Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-90, 91-101
I bought my 1995 SL1 in 1998 with 102,000 km. Within weeks of purchase, I checked the oil (by chance) and found that it was down a quart. It currently burns about a quart of oil per tank of gas.
The engine has destroyed two catalytic converters, although I have only replaced one. It is no longer road worthy per Ontario (Canada) emissions standards, having failed testing. After test failure, the Saturn mechanic replaced the temperature sensor, oxygen sensor, PCV valve and spark-plugs (which I paid for, for a conditional pass). Finally after he checked the converter temperatures (TEMPout > TEMPin means it works), the problem (symptom) was discovered. Aha, the catalytic converter needs replacing. The service manager was completely puzzled as to why the converter had failed. Perhaps, just perhaps it wasn't designed to work in a pool of oil (like he was completely oblivious to the fact that oil burning is an issue with Saturns).
Now, I am simply sick of the stench of burning oil and the embarrassment that I own the aforementioned auto. My exhaust is more blue than the paint on the car itself. Maybe that's the price I pay for buying a car with plastic body panels.
As my conditional emissions pass will expire in a few months, I will have to sell the car AS IS, and take a huge hit if I want to get rid of it, I really don't want to replace the engine (and converter) with one that is likely just as bad, nor do I want to replace just the catalytic converter to be deep fried by the engine within a few months.
I really can't be bothered to waste my time and energy arguing with a car company that has obviously decided that the cost of admitting their error exceeds any possible benefit. If no one is getting killed from their error, there will be no action. Even then, many people would have to die before any action would be taken.
Is it any surprise that Saturn hasn't actually designed the engines for their new models (or so I have read)?
Other Options:
Since running lube-less (sans oil) doesn't seem to be an option, has anyone tried to run using 2 stroke oil (either in the tank or crankcase)? The oil injection system in my car is extremely effective; perhaps there is something in my owner's manual about this.
Has anyone tried corn oil (canola, sesame, olive or peanut)? If I can't stop it from burning oil, at least it could smell like a chip truck. Maybe they put onion rings on my pistons rather than oil seal rings.
Has anyone thought of having a few thousand Saturn owners congregate for the ULTIMATE SATURN PICNIC. We could stage it at the Saturn plant. The cloud of blue smoke would be an amazing sight to behold.
How about a "SATURN CHALLENGE PICNIC". We could all start from home (where ever that may be) with an engine full of oil and see how many of us could make it to the Saturn plant before our engines seize. But how would we know who won if no one actually made it there?
Dear Saturn Owners.
I just bought my 1997 SC2 from my friend and he told me that everything was okay with it. I have had the car for 4 days and already the engine coolant light has come one, but when I check the engine coolant there is plenty of it. I haven't checked the oil because I didn't know about this problem with Saturns. If I would have known I never would have bought the car from him.
I like the last person's idea about having a Saturn meeting, but since I live in Hawaii I know that my Saturn wouldn't make it.
Anyways the reason I am writing is I am wondering if anyone knows of problems with the engine coolant. Does this have anything to do with the oil consumption of Saturns? Is there really anything we can do?
From: Feeling Hopeless in Hawaii.
Well after reading all of these comments of people with like problems, I don't know whether to feel relieved or just duped by Saturn. I bought my Saturn SL2 in 1998 new and started having serious oil problems in 2001 (or perhaps sooner and I didn't notice). I took it to two dealerships who told me that there were no leaks nor was it burning oil. Frustrated, I continued to add lots of oil between scheduled oil changes. The problem only increased and in July of 2003, during a 8-hr car trip, the car lost power b/c there was so much oil in the spark plugs that they were misfiring (I had the oil changed right before I left for the trip). I was towed to a Saturn dealer who kept the car for five days (during which time I had a rental car at my own expense). The service manager told me that the time belt needed to be replaced and that the gasket did as well. When I asked him why this happened with only 60,000 miles on the car and what this had to do with the oil problems, he evaded my answer. He told me that fixing the timing belt/gasket would repair the major problem and suggested an "oil supplement" for the oil consumption. Naively, I paid for the $1300+ repairs. Almost three weeks later, my oil light came on again. In the months since, I have had to add oil every 200-300 miles. (As a fun side problem, on a trip two weeks ago, the alternator went out and I had to have it replaced for $500).
Then, I contacted the Saturn Customer Assistance Center. They told me that I had to bring it to a dealership to look into the oil problem. I brought it to the dealership who has now told me that the cam cover is cracked and that oil is leaking from there. When I pushed him on whether this repair would solve the oil problems, he evaded my answer, but eventually told me "no" and that he felt I had major engine damage. He says the other dealership probably missed the cam cover crack (hard to do considering you have to take that off to get to the timing belt) or that the crack has occurred since then. Either way - he could not nor has anyone answered the question - Why would a car with 60,000 miles on it do this? And why would one with around 40,000 miles on it begin to lose significant oil? I fear that major engine damage was done with the oil was low.
I have been talking to the people at Saturn for several days now. I have demanded 1) a new engine or 2) a refund of the $1300 I paid already. I realize that neither of these demands are realistic, but I feel like if I had known of the engine/oil problems I never would have paid the $1300 and would have just chalked it up to a bad experience and got rid of the car. They have offered to pay the labor involved in getting the cam cover replaced (about $40) if I pay for the part ($340).
I don't know how much further to pursue this with them especially after reading all of these comments. I feel cheated as a consumer and as a person.
I've seen several posts about a possible lawsuit. If people are really serious, email me at bowdenc@wlu.edu
I am an attorney and although I don't practice in this area and I have no interest in pursuing a case in that capacity, I would be interested in consulting another attorney about a lawsuit. Incidentally, when I told the Saturn Area Manager that I was considering suing under North Carolina's lemon law, she laughed at me.
Any advice on how long and to what level I should pursue this with at Saturn would also be appreciated. I, like most of you, am a loss as to what to do next.
I have a 1996 SL1 Automatic with about 65 K miles on it. When I got the car at about 36 K, I immediately changed over to Mobile 1 5-w30 synthetic along with a GOOD quality filter. (Wix, Puralator, Napa gold etc.) I also installed a K&N High flow, Life time air filter, NGK OEM replacement plugs and Belden wires. So far so good. I burn about 1/4 to 1/2 at per oil change 3-4,000 miles and get right around 28 mpg around town and 38-40 mpg on the freeway.
For those who experience oil consumption problems there is information on line about an overnight "top end cylinder soaks" using a light machine oil such as MMO. (One or two Oz.s in each of the spark plug holes with the engine cold and let it sit for at least 8 hours). It would appear that this procedure frees up deposits on the piston rings promoting a tighter seal. While I haven't had the need, those who have seem to respond positively.
See http://www.saturnfans.com/ for more details in the "tech" forums.
Just a quick note. 48k miles. 2001 Saturn SL1. No warning light. Suddenly engine starts knocking. I check oil. Nothing... Dry as a bone.. I fill it back up. Knocking stops.. (thank god).. : (
I search the internet and find I'm not the only one. LOL.
No more saturns for us.
My wife and I own a 2000 SC2 twin cam Saturn. After reading the reviews I now realize that we are heading for a world of hurt. Each time we make a 350 mile trip back to our hometown, I have to put at least a quart of oil when we get there and another quart to get back home.
I haven't brought up this issue with the dealer since they are useless unless I want to give them money. We are saving our money in anticipation of the day when this machine will finally blow up; we'll leave it on the side of the road and buy another brand.
In the far off hope that this problem will be addressed by a higher authority, I will make my best effort to note my disapproval with anybody that will listen.
A Saturn owner nevermore!
I have a 1994 Saturn with about 130,000 miles on it. The engine has been running smooth since my last oil change & tune-up, but suddenly as I was leaving work, my engine seized up. There were no previous warning signs - it just died. I guess I can't complain too much, since I got 11 years and over 100,000 miles out of it. I never monitored the oil consumption too closely - but I always changed the oil every 3000 miles. The fluids were OK at the time of the engine seize. I did have to replace the oil seal a few times - I think that is the weakness in the Saturns. I was originally planning on getting another Saturn, but after reading all of these comments on this website, I may easily reconsider.
I bought an SC1, 1999. I have found the same problem, that often I was required to top up the oil each time between oil changes. I have been faithful with the maintenance and oil changes for the car. It is a commuter vehicle. Today, as I was leaving I heard a clunk. It seems the engine has dropped and part of the top where the bolts are has fallen off and one of the shafts has been sliced right off. It is presently leaking oil like a tanker. I have to date been very unimpressed with Saturn's treatment and service - to the point where I refuse to do business with an authorized Saturn dealer. This is my first new car and obviously a huge mistake.
I own a '96 SL2 with a auto trans. I got the car with 65,000 miles, shortly thereafter the alternator went bad. With 92,000 miles currently, I haven't had any other troubles with the car. Oil consumption was right at 1 quart per 3,000 miles when I first got the car, currently it is a little worse, around a quart every 2,500 miles.
I was considering buying another used Saturn, but after reading the multiple accounts of the engines locking up with no warning, I'm having second thoughts.
I bought a 96 Saturn SL2. I have had the car for 8 months. When I first got it I had to change the transmission in the car. I replaced it only to have problems with it losing power. I replaced the battery in the car and solenoid. A few months ago I had problems with the oil light coming on. I then change the oil. Last week the car had trouble starting up and overheating. I changed the thermostat and replaced the plugs. The 1 cylinder contain oil so I added an adapter to the 1st plug and pulled the car into a mechanic.
He informed me that the pistons were misfiring and ruining my plug. He informed that I would need a new engine that will cost me 1200 for a used one and 700 labor.
I am fed up.
No more for me.
I bought a 99 Saturn SW2 with 28000 miles in 2004. The car had been dealer maintained. The engine seized suddenly and without warning during a down-shift while exiting the freeway. The oil had been changed by the dealer 3000 miles ago and the car now with 41000 miles needs a replacement engine. I bought the car based on a reputation of reliability and safety after reading the other comments I am regretting not seeing this web page in 2004.
I have a 1998 SC2. I bought it used with a branded title. Up until recently it has been a good little car. About two months ago I had to get the radiator replaced. I was scheduled to get the 02 sensor replaced next week. Then last night as I was leaving a parking lot, my transmission went out. One second I was pulling out of the parking lot, the next second I was flooring it and going nowhere. I got my repair man to look at it and he said I was ****ed, and not in a good way. I was thinking that because the car had been totaled that was the reason the transmission failed. Oh yeah, I also recently noticed that it was burning oil. After reading everything here on this site, I think I'm gonna just sell the car, and go back to Toyota, I've had a couple of those over the years and have never had this many problems.
I have a 1997 sc2 1.9 twin cam. I got my car in 2003 with 95,000 miles on it. About six months later it started burning oil badly. Now it has 117,000 miles and it burns about 5 quarts a week. I've also put 3 new transmissions in it. But even with all these problems my next vehicle will be a Saturn. I was wondering though if any of you knew a website or a store like Jc Whitney where I could buy a new motor. If any of you know can you email it to me thank you. carnell420@yahoo.com.
I have a 96' Saturn SC2 and well... I really can't complain about the car, I purchased it used with 96,000 miles on it, currently it has 203,000 miles on it, and still running strong. It does consume quite a lot of oil, especially if you use like 10W30 or 10W40 in it. I began using 20W50 Castrol in the engine and now I get about 1000 miles to a quart of oil which most car manufactures consider that to be OK. Of course the harder I run the car the more oil it consumes. Truthfully the car has been the absolute most reliable car I've ever had. All I've ever done to it is replace the engine mounts, tires, front brake pads, driver side window regulator and outer tie rod ends. Although I know other people to have had Saturns with fewer miles than mine and had far worse problems.
I own a 1997 SC2 and it currently has about 93,000 miles on it. I have had it for about 6 or 7 years. I feel that all that I do is fill it with oil. I also have another problem and I am hoping that someone else does too. My car has days when it just does not feel like starting. It just starts intermittently and it seems like sometimes it is due to the weather. I had not paid too much attention to it in the past, but this last year was a little ridiculous. It was literally every other day and then it became every other time I started my car. I had taken it in to three different people, included Saturn, 8 times in the course of 6 months. I took it to Saturn 3 times alone. They, of course, had no clue what was wrong with it. On top of that, every visit that I had ranged anywhere from $300 to almost $1500. This is so lame. My dad of course stepped in and called Saturn and talked to some regional manager. So we maid a claim on it, and when we took it to the dealership to have it looked at AGAIN, we told the mechanic the claim number. We were told that the regional manager was supposed to take a look at it, and of course never did. I feel cheated. Anyone else have a similar problem? I would really like to get down to the bottom of this.