14th Nov 2004, 12:06

I just received an estimate from Saturn of $3,600 minimum to fix my car after the timing chain broke and damaged the upper part of the engine. I, too, was told the oil hadn't been changed. My car has only 42,000 miles on it. I had it towed from the dealership to an independent mechanic, who is looking at it now. Although I feel better that this was not my fault, it does make me angry that they tried to make me think it was.

18th Jan 2005, 09:16

I have a Saturn L200, 2002 with 45,000 miles. Engine stopped on my way home to Cleveland, Ohio from P.A. Had a local shop look at it; they stated that the timing chain had broken. They quoted my around $700.00 to fix. I contacted Saturn, they stated that most likely the valves were also ruined and would have to be replaced. They would not offer any assistance and said that I would have to have it towed over 100 miles to one of their dealers to look at it, before they would even consider any assistance with the cost. They also stated that the problem was most likely caused my lack of oil maintenance and since I did not have all of my service done with a Saturn dealer, they would not cover any of the cost. And to top it off would not even waive the diagnostic charge. I have had regular oil changes, some over their recommended 3,000 miles, but nothing outrageous. So now I'm stuck with around $3,500.00 worth of repair on a leased car that I have to turn in (June). Can anyone help? Any documentation regarding defect or problems with the timing chain and or parts. Please email at vretkrum@vba.va.gov.

19th May 2005, 22:00

I just had my 2001 L200 wagon break down on the way to work this morning. We had no warning. We have followed the service suggestions with oil changes every 3,000 miles and just had the car in for fuel injector maintenance and inspection a month ago. Our car has 49,000 miles on it and the timing chain broke damaging the valves and head. I was told that the repairs would cost 2500 dollars. I was completely floored. I have been talking up the safety and dependability of Saturn vehichles for the past five years. A year ago my pregnant wife and I were in an accident in our 100 series and both of us emerged uninjured. We had our car totaled and immediately found our 200 series wagon to replace it. We bought the four cylinder because of its outstanding track record. The car we bought had just over 25000 miles on it. I was sure with recommended dealer maintenance we would get 150000 to 200000 miles out of it without any back breaking repairs. A year later and here I am... the good news= because of our loyalty and the fact that we have had it serviced regularly at the dealership Saturn is going to cover everything over five hundred dollars. It does seem that this is far too common a problem, however.

22nd Jun 2005, 17:59

I guess I'm the lucky one. My 2000 LS1 with 49,000 miles started making a bad sound. Shut it down and had it towed to the dealer. $914 for a new chain.

My 94 Toyota pickup has 168,000 on its 2.2L engine with no trouble, and it only cost $280 to replace a broken timing belt on my old Camry about 5 years ago.

29th Jul 2005, 13:49

My 2001 Saturn L200 Timing chain broke at 58k miles. It left me stranded on the side of the road. I am working with Saturn to try to get the repair paid for, but I have a feeling they will not. They said that they would replace my engine with a used engine for $2800 and they coughed the problem up to not changing the oil however, I have changed the oil often. I am working with a non-Saturn Authorized shop now they are going to fix the engine which was damaged from the timing chain breaking for around $2000.00 I am really unhappy with my Saturn. I have had it for 1 year and its been in the shop twice already.

6th Aug 2005, 13:00

I purchased a 2001 saturn l200 about 1 year ago. I have kept up on all oil changes and maintenance when necessary. While driving on a major interstate my car powered down with no warning. It felt like the car had ran out of gas. After doing research on the car I found out about the frequent problems with the timing chain. Every dealership and saturn representative gave me the same line about not changing the oil. Saturn is obviously denying the problem and not taking any responsibility for it. It is going to cost me $2800 dollars to replace the whole engine. This is absolutely ridiculous considering the car has 60,000 miles. If anybody has any advice on getting assistance please let me know. my email address is jmussari21@yahoo.com.

6th Aug 2005, 13:32

August 6th 2005.

I have a Saturn 2002 L2000 Series car with 34,000 miles on it. Recently the timing chain went on the car.

I took the car to Saturn who told me it was out of warranty and they would not cover the repairs. Further it would take Saturn 3 days just to look at the car. I was very disappointed I had the car towed to my independent mechanic who replaced the timing chain and the damaged pistons and cylinders for $2000. This is my 2nd Saturn, but the experienced has caused me to lose faith in the vehicle.

30th Aug 2005, 08:25

I have a 2001 L200 Series. I have had nothing, but problems with many things. I have now replaced the brain, the timing chain, rebuilt the top of the engine not to mention the small things which include, replacing both rear tail light grids. I have dropped so much money into this car that I can barely make the payments. Saturn told me when the timing chain broke, that I was at fault for not changing the oil. But, when I produced all of my scheduled oil changes, they agreed to refund to me 1/2 of the $2400 it cost to replace. I now have a bent axle and rim which is going to cost $1000. I will NEVER purchase another Saturn. This car is literally falling apart. What a headache!!!

10th Oct 2005, 05:39

I as well have the 2001 L200 Series and the timing chain has broken. I really do not think Saturn will correct this problem, but am planning to take it as far as I can. Overall, the quality of the car has been fine with no major problems.

However, this is not acceptable for a car with only 54,000 miles. I think Saturn has trained the various service managers in what the company line is, that being they really could care less about customer problems. I once talked good about the Saturn and what the company as a whole was trying to accomplish. However, I now have my pat answer when someone asks me about my Saturn, I simple say I would not purchase another.

I really thought Saturn was going to be a different car maker, the reason I purchased from their company in the first place. Never again.