Saturn Complaint - Timing chain repair - 2001 Saturn

Posted by dealerdirect on 2006-01-19:

LOL, What timing chain problems with a Saturn? Actually Saturns have had timing chain problems since their introduction!!! Life expectancy for a timing chain should be about 150,000 miles and I am sure you can find many Saturn owners with premature failed timing chains out there. Good Luck

Posted by miketech on 2006-01-20:

Yeah Saturn motors don't last so long. My ex wife had a saturn and loved it till something similar happened at like 60000 miles. The motor just stopped and the repair bill would have been around $2500. It's in the junkyard now.

Posted by UrFriendlyPirate on 2006-01-20:

Rubber timing "chains" were introduced about 20 years ago because the length required on overhead cam engines made metal chains impractical. It's a good idea to replace them at manufacturer recommended intervals to avoid engine failure.

Posted by miketech on 2006-01-20:

Can't argue with Pirate cause if you don't do what he says it'll break and cost 2 grand. I like the stright 6 in my Jeep. No timing chain. 278,000 miles and it still runs.

Posted by dealerdirect on 2006-01-20:

Yet another informative post, Maybe the pirate should stick to vast knowledge of the South pacific.LOL!! Saturns use a timing CHAIN (Metal) not a timing BELT (Rubber). The reason they fail has been a poor oiling system design that has been common on Saturns since their inception.

Posted by dealerdirect on 2006-01-24:

Comparing Belts to chains???? That would be like comparing Tarter Sauce to pizza sauce. Belts have a recommended service interval, chains do not!!! So I guess it's back to swabbing the deck with you.

Posted by Pogues on 2006-02-23:

I am in the midst of the same exact problems on a Saturn SC2 Coupe. Not only has the timing chain gone, but so has valves and a whole bunch of other things that are going to bring my repair bill up to $2100.00 or more. It's madness, the car only has 65,000 miles on it, and by all accounts I can find it should last at least to 100,000 before giving any problems. Should. But what can you expect from an American car? MCB, did you have any luck in your fight with Saturn in getting any reimbursment?

Posted by LAM on 2006-06-28:

Approximately 3 Cents Worth: My 2001, very well maintained and kindly driven(68,234 mi) Saturn SL has been parked in the lot of the 'Second Opinion' for the last two weeks while I have been waiting upon Saturn of Richmond's response to my written inquiry. My poor girl hesitates, rolls forward and then slams into reverse (for about the last year, talked to Saturn mechanics 3 times about it, they said it would fix itself after replacing the battery) and now is having problems changing into and staying in any geer.
Saturn Diagnosis: Replace Valve Body and Input Shaft Side Nut. Price: $1015. Customer (me) Declined. Uh, yeah.
Shop of Second Opinion (SOSO): Yes, the transmission is broken. Will replace Valve Body and Input Shaft Side Nut for $600-$700 (sweet) but it might not really fix it as it apparently has hydraulic related problems. SOSO recommended that I go back to the Saturn dealer who sold me the car because apparently I was unlucky enough to get a lemon transmission. Other options given: Rebuild Transmission ($2,500-$3,000) or get rid of car as quickly as possible. I am making my last car payment this month. Aargh. I am in touch with Department of Consumer Affairs also. LAM

Posted by Neil18 on 2007-03-15:

I had the same problem with my 2001 Saturn L200. Timing chain broke while driving, destroying the engine. Car has about 68000 miles.