Saturn Ls problems
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Saturn Ls model years
Common Saturn Ls problems
Based on the complaints from owners of Saturn LS cars, common problems include:
- Timing Chain Tensioner Issues: There is a design flaw with the timing chain tensioner in Saturn LS cars. This part tends to break between 80,000 to 150,000 miles, potentially causing significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Expensive Repairs: Owners have highlighted the high cost of repairs for Saturn LS cars. Issues such as oil cooler leaks, water pump failures, power steering pump problems, faulty MAF sensors, and thermostat issues have resulted in substantial repair bills after the car surpasses 50,000 miles.
- Electrical Problems: Some Saturn LS owners have experienced electrical system failures, leading to issues with fuses, window winders, and other components. These electrical issues can be frustrating and costly to repair.
- Suspension and Brake Concerns: Complaints have been raised about squeaky rear suspensions, faulty brakes, and other related issues in Saturn LS cars. These problems can affect the driving experience and safety of the vehicle.
- General Reliability: While some owners have praised the reliability of Saturn LS cars, others have expressed concerns about the overall longevity and maintenance costs associated with these vehicles. The perception of reliability varies among different owners based on their individual experiences.
These common problems with Saturn LS cars highlight various issues that owners have faced, ranging from oil consumption and timing chain tensioner failures to expensive repairs and electrical system malfunctions. Understanding these issues can help current and prospective owners make informed decisions regarding the maintenance and ownership of Saturn LS vehicles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Saturn Ls years
We have researched Saturn problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Saturn Ls cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Saturn Ls model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Saturn Ls model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Saturn Ls years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Saturn Ls car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Saturn Ls , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Steering problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Saturn Ls vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ls model years
A total of 10 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ls model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ls model years
There were a total of 16 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 416 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Saturn Ls . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Saturn Ls vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-07
- VIN: 1G8JU52F8YY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I am listing this vehicle identification number to fulfill your request on the safety complaint form, however I believe what I am about to share is an issue that applies to all vehicles on the road today, regardless of their source of motive power, if they have a hydraulic-brake system. I believe the current federal specifications for brake lines are too susceptible to corrosion, and although the materials brake lines are made of on most vehicles, probably meet Federal standards. Federal standards for this and other vehicle parts should evolve more frequently, sensitive to modernization and field experience. Corrosion-resistant brake lines are available and Federal statutes should be upgraded to specify they be constructed of more durable material and also be positioned in vehicles to increase their ease of replacement. Replacement of just the rusted sections of my rear brake lines cost me approximately $3000, and most of that cost was driven by brake line inaccessibility. Brake lines are typically one of the first components installed during vehicle assembly and several layers of components are then placed over them. Given the difficulty of replacement they should be one of the most durable components in the vehicle and calculated to last an appropriate multiple of the vehicle’s service life that is economically feasible.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-11
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-17
- VIN: 1G8JU52F6YY
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
- Summary: THE WHOLE SUBFRAME ON MY 2000 SATURN LS IS ROTTED SO BAD THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED WITH MY CAR NOT STARTING AND PUTTING IT UP ON A LIFT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THAT NOT STARTING PROBLEM IS A BAD RESONATOR, BUT IN THE PROCESS THE SUBFRAME WAS FOUND TO BE SERIOUSLY ROTTED AWAY. *TR
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-31
- Date Complaint: 2018-02-12
- VIN: 1G8JU54X2Y5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: CAR LEAKING OIL - NOW ENGINE TROUBLE
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-24
- Date Complaint: 2017-08-26
- VIN: 1G8JU52F5YY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NOTHING, THANK GOD HAD HAPPENED YET, BUT IT WILL IN A MATTER OF TIME, HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE NO IDEA. THE PROBLEM IS THE MOTOR CRADLE OR FRAME IS RUSTING OUT, THE FRONT WHERE THE MOTOR SETS HAD WHOLES RUSTED IN IT, THE WHOLE THING IS RUSTING AWAY.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-20
- Date Complaint: 2017-03-20
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE MY TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED. CAR LOST POWER AND PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-14
- Date Complaint: 2016-08-24
- VIN: 1G8JU52F8YY
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: REF: 07V519 I AM FILLING THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNING MY 2000 SATURN LS1 2.2L ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING ON A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FREEWAY IN JULY 2008 MY TIMING CHAIN BROKE. THIS CAUSED US TO TRY AND GET TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY, A VERY NERVE-RACKING SITUATION. AFTER TALKING TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SEVERAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS I ELECTED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF FIXING THE TIMING CHAIN AND THE OTHER DAMAGE THAT WAS CAUSED IN THE BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BY CLAREMONT AUTO CENTER IN POMONA CA ON 14/JULY/2008. IF NECESSARY I SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A COPY OF THE REPAIR BILL.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-13
- Date Complaint: 2016-07-28
- VIN: 1G8JR52F7YY
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE WHERE THE TIMING BELT PREMATURELY FRACTURED INTO THE MOTOR AND FRACTURED THE VALVES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-15
- Date Complaint: 2016-05-09
- VIN: 1G8JU52F8YY
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TURN SIGNAL DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY DISENGAGE THE SIGNAL. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,704.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-16
- Date Complaint: 2015-11-17
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM BOTH THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND ALL OF THE WHEEL WELLS AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2015-08-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G8JU52F3YY
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE HIGH BEAMS ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE HIGH BEAMS FAILED TO TURN OFF CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DETACH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,680.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2015-03-13
- VIN: 1G8JW52R1YY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TOOK CAR TO HAVE STRUTS REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED AWAY TO MAKE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE,ALWAYS CHECKED THE BODY AND FRAME YEARLY FOR RUST ON CHASSIS AND UNI BODY SO THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY POTENTIAL PROBLEM S. I LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST PART OF THE USA.. THE PROBLEM WITH THE SUB FRAME IS IT RUSTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT SO IT MAKES INSPECTION EXTREMELY HARD TO SEE. *TR
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-04
- Date Complaint: 2015-02-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G8JU52FXYY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION THAT BURNED THE SOCKETS AND WIRES CAUSING THE BULBS TO SHORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS THREE TIMES AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V245000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2014-12-03
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN L SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER INADVERTENTLY PULLED THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2014-11-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZK5277YZ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING A 98 TOYOTA TACOMA ON A 45 MPH HIGHWAY WHEN A PEDESTRIAN IN THE ROAD CAUSED ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC TO SUDDENLY STOP. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME AND WENT INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP MY VEHICLE IN THE MEDIAN AND STRUCK THE 2000 SATURN COUPE DRIVERS SIDE FENDER TO DRIVERS SIDE FENDER. UPON IMPACT THE BODY OF THE SATURN BURST INTO 12 TO 14 INCH SHARDS OF WHATEVER THE BODY IS MADE OF, (PERHAPS FIBERGLASS OR SOMETHING SIMILAR). ONE SUCH SHARD SHATTERED THE DRIVERS WINDOW AND IMPALED ME THROUGH MY LEFT SHOULDER AND LODGED ITSELF PROTRUDING SLIGHTLY FROM MY BACK. THE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WERE UNABLE TO STOP THE BLEEDING SO I WAS AIRLIFTED TO ORMC FOR EMERGENCY SURGERY, AND AM LUCKY TO HAVE SURVIVED. THE SURGEON STATED THAT ANOTHER INCH WOULD HAVE MEANT ME BLEEDING OUT IN THE ROAD. THAT VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE SHOT DEADLY PROJECTILES UPON IMPACT. *TR
Saturn Ls 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2014-11-04
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR SATURN 2000 LS "KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE IGNITION IS NOT IN THE "OFF" POSITION. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING OUR SATURN LS. WE HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON OUR SATURN VUE SUV REGARDING "KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE IGNITION IS NOT IN THE "OFF" POSITION. THANK YOU, *TR
Latest 5 recalls Saturn Ls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 16 recalls for different components of the Saturn Ls.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Saturn Ls 2001
- Report Received Date: 2007-11-07
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINE, LINKS IN THE ENGINE'S TIMING CHAIN CAN SEPARATE.
- Consequence: IF A TIMING CHAIN LINK SEPARATES WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE ENGINE WILL STALL AND WILL NOT RESTART INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
- Model: Saturn Ls 2001
- Report Received Date: 2005-06-02
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
- Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
- Model: Saturn Ls 2002
- Report Received Date: 2005-06-02
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
- Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
- Model: Saturn Ls 2000
- Report Received Date: 2005-06-02
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
- Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
- Model: Saturn Ls 2002
- Report Received Date: 2005-04-20
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CERTAIN WAGONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE HOLDING THE REQUIRED TEST LOAD FOR THE REQUIRED TIME.
- Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REAR SEAT CENTER BELT ANCHOR REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO THE FLOOR PAN OF THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
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