4th May 2009, 22:41

My LW300 has 86000 miles now.

I had the timing belt system changed last summer for around a thousand. Then, it had been making a strange sound for 4 months already, then the steering oil is leaking. Had to replace the power steering system for another thousand. The Saturn part is hard to get, had to leave the car overnight.

Well, it's been 3 months already, at least no problems now, but I would rather have a Japanese car than a Saturn, although this car is stable and safer on road.

The engine light will come up in winter, and go off at summer. Funny, at least I can pass inspection. Won't recommend Saturn to anyone.

20th May 2009, 18:09

I have bought a 2002 LW300 and had no problems with it for 3 years, and recently the check engine light came on and the car ran fine, like there wasn't any problems with it. Now when I drive the car for about 5 miles, it stalls out and loses all power. Then I will let it sit for about an hour, and it starts right back up like there isn't any problems with it. Then if I drive it another block or so, it stalls out again with no power. Power locks don't work, power windows don't work, can't put it in neutral, lost time on the stereo, but battery checks out fine. Anybody have any suggestions?

27th Jun 2009, 21:00

I have a 2002 LW300 that I bought used 4 years ago with about 50,000 on it. Car currently has 112,000 miles. I have done all scheduled maintenance including timing belt, water pump etc.. Overall car has been very reliable, never broken down (knock on wood). I have put some money in recently, but given the age I don't complain.

Couple of notes on things that have occurred over the years:

Tires do tend to wear poorly, have it aligned frequently - not awful but a consistent issue. I did have to replace the CO2 monitor a while back - no electrical issues other than the right side of the speedometer light is out (not a big deal). Emergency break cables rusted out from lack of use.

All said this is not the most exciting car in the world but at 112k I would say it was a great used car value. One remark when I clean and wax it (which I don't do a lot) - the body looks like it is brand new... that plastic really does hold up.

I intend to keep it going until it falls apart.

18th Dec 2009, 04:16

The "wrench" engine light display's after 30-45 minutes of rush hour driving, around town. Wrench light also comes on while doing hill climbing. Saturn dealer can't diagnose problem, till it fails. When it fails, local repair shop puts the code reader on it and gets no reading, even though it is in error condition. Light and condition (condition being hard shifts of auto tranny) usually "go away" when ignition is turned off, but yesterday, condition went away with no intervention. Replaced MAF 18 months ago. Any advice?

30th Dec 2009, 12:51

I have a 2001 Saturn LW 3.0 with 82k miles and have recently had multiple problems. I bought it used 2 years ago and had a couple things replaced at that time that looked used. Drove fine across the country until last year.

Had a water pump replaced last year at Saturn for $400. Then last month I replaced the O2 sensor and Service Engine Soon (wrench) light finally went off.

A month later the car intermittently started, but drove fine. Shop replaced crankshaft position sensor yesterday for a cool $360 when it would turn over, but not start, and at first it started fine and drove home. Today the check engine light is on, odometer is working intermittently, and find out that there are now 21 trouble codes, including ones for the vehicle speed sensor, powertrain control module and the throttle position sensor. Need to give the car 2 minutes to restart but driving seems to be relatively unaffected. I'm thinking of replacing the PCM, any suggestions?

20th Feb 2010, 12:34

I have a 2002 Saturn LW300 with problems. I wish I never bought it.

First off, white smoke out the tail pipe. Whether it is cold outside or not. Had the head gaskets replaced. Still blows smoke, no loss in the coolant or oil. Can't find the problem.

Next, no running lights or dash lights. Have checked all fuses, they are fine. My friend hot wired something in the tail light, and put a switch on it in order to drive at night.

What was GM thinking when they bought Saturn?

28th Aug 2010, 17:39

Currently own a 2002 Saturn LW300 with 249,000 kilometres on it (Canadian here, that's about 154,000 miles for all the Americans), and so far so good. It's not like this car doesn't go through a lot either. In addition to lengthy journeys along Northern Ontario logging roads during the summer months, I leave my car outside during the winter since my garage simply doesn't have the space.

The car has not been completely trouble-free. The most persistently annoying issue is the back tailgate sometimes fails to open when unlocked. Despite replacing both the lock and the circuitry this continues to happen.

The rear seat bar squeaks, and the only way to fix it is by jamming a piece of cardboard between the seat and the bar. This does not sound like a big deal, but in a city with poorly maintained roads, every bump and jolt causes a loud, annoying screech.

Nevertheless, routine maintenance keeps the vehicle running smoothly... most of the negative experiences on this forum seem to be from people who do not recognize the value of maintaining their car.

31st Jan 2012, 18:33

I just gave up on the Saturn LW300 2002. The timing chain broke on me at 82 thousand.. I don't have the monies for buying a 71 thousand mile engine for $3,800.00, only to have that one break also. I am now car-less for the first time since I was 16 years old. You GM folks oughta be ashamed of yourselves.

22nd Jan 2013, 12:30

Well said about maintaining your vehicle... Some people use this forum just to complain about how they will never buy, use or recommend something in the future. Always provide the good AND bad to provide a fair shake...

6th Jul 2019, 18:25

I am sorry to hear about your bad luck with your 2002 LW300. It is all luck of the draw. Mine has been a gem. I've had it for nearly 14 years now, put about 120,000 on it (has over 150,000 total) and have had to replace very little. It looks now that I will have to replace the oil pan, as the threads for the oil plug are just about stripped out.