2001 Saturn LW200

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine7
2. Electrical system1
3. Exterior lighting1
4. Steering1
5. Suspension1

Latest complaints

• Jul 20, 2017OH100,000 mi2 injuries
  Engine · Steering · Suspension
  While driving my car with 2 special needs children in it my steering wheel went crazy. It went from being center to vertical. I drove as close to home as I could get and then my car came to a grinding hault. I thought I uad a flat tire but thats not what it was. After towing it home we looked…

  While driving my car with 2 special needs children in it my steering wheel went crazy. It went from being center to vertical. I drove as close to home as I could get and then my car came to a grinding hault. I thought I uad a flat tire but thats not what it was. After towing it home we looked under it and the engine cradle had broke!! When this happened it broke the control arm on my car causing my tire to rotate inward and back into the fender well. We have not been able to fix it and we have no other car. The only way the children were hurt was psychological, sincethey are autistic. Noone was injured but if the cradle broke causing the control arm to break while driving I very well could have lost control. We were stranded in the dark, with 2 special needs kids and noway home. If we were on the highway it could have been fatal!!

• Dec 29, 2015IN124,000 mi
  Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn lw200. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle lost accelerator function and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the owners residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle. The contact was informed that the timing chain had fractured…

  TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn lw200. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle lost accelerator function and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the owners residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle. The contact was informed that the timing chain had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

• Apr 13, 2015IL
  Exterior lighting

  2001 saturn L200. consumer writes in regards to recall bulletin 05052. *smd the consumer stated the left rear brake light worked spordically and the problem went on for years. Relacing the bulb would only correct the problem for a short time. *jb

• Jul 26, 2014IN116,000 mi
  Engine
  When driving my vehicle down the road with my children in the car , it died. There has been a recall on the timing chain for the saturn l series for the year of my vehicle. Yet, mine IS 2 months shy of the recall date. My mechanic says this IS a very common problem for these vehicles of this year.…

  When driving my vehicle down the road with my children in the car , it died. There has been a recall on the timing chain for the saturn l series for the year of my vehicle. Yet, mine IS 2 months shy of the recall date. My mechanic says this IS a very common problem for these vehicles of this year. Tell me why the entire production time of this vehicle IS not included? Seeing how there are many people out there having this issue. I was very lucky that there was not an accident involved in this situation, but I am sure that there have been. I am asking that my engine be replaced by gm. I am asking that the the recall be extended for the unfortunate people who now have vehicles that cannot be driven due to a faulty manufacturing issue. The nhtsa needs to extend the recall! *tr

• Jun 4, 2014CA117,000 mi
  Engine
  After starting car and rolling back to leave parking space at 5MPH there was a muffled pop and the car stopped moving.i tried to crank engine again and it would not start. I had to push it into a nearby parking spot. Local repair person diagnosed the car needs a new timing chain. Said same year and…

  After starting car and rolling back to leave parking space at 5MPH there was a muffled pop and the car stopped moving.i tried to crank engine again and it would not start. I had to push it into a nearby parking spot. Local repair person diagnosed the car needs a new timing chain. Said same year and model was involved in gm safety recall 06074 issued december 2007 according to his database. Gm says my car isn't involved in that recall. This problem has been brewing for years as the chain seems not to be getting proper oiling and would rattle making a dreadful noise which would subside after a few miles normally. It has occurred periodically since I bought the car used with 32K miles. *tr

• Mar 13, 2014IL
  Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Engine
  2001 saturn L200. consumer writes in regards to ignition control module failure recall notice. *smd the consumer stated in december 2013, the vehicle started running really bad, running rough and would shut off. The consumer took the vehicle to his mechanic, where he discovered a recall. The…

  2001 saturn L200. consumer writes in regards to ignition control module failure recall notice. *smd the consumer stated in december 2013, the vehicle started running really bad, running rough and would shut off. The consumer took the vehicle to his mechanic, where he discovered a recall. The consumer stated he was never informed about the recall. The mechanic fixed the vehicle. However, it continued to run rough. the vehicle was towed his mechanic, and he informed the consumer, the vehicle needed a new engine.

• Oct 9, 2013CO34,000 mi
  Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn lw200. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the warning indicator. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an authorized dealer. The technician informed the contact that the timing chain was…

  TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn lw200. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the warning indicator. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an authorized dealer. The technician informed the contact that the timing chain was fractured and caused damage to other components in the engine. The vehicle was scheduled for repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.

• Feb 23, 2013OH157,082 mi
  Engine

  Driving in parking lot and car suddenly stalls. Wouldn't restart and found out later that timing chain had broken. Engine now also has internal damage as a result. It IS a 2.2L engine but apparently not on the recall list even thought the chain and oiling nozzle are the same as the other 2001 recalled engines. *tr

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11006621Vehicle 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). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
• 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
• 11002312This 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.
• 10251890This 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.
• 10250775This 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.
• 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
• 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
• 10248444Vehicle Recalls
• 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
• 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
• 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
• 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
• 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
• 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
• 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
• 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
• 10242262This 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.
• 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
• 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
• 10233330This 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.
• 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
• 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
• 10227056This 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.
• 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
• 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
• 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
• 10212625This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
• 10209980This 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.
• 10209921This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
• 10200151This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
• 10200090This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
• 10197294This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
• 10193450This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
• 10191191This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
• 10190934Underbody 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. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
• 10190933Underbody 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. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
• 10190932Refinishing 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. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
• 10190931Refinishing 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. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
• 10190512OnStar 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. As a result, some of your OnStar system functions may not be working as expected." The customer is further instructed in this letter to "Please contact your dealer or any dealer near you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this no-cost software update. Your dealer will reprogram your OnStar module with an update. This is for vehicles that have previously received the Canada upgrade as described in Service Bulletin #15-08-44-001F."
• 10190437This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by. Technician will need to inspect the engine for Cylinder damage or scoring, An out of round cylinder bore, Dirt intrusion, and Catalytic Converter failure.

Every Saturn LW200 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.