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2002 Saturn L-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (50%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (0%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (15%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (2%)

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Chart based on 48 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the 2002 Saturn L-Series.

2002 Saturn L-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (2%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (52%)

< $100 (27%)

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Chart based on 48 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Saturn L-Series model years.

Saturn L-Series in California, United States Feb 2011 - Jul 2011
May 2011 105000 mi US $1	Replaced small bulbs in third brake light, required some trial and error.
Jul 2011 116000 mi US $400	After problem-free 50-mile freeway trip + parking 1-hour, failed to start; AAA towed to AAA shop "around the corner" + found to have failed in-tank fuel pump + "codes in history possibly indicated need for more repairs". Paid 200+towed Going to attempt to drain & drop the fuel tank + remove & replace the fuel pump & filter to remedy AAA shop's diagnosis while saving 500+ in labor costs. First, reading all I can to learn how to do this "big job" on my own.

Saturn L-Series in Florida, United States Sep 2014 - Jan 2015
Nov 2014 194000 mi US $1400	a/c blowing hot... compressor shot, just went ahead and replaced system under the hood (@ 196,000) - thought it was time. :)

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Saturn L-Series in California, United States Apr 2014 - Mar 2019
Feb 2016 139100 mi	Fuel leak at fuel pump on top of gas tank, requires dropping the tank to replace. One hour diagnosis only, repair not yet performed. Problem worked around by not completely filling tank.
Jun 2016 142000 mi US $360	AC compressor failure, burned belt. Quoted $1300 for entire system replacement, declined and went with used compressor acting as bypass pulley to get home. Break down occurred out of town.

Saturn L-Series in New York, United States Aug 2011 - Mar 2017
Aug 2012 20000 mi US $300	No AC, replaced condenser
May 2016 44000 mi US $125	Service engine light on-replaced secondary air pump
Aug 2016 46000 mi US $428	loss of power when engaging passing gear or driving up inclines, abnormal transmission shifting, poor gas mileage-replaced catalytic converter

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Saturn L-Series in Texas, United States - Dec 2006
Nov 2006 120000 mi US $300	MAP sensor, and the EGR valve went bad. Cost around 300 total for the parts, and the dealer wanted 500 to install. We did it at home, it was a simple install. The EGR is held on by 2 bolts, and the MAP sensor comes in a new section of the intake
Dec 2006 125000 mi US $50	Passenger vanity mirror fell of, again. 3rd time since it was bought from carmax in 2004.

Saturn L-Series in Washington, United States Jan 2015 - Jan 2016
Jan 2015 123000 mi US $987	Actually spring 2014. AC went out. tried doing minor fixes but with no avail. Replaced entire ac pump.
Mar 2015 125000 mi US $50	Leaking oil cap filter

Saturn L-Series in South Carolina, United States Jun 2010 - Jun 2016
Oct 2010 119000 mi US $250	Replaced air conditioning compressor.

Saturn L-Series in Michigan, United States Feb 2011 - Jun 2015
Jan 2012 154200 mi US $90	replace pass. side outer tie rod end and perform front end alignment
Jul 2012 163000 mi US $265	broken hose in a/c system needed to have a new hose fabricated as the part was not available from parts suppliers
Mar 2013 179000 mi US $400	misfire on cylinder #4, running rough, wouldn't idle, stalled while idling
Apr 2013 179300 mi US $160	replace mass air flow sensor and clear codes from computer.
Dec 2013 191000 mi US $150	catalytic converters plugged, forcing an o2 sensor code.
Mar 2015 215000 mi US $400	replaced both rear springs and struts

Saturn L-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Jul 2017 - Jul 2018
Nov 2017 101000 mi US $650	2 Tires and a few tie rods in my suspension

Saturn L-Series in Tennessee, United States Mar 2011 - Feb 2012
Apr 2011 97000 mi US $300	Crankshaft Position Sensor failed and was replaced.
Jun 2011 100000 mi US $560	Replaced heater core.
Nov 2011 104000 mi	Sway bar linkage and front struts need to be replaced. Price for work $900. Repair declined.
Feb 2012 104000 mi	Sway bar linkage and front struts needed to be replaced when sold.

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Saturn L-Series in Colorado, United States Nov 2011 - Apr 2016
Dec 2012 93000 mi US $130	Tail light would flicker and go out even after a new one was installed.
Nov 2013 137100 mi US $48	Broken blinker/wiper mechanism
Mar 2014 140000 mi US $250	Heater Core out, coolant all over front floor board of car.

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Saturn L-Series in Connecticut, United States Feb 2008 - Apr 2011
Jun 2008 8600 mi US $500	Body control module (dealer parts and labor)
Jul 2008 87000 mi US $400	Catalytic converter replaced
Nov 2008 92000 mi US $100	Brake Master Cylinder (parts only)

Saturn L-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Feb 2011 - Sep 2011
Sep 2011 105000 mi	Was driving the car, heard and felt a "thud", and the engine stopped. Mechanic suspected internal timing chain broke. Recommended not fixing.

Saturn L-Series in North Carolina, United States Sep 2013 - Jun 2015
Feb 2014 70900 mi US $288	A/C Condensor 1800 had a hole

Saturn L-Series in Wisconsin, United States Feb 2010 - Jun 2012
Aug 2010 129130 mi US $230	Loss of coolant. AZ didn't have adapter to pressure test. The heater hoses were leaking an difficult to take off. Wet carpet on passenger side was relatively easy to fix with two O-rings from Graingers...bag of 50 $5, so I have 48 spares.
Nov 2010 130100 mi US $3	Passenger side brake light.
May 2011 135600 mi US $800	New tires and alignment after I changed the tie-rod ends, struts and ball joints.
Oct 2011 143000 mi US $600	Replaced timing and balance chain. Sheared off bolts in the process because of poor work instructions from GM and a very complicated job for one person.
May 2012 143000 mi US $2500	Took it to my mechanic and they replaced the chains again. Also cylinder head valve job. The engine did not hold compression because the valve faces had eroded.

Saturn L-Series in Georgia, United States Feb 2010 - Apr 2014
May 2010 68842 mi US $649	Replaced Ignition Coil
Jun 2011 69000 mi US $285	Replaced catalytic Converter Replaced catalytic Converter
Jul 2012 80000 mi	AC evaporator leaking water into passenger compartment.
Apr 2014 90000 mi	Failure of the Body Control Module. No instruments or warning lights. Constant alarm chiming. Cost prohibitive to replace.

Saturn L-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Jun 2011 - Jun 2013
May 2013 212100 mi US $100	Had to replace starter before it died. It was starting wind on start up. Replaced before the gear was chewed up

Saturn L-Series in California, United States Feb 2011 - Aug 2013
May 2013 147100 mi US $375	ac worked only a day. needed more repairs so now still no ac

Saturn L-Series in Indiana, United States Feb 2011 - Jul 2014
Nov 2011 180000 mi US $600	Car failed to start. Diagnostic discovered a bad fuel pump. Both pump and fuse were replaced.
Jul 2014 204000 mi	Original struts have worn out. Need replacing.