Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
211 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
51,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1991 to 2003 model years. Data updated: . 23 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
1991: 0; 1992: 0; 1993: 1; 1994: 0; 1995: 0; 1996: 1; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
Reported: 1993-03-09 (March 9, 1993) · Model years: 1993
THE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THIS CAN CAUSE THE SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER HOUSING DURING A HIGH EFFORT BRAKING MANEUVER.
Consequence: THE SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER HOUSING CAN RESULTIN TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKE APPLICATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE DEFECTIVE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Reported: 1996-02-12 (February 12, 1996) · Model years: 1996
SOME OF THE WELDS BETWEEN THE ROOF AND ROOF SIDE INTERNAL REINFORCEMENT PANELS DO NOT MEET THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence: IN A CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A PARTIAL SEPARATION OF THE ROOF PANEL FLANGE SIDES, EXPOSING AN OCCUPANT TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE ROOF FLANGE WITH STRUCTURAL FASTENERS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
211 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags:Frontal | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.9%ODI 503727NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIR BAG, CAUSING DEATH IN ACCIDENT. *DH | 15.3%ODI 824361CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-55MPH WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, SPUN AROUND, SLID OFF ROAD, HIT GAURDRAIL/THEN THE SOLID BLOCK POST OF BRIDGE HEAD-ON. SPUN AROUND AND HIT THE BRIDGE FROM THE OTHER SIDE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK | 515.2%ODI 485810DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WAS VIOLENT, RESULTING IN INJURY/BURNS. *AW | 311.5% | 27.7%ODI 731465PULLING UP TO A STOP SIGN AT APPROXIMATELY 5MPH BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. *AK | 13.8%ODI 10062813WHILE DRIVING ON ICE, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CRASHED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *PH *JB | 215.4%ODI 10004789WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITHOUT IMPACT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. | 112.5%ODI 835139WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND DRIVER'S SIDE/PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. ALSO, SHOULDER LAP BELT DIDN'T SUPPORT THE CONSUMER, CAUSING CONSUMER TO BE PUSHED TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 225.0%ODI 10011392THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 211.8%ODI 723272AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. WE WERE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN WE WERE HIT IN THE REAR. AT IMPACT THE DRIVER SEAT BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF MY BACK. I DO HAVE DAMAGE TO MY BACK AND FURTHER TESTS ARE BEING DONE TO DETERMINE JUST HOW SEVERE. THE PASSENGER SEAT JUST DROPPED THE PASSENGER IN THE BACK SEAT.*AK | 210.5%ODI 482109SEAT BACK FAILED DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY, SINCE ACCIDENT SEAT GOES BACK WITH ONLY MILD PRESSURE APPLIED. *SKD | 824.2%ODI 506558DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SEAT RECLINED WHEN HIT FROM REAR, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *AW | 311.5% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.1%ODI 861194WHILE WAITING TO TURN LEFT, ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, REAR ENDED CONUSMER, AND FRONT DRIVERS SEATBACK RECLINED. CONSUMER FELT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.0%ODI 489662DELAYED RESPONSE WHEN SHIFTING TRANSMISSION GEARS, ALSO BANGS INTO REVERSE GEAR. | 13.8%ODI 10109045 · 76,778 miWHILE DRIVING BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKES, AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS IN LESS THAN A ONE YEAR PERIOD.*AK | 13.8% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.7%ODI 548774VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CONTINUED STALLING AND SHUT DOWN DUE TO TRANSMISSION, ENGINE AND IGNITION SYSTEM FAILURES, REPAIRS MADE HOWEVER CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE FAILURES. MJS | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 214.3%ODI 759361WHEELS MUST BE REBALANCED AT 4 MONTH INTERVALS. MECHANIC STATED IT WAS THE FIRESTONE TIRES THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. TRANSAXLE - MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS REPORTED BY THE SATURN MECHANIC. THE TRANSAXLE WAS SCORED CAUSING METAL CONTAMINATION THROUGHOUT. | 112.5% | 220.0%ODI 10004452CONSUMER COULD CHANGE GEARS WITHOUT FOOT ON BRAKES. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS. *AK | 550.0%ODI 10026257WHEN ENGINE STARTED AND ENGAGED FROM PARK TO DRIVE TRANSMISSION JERKED AND CONTINUED DOING SO BETWEEN 45 AND 65MPH. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SATURN, ION, 2003. *AK |
| Seats | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 211.8%ODI 506317VEHICLE SEATS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ANY FRONT FACING TODDLER'S SAFETY SEAT. | 210.5%ODI 733448MY SEAT FLIES BACK I HAVE CONTACTED SATURN ABOUT THIS ISSUE. AND THEY SAY BEING SINCE MY CAR IS A 1993 THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE ITS NOT YET BEEN ADDED TO THE RECAL AND MAYBE NEVER WILL. I DONT CARE ABOUT MY SEAT BECAUSE I AM HAVING IT FIXED , I JUST THOUGH SOMEONE SHOULD KNOW THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT SCARED ME TO READ ABOUT SATURN SEATS IN THE ROANOKE TIMES ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2000. I HAVE KEPT ALL LETTERS THAT SATURN HAS WROTE TO ME AND ALL LETTERS I HAVE WROTE TO THEM ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THEY SEEM TO NOT CARE THAT THEIR IS ALOT … | 13.0%ODI 708309THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 99V045000) AT THIS TIME FOR ITEMS INVOLED. I DID TAKE IT TO A DEALER THEY AGREE REPAIRS NEED TO BE DONE. ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE DATES OF DEFECTIVE ITEMS RECALL AS WELL AS TYPE OF VEHICLE INVOLVED THEY REFUSE TO QUALIFY MY VEHICLE AS WITHIN RECALL LIMITS STATING MY VIN# IS NOT ON THEIR LIST FOR REPAIRS, YET I HAVE THE EXACT PROBLEM STATED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS WELL AS NHTSA. | 13.8%ODI 860638WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE BACK AND DRIVERS SEAT FLEW BACKWARDS. IF THERE WAS SOMEONE SITTING BEHIND THE DRIVER HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. ALSO, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER TALKED TO SATURN, AND THEY SAID IT WAS A SAFETY FEATURE FOR THE SEAT TO FLY BACK IN A COLLISION. *AK | 311.5% | 13.8%ODI 735229I WAS A PASSENGER IN MY FRIEND'S SATURN. WE WERE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AND AN EXPLORER REAR-ENDED US AT ABOUT 55MPH. BOTH OF OUR SEATS FAILED. AFTER IMPACT, THE TWO FRONT SEATS WERE LAYING DOWN. WE WERE BOTH INJURED WHICH REQUIRED MONTHS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY.*AK | 17.7%ODI 607758DESIGN OF DRIVER'S SEAT IS CAUSING DRIVER TO EXPERIENCE BACK PAIN. *YC | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 110.0%ODI 10021108 · 9,600 miI HAD A THREE-CAR ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 258 SOUTH IN TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA ON JUNE 1, 2003. MY CAR IS A SATURN SL1 2003. THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO COMPLETE STOP MAKING A LEFT TURN. I THEN QUICKLY STOPPED BUT THE COUPLE BEHIND ME WERE NOT ABLE TO STOP. A MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR TOOK PLACE ON THE BACKEND. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT MADE MY CAR HIT THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS AS IS THE CAR BEHIND ME. MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE DRIVERS BUCKET SEAT. AT IMPACT, THE SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS. I SEE MANY YOUNG C… |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.9% | 15.3% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 27.7% | 13.8%ODI 10083755PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S ENGINE QUITTING. *MR THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT HAD COME ON ALONG WITH THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, THE ENGINE STAYED ON AND DROVE FINE. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *SC *JB | 13.8%ODI 538537SPARK PLUGS/SENSOR/FUEL PUMP REPLACED DUE TO STALLING. (QCAW) | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5%ODI 8024115CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE HEAD GASKET FAILED CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE OIL SYSTEM. DEALER NOTIFIED.TS | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5%ODI 10031293 · 51,000 miCONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE STALLS AT 65 MPH, NO WARNING. DEALER STATES THAT CYLINDER HEAD IS DEFECTIVE. *AK | 110.0%ODI 8020594CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CONSUMER WAS ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE 25 MPH. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 39.1%ODI 489662DELAYED RESPONSE WHEN SHIFTING TRANSMISSION GEARS, ALSO BANGS INTO REVERSE GEAR. | 13.8% | 13.8%ODI 810926BRAKE ROTORS: BRAKES PULSATING AND GRABBING. AT 6000 MILES HAD TO HAVE NEW ROTORS AND AGAIN AT 18000 MILES. DEALER SAID THE BRAKES WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER FEELS ROTORS SHOULD NOT WEAR THIS QUICKLY AND CONSIDERS THIS A SAFETY PROBLEM. *AK | 13.8%ODI 10073365 · 88,000 miPROBLEMS WITH ROTORS AND PADS ON 1997 SATURN. *MR THE ROTORS HAD WORN. (NOT WARPED OR DISTORTED) THE ORIGINAL DISC BRAKE ROTORS LASTED UP TO 88K MILES. THE BRAKE PADS AND DISC ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT ROTORS WERE OF INFERIOR QUALITY. *SC *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 225.0%ODI 10022527VEHICLE TRANSMISSION COVER IS LEAKING/ BRAKE ROTORS NEED RESURFACING. *MR THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS DARK AND THE COVER LEAKED. THE SERVICE DEALER SUGGESTED RESURFACING THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND DISCOVERED THAT TWO TRANSMISSION BOLTS ON THE TRANSMISSION LEAKED. THE SERVICE DEALER ALSO COMMENTED THE TRANSMISSION COVER WAS OF BAD DESIGN. *SCC *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.9%ODI 481107ABS BRAKES FAILED AFTER EXPOSURE TO INCLEMENT CONDITIONS. *TW | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.0%ODI 10150426 · 50,000 miDT*: THE CONTACTS STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE, THE BRAKES WERE DIFFICULT TO PRESS. THIS OCCURRED ON NORMAL ROADS, DURING NORMAL BRAKING WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. IT WAS DETERMINED THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE CLEANED DUE TO CORROSION. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND LUBRICATED THE SUSPENSION, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED AND NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE MADE.… | 13.8% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 27.7%ODI 8018064WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, WITH NO WARNING, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.1%ODI 743915THE VEHICLE REVS UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 2000RPMS WHEN IT IS PLACED IN PARK AND IN DRIVE WHEN THE BRAKE IS RELEASED THE CAR SEEMS TO DRIVE AS IF IT IS OUT OF CONTROL. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT.*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 110.0%ODI 754671I WAS HEADING UP A HILL WITH 3 CARS AHEAD OF ME, 3 BEHIND... WHEN I GOT TO THE TOP OF THE HILL, THE 3 CARS AHEAD CAME TO A FULL STOP, WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE, NOTHING HAPPENED. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE, AND IT FELL TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR DIDNT SLOW DOWN, AND I HEARD THE SOUND OF SANDPAPER SCRATCHING WOOD. I'VE HAD CARS WITH ABS BEFORE, SO I'M FAMILIAR ENOUGH WITH THEM TO KNOW THAT THIS WAS NOT NORMAL. THE CAR HIT THE BACK OF AN SUV AND THATS THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE CAR. THE ROAD WAS DRY, WARM, NO SAND OR ROCKS, IT WAS A PAVED ROADWAY. … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Tires | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.3%ODI 565183WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE GAURDRAIL, ONE PERSON WAS INJUREDIN THE ACCIDENT, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *YH | 13.0%ODI 729428CUSTOMER BROUGHT TIRE IN-HAD LOW SPEED BLOW-OUT. TIRE APPEARS AGED ON SIDEWALL, BUT THE SIDEWALL THREADS ARE SHOWING IN ONE SPOT LIKE IT'S WORN THROUGH ON INSIDE EDGE WHERE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. THIS WAS NOT A USUAL WEAR SPOT, SO WE WANTED TO REPORT THE INCIDENT ANYWAY. LET US KNOW IF YOU WANT US TO SAVE THE TWO TIRES FOR YOU. CUSTOMER IS REPLACING TWO FIRESTONES WITH OTHER MFG. BRAND AT THIS TIME.( DOT NUMBER: W2V9JA1303 TIRE SIZE: 195/60/R15 ) | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.8%ODI 737368ON 9/23/00 THE TREAD PEELED OFF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT END. THE DAMAGE IS ESTIMATED AT $3,000. ON 11/30/00 THE TREAD PEELED OFF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT END. THIS IS CRAZY! TWICE IN JUST OVER 2 MONTHS, BOTH BY FIRESTONE TIRES NOT IN THE PREVIOUS RECALLS. WE WERE LUCKY THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES. PLEASE HELP US IF YOU CAN. I HAVE SINCE PUT 4 GOODYEAR TIRES ON THIS CAR. THANKS, KATHRN SAN. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/60R15 ) | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 214.3%ODI 739158STARTED TO FEEL VIBRATION AT HIGH SPEED 70+ ARFTER TYRES HAD DONE 23K CHECKED IT OUT WENT TO A TYRE SHOP THE FIRST TIME TO GET WHEEL BALANCED,THEY INFORMED ME THE TYRE WAS ABOUT TO PEEL YOU COULD SEE THE TYRE WAS OVAL THATS WHY WE COULD FEEL THE VIBRATION,WENT TO FIRESTONE DEALER THEY DISPUTAED THE PROBLEM,WENT TO ANOTHER TYRE SHOP THEY AGREED THE TYRE WAS ABOUT TO PEEL,WENT TO THE CAR DEALER THEY REPLACED THE TYRE THEMSELFS NO PROBLEM,JUST YESTERDAY 01/09/00 THE OTHER TYRE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM IT WENT FLAT GOING BACK TO THE DEALER TODAY AGAIN… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 220.0%ODI 10009392 · 1 miTIRE PLIES WERE SEPARATED ON BOTH FRONT TIRES AS MANUFACTURED CAUSING OUT OF ROUND CONDITION AND VEHICLE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AT MODERATE SPEED (45-50). *TS *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS*763208 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 10,000–76,778 mi | 10,000 mi | 5 | ODI 10109045 · 76,778 miWHILE DRIVING BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKES, AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS IN LESS THAN A ONE YEAR PERIOD.*AK ODI 10120253 · 500 miDT: TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED IT SEEMED TO GO IN NEUTRAL;. NARROWLY, AVOIDED 3 ACCIDENTS. THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED AT ONE TIME, AND HE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED.*AK ODI 10188325 · 107,000 mi2003 SATURN VUE WITH ROUGHLY 107,000 MILES SUDDENLY SLIPPED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. LUCKILY, HUSBAND MADE IT HOME. I DROVE TO LOCAL SHOP WHERE DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A RECALL ON FAULTY TRANSMISSION WIRE THAT COULD LEAD TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I TOWED TO SATURN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD CAR WOULD NOT REVERSE. WHEN PRESENTED WITH RECALL INFO, THEY "CHECKED" AND SAID RECALL HAD BEEN DONE. SATURN SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED THAT SATURN KNEW THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY ONLY USED VTI FOR 18 MONTHS, THEN TOTALLY CHANGED 2004 WITH… |
| Seats | Too few reports for a range | 9,600 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10021108 · 9,600 miI HAD A THREE-CAR ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 258 SOUTH IN TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA ON JUNE 1, 2003. MY CAR IS A SATURN SL1 2003. THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO COMPLETE STOP MAKING A LEFT TURN. I THEN QUICKLY STOPPED BUT THE COUPLE BEHIND ME WERE NOT ABLE TO STOP. A MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR TOOK PLACE ON THE BACKEND. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT MADE MY CAR HIT THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS AS IS THE CAR BEHIND ME. MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE DRIVERS BUCKET SEAT. AT IMPACT, THE SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS. I SEE MANY YOUNG C… |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Too few reports for a range | 51,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10031293 · 51,000 miCONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE STALLS AT 65 MPH, NO WARNING. DEALER STATES THAT CYLINDER HEAD IS DEFECTIVE. *AK |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | Too few reports for a range | 63,995 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10073365 · 88,000 miPROBLEMS WITH ROTORS AND PADS ON 1997 SATURN. *MR THE ROTORS HAD WORN. (NOT WARPED OR DISTORTED) THE ORIGINAL DISC BRAKE ROTORS LASTED UP TO 88K MILES. THE BRAKE PADS AND DISC ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT ROTORS WERE OF INFERIOR QUALITY. *SC *JB ODI 10200069 · 39,990 miBRAKE ROTORS WARPED AND CORRODED AT 39,660 MILES. *JB |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | Too few reports for a range | 50,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10150426 · 50,000 miDT*: THE CONTACTS STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE, THE BRAKES WERE DIFFICULT TO PRESS. THIS OCCURRED ON NORMAL ROADS, DURING NORMAL BRAKING WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. IT WAS DETERMINED THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE CLEANED DUE TO CORROSION. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND LUBRICATED THE SUSPENSION, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED AND NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE MADE.… |
| Tires | Too few reports for a range | 1 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10009392 · 1 miTIRE PLIES WERE SEPARATED ON BOTH FRONT TIRES AS MANUFACTURED CAUSING OUT OF ROUND CONDITION AND VEHICLE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AT MODERATE SPEED (45-50). *TS *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS*763208 |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2002: 8 complaints · 2003: 7 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 8 | 8 |
| 2003 | 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| 2003 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Air Bags:Frontal | Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner | Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Seats | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags:Frontal | — | 1ODI 708702SUSTAINED 5 COMPRESSION FRACTURES OF THE SPINE AND HEAD INJURIES DO TO THE FAILURE OF THE SEATBACK LATCHES. SEATBACKS BROKE AND LAID DOWN ON REAR INPACT, CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES. AIR BAG DID NOT DIPLOY EITHER. *AK | 0 | 1ODI 860638WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE BACK AND DRIVERS SEAT FLEW BACKWARDS. IF THERE WAS SOMEONE SITTING BEHIND THE DRIVER HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. ALSO, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER TALKED TO SATURN, AND THEY SAID IT WAS A SAFETY FEATURE FOR THE SEAT TO FLY BACK IN A COLLISION. *AK | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner | 1ODI 708702SUSTAINED 5 COMPRESSION FRACTURES OF THE SPINE AND HEAD INJURIES DO TO THE FAILURE OF THE SEATBACK LATCHES. SEATBACKS BROKE AND LAID DOWN ON REAR INPACT, CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES. AIR BAG DID NOT DIPLOY EITHER. *AK | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 489662DELAYED RESPONSE WHEN SHIFTING TRANSMISSION GEARS, ALSO BANGS INTO REVERSE GEAR. | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1ODI 860638WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE BACK AND DRIVERS SEAT FLEW BACKWARDS. IF THERE WAS SOMEONE SITTING BEHIND THE DRIVER HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. ALSO, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER TALKED TO SATURN, AND THEY SAID IT WAS A SAFETY FEATURE FOR THE SEAT TO FLY BACK IN A COLLISION. *AK | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 489662DELAYED RESPONSE WHEN SHIFTING TRANSMISSION GEARS, ALSO BANGS INTO REVERSE GEAR. | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
7 patterns with matching reports.
9 mentions · 4.3% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
ABS BRAKES FAILED AFTER EXPOSURE TO INCLEMENT CONDITIONS. *TW
EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO HOLD ON HILLS/LEVEL GROUND, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL. *AK
BRAKES FAILED WHILE TEST DRIVING VEHICLE, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *SKD
\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b7 mentions · 3.3% of complaints
Median mileage: 51,000 mi (1 usable records).
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S ENGINE QUITTING. *MR THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT HAD COME ON ALONG WITH THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, THE ENGINE STAYED ON AND DROVE FINE. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *SC *JB
SPARK PLUGS/SENSOR/FUEL PUMP REPLACED DUE TO STALLING. (QCAW)
VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE THE BATTERY CABLES WERE LOOSE, AS SOON AS THE CABLES WERE TIGHTENED, THE VEHICLE HAD NO PROBLEMS. *SLC
\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b2 mentions · 0.9% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
SENSOR... WHEN IN REVERSE CAR TAKES OFF WITHOUT MY NEED FOR ACCELERATION. I USE BRAKE TO CONTROL MY SPEED. WHEN GOING TO DRIVE CAR LURCHES FORWARD BRAKE NEEDED, SPEED UP TO 25 MPG. SHIFTING ON ITS OWN. CONTINUES AT LIGHTS AND INTERSECTIONS.. DOES NOT IDLE DOWN... EXHAUST PIPE .. CRACK IN SEAM WELD.. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT. I HAVE TO PAY NEARLY $300.00 FOR NEW PIPE, $ 206.00 FOR THE PART. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEMS IN THE PIPE AT DEALERSHIP....IN WAITING ROOM. *AK
WHEN ENGINE STARTED AND ENGAGED FROM PARK TO DRIVE TRANSMISSION JERKED AND CONTINUED DOING SO BETWEEN 45 AND 65MPH. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SATURN, ION, 2003. *AK
\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b2 mentions · 0.9% of complaints
Median mileage: 20,000 mi (1 usable records).
THIS IS THE 2ND TIME IN SEVEN MONTHS THE POWER STEERING HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED ON THIS CAR. AT ONLY 20,000 MILES, I CONSIDER THAT TO BE UNUSUAL. IS THIS PROBLEM ENDEMIC IN ALL SL200 OR DID I JUST GET A LEMON? *TS ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS***761005
\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b2 mentions · 0.9% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
LACK OF 'DOOR OPEN' WARNING LIGHT HAS CAUSED DRIVER TO FALL OUT OF CAR TWICE. *DH
THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW. IT HAD 600 MILES ON IT THAT THE DEALER (FINANCIAL OFFICER) SAID HE DID NOT KNOW HOW THEY GOT THERE. MY WARNING LIGHT CAME ON (SES LIGHT) AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. MY CAR NEEDED A NEW SOLENOID(?)
\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
AFTER VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED BEHIND CONSUMER'S RV IT WOULD NOT START, THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE WOULD START IS WHEN HE REMOVED THE 2 FUSES TO PRECLUDE BATTERY DISCHARGE. *SLC
\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints
Median mileage: 37,008 mi (1 usable records).
NOTICE A GAS ODOR A FEW WEEKS AGO, TOOK MY SATURN VUE TO THE DEALER AND FOUND OUT THAT THE GAS NECK HAD A CRACK. I HAD TO LEAVE IT THERE DUE TO THE DANGER OF THE GAS LEAKAGE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ONLY TIME THAT OCCURS IS FROM AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO SIGN OF AN ACCIDENT AND THEY COULD NOT THINK OF ANY OTHER REASON FOR THE CRACK. THE SATURN WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW FROM THE DEALER HAD 37,000 MILES. OF COURSE NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY SINCE I MISSED THE 36,000 MILE FULL WARANTY THE DEALERSHIP COVERS. BUT I WAS CONCERNED THIS MIGHT HAPPEN…
\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b