Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Saturn SL: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

131 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

60,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 81 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 21 of 131 complaints (16.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1713.0%
Engine operation1511.5%
Transmission and shifting1410.7%
Electrical and battery issues139.9%
Steering behavior139.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
21
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
14
Electrical System:Ignition
11
Engine And Engine Cooling
7
Air Bags
6
Steering
6
Engine
5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System21
Power Train:Automatic Transmission14
Electrical System:Ignition11
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Air Bags6
Steering6
Engine5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine5

Electrical System: 21; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 14; Electrical System:Ignition: 11; Engine And Engine Cooling: 7; Air Bags: 6; Steering: 6; Engine: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
13
25,000 to 49,999
23
50,000 to 74,999
15
75,000 to 99,999
10
100,000 to 149,999
11
150,000 and above
9
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00013
25,000 to 49,99923
50,000 to 74,99915
75,000 to 99,99910
100,000 to 149,99911
150,000 and above9

Under 25,000: 13; 25,000 to 49,999: 23; 50,000 to 74,999: 15; 75,000 to 99,999: 10; 100,000 to 149,999: 11; 150,000 and above: 9

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (23). 50 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001
1
2002
14
2003
13
2004
19
2005
10
2006
14
2007
5
2008
10
2009
5
2010
2
2013
2
2014
23
2015
4
2016
1
2017
2
2018
4
2020
1
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20011
200214
200313
200419
200510
200614
20075
200810
20095
20102
20132
201423
20154
20161
20172
20184
20201
20231

2001: 1; 2002: 14; 2003: 13; 2004: 19; 2005: 10; 2006: 14; 2007: 5; 2008: 10; 2009: 5; 2010: 2; 2013: 2; 2014: 23; 2015: 4; 2016: 1; 2017: 2; 2018: 4; 2020: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 17 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 15 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 14 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10003695 · 2003-01-13 (January 13, 2003)

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE VEHICLE VEERED INTO ANOTHER LANE OF INCOMING TRAFFIC.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003695 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004631 · 2003-01-24 (January 24, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO DOWN TO THE FLOOR INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004631 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10013802 · 2003-04-01 (April 1, 2003)

2002 SATURN SL HAS 3 LEAKING SEALS. VERY DANGEROUS FOR A FIRE. REAR SEAL, OIL PAN GASKET AND CRANK CASE GASKET ALL LEAKING. DANGEROUS FOR SINGLE WOMEN ON THE ROAD. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10013802 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014398 · 2003-04-15 (April 15, 2003)

I PURCHASED A 4-DOOR SATURN SL 2002 THIS PAST SUMMER. THE CARS DESIGN IS INCORRECT. WHEN I SIT IN THE SEAT WITH BOTH OF MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVE, I HAVE TO TURN MY BODY FROM THE WAIST DOWN TO THE LEFT IN ORDER TO PRESS ON THE GAS OR BRAKE. I HAVE NO ROOM ON THE RIGHT SIDE NEXT TO THE GAS PEDAL DUE TO THE CENTER CONSOLE PANEL, IT FORCES ME TO SIT WITH MY WAIST TURNED TO THE LEFT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION AND I HAVE HAD CONTINUAL BACK PAIN, WHICH BEGAN TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN SEEING A CH…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10014398 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10018168 · 2003-05-05 (May 5, 2003)

VEHICLE WAS IN A HIGH SPEED FRONTAL COLLISION BUT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.

Owner-reported narrative. 44,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10018168 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023831 · 2003-06-26 (June 26, 2003)

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN BRAKING, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE DEALER REPORTS THIS IS DUE TO WARPED ROTORS DUE TO "EXTERNAL FORCES" AND NOT A WARRANTY PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS 30,000 MILES AND LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD. DRIVEN MOSTLY HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK, 35 MILES ONE WAY EACH DAY. SEEMS MORE LIKE A DEFECTIVE PART OR ENGINEERING.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 30,269 miles reported. Look up ODI 10023831 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10027101 · 2003-08-01 (August 1, 2003)

WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON OR OFF, THE HEADLIGHTS, FLICKERED. THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS VERY DISTRACTING AND ANNOYING. *AK *SCC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10027101 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10027256 · 2003-07-14 (July 14, 2003)

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10027256 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

131 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

61.8%Usable mileage81 / 131 records
93.9%Valid incident date123 / 131 records
100.0%Valid filing date131 / 131 records
93.1%Ordered incident and filing dates122 / 131 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

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 complaint heatmap
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
13.4%
ODI 807126

ENGINE OIL LEAK, GASKET OIL PAN RUSTED, CAUSING LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, IN FOR REPAIR WILL PROVIDE INVOICE RECEIPT. *AK

Look up ODI 807126 at NHTSA ↗

1713.8%
ODI 504568

PISTON RINGS FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE TO BURN OIL EXCESSIVELY. *DH

Look up ODI 504568 at NHTSA ↗

169.1%
ODI 10009241

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.*JB *TS

Look up ODI 10009241 at NHTSA ↗

258.7%
ODI 10093917

AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING, REPLACED 2 OF THE COMPONENETS UNDER THE DASH ONE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE UP IN THE CORNER AND THE OTHER UP BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. COOLING FAN DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY MUST KEEP THE AC ON FOR THE FAN TO WORK. A FRIEND OF MINE HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TRIED TO FIX BY REPLACING THE SENSORS HAD A MECHANIC TRY TO TROUBLE SHOOT, CAN'T FIND A REASON SO IT IS NOT FIXED JUST KEEP AC ON ALWAYS. CAR VIBRATES AND CAN'T FIND A REASON STILL LOOKING FOR PROBLEM, VIBRATES SO MUCH BODY PARTS ON FRONT ARE BECOM…

Look up ODI 10093917 at NHTSA ↗

339.3%
ODI 10006456 · 45,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, IT EATS OIL WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF WHERE IT IS GOING. THE AUTO BELT TIGHTENER IS NOT WORKING AND COST AN ARM AND A LEG TO FIX. SUNROOF BROKE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR CAUSE, THE FAN SWITCH NEVER DID OPERATE CORRECTLY, NOW IT IS SHIFTING REAL HARD ALL THE TIME WHILE YOUR DRIVING, ONCE IT IS WARMED UP. THIS VEHICLE IS DEFINITELY A LEMON. AK SCC ***DIMSII IVOQ POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****744336

Look up ODI 10006456 at NHTSA ↗

3110.8%
ODI 10005654 · 70,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY SATURN SL2 NEW IN 1996. AFTER 70,000 MILES IT STARTED USING AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF OIL. OIL CONSUMPTION STARTED TO ECLIPSE 1 QT. FOR EVERY 500 MILES. MY OIL CHANGE SERVICE SAID SATURN ENGINES WERE NOTORIOUS FOR BAD RINGS. I TOOK TO SATURN DEALERSHIP. THEY WANTED SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE. I REPLACED ENGINE WITH A SATURN ENGINE WITH 23,000 MILES. AFTER ANOTHER 40,000 MILES THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE EXHIBITED THE EXACT SAME BEHAVIOR. I NOW NEED TO PURCHASE A THIRD ENGINE.

Look up ODI 10005654 at NHTSA ↗

177.5%
ODI 10019532

THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB

Look up ODI 10019532 at NHTSA ↗

148.3%
ODI 10001275 · 11,979 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CAM SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE IDLE CONTROL WAS ADJUSTED AND THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED YET THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *NM

Look up ODI 10001275 at NHTSA ↗

179.6%
ODI 10008758

THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED.*JB

Look up ODI 10008758 at NHTSA ↗

106.8%
ODI 10027114 · 45,000 mi

WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO STATED THE OIL PUMP FAILED. *AK *TS *JB

Look up ODI 10027114 at NHTSA ↗

76.3%
ODI 10011082 · 43,000 mi

2001 SATURN 1.9 LITER L4 SL2 5 SPEED. THE MANIFOLD GASKET WENT BAD CAUSING ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE WATER PUMP TO GO BAD. THE CAR HAD 46,000 MILES. *JB

Look up ODI 10011082 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10013802

2002 SATURN SL HAS 3 LEAKING SEALS. VERY DANGEROUS FOR A FIRE. REAR SEAL, OIL PAN GASKET AND CRANK CASE GASKET ALL LEAKING. DANGEROUS FOR SINGLE WOMEN ON THE ROAD. *JB

Look up ODI 10013802 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

43.3%
ODI 507374

DRIVER REPLACED BATTERIES 4 TIMES, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING IN 2ND GEAR, REPLACED GENERATOR WIRING AS PER SERVICE RECALL, ALSO REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS AND BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. *AK

Look up ODI 507374 at NHTSA ↗

137.4%
ODI 10053882 · 35,000 mi

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. *NM

Look up ODI 10053882 at NHTSA ↗

175.9%
ODI 10093917

AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING, REPLACED 2 OF THE COMPONENETS UNDER THE DASH ONE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE UP IN THE CORNER AND THE OTHER UP BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. COOLING FAN DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY MUST KEEP THE AC ON FOR THE FAN TO WORK. A FRIEND OF MINE HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TRIED TO FIX BY REPLACING THE SENSORS HAD A MECHANIC TRY TO TROUBLE SHOOT, CAN'T FIND A REASON SO IT IS NOT FIXED JUST KEEP AC ON ALWAYS. CAR VIBRATES AND CAN'T FIND A REASON STILL LOOKING FOR PROBLEM, VIBRATES SO MUCH BODY PARTS ON FRONT ARE BECOM…

Look up ODI 10093917 at NHTSA ↗

185.1%
ODI 10006456 · 45,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, IT EATS OIL WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF WHERE IT IS GOING. THE AUTO BELT TIGHTENER IS NOT WORKING AND COST AN ARM AND A LEG TO FIX. SUNROOF BROKE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR CAUSE, THE FAN SWITCH NEVER DID OPERATE CORRECTLY, NOW IT IS SHIFTING REAL HARD ALL THE TIME WHILE YOUR DRIVING, ONCE IT IS WARMED UP. THIS VEHICLE IS DEFINITELY A LEMON. AK SCC ***DIMSII IVOQ POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****744336

Look up ODI 10006456 at NHTSA ↗

113.8%
ODI 10023280 · 81,000 mi

1996 SATURN SL1'S HAVE A PROBLEM REFERRED TO AS "DELAYED ENGAGEMENT IN REVERSE. WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE IT WILL NOT MOVE, CAUSING POTENTIAL PROBLEMS. THIS IS DUE TO THE VALVE BODY ON THE TRANSMISSION WEARING EXCESSIVELY, ALLOWING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FLOW AROUND A POPPET BEFORE ENGAGING. SATURN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SO ARE THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR PLACES. SATURN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM THOUGH THEY HAVE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE PROBLEM AND AT ABOUT $1000 PER REPAIR PER VEHICLE SATURN HAS A VES…

Look up ODI 10023280 at NHTSA ↗

114.8%
ODI 10018432 · 91,328 mi

WE BROUGHT OUR SATURN INTO THE OAKLAND, CA DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS DEVELOPED SOME LEAKS AND CLUTCH / GEAR ASSEMBLY PROBLEMS. INITIAL QUOTE FROM THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER FOR REPAIR IS $2600.00+. EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED 12/31/02, AND THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE 94,904 MILE MARK. AT THE 91,328 MILEAGE MARK, THE DEALER PERFORMED AN "87,000 MILE" SERVICE, NOT A "90,000 MILE" SERVICE. WHY DIDN'T THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORM MY DAUGHTER THAT THE "90,000 MILE" SERVICE WAS DUE, WHICH INCLUDED A TRANSMISSION…

Look up ODI 10018432 at NHTSA ↗

1810.7%
ODI 10001275 · 11,979 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CAM SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE IDLE CONTROL WAS ADJUSTED AND THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED YET THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *NM

Look up ODI 10001275 at NHTSA ↗

95.1%
ODI 10003575 · 30,550 mi

1999 SATURN SL2 WITH 30,500 MILES TRANSMISSION EXPLODED.

Look up ODI 10003575 at NHTSA ↗

2214.9%
ODI 10024819

WHEN VEHICLE IS ENGAGED IN REVERSE IT MAKES A TERRIBLE NOISE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10024819 at NHTSA ↗

1412.6%
ODI 10053889 · 50,000 mi

AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND WHEN PLACING THE GEAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THAT VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN REPLACED. *AK

Look up ODI 10053889 at NHTSA ↗

1410.7%
ODI 10072203

WHEN PUTTING THE GEAR SHIFT IN REVERSE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK

Look up ODI 10072203 at NHTSA ↗

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
26.9%
ODI 513637

WHILE LEANING BACK IN SEAT TO REACH INTO PANTS POCKET, THE SEATBACK FRAME BENT BACKWARDS, CAUSIN GTHE RECLINING CATCH TO RELEASE. *AK

Look up ODI 513637 at NHTSA ↗

64.9%
ODI 10017680

CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND WHEN THE SEAT RECLINED, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER. *JB

Look up ODI 10017680 at NHTSA ↗

126.9%
ODI 539614

VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF CONSUMER. HAD BOTH FRON TAND RAE IMPACT. DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK IN TIME TO PREVENT DRIVER FROM FALLING FORWARD, HITTING HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, SEATBACK COLLAPSED, DRIVER FELL BACKWARDS AND HIT BACK OF HEAD. SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

Look up ODI 539614 at NHTSA ↗

2910.1%
ODI 10022969 · 162,700 mi

AS A RESULT OF BEING REAR ENDED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. *AK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10022969 at NHTSA ↗

3810.7%
ODI 10029595

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM, WITH DRIVERS CHAIR BREAKING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED FROM THE BACK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME AT THIS CALL. *AK

Look up ODI 10029595 at NHTSA ↗

124.2%
ODI 10025482 · 46,500 mi

UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES FROM SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE; REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED PER CALIFORNIAS LEMON LAW FOR OUR 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH ONLY 46K MILES. ROTE TO GM & SATURN CEO'S. THEY LIE AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CRAPPY PRODUCT. WE WILL NEVER BUY AMERICAN AGAIN!PER MY RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO EFFORT OF GOODWILL TO REIMBURSE AND FIX THE BELOW AFOREMENTIONED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE INFERIOR MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING OUR SATURN VEHICLE. THE FAILURES WE NEED REIMBURSEMENT F…

Look up ODI 10025482 at NHTSA ↗

62.6%
ODI 550684

DURING COLLESION DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF GAS TANK ASSEMBLY CAP CAME OFF AND REAR WHEEL BED AND TANK WRAPPED AROUND EACH OTHER RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. YH

Look up ODI 550684 at NHTSA ↗

42.4%
ODI 10169896

DURING A REAR END COLLISION THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT RELEASED TO FULL RECLINE POSITION. LEAVING ME WHICH MORE SEVERE INJURIES THAN I SHOULD HAVE SUSTAINED. *NM

Look up ODI 10169896 at NHTSA ↗

63.4%
ODI 10014740 · 76,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, AND THE FRONT SEATS RECLINED BACKWARDS. *JB

Look up ODI 10014740 at NHTSA ↗

42.7%
ODI 10072146

WHILE STOPPING VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED. AFTER THE COLLISION BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED AND FELL BACK ONTO REAR SEATS.*AK

Look up ODI 10072146 at NHTSA ↗

32.7%
ODI 746284

FREEWAY TRAFFIC SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP. I STOPPED BUT WAS REAR ENDED BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND PUSHED INTO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. I SUSTAINED MINOR BACK, HIP, BRUISED STOMACH MUSCLES AND KNEE INJURIES THAT I FEEL WOULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED OR MUCH LESS SEVERE HAD THE SEAT BACK HELD. I'M HAVING A PROBLEM COMPREHENDING GMS CONTENTION THAT THE SEAT BACK YIELDING IS A DESIRABLE RESPONSE TO THIS OR ANY SITUATION (AND THE FACT THAT THEIR PRODUCT ADHERES TO ALL RELEVANT STANDARDS, ETC).*AK

Look up ODI 746284 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10051952 · 25,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED A REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10051952 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
26.9%
ODI 822021

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING BY ITSELF. DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. BUT VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, AND DRIVING OVER CURVES WITHOUT STOPPING, SHE FINALLY STOPPED IT BY PULLING THE IGNITION KEY ON A MALL PARKING LOT. *AK

Look up ODI 822021 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 747891

ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND BATTERY REPLACED 5 TIMES. NOW EXPERIENCING SURGING, HESITATION AND STALLING, AND THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE AFTER FOUR TRIPS. *AK

Look up ODI 747891 at NHTSA ↗

179.7%
ODI 484682

CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING ON A DOWN GRADE FREEWAY. *AK

Look up ODI 484682 at NHTSA ↗

3311.5%
ODI 10532626 · 86,000 mi

FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE CAR WILL TURN ITSELF OFF WHILE ENGAGED, AND, IF LEFT ALONE, WILL RANDOMLY REENGAGE TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER WITH NO WARNING. THIS CAN CAUSE A SURGE OF ACCELERATION (AS MUCH AS ONE CAN EXPECT FROM A SATURN, ANYHOW) IF SPEED HAS SLOWED DUE TO TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10532626 at NHTSA ↗

174.8%
ODI 501334

FRONT BRAKES GRIND, DUE TO LEFT CALIPER FAILURE.

Look up ODI 501334 at NHTSA ↗

103.5%
ODI 10299775 · 76,824 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION, THE CONTACT HAD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HARNESS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,824. UPDATED 02/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/18/10

Look up ODI 10299775 at NHTSA ↗

94.0%
ODI 10015331

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. *NLM

Look up ODI 10015331 at NHTSA ↗

31.8%
ODI 753785

MY MOTHER AND I WERE DRIVING SOUTH ON I-95, MILE MARKER 277 (NORTH OF DAYTONA) WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET FOR 72 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE, AND AS I APPROACHED A CAR GOING SLOWER, I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO RELEASE THE CRUISE CONTROL. IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF, SO I MOVED TO THE LEFT LANE AND TRIED REPEATEDLY TO RELEASE IT. I WAS ABOUT THE HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, AND IT SEEMED LIKE I WAS ACCELERATING RATHER THAN DECELERATING. I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN SO WENT INTO THE MEDIAN STRIP, AND STILL WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN.IT SEEMED …

Look up ODI 753785 at NHTSA ↗

31.7%
ODI 10040051 · 29,000 mi

WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP MOTOR REVVED, BUT VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THIS RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Look up ODI 10040051 at NHTSA ↗

53.4%
ODI 10107479 · 100,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATEED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10107479 at NHTSA ↗

10.9%
ODI 746638

THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE. WE ARE PRIOR YEAR (1993, 1997 (2), AND 1998) SATURN OWNERS. FOR THE PRIOR YEARS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS LOCATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE HORN BUTTONS WERE LOCATED ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS RESULTED IN COMPLAINTS FROM MANY OWNERS BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT THE STANDARD LOCATION FOR HORNS ON GM OR OTHER MODELS. IN 1999 OR 2000, SATURN MOVED THE HORN TO THE TYPICAL LOCATION (CENTER OF STEERING WHEEL OVER THE AIRBAG). THEY REPLACED THE HORN BUTTONS WITH THE CURISE CONTROLS. 4-6 WEEKS …

Look up ODI 746638 at NHTSA ↗

10.8%
ODI 8009277

WHILE DRIVING IT IS HARD FOR BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE RPMS RACED AND WOULD NOT IDLE DOWN. DRIVER HAD HAS TO APPLY BRAKES VERY HARD. DEALER REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *TT

Look up ODI 8009277 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.6%
ODI 10115235

1995 SATURN SL2, INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IN MODERATE FRONTAL COLLISION. *BF PORTIONS OF THE AIR BAG FABRIC MELTED THE INTERNAL COMPONETS OF THE MODULE. *JB

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74.0%
ODI 484821

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIRBAG DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *SD

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186.3%
ODI 10022969 · 162,700 mi

AS A RESULT OF BEING REAR ENDED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. *AK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB

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267.3%
ODI 10139509

DT: 1995 SATURN SL1 4 DOOR. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 . UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER TOOK PICTURES . HOWEVER, HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER BECAUSE HE THOUGHT VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD, AND DEALERSHIP INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 30-35 MPH, HIT THE BRAKES, AND THEY DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO FRONT AIRBAGS . CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE C…

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113.8%
ODI 506320

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIR BAG IN FRONT END COLLISION.

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125.3%
ODI 10046330 · 104,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

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31.8%
ODI 10130786

MY BROTHER WAS KILLED JUNE 24, 2005, IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. HE WAS DRIVING A 1998 SATURN SL ON AN INTERSTATE IN MISSISSIPPI, THE SATURN WENT OUT OF CONTROL, HIS SEATBELT (WHICH HE ALWAYS WORE) AND HE WAS EJECTED FROM THE CAR. SINCE HIS DEATH, I'VE FOUND ON NHTSA'S SITE ALMOST 30 DIFFERENT COMPLAINTS FROM 1998 SATURN SLY OWNERS DESCRIBING SERIOUS FAILURES OF THAT CARS STABILITY, BRAKES, STEERING, AND AIR BAGS---ALL OF WHICH RESULTED IN THE CAR GOING OUT OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVERS IN THE 30 COMPLAINTS I'VE FOUND ALL STATED THAT THE…

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126.7%
ODI 10015833 · 39,000 mi

THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. *JB TURNED INTO PARKING SPACE AND BUMPED UNDER CAR ON CURB. BENDING THE SWAY BAR BRACKET BUT DID NOT TOUCH CAR BODY OR BUMPER.*TS

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21.4%
ODI 10237300 · 82,176 mi

SIDEWALL EXPLODED WHILE ENTERING A DRIVEWAY. BOUGHT THE SAME TIRE AS A REPLACEMENT AND IT DEVELOPED A GIANT SIDEWALL BUBBLE IN A FEW THOUSAND MILES THAT JUST RUPTURED...THE TWO TIRES BOTH WENT BAD IN ONLY 11333 MILES...ABOUT 5666 MILES EACH!! *TR

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76.3%
ODI 10044278 · 47,000 mi

WHILE PARKING VEHICLE,BOTH AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING WHILE PARKING VEHICLE. *AK

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32.3%
ODI 10082691

AFTER A CRASH IN A SATURN AND THE AIR BAGS EXPLODED. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD AREA STARTED SMOLDERING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT DID A LOT OF DAMAGE.*AK

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Seats
26.9%
ODI 503962

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED DUE TO REAR IMPACT. *SD

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129.8%
ODI 10018147 · 140,000 mi

CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THE DRIVERSIDE SEAT BACK COLLASPED. THE BACK OF THE SEAT SLAMMED DOWN SO HARD THAT IF A PASSENGER WAS SITTING THERE THERE LEGS WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED. "POOR DESIGN", STATES CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

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95.1%
ODI 10585967 · 60,000 mi

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 *JS

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196.6%
ODI 10190383 · 134,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT MECHANISM FAILED SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE NOTED IN RECALL # 99V045000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE'S PURCHASE DATE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 06/08/07. *JB

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329.0%
ODI 10002150

WHILE SITTING INSIDE OF HER VEHICLE THE FRONT SEAT DRIVER SIDE RECLINE BACKWARDS AND NEVER COME BACK TO ORIGINAL STATE. PLEASE FURNISH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER. PH

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31.0%
ODI 534035

REAR DOOR STICKS CLOSED, INOPERABLE FROM INSIDE AND OUT.

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125.3%
ODI 609525

THE BACK OF THE REAR SEAT COLLAPSED FORWARD AFTER A SUDDEN STOP.

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21.2%
ODI 606181

REAR WINDOW SHIELD WIPER FAILED. YH

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21.1%
ODI 843661

HIT FROM BEHIND DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED. THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS JAMMED TO THE BACK SEAT. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, THEY CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SEAT. *AK

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.8%
ODI 8013295

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT LOCK WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE IN ORDER TO LOCK THE SEAT DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB

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43.1%
ODI 10014398

I PURCHASED A 4-DOOR SATURN SL 2002 THIS PAST SUMMER. THE CARS DESIGN IS INCORRECT. WHEN I SIT IN THE SEAT WITH BOTH OF MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVE, I HAVE TO TURN MY BODY FROM THE WAIST DOWN TO THE LEFT IN ORDER TO PRESS ON THE GAS OR BRAKE. I HAVE NO ROOM ON THE RIGHT SIDE NEXT TO THE GAS PEDAL DUE TO THE CENTER CONSOLE PANEL, IT FORCES ME TO SIT WITH MY WAIST TURNED TO THE LEFT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION AND I HAVE HAD CONTINUAL BACK PAIN, WHICH BEGAN TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN SEEING A CH…

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Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
13.4%
ODI 721925

HAVE HAD CAR SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES, ENGINE ALWAYS REMAINED ROUGH, CAR DIES ON US, HAS LOW UPTAKE SPEED, MECHANIC SAID ITS A SATURN ENGINE DEFECT, WILL EVENTUALLY DIE ALTOGETHER. *AK

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32.4%
ODI 715368

SATURNED REFUSED TO HELP WITH THE COSTS

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116.3%
ODI 481477

ENGINE CONTINUES TO HESITATE AFTER REPEATED REPAIRS. *SKD

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62.1%
ODI 517928

ENGINE FAILURE; ALSO, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

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215.9%
ODI 482603

INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION DUE TO COMPUTER CHIP FAILURE.

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186.3%
ODI 10031308

CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAD HER AUTOMOBILE INSSPECTED ,AND WAS TOLD THAT HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. SHE DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT OTHER SATURN OWNER WERE HAVING THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEM. WHAT COULD SHE DO ABOUT IT?*AK

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125.3%
ODI 534043

VEHICLE'S ENGINE CONTINUALLY MAKES NOISE, LOUDER WITH AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.

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63.6%
ODI 536547

ENGINE EXPERIENCING KNOCKING PROBLEMS.

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63.4%
ODI 10128892 · 94,000 mi

DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 1999 SATURN SL. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER TOOK IT TO GET THE OIL CHANGED. FOUR DAYS LATER ON 6-25-05, SHE HEARD AN EXPLOSION; THE CAP ON THE RADIATOR COOLANT HAD POPPED OFF. SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING GUSHING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE COOLANT AND OIL MIXED. THIS MIXTURE IS CURRENTLY SPLATTERED ON THE CONSUMERS DRIVEWAY. AFTERWARDS SHE CONTACTED THE PLACE WERE SHE GOT THE OIL CHANGED AND THEY TOLD HER TO BRING IT IN. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE THEM O…

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64.1%
ODI 10210747

DRIVING MY 2000 SATURN SL2 70 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SUDDENLY COMES ON, ENGINE STOPS RUNNING PULL OVER, LUCKILY CLEAR CONDITIONS, SAFELY. TOWED CAR TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS TIMING CHAIN OR BELT MAY HAVE BROKEN. DEALER CALLS BACK, SAYS I NEED A $7000.00 REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THIS CAR HAS COST ME OVER 5000.00 IN REPAIRS. SATURN HAS NOT OFFERED ANY SORT OF EXPLANATION. JUST A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ONLINE. I AM FURIOUS. *TR

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32.7%
ODI 10144634 · 10,000 mi

WE NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES THE CAR WAS ENGINE WAS RACING WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND YOU HAVE TO HOLD EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE BAKE PEDAL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE IDLE SPEED INCREASES FROM A NORMAL 750 RPM TO APPROXIMATELY 1750 RPM WHILE IN NEUTRAL, INTERMEDIATELY, SOMETIMES RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE CAR, SOMETIMES AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE. THE CAR ENGINE WHEN IT DOES THIS WILL EXCEED 1100 RPM WHILE IN DRIVE WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES UNDER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND ONE TIME SPECIFICAL…

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43.1%
ODI 10186683 · 95,000 mi

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 VEHI…

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

64.9%
ODI 483893

BRAKES FAILED DUE TO 'BOILING OF FLUID WHEN APPLYING BRAKES FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME DOWN A STEEP HILL. *SD

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63.4%
ODI 481477

ENGINE CONTINUES TO HESITATE AFTER REPEATED REPAIRS. *SKD

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93.1%
ODI 489249

ENGINE VALVES STICKING DUE TO CARBON BUILD-UP. *SKD

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185.1%
ODI 482603

INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION DUE TO COMPUTER CHIP FAILURE.

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155.2%
ODI 502288

BRAKES GRIND.

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125.3%
ODI 531147

BRAKE FAILURE, CAUSING ACCIDENT.

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42.4%
ODI 536002

WHEN THE TRUCK LID IS RAISED IN RAINY WEATHER, WATER DRIPS INTO LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO DESIGN.

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95.1%
ODI 10052540 · 60,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 1999 SATURN SL2 W/ 23,000MI. AT 60,000MI I BEGAN TO FEEL A JUDDER/VIBRATION FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO A SATURN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WE'RE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAD NON-OEM BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED AND AFTER APPROXIAMETELY 65,000MI, BEGAN TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER LEAVING THE CAR WITH THE REPAIR SHOP, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BUT MY ROTORS KEEP WARPING. THE REPAIR SHOP CUT THE ROTORS "SLIGHTLY" AND NOW AT 70,000MI I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE…

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21.4%
ODI 725955

I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES TO STOP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, IT DID NOT EVEN SLOW DOWN UNTIL I HIT THE OTHER CAR, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

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21.8%
ODI 8005957

AFTER A RAIN OR SNOW DAY, BRAKES WILL TIGHTEN UP AND MAKE A GRINDING NOISE LIKE METAL TO METAL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK

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10.8%
ODI 8010054

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT ABLE TO SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR WHILE DESCENDING STEEP GRADE/MOUNTAIN ROADS. BRAKES ARE SCORCHED DUE TO EXCESSIVE PEDAL APPLICATION, AND CONTROLLING VEHICLE IS WITH DIFFICULTY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

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Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical System74,500–148,122 mi100,414 mi15
ODI 10285018 · 100,414 mi

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. *TR

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ODI 10568187 · 155,062 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,062. *TR

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ODI 10574029 · 155,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN LS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE DRIVER DROVE AT LOW SPEED IN A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT'S INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

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Power Train:Automatic Transmission11,500–68,950 mi50,700 mi12
ODI 10091826 · 6,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE JERK AND VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION NUMEROUS TIMES. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

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ODI 10095961 · 48,000 mi

THIS IS REGARDED TO THE VALVE BODY ISSUE THAT IS COMMON IN SATURNS. I HAVE A 2002 SL1 WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT AND MUST NEED TO BE REPLACED AFTER DOING RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY HAS SATURN NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, OR OFFER TO HELP PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS?*AK

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ODI 10100346 · 53,400 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. DRIVING ON STRAIGHTAWAY ~ 20-30 MPH. BANGING INTO GEAR AS SHIFTS. HARDER BANG WHEN GOING INTO "R". BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY. PROBLEM: FAULTY SOLENOID. REPLACED VALVE BODY. EXPENSIVE REPAIR! THIS IS A VERY PREMATURE, FAILURE. CAR ONLY 3 YEARS WITH ~50K. *JB

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Electrical System:Ignition46,500–112,810 mi87,000 mi7
ODI 10125266 · 48,000 mi

DT: WHILE TRYING TO START THE CAR WITH THE KEY IT WILL NOT TURN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR. A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE SAME COMPONENT BUT FOR A DIFFERENT MODEL CAR. DEALER HAS FIXED PROBLEM, BUTCALLER HAS TO PAY FOR IT. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK

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ODI 10179088 · 37,672 mi

AT MY LAST SERVICE VISIT, THE REPAIR TECH RECOMMENDED THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF: 1 IGNITION HOUSING BOLT -- HE STATED THAT WITHOUT THIS REPAIR, THE CAR COULD SUDDENLY "STOP WHERE IT IS AND BE UNSTEERABLE AND/OR UNDRIVEABLE". (LORD HELP WHOEVER'S BEHIND ME ON THE FREEWAY THAT DAY!) I'VE OWNED 5 VEHICLES -- MANUFACTURED BY FORD, CHRYSLER, SUBARU AND GENERAL MOTORS -- NOTHING LIKE THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED BEFORE. IT'S ALSO KIND OF SCARY TO KNOW THAT THE ONLY REASON I'M AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IS BECAUSE I JUST HAPPENED TO TAKE MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHA…

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ODI 10230735 · 87,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL1. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN TO THE START POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TAKES 5-10 MINUTES OF ATTEMPTING TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE IGNITION WOULD TURN. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,787 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

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Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range87,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10147336 · 59,736 mi

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *JB

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ODI 10255543 · 87,000 mi

2002 SATURN SL2 TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND DAMAGED ENGINE VALVES. *TR

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ODI 10258175 · 120,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE FAILS AND THE IGNITION WILL NOT START. SHE HAD NEW KEYS MADE, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND WILL NOT DIM. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR OVER A YEAR. THE CONTACT MUST WIGGLE THE KEYS FOR AT LEAST FIFTEEN TO THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL START. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN THE CONSUMER…

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Air BagsToo few reports for a range34,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10018168 · 44,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN A HIGH SPEED FRONTAL COLLISION BUT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.

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ODI 10154356 · 20,000 mi

MY CAR HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS. THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. THE CLIMATE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. IT HAS BROKEN DOWN 2 TIMES. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND GM WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP WITH ANY PROBLEMS I HAVE.. THEY JUST GIVE ME THE RUN AROUND. AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED 1 TIME.. WHICH STILL NEVER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.. THE SPEED OF THE WIPERS WHEN ON HIGH ARE SLOWER THEN MOST CARS RESULTING IN POOR VISION. THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF WHEN I GOT IN TO A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 45 MPH.. THIS HAS TO BE …

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ODI 10944042 · 34,000 mi

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. *TR

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SteeringToo few reports for a range94,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10154356 · 20,000 mi

MY CAR HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS. THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. THE CLIMATE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. IT HAS BROKEN DOWN 2 TIMES. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND GM WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP WITH ANY PROBLEMS I HAVE.. THEY JUST GIVE ME THE RUN AROUND. AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED 1 TIME.. WHICH STILL NEVER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.. THE SPEED OF THE WIPERS WHEN ON HIGH ARE SLOWER THEN MOST CARS RESULTING IN POOR VISION. THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF WHEN I GOT IN TO A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 45 MPH.. THIS HAS TO BE …

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ODI 10593442 · 75,000 mi

IGNITION SWITCH FAILS CAUSES STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK AND OR UNABLE TO TURN ON CAR. *TR

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ODI 10631281 · 115,000 mi

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 WHI…

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Engine44,330–160,000 mi141,244 mi5
ODI 10491002 · 160,000 mi

WHILE GOING FROM A PARKED POSITION TO DRIVING. THE CAR SHIFTED GEARS VERY HARD TO THE POINT IT RATTLED THE WHOLE CAR. I STOPPED DRIVING AND CHECKED THE ENGINE AND ALL FLUID LEVELS. EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. AS I PULLED OFF AGAIN IT DID THE SAME THING EACH TIME THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTED GEARS, THIS TIME HARDER. THE MECHANIC AT WORKED TESTED THE COMPUTER AND IT REGISTERED A PROBLEM WITH THE EGR VALVE AND AN UNKNOWN CODE. WHEN I CALLED A CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTER THEY SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIS A BUNCH OF TIMES AND THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM.…

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ODI 10606539 · 230,000 mi

IGNITION SWITCH IS HARD TO IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN ON AND ONCE THE CAR IS RUNNING THE KEY WILL TURN TO THE OFF POSITION AND WITH THE KEY EXTRACTED FROM THE LOCK THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN. *TR

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ODI 10643802 · 44,330 mi

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 S…

Look up ODI 10643802 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range56,034 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10171131 · 52,068 mi

HEAD GASKET FAILURE IN A RELATIVELY YOUNG VEHICLE WITH 52,000 MILES. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND COST $600.00 TO FIX. *NM

Look up ODI 10171131 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10209870 · 60,000 mi

AT AROUND 60K THE SATURN SL1 2002 SHOWED A TROUBLE CODE WITH THE INTAKE GASKET LEAKING FUEL MILEAGE SUFFERED. THIS CAR CAN NOT PASS SMOG AND NOW THE CAR IS CONSUMING 1 QT OF OIL IN 300 MILES, AS WELL AS GETTING TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AS I WOULD THINK THAT SINCE THE NET IS LITTERED WITH THIS PROBLEM ON THE SL1 1.9 IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY SATURN. IF THERE IS NOT A COMMON FAILURE WITH THE INTAKE GASKET WHY HAS SATURN MADE A UPGRADED GASKET?? RECALL THIS POS! *TR

Look up ODI 10209870 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

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.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 247 reports

2001: 41 complaints · 2002: 47 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001153041
2002183647
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
200110164
200212092

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.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical SystemPower Train:Automatic TransmissionElectrical System:IgnitionEngine And Engine CoolingAir BagsSteeringEngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Electrical System—000
1
ODI 10641820

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 …

Look up ODI 10641820 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10731864

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 *BF

Look up ODI 10731864 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11162608 · 141,244 mi

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…

Look up ODI 11162608 at NHTSA ↗

0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission0—000000
Electrical System:Ignition00—
1
ODI 10258175 · 120,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE FAILS AND THE IGNITION WILL NOT START. SHE HAD NEW KEYS MADE, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND WILL NOT DIM. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR OVER A YEAR. THE CONTACT MUST WIGGLE THE KEYS FOR AT LEAST FIFTEEN TO THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL START. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN THE CONSUMER…

Look up ODI 10258175 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Engine And Engine Cooling00
1
ODI 10258175 · 120,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE FAILS AND THE IGNITION WILL NOT START. SHE HAD NEW KEYS MADE, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND WILL NOT DIM. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR OVER A YEAR. THE CONTACT MUST WIGGLE THE KEYS FOR AT LEAST FIFTEEN TO THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL START. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN THE CONSUMER…

Look up ODI 10258175 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Air Bags
1
ODI 10641820

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 …

Look up ODI 10641820 at NHTSA ↗

000—
2
ODI 10032058

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND COULDN'T STEER THE VEHICLE. PASSENGER'SIR BAG DEPLOYED.DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10032058 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10154356 · 20,000 mi

MY CAR HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS. THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. THE CLIMATE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. IT HAS BROKEN DOWN 2 TIMES. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND GM WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP WITH ANY PROBLEMS I HAVE.. THEY JUST GIVE ME THE RUN AROUND. AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED 1 TIME.. WHICH STILL NEVER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.. THE SPEED OF THE WIPERS WHEN ON HIGH ARE SLOWER THEN MOST CARS RESULTING IN POOR VISION. THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF WHEN I GOT IN TO A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 45 MPH.. THIS HAS TO BE …

Look up ODI 10154356 at NHTSA ↗

00
Steering
1
ODI 10731864

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 *BF

Look up ODI 10731864 at NHTSA ↗

000
2
ODI 10032058

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND COULDN'T STEER THE VEHICLE. PASSENGER'SIR BAG DEPLOYED.DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10032058 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10154356 · 20,000 mi

MY CAR HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS. THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. THE CLIMATE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES. IT HAS BROKEN DOWN 2 TIMES. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND GM WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP WITH ANY PROBLEMS I HAVE.. THEY JUST GIVE ME THE RUN AROUND. AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED 1 TIME.. WHICH STILL NEVER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.. THE SPEED OF THE WIPERS WHEN ON HIGH ARE SLOWER THEN MOST CARS RESULTING IN POOR VISION. THE AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF WHEN I GOT IN TO A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 45 MPH.. THIS HAS TO BE …

Look up ODI 10154356 at NHTSA ↗

—00
Engine
1
ODI 11162608 · 141,244 mi

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…

Look up ODI 11162608 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

15 mentions · 11.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 64,500 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10075347 · 12,900 mi

CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO SATURN FOR REPAIRS 5 TIMES AND AFTER THE MAX OF 2 DAYS THE PROBLEMS WERE BACK. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND HAS BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOR NOW TWO YEARS. SATURN IS NOT WILLING TO BUY THE CAR BACK THROUGH THE WISCONSIN LEMON LAW AND BY AN INSPECTOR AND MYSELF IT IS A PURE LEMON. THE CAR VIBRATES, IDLES VERY ROUGH, AND HAS THE CURIOUS TENDENCY TO STALL, LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE CAR DOES NOT KNOW WHAT FIRST GEAR IS, THE BACK END TELLS YOU OF ANY BUMP IN THE ROAD. CAR HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES…

Look up ODI 10075347 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10091565

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IT OVERHEATED. ONCE TURNING IT OFF, AND UPON TRYING TO START IT AGAIN, IDLE DROPPED TO ZERO, AND VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER MORE THAN FOUR TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A BAD SENSOR. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Look up ODI 10091565 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10117588

2002 SATURN SL2 STALLED THEN VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *MR THE VEHICLE BEGUN TO SMOKE THEN IGNITED. *SC

Look up ODI 10117588 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 16,800 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10004631

WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO DOWN TO THE FLOOR INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. TS

Look up ODI 10004631 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10042177

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AS SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. IT HAD RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. ABOUT $600 WORTH OF DAMAGES OCCURRED NOT INCLUDING THE CAUSE OF REPAIRS FOR THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE.*CB

Look up ODI 10042177 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10091493 · 28,600 mi

THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELLED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS EVALUATED THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY DEFECTS IN THE BRAKES. HOWEVER, THEY DID HAVE TO ADD FLUID TO THE BRAKES. LATER THEY CONTACTED THE OWNERS SPOUSE AND SAID THE VEHICLES BRAKE RESPONSE WAS NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE VEHICLE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Look up ODI 10091493 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 8,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10091826 · 6,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE JERK AND VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION NUMEROUS TIMES. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10091826 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10258259 · 10,000 mi

I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR SINCE NEW DELAY AND HARD SHIFTS INTO REVERSE ALWAYS, AND FORWARD GEARS QUITE FREQUENTLY HAD SATURN SERVICE DEPT CHECK AND THEY SHOW NO CODES. *TR

Look up ODI 10258259 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 138,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10579663 · 162,000 mi

THE KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE RUNNING. THERE IS ALSO TROUBLE TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START IT. SIMILAR TO WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS, SOMETIMES THE KEY WONT TURN. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND TAKES 20-30 TRIES BEFORE IT FINALLY TURNS OVER. *JS

Look up ODI 10579663 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10631621 · 114,000 mi

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. TH…

Look up ODI 10631621 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 155,062 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10568187 · 155,062 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,062. *TR

Look up ODI 10568187 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10216992

WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANT, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WITH A COMPLAINT THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WELL AND DESCRIBED IT AS "SLUGGISH". AFTER CHECKING IT, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS NOT THE ENGINE. WHEN I KEPT NOTICING THAT THE OIL IN THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY LOW BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, BUT IT WAS NOT LEAKING OUT OF THE CAR NOR WAS THE CAR BURNING OIL FROM THE EXHAUST, I CONTACTED THE DEALER VIA TELEPHONE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD JUST FIXED A CAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT TO THE TUNE OF $1400. …

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Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 120,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10258175 · 120,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SL. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE FAILS AND THE IGNITION WILL NOT START. SHE HAD NEW KEYS MADE, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND WILL NOT DIM. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR OVER A YEAR. THE CONTACT MUST WIGGLE THE KEYS FOR AT LEAST FIFTEEN TO THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL START. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN THE CONSUMER…

Look up ODI 10258175 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b