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Saturn S-Series Problems and Repair Histories

Saturn S-Series problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

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Saturn S-Series for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the Saturn S-Series problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For Saturn S-Series problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the Saturn S-Series problems and repair histories that follow it.

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Non-members can see only ten Saturn S-Series problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

Repair costs are in local units.

2002 Saturn S-Series 4dr Sedan

124-horsepower 1.9L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Saturn S-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2010 89000   First odometer entry
Jul 2010 96300 20 Replaced Thermostat 
May 2011 108000 150 AC System was charged. Could not find leak. Added Dye. Still working fine 10 days later. 
Sep 2011 112000 575 Replaced both Front Wheel Hub Bearings. 
Jun 2012 120000 130 Replaced Radiator, Hoses & Coolant 
Mar 2013 128000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2002 Saturn S-Series 4dr Sedan

100-horsepower 1.9L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saturn S-Series in South Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2010 190000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 209000 262 Crankshaft position sensor replaced, car on ramps. Guided by richpin video on saturnfans forum. Did not need to remove starter but did disconnect battery for safety. Intended as preventive, but afterwards CEL out and runs more smoothly. Driver's side front wheel bearing was making roaring/buzzing noise,replaced at a tire shop when I had it in for new tires.Replacement cost for bearing assembly including labor was $250 at Tire Kingdom. 
Aug 2011 231500 350 Preventative replacement water pump,serpentine belt,and associated tensioners,believe all were original and lasted over 228K except belt which was replaced 100K ago 
Jan 2012 247000 160 Intake gasket replaced,common on these cars,was improperly installed by factory robot,now more responsive,gained 2 mpg and smoother idle from repair,car drove MANY miles with defect before repair..had intermittent check engine before 
Aug 2012 269500 60 Misfire,replaced coilpacks 
Dec 2012 279000 50 Replaced radiator with one from a junkyard 
Apr 2013   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2002 Saturn S-Series 4dr Sedan

100-horsepower 1.9L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Saturn S-Series in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2010 58000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 60000 7 Side marker light assembly leaked water destroying the lamp holder and lamp. Replaced lamp holder and lamp. Sealed assembly to prevent leaks. 
Feb 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2002 Saturn S-Series 4dr Coupe

124-horsepower 1.9L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Saturn S-Series in Wisconsin, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2010 115000   First odometer entry
Jun 2010 117000 100 Replace DOHC cam cover gasket, oil leaking/ usage high. Also replaced the PCV to stop oil usage. Oil use is more than a quart in 1500 miles. Trying to get the usage up to one quart in 3000 miles. 
Dec 2010 122000 400 New stuts all (4) were replaced while the front wheel bearing was replaced...an alignment is also being done since it is a recommended after removing the struts. 
Apr 2011 123700 171 Power Steering fluid was dark and they recommended replacing it. The battery was low, so that was replaced and the hazy driver side head light was buffed out. 
Aug 2012 131700 170 Muffler rusted out. Replaced the whole exhaust system. 
Dec 2012 140000 200 Front brakes pull to the right on hard braking 
Mar 2013 142000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2002 Saturn S-Series

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn S-Series in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2010 276000   First odometer entry
Mar 2010 279000 220 Tie rods in front and spark plugs 
May 2010 281000 70 Refilled freon. 
Jun 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2001 Saturn S-Series 4dr Sedan

124-horsepower 1.9L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Saturn S-Series in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 141000   First odometer entry
Sep 2009 143000 190 Water pump replacement, it appears that after ~140k miles the original water pump developed a small leak. Replaced by dealer with OEM part without incident or hassle. Dealer price was competitive with independent shops in area. 
Nov 2010 153000 1200 Had a lot of preventative work done, the actual required repair was swaybar links, struts were very worn as well so we had the struts and mounts replaced along with the actual failed swaybar links. All repairs completed in ~5 hours. 
Mar 2013 162000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2001 Saturn S-Series 4dr Coupe

124-horsepower 1.9L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Saturn S-Series in Washington, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 161000   First odometer entry
Feb 2010 175000 0 CEL. Replaced O2 sensor after having Autozone run the codes. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2001 Saturn S-Series 4dr Coupe

100-horsepower 1.9L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saturn S-Series in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 130200   First odometer entry
Jun 2009 131440 435 front right wheel bearing had failed. 
Sep 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn S-Series in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2009 104000   First odometer entry
Feb 2009 104000 0 Car sold in February because the transmission went out at 104,000 miles and I was told that is cost $3500 to repair. 

 

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2000 Saturn S-Series 4dr Wagon

100-horsepower 1.9L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Saturn S-Series in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2009 60000   First odometer entry
Sep 2009 61000 80 Front rotors warped. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn S-Series in Utah, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 129000   First odometer entry
Sep 2009 135000 0 The alternator died, and we replaced it with a warranty replacement from Auto Zone. 
Dec 2012 155000 50 Radiator was leaking. Replaced radiator. 
Mar 2013 158000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Saturn S-Series 4dr Sedan

124-horsepower 1.9L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saturn S-Series in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 63860   First odometer entry
May 2009 65100 0 Starting motor not working. Roll-started car. Shop could not replicate. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn S-Series in Utah, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2008 60 Replace transmission fluid pressure solenoid in valve body. Bad solenoid was causing super hard shifting. 
Jul 2009 60 Replaced intake manifold, crack in the cooling line that runs through it. Problem caused by a bad ECTS preventing the radiator fan from switching on. Replaced ECTS also. 
Jun 2010 157000 0 EGR Valve Replacement 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn S-Series in Alabama, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2009 90000   First odometer entry
Mar 2010 94000 0 Left Rotor turned, needs front Struts. Vibrates. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Saturn S-Series 4dr Sedan

100-horsepower 1.9L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saturn S-Series in Maryland, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 121000   First odometer entry
Mar 2009 122000 100 Reduced engine response and fuel economy. 
Jun 2009 125000 665 Noise upon braking (was not the normal "low pad" noise). System leaks at rear wheel cyl as well as front caliper. Had both wheel cyl's and both calipers replaced, as well as rear shoes. 
Mar 2013 153000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1999 Saturn S-Series

Engine not specified

Saturn S-Series in Wisconsin, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 148000   First odometer entry
May 2009 148000 0 Relay for fuel pump didn't work. switched with heater motor relay, both worked. Since than there has been several times no fuel. wiggle relay, and than car starts. Haven't had time to trouble shoot further. 
Apr 2011 148000 500 line pressure solenoid valve had low resistance. Harsh shifts. Replaced with new solnoid valve. 
Jun 2011 148000 20 Instrument panel fuse panel melted at 30 amp input wire. Replaced panel 
Mar 2013 140000 0 DTC 0404 Cleaned EGR valve and replaced 

 

Saturn S-Series in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 110360   First odometer entry
Jun 2009 110360 0 intake gasket,timing belt. possible repairs, module,coil, knock sensor, 
Jul 2009 110360 100 Transmission replaced. 

 

Saturn S-Series in Saskatchewan, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 135780   First odometer entry
Jun 2009 138260 1100 Wheels improperly alligned by saturn dealership, wore tires bald after taking back twice, nothing done. Front driver side bearing went as well.  Rear bearing went.  
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1999 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saturn S-Series in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2009 149000   First odometer entry
Apr 2009 151000 70 Brake master cylinder failed, was replaced. Entire ABS system bled and working well. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn S-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 29000   First odometer entry
Mar 2009 29000 3 Winshield wiper banging and became loose and out of since hitting other wiper. 
Mar 2010 41000 10 Replaced engine temperature control sensor which was cracked causing engine to run rough when cold engine was idling for over half hour and radiator reservoir was empty and steaming - not sure of problem yet as it has not repeated itself. 
Oct 2011 59000 38 muffler bracket rusted and broke and was replaced 
Dec 2012 68000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1999 Saturn S-Series

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn S-Series in Alberta, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 115940   First odometer entry
May 2009 117180 350 Key stuck in the ignition when the vehicle was turned off. Dealer replaced the lock cylinder (new ignition) in about hour. Car had to be towed to the dealer. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1998 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn S-Series in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2010 175000   First odometer entry
Apr 2010 181000 150 starter broken 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1998 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saturn S-Series in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 52000   First odometer entry
Jan 2010 56000 30 Tail-light burned out, and got stuck during routine replacement. 
Oct 2010 61000 2200 Catalytic converter near engine block 
Sep 2011 65000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn S-Series in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2009 93000   First odometer entry
Dec 2009 93000 289 puddle under car, took to shop, water pump replaced, told 4 hrs. labor, all sources indicated 1.9 hrs, nothing I could do except pay and never go back 
Jul 2010 97000 0 Turn signal relay. 
Nov 2010 102000 3 blinkers stopped working AGAIN, after numerous real attempts at shops we now just keep a box of fuses in glovebox. The blinkers can go out 2x a day or go 6 mths. with no problem. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1998 Saturn S-Series 2-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn S-Series in Virginia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 107000   First odometer entry
Oct 2009 108000 500 Muffler. Lower control arm and front struts. Brake rotors. 
Dec 2010 138000 105 motor mounts 
Apr 2011 150000 120 Starter replaced by me 
Nov 2011 165000 300 Timing chain had become loose and was making noise. Could not trust another week of driving Replaced both drive axles with rebuilt ones. One side was making the clicking noise. 
Jul 2012 179700 750 burnt a lot of oil so I checked the compression and found #3 cylinder was at 60lb. torn down and re-ringed the engine and installed a rebuilt head. 
Mar 2013 197000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1998 Saturn S-Series 2-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saturn S-Series in North Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2009 81000   First odometer entry
Jan 2010 82000 30 Horn stuck on - has built in relay. Replaced. 
Feb 2010 90000 125 Belt idler pulley and tensioner upper motor mount 
Jun 2010 100000 100 replace front pads and rotors 
Nov 2010 104000 400 Front wheel bearing. Thermostat. 
Feb 2011 108000 100 Car would occasionally take a while to shift into reverse. Changed valve body, all fixed. 
Sep 2011 114000 20 power window switch broke, causing a low amperage short that would drain battery after 3 days. Got junkyard replacement switch, fixed problem. 
Dec 2011 118000 300 Front wheel bearing failed a second time. 
Jan 2012 120000 700 leak and malfunctioning sunroof. Replaced sunroof mechanism and redid headliner. 
Jun 2012 123000 400 master cylinder, rear wheel cylinder, calipers, all to correct a mushy pedal 
Mar 2013 134000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1997 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saturn S-Series in Idaho, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 156000   First odometer entry
Apr 2009 157000 98 Replaced idler pulley, belt tensioner, and serpentine belt. Had not been done ever so they were wearing out. TSB # 01-T-07 car would barely start and would run very rough. Seemed to be running very rich. 

 

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1997 Saturn S-Series 2-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn in Georgia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 101000   First odometer entry
Mar 2009 102000 100 Replaced Alternator. Had tested at Autozone, and was not putting out full amperage. Installed myself 
Nov 2009 110700 105 Replace radiator, after coolant leak was discovered. Also as maintenance replaced thermostat, and flushed cooling system. 
Sep 2010 118000 0 AC compressor out, bought parts to repair myself, haven't yet installed them. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2009 145000   First odometer entry
Feb 2009 145000 0 Blown head gasket was advised not worth repairing considering age and mileage of the car 

 

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1996 Saturn S-Series

Engine not specified

Saturn S-Series in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2010 247000   First odometer entry
Jan 2011 248000 125 Had to replace the original starter motor. Replaced it myself with re-manufactured part from Autozone, $125 
Mar 2011 298000 40 Replaced front brake pads 
Aug 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1996 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn S-Series in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 225000   First odometer entry
Mar 2011 226000 89 Muffler had rusted out and was replaced under warranty after 5 years of service, with replacement of clamp. I paid for clamp and labor to replace the muffler under the Midas warranty. 
Oct 2011 247000 600 Plugged EGR passages. Removed EGR passage way and cleaned was 3/4 plugged full of soot and carbon. 
Jul 2012 253000 600 Transmission shifting cable broke on road. Towed and had it replaced, solenoid valves for clutch and transmission were bad. Would cost $600 more repair. Scrapped car. 

 

Saturn S-Series in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 172000   First odometer entry
Apr 2011 176000 50 Overflow due to faulty coolant reservoir cap 
Jul 2011 177300 0 Coolant leak via intake manifold and Excessive Oil consumption of 200mi/qt. Successful replacement of Cylinder head to solve both issues. 
Sep 2011 178000 1300 Previous replacement of cylinder head did not stop high oil consumption issue. Engine completely rebuilt by owner from the ground up. New oil return rings used, oil drain back holes added to pistons. New compression rings added of course. 
Dec 2011 181000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1996 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saturn S-Series in Connecticut, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 147000   First odometer entry
Jan 2011 149000 200 Replaced Rack and Pinon Steering 
Oct 2011 159000 110 Replaced leaking radiator 
Sep 2012 167000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1996 Saturn S-Series 2-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn S-Series in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 304000   First odometer entry
Aug 2011 307000 2500 Replaced worn-out struts, springs, control arms, tie rods, and all bushings we could easily get to. 
Sep 2011 311000 0 Car squeaks during turns at low speeds. Shop said KYB strut mounts were functioning fine, but they are noisy. They sprayed mounts with WD40 like crazy and said more driving may help, but I'm disappointed in KYB quality. 

 

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1995 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn S-Series in North Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 179000   First odometer entry
May 2009 179000 40 Thermostat guage reading was low so replaced thermostat. 
Feb 2010 187000 0 Transmission had gotten very hard to shift. Mechanic said only fix would be the replace clutch. Sold car instead of putting $600 into it. 

 

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1995 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saturn S-Series in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2009 180000   First odometer entry
Aug 2009 182000 100 Starter went bad 
Oct 2010 188300 120 Replaced rear struts, driver side rear was blown. Rotated tires, bled brakes. 
Feb 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn S-Series in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 170000   First odometer entry
May 2009 171000 360 Replace power steering cylinder 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Saturn S-Series in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 134000   First odometer entry
May 2009 134000 325 Bad ball joint - replaced LF control arm. 
Apr 2010 139000 100 Replaced Exhaust Pipe 
May 2010 139000 90 Replaced Right Front Control Arm 
Apr 2012 163000 275 Replace Exhaust Downpipe, Flex and CatCon. 
Aug 2012 163700 40 Replaced Muffler 
Sep 2012 164000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1995 Saturn S-Series 2-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn S-Series in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2009 117000   First odometer entry
Nov 2009 118000 70 Lateral link broke from rust 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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Saturn in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2009 60000   First odometer entry
Feb 2009 61000 600 Starter motor replaced. Leaky valve cover gasket -- removed & replaced Driver's window regulator broke; removed & replaced. 
Mar 2009 62000 113 Throttle body was sticking/needed removal, thorough cleaning, and replacement. Rear hatch latch replaced. 
Nov 2009 68000 80 Liftgate latch stuck in open position, would not stay closed. Defective GM design of latch/electronic actuator. 
Dec 2009 69000 5 Water leak from cowl 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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Expert Saturn S-Series Repair Advice

Non-members can see only ten Saturn S-Series problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

 

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