2001 Saturn L200 from North America - Comments

The timing chain broke after 27,000 miles, damaging the upper half of the engine. The dealer was claiming it's because the oil wasn't changed, when I changed it myself several times.

After speaking with several mechanics, and they agree that even if the oil hadn't been changed (which it has), a timing chain should not break - especially after only 27,000 miles.

Saturn corporate has been extremely unhelpful, and I've seen this complaint several times on this board. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, and I am trying to find some equitable solution to this problem.

Through some Internet research, I have seen that this is not an uncommon problem with Saturns, and I am looking at getting them to do something about it.

I would love to be able to share some of your experiences that are similar to mine. Please let me know if you've had a timing chain related problem with your Saturn. I'm now facing an $1800 repair bill that should not be mine.

My email address is jdressander@yahoo.com.

I was just notified that the timing chain on my 2001 Saturn broke. The car has approximately 70,000 miles. When they were going over the possible causes, they also mentioned oil changes. It's hard to believe that in a time when most people will tell you that changing your oil every 3,000 is excessive, that they would stick to that story. I'm being told that I'm looking at $2,600 worth of repairs.

My 2001 L200 has 50,000 miles, and the oil has been changed consistently -- around 5000 miles.

Mechanic I had it towed to looked at the engine and said that it was very clean. Lack of maintenance is definitely not the culprit.

Guesstimate to fix (I'm still talking to Saturn) is about $4000.

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.

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.

The timing chain just let go on my 2001 Saturn L200 with 54,000 miles on it. The car was purchased used from the Saturn dealer with 37,000 miles on it, and the complete service history since it was purchased new there. I have changed the oil promptly every time the "change oil" light has come on (about 3000 miles) The dealer also tried to say that the oil was not changed. They pulled the valve cover off and stated how clean the top end looked (no dirt or sludge build up) But can't explain why the chain broke with so few miles on it. The did offer to install a used engine into the car for 1800.00 They could not tell me the mileage or history of this

"used" motor. I asked them what was damaged when the timing chain broke, And they did not know, They didn't go that far into it. That was upsetting. They just stated that there was no compression in three cylinders (well duhhh... the timing chain is broke, what would you expect!) The car was then towed to a local shop for an experienced tech to look at, and correct the problem. Even if there are some bent valves, it will still be cheaper than putting in a used motor. And maybe setting up for another timing chain issue.

I have a 2000 LS1 with 55K miles. The timing chain is history & along with it, two pistons. A nylon guide came loose, tangled in the chain & caused it's failure. I am currently in the process of contacting saturn about this problem, but not to hopeful of their assistance considering all of the others I have read about. I have also found out about a technical service bulletin (03-06-01-017) given to dealerships 6/03. This bulletin is for a revised timing chain/oiler & service procedure that the general public is not aware of. It replaces the original oiler due to the fact that it does not allow sufficient oil to the timing area at low rpms. If it was a lack of lubrication that caused the nylon to come loose, I would have to assume that this could've been remedied by the upgrade. With the amount of timing failures I have read about in the past few days (not to mention those who haven't gone public with theirs) I wonder why saturn didn't make this a general recall. Certainly it would be cheaper for dealerships to do this exchange rather that the repair on the complete engine. All of my oil changes have been between 3000-4000mi and I've already been told by saturn w/o them even seeing the car that it was probably due to poor maintenance/oil changes.

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.

I have a 2000 LW1 with 107,000 miles before my Chain went this week. They stated valve damage and even possible piston damage with parts fallen into the oil pan for even more damage. Hard to believe when this happened from STARTING the engine, not even happening on the road. Can someone email me the TSB 03-06-01-017 to weberc@wpunj.edu as Saturn does not seem to release this to their customers.

Right now my dealership said I need a new engine, a refurbish is unavailable and they are estimating $6500 for all the work.

My 2001 Saturn L200 timing chain just broke, leaving my daughter stranded on the highway. It had 80,000 miles on it. I did the regular oil changes, so that wasn't the problem. This seems to be a frequent problem with broken timing chains on the Saturn. I don't know if it is this particular year, or with all years of Saturn. Dealer said it would be $3600 to rebuild, or they could replace the engine with a used one for $2100. What choice did I have? RandyGoforth@aol.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

Sept. 24th,2005 I have a 2001 L200 Saturn. On vacation at Myrtle Beach traveling 35 miles an hour the timing chain broke at 87,000 miles. I had it towed to a shop there and was told it would be expensive to fix. I then towed it back to Roanoke, Va.Saturn Dealership. They told me the engine was damaged. A replacement is going to cost me $2600.00. THANKS A LOT SATURN! I will never own another.