Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-69
Alternators (2 of them).
Front brake rotors warped.
Stuck EGR valve.
Auto tranny valve body.
Engine mount.
Coolant hose leak.
Tranny gasket leak.
Engine gasket leak.
Engine pings and knocks.
Burns 1 qt oil per 1,000 miles.
Valve lifter noise in winter.
Stink A/C odor in summer.
Front door roof water leak.
Rattles, rattles everywhere.
This is one beautiful car, but the beauty is only polymer-panel deep. The car looks great and I get lots of compliments for it. The polymer panels don't rust and the car still look brand new though it's 7 years old. The car gets very good gas mileage. It's not a sports car, but has decent performance for a small economy car. Its optional traction control and ABS are superb in bad weather.
Reliability wise this is a crappy car. I have had lots of problems as listed. Some of the problems are caused by Saturn's design & material flaws, but they refuse to acknowledge that. These design problems include oil burning, brake rotor warp, tranny gasket leak, rattles, front door water leak, and engine mount problem.
The Saturn dealer service in my area is slow, rude and requires 3 weeks wait time for appt. When you go in, they'd find other ways to get your money (throttle body cleaning, fuel-injector cleaning, etc.)
Saturn was setup to convince Americans not to buy foreign, but it has done the opposite for me. While I still love my Saturn (I love all my cars), my next car won't be American made, at least it won't be a GM.
A quick fix for the stink A/C, park your car with nose facing uphill. This allows the water to drain out. It worked for me.
I own a 1995 Saturn. It burns a quart of oil every 70 miles. I know of many other people that have saturns and they all burn oil too.
I also own a 95 SL 1. I bought it used with 68,000 miles on it and have had problems ever since about three months after purchasing it. The biggest problem was the sunroof. After opening it maybe three times it refused to shut and now leaks after I had to force it shut.
The driver's side door leaks terribly.
Just recently we've had almost two weeks of downpours every day and there is now three inches of water on the entire left side floor because it is now leaking through the whole driver's side, including the backseat.
Due to the water leaking in, we woke one morning to the horn blaring because of moisture on a fuse or something.
The ERG thing had to be replaced a few months after I had the car.
When we took that to be replaced the dealer tried to make us have them replace other parts at an inflated price of course.
The automatic lock motors get stuck often and make a terrible noise.
It also burns oil. We have to put a quart in about every 900 miles or so.
Now it just sits in the driveway because my husband, who had been using it to drive to work, refuses to drive the piece of crap. Worst of all, we still owe money on the car which is stressing us out to be paying for something in such poor condition. I will never recommend Saturn to anyone.
I also have the leaky front door problem, the oil burning porblem (one quart every month) and the auto lock jam every now and again. I also just received the leaky radiator or coolant leak problem. I'm filling up the radiator reserve tank once every 2 weeks now. It is also the loudest car I've ever owned. I may be spoiled because my other car is a Lexus GS 300, however, it is difficult to hear a phone conversation in the Saturn and I know that's unusual.
I have a leaky door problem as well, but it is not as bad as anyone is saying. A simple towel works for me. Would be nice if the door didn't leak at all, but hey, crap happens.
My car burns oil as well, but I am 17 years old, and the car has 110000 on it. I dog the car out, so I expect it to burn a little oil. And even then, I don't have to add that much, that often.
Yep. I had a Saturn SL1 and hated it! Never again will I buy a Saturn. I was adding a quart of oil every day. Also, 2 weeks after purchasing the car (used) The transmission went out. I too had the problem of the leaky doors. I was constantly having to replace the spark plugs and EGR valve/PCV valve... (they said that is why the car consumed oil.. because of bad valves) balogna!!! I also noticed how loud the car ran and it had NO traction on wet roads. One touch of the brakes just ever so slightly more than normal and the car would come to a screeching, sliding mayham... almost got into accidents because of the horrible braking/traction problem. I have since then gotten rid of that darn car. (Sold it to a dealership for $800) and I now own a Chevy Malibu.. so far so good.. but after owning that Saturn, I am constantly on alert for any little problem.
Leaky door problem:
solution from dealer was Vasaline the seal. Another mechanic suggested wiping the seals with transmission fluid, then wiping off after a few minutes. CAUTION THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MUST NOT TOUCH ANY PAINTED SURFACE. Do not close door before wiping off. We only tried Vasaline and saw improvement.
Burning oil problem: yes, no solution yet.
I own a 95 sl1 Saturn that I have had a few problems with. The windshield wipers would go frantic and the car would shut off. After I had the windshield wipers fixed I never experienced the car shutting down, related I don't know. I do have to say though, my Saturn had close to 70000 miles when I bought it (now its about 80000) and I have not had too many problems. The traction seems to be fine, I also have high grade tires on it, but prior to that I would drive it down 101 in Mendocino county which is rather windy, in the rain none the less and never experienced any major problems. The stopping is wonderful. I have enjoyed this car, I will say that when I drive a luxury car I want it and would rather have that than the Saturn, but I can't afford them and the Saturn for its price range is a great car.
I drive to school everyday and I have had no problems, I burn a little oil, but I do also drive the car like I am racing. I fill the gas at a quarter full or more and check the oil every time I fill up. One thing, as with all cars it is best to address problems when they arise (I know that money can be tight) instead of forcing things or pushing the car, or waiting until it gets worse, these actions tend to escalate the problems. This especially holds true for Saturns as they seem to be temperamental. Of the five people that I know that have or still own Saturn's, problems or not they all have enjoyed the car and would recommend them as I will do the same.
Wow, you folks have had it rough. I'm thinking I'm at the end of the line for my faithful little 1991. I've had it the entire time, and have not experienced any of the issues you have until 150k miles. Now, I think I need an EGR, fuel pump, etc. I leak a little on my doors, but I don't burn a lick of oil. Anyway, it sounds like it is time for me to start looking for a new beast. And, from your experiences it may not be a Saturn. That's very disappointing. I loved my little car. But, I can't afford a money and time pit. I need serious reliability. Honda is leasing at $159/month. Guess I'll go there. Thanks everyone!
We own a 96 Saturn SL2, standard, A/C, PS, tilt, otherwise, no frills. Bought it at 88,000 runs great, have only needed to replace an alternator and EGR valve, now at 108,000. My girlfriend has been know to 'drive it like you stole it', that's the only time it smokes. It does require a quart of oil every 1500 miles or so. All in all, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Cheap, simple and reliable.
Hey, I'm a 17 year old guy and I was just surfing the Internet looking and reviews on the Saturn's Sl1 and seeing what was wrong with them and stuff and I found this site, the car I was looking at says it has a knock in the engine and I can't seem to find out what causes that does anyone know? also it has 234,000 kilometers on it does anyone think this is a good cheap car to get and what the knocking could be? If you do could you email me at miket_26@hotmail.com I would appreciate it because I would like to know what I'm getting my self into by buying this car. Thanks!
I have a 97 saturn sc1 and I just got my emissions done on it and it failed. the only thing they told me is that the code is p1404 and I need to go to the dealer. I was wondering if anyone knows what that is and how hard it is to fix. if anyone has anything please let me know. thanks.
I purchased a 95 Saturn SL1 about 5 years ago and I have always had an oil problem. My dealer tried to tell me it was because I over filled the oil. I also have problems with the engine knocking and the EGR valve needs replacing. I like the look of the car, but I will never buy another Saturn.
My fiance has owned a 95 Saturn SL for number of years. She bought it used. Not knowing anything about Saturns, I thought the steering was a little stiff. I asked her if it had power steering and she said no. Is this true. I did some comparing and noticed that where the power steering box should be, there isn't. Is it possible that Saturn made a car without power steering? Just wondering.
Wow, am I glad to see this page! I've always had a hunch that my car problems were the result of SOMETHING I did wrong or forgot to do--and yet going down the list, every one of you all's problems (with the exception of the transmission, knock wood) has come up with my 95 SL1. I hate going to get an oil change, because it seems like every other time I need a new PCV valve, and have to force the mechanics to look at it (replaced it myself twice, way too much of a pain for little money saved) and endure the "crazy woman" look. Now, the EGR needs to be replaced AGAIN and I'd swear the oil consumption's doubled.