Faults:

The timing chain broke in moderate traffic at about 40 mph. I understand this has happened to several owners and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an Engineering Analysis of the problem, but Saturn claims no responsibility. They even tried to blame me for the problem saying that I didn't keep it maintained well enough. The problem is apparently not limited to just the L200. We need a class action lawsuit!

General Comments:

The car is adequate for around town, but noticeably small when on long trips. The car developed a leak when it rained and the ignition key and headlight switch got really hot while driving. Also the doors stopped unlocking when the ignition key was turned off.

Faults:

I was driving to work on March 12, 2007, when all of a sudden with no warning my car shut down as if it ran out of gas. There were no noises or any indication before this time that there was anything wrong. Luckily I was on a city street, and was not traveling very fast when it happened, so I was able to coast to the side of the road to stay out of traffic.

My car is still in for repairs, and is likely to cost me close to 3,000 due to timing chain failure. I have since filled a complaint with NHTSA that can be done at the following web site. http://www.topix.net/forum/city/hickory-nc/T7FEOD6MENJBK4OGA/p3

I have also filled a complaint with the customer service department at Saturn, which can be done by calling the customer assistance center at 1-800-553-6000. Since I have done this, I have received a letter from Saturn telling me I may contact the BBB Auto Line at 1-800-955-5100 or on line at www.bbb.org to file a claim to come to a mutually acceptable resolution. I have filed a claim with the BBB Auto Line, and I will see where all of this takes me.

I would urge anyone who has had this problem, or unfortunately has the same bad luck as myself in the future, to report it to all three of locations listed above, in hopes of Saturn issuing a recall, and all of us getting some if not all of our repair cost back.

Faults:

Rear axle.

Tail lamps.

Timing chain.

General Comments:

The timing chain broke while I was driving it and destroyed valves and other parts of the engine, effectively destroying it. Car has about 68,000 miles and chain should normally last a lot longer. I am told it will cost $3500+ to put in a rebuilt engine. I have read on various websites that this is a common defect with the 2.2L engine, but that Saturn is not making good on this defect.

Faults:

Timing chain felled at 83000 miles. Was told it was an oil change issue with it was not as oil and filters were changed regularly. Found very interesting info on this site and told mechanic to check on service bulletin about oiler hole to timing chain housing and correct this issue in the replacement engine.

Also had an ECM failure minutes before timing chain broke. Electrical system looked like a Christmas light parade.

Faults:

Overall I have had pretty good luck with the L200 until recently. I bought the car new and have 135,000 miles on it.

After starting the car in my garage mind you, the timing chain broke and the rest is history, my wallet is considerably lighter as a result.

I have an 02 L200 as well with 72000 miles, you can bet I won't be owning this car for long.

After owning three Saturns in the past 6 years, I can honestly say NEVER AGAIN. My Toyota was traded off with 192,000 on it, never any major problems, nothing like this, I bet it's still running!

Thanks for letting me vent,

Disgusted in Nebraska.