Federal complaints
493
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
247 complaint records2 fire reports2 crash reports
"2002 SATURN DIED WHILE DRIVING AND ALMOST CRASHED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 2001 GM 06074 THAT USES THE SAME PARTS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
112 complaint records7 fire reports
"HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER AT SPEEDS OF 65-70 MPH. OTHER ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS DO NOT SEEM TO BE EFFECTED..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Lighting
81 complaint records4 fire reports
"HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER AT SPEEDS OF 65-70 MPH. OTHER ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS DO NOT SEEM TO BE EFFECTED..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE09028 opened May 2009 | closed Oct 2009 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL PUMP LEAKS THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON NINE VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRE (VOQ) REPORTS ALLEGING GASOLINE LEAKAGE FROM THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY.SOME COMPLAINANTS REPORTED LEAKS FROM THE FUEL PUMP NIPPLE (I.E., THE FITTING... |
| PE08061 opened Oct 2008 | closed Apr 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL ON MAY 22, 2008, THEOFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) WAS PETITIONED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSUMERS COUNCIL (NCCC) TO BROADEN THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 07V-519, WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION (GM) FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 SATURN... |
| DP08002 opened Jun 2008 | closed Oct 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL ON JUNE 6, 2006, ODI OPENED AN INVESTIGATION OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING WITH NO RESTART IN APPROXIMATELY 20,514 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L ENGINES (L61) BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2000... |
| PE06006 opened Jan 2006 | closed Jun 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TIMING CHAIN FAILURE ON DECEMBER 12, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A DEFECT PETITION (DP05-008) REQUESTING THE INVESTIGATION OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURES THAT COULD CAUSE STALLING IN SATURN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.2L (L61) ENGINE. |
| DP05008 opened Dec 2005 | closed Feb 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TIMING CHAIN FAILURE ANALYSIS UNDERTAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE PETITION IDENTIFIED 26 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING TIMING CHAIN FAILURES IN MY 2000-2003 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.2L L4 ENGINE.MOST COMPLAINTS OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURE REPORTEDLY RESULTED IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF... |
Show 3 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05010 opened Feb 2005 | closed Jun 2005 | Exterior Lighting | INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS - led to recall 05V245000 GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT EXISTS ON CERTAIN MODEL SATURN SEDANS AND WAGONS.THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN... |
| DP05001 opened Feb 2005 | closed Feb 2005 | Exterior Lighting | INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS ON JANUARY 25, 2005, A SAFETY DEFECT PETITION WAS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS ON MY 2000-2002 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND ASSEMBLY... |
| PE03017 opened Apr 2003 | closed Aug 2003 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON SIX ODI COMPLAINTS THAT HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON, AND TWO ODI COMPLAINTS THAT THE SWITCH IS HOT TO THE TOUCH.THE INVESTIGATION HAS FOUND NO OCCURRENCES OF HEADLAMPS GOING OUT.THE COMPLAINTS ARE DUE TO SPORADIC DIMMING... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05V245000 | Exterior Lighting | ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME. | Normally free |
| 05V158000 | Seat Belts | CERTAIN WAGONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE HOLDING THE... | Normally free |
| 03V231000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005168 2005-06-02 | Electrical | 15,080 | On certain vehicles, the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time. |
| 2003161 2003-06-24 | Other | 14,184 | On certain vehicles, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction in overall engine power and the vehicle may be hard to start.. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP5601C Jul 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC. | |
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
| 18-NA-099 Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 24-NA-098 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. | |
| 10-08-45-001H Mar 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-NA-383 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 22-NA-074 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 02-08-42-001J Jan 2024 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage. | |
| PI1394B Jan 2024 | Power Train | This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine. | |
| 17-NA-170 Oct 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 10-00-89-006J Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| 17-NA-170 Apr 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 19-NA-219 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 19-NA-219 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 03-01-39-012A Mar 2023 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides an updated repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a musty odor from A/C system, most noticeable at vehicle start-up. | |
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 01-08-42-001O Feb 2023 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| 22-NA-074 Nov 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 10-00-89-006I Oct 2022 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| 22-NA-009 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 22-NA-009 Jun 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 22-NA-074 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 16NA383 May 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| PIP5338B May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. | |
| PIT5353B Oct 2017 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about what XM offerings are available for vehicles. A dealer or customer can access the website listed below for vehicle specific XM offerings and availability. | |
| PIP4495E Oct 2017 | Structure | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a loud tick or rattle noise under the hood at all operating conditions. Technician will need to check the lower and oil pressure to the upper end oil pressure. | |
| PIC5588D Jun 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the programming and activation of the OnStar system. | |
| PIT3099P Jun 2017 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory pats. Technician can check Service Information for some accessories. Technician can also contact Partect for assistance. | |
| PIC5491J Sep 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT HAVE AN ONSTAR SYSTEM THAT WILL NOT POWER UP. TECHNICIAN SHOULD TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND CANCEL RETAINED ACCESSORY POWER. | |
| PI1394A Aug 2016 | Engine | THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO INSTALL PISTONS AND SUGGEST WHAT TOOLS TO USE. | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| 000601012F Aug 2016 | Engine | THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO GM DEALERS ON THE CORRECT CLEANING METHODS WHEN CLEANING ENGINE GASKET SEALING SURFACES. | |
| PIT5485B Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN IF UNABLE TO PLACE AN ONSTAR CALL IN THE IGNITION ON MODE AFTER THE ONSTAR CANADA UPGRADE, TO CONTACT THE GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER ONSTAR GROUP FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. | |
| PIC5088F Apr 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE CONCERN. THE VEHICLE'S XM RADIO ONLY HAS XM PREVEIW CHANNELS. | |
| PIC-5050-A Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THE STEPS ON REPAIRING THE CONCERN. A CUSTOMER MAY IDENTIFY A CONCERN OF UNABLE TO REACTIVATE A VEHICLE'S ONSTAR THAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY DISABLED BY ONSTAR. | |
| PIC-4935-E Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS PERFORM A PARASITIC DRAIN TEST FOR THE ONSTAR MODULE. | |
| PIC4935E Apr 2016 | Electrical System | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS PERFORM A PARASITIC DRAIN TEST FOR THE ONSTAR MODULE. | |
| PIC5050A Apr 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THE STEPS ON REPAIRING THE CONCERN. A CUSTOMER MAY IDENTIFY A CONCERN OF UNABLE TO REACTIVATE A VEHICLE'S ONSTAR THAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY DISABLED BY ONSTAR. | |
| PIT5389A Apr 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS FOR DIAGNOSING THE CONCERN. THE VEHICLE MAY BE UNABLE TO CONNECT TO ONSTAR USING THE WHITE, BLUE OR RED ONSTAR BUTTONS. | |
| PIT5485A Apr 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN, IF UNABLE TO PLACE AN ONSTAR CALL IN THE IGNITION ON MODE AFTER THE ONSTAR CANADA UPGRADE TO CONTACT THE GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER ONSTAR GROUP FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. | |
| PIP5226A Feb 2016 | Equipment | THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT FINDING NEEDLE BEARINGS DURING AN OIL CHANGE. TECHNICIAN WILL GAIN ACCESS TO THE ROLLER ROCKERS TO INSPECT THEM. ONLY REPLACE THE ROLLER ROCKER THAT IS MISSING NEEDLE BEARINGS. | |
| 03-08-46-004R Jan 2016 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only) | |
| 15-NA-079 Dec 2015 | Equipment | OnStar® Voice Fallback Number Update Some customers may have received a letter from OnStar® stating that "We recently tried to provide a software update to the OnStar® hardware in your vehicle. However, your system could not be updated remotely. | |
| 02-08-42-001H Apr 2015 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This informational bulletin provides information to assist dealership personnel with the identification of vehicle headlamp, tail lamp, license lamp or fog/driving lamp damage that are not considered warrantable. | |
| PIT5264B Nov 2014 | Equipment | Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States. | |
| PIT5353 Nov 2014 | Equipment | XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| PIC5088E Jun 2014 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may not receiving all channels on the XM band. Technician will need to use a scan tool and verify current Digital Radio Receiver Status under Data Display. | |
| PIC5588B Jun 2014 | Equipment | Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules. | |
| PIT5264 Mar 2014 | Equipment | Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States | |
| PIT4864F Mar 2014 | Equipment | Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option. | |
| 99-08-51-007F Feb 2014 | Wheels | Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. | |
| PI0281D Jan 2014 | Structure | Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 10-00-89-009B Jul 2013 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information on key code security and information on GM key code look up applications. | |
| 13-00-89-005 Apr 2013 | Equipment | This technical bulletin provides Warranty Administration - New Labor Codes information. | |
| 99-04-20-002H Apr 2013 | Equipment | This technical bulletin provides a revision of 99-04-20-002G to add 2013-2014 model years. |
Showing 60 of 196 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Saturn LS →