2000 Saturn LS problems
Owners have filed 544 complaints about the 2000 Saturn LS with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 26.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of exterior lighting at 13.4%.
Complaints544
Crashes12
Fires5
Injuries22
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 26.1% · 142
Exterior lighting 13.4% · 73
Electrical system 11.8% · 64
Steering 7.2% · 39
Suspension 5.3% · 29
Structure 5.1% · 28
Power train 4.8% · 26
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.2% · 23
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 22 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Saturn LS in this data, 2000 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2001 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 77,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Timing chain failure on 2000 Saturn ls1 model. Failure came unexpectedly. Looking into it, I found dozens of other Saturn owners who experienced the same problem. This simple failure has damaged my engine. I am facing a minimum of $2600 in repairs to replace the engine. This seems to be an persistent problem with this engine. Mechanics I have consulted state that they have seen this happen many times before. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 115,000 miles
Saturn 2000 lw200. Wife returned home from an errand and parked the car. Next day she tried to go to work, car would not start. Had it towed to a shop. They think the timing chain slipped (MAYBE). Mechanic is not 100%. It broke something in the engine, piston, cam shaft not sure. Engine has about 77k. Unable to fix the car at this time as I do not have an estimated 3300.00 To repair using a used engine. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Saturn ls1. While driving approximately 30 mph the engine stalled without warning. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection. The timing chain fractured. The technician recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The failure and current mileages were 80,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 80,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…