1993 Saturn SL SL2 from North America - Comments

1 month after the standard warranty ran out the alternator failed for the first time. After much arguing with the dealer they finally replaced it for $100. I'm now on my 4th one with 89,000 miles.

The engine also began heavy knocking. Saturn's service department told me they could fix the timing chain for around $2,000. I called my local shop who informed me there is a TSB regarding the timing chain - they'd fix it but said Saturn should take care of it (the TSB reported the orifice on the idler pulley was designed too small putting excessive tension on the chain causing premature stretch). Not only did Saturn's service department claim ignorance, but also the service manager and the home office in TN. When we showed the manager the TSB he finally admitted to knowing about the situation, but still wanted to charge us $600 to fix. Again after a great deal of arguing, they repaired it for $100.

The seals on the water pump blew at 85,000 miles.

The check engine light has remained on for the past year.

The brake pedal, when applied the first time after starting, does something that feels like it's losing pressure then pulses back to position. Our shop says this is not right, although Saturn assures me it is.

The seat belt carriage stays in the 'open door' position about half the time.

I also have all the rattles, creaks and engine vibrations.

Their attitude changed the minute the warranty ran out.

The doors may not ding, but the paint chips easily.

The home office is as bad to talk to as the dealership. They all but told us they don't care what problems we've had, they won't be responsible for anything - even design flaws.

One thing it does well is handle in snow and ice with traction control.

I also have a '93 Saturn and have noticed upon starting and putting it in reverse that the brake pedal would lose pressure, the car would start backing up faster and would then reset when I pushed it in. Very disturbing. I just figured it's part of the car and got used to it. It's a possible safety hazard though.

Did you ever stop to think that since the check engine light has been on for the last year as you said may have something to do with the water pump seals blowing 4,000 miles ago. Also, did you ever stop to think that the car you own is nine years old, and that the car is still running in I assume good condition is a great deal for such an economical car, hey you could have bought a pinto years back and than the Saturn would be a gift from God.

I have recently purchased a 1995 Saturn SL2 Twin Cam, with 138,000 miles. At first it drove and sounded like a great car, but about 500 miles after I got it things went from bad to worst. This is the first time that I have owned an automatic transmission, and so far I don't like it. After failing to go into gear and sometimes skipping gears while in drive, I changed out the transmission fluid and filter. After doing so, the transmission worked fine, and I was happy about that.

Now, that the trans is fixed, the engine started this knocking/rattling sound, on the passenger side (I think, it's hard to listen to the engine closely, and stay on the road). After 2 oil changes myself, in the last 300 miles the knocking still occurs. Along with the oil disappearing, it's not buring or leaking, but it has to go somewhere, right? I have been looking on-line at other Saturn forums and its come to my attention that my car is not the only one doing this.

One week worth of researching things look to be dismissed by Saturn. Poor customer service, having to pay for things under warranty, and with so many problems occurring all over the country, why won't Saturn do anything about it. I feel like these problems are being "swept under the rug". I, along with many others don't have $1,800-$6,000 dollars to replace parts over and over again. I wish that there was something to be done about this, but that's the perks of big corporations like that, they have power. I've heard about saftey recalls and service bulletins, but if anyone has information about these safety concerns about an 1995 SL2 Twin Cam, please email me the facts to, TexasBorn1203@aol.com It will be very appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

Trey

Wichita Falls, Texas

The mystery of the vanishing oil may be close by, check the radiator. My antifreeze is full of oil. Hopefully its only the head gasket, but with aluminum head and block I don't know. Parts are cheap if you do it yourself and its still a nice car, the air still works.