUT OF A LEFT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE INTO A DITCH, OVER A LEVEE, AND CRASH INTO A PIPE. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE IGNITION KEY WAS ON THE FLOOR. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10631621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesCongers, NY
STEERING
SPOUSE AND I USE CAR. THE VERY FIRST TIME THE OCCURRENCE HAPPENED, WAS WHEN PARKING CAR INTO DRIVEWAY, I WENT TO TURN OFF CAR IGNITION AND ACCIDENTALLY HIT KEY RING, AND THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION, WITH THE CAR IN PARK, YET STILL RUNNING. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR IS STILL RUNNING AND THE KEY EASILY SLIPS OUT OF THE IGNITION. ALSO, ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, WHEN TRYING TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL, THE KEY WILL NOT TURN WHILE IN THE STEERING IGNITION. WE WOULD HAVE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL MANY TIMES WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY TURNING THE KEY MANY TIMES TO UNLOCK THE IGNITION. ONE DAY SOON, IT MIGHT NOT TURN. YES, WE KNOW THE ADVISE IS TO USE ONLY A SINGLE KEY, NOT ONE ON A MULTI-KEY RING. HOWEVER, WE BOTH HAVE USED OTHER CARS FOR MANY YEARS, AND NEVER HAD SUCH DIFFICULTY OR FREQUENCY OF PROBLEMS AS THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10631281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
