The vehicle has developed a smoke emmision from the tail pipe due to oil leakage in the engine becasue of a defective ring on a piston in the no.1 cylinder. The vehicle has been examined by several local mechanics but no one wants to take on such a big responsibility. It was advised that a replacement engine was the only remedy. Consumer feels Saturn should resole this at no cost to consumer.

- Fair Lawn, NJ, USA

Took car to Saturn of san francisco when it died suddenly for 120K servicing. Mechanics told me engine cylinder plugs #2 & #3 were loaded w/oil deposits. Recommended rebuilding or replacing engine. They told me I should have noticed car using excessive oil. 10 mos. Earlier I took car to Saturn of santa maria for 100K servicing and told mechanics that engine was using excessive oil. Mechanics dismissed the problems as being normal for older Saturn. Early maintenance could have prevented engine failure which eventually occurred. Possibly a common problem with Saturn engines. I have letter from other Saturn owners who have experienced same engine failure problem, and same problem with mechanics at Saturn of santa maria.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

Vehicle started ticking/overheating, and making noise. Vehicle stalled. Contacted dealer.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

While driving about 65 mph vehicle start jerking. Then engine will suddenly stall. Sometimes engine light will come on.

- Utica, NY, USA

I became aware of an oil consumption problem when my oil light came on when the car was 1000 miles and one month early for the next oil change. The complaint was dismissed by service techs at that time, explaining that "Saturn egines run hot, and that it was not unusual to use one or two quarts of oil between changes. On a trip back to Virginia form New Jersey, my ses light came on, and I began to notice a fairly loud ticking in my engine. When I pulled over I found I had no oil in my oil pan. My engine could have seized on a major highway, and the oil light never came on (I was about 500 miles and two weeks early for my next oil change). I had regular routine maintenance at the dealership, but the dealership recently informed me that I would have to have a massive overhaul of my engine before I even had 100,000 miles on it. This seems highly irregular for a vehile which was impeccably maintained. I have also become aware of similar complaints on other internet sites. This is not an uncommon problem, but it is a very cosly one.

- Reston, VA, USA

Vehicle has been using a lot of oil in last year and a half. Currently, consumer could smell oil burning. Saturn told consumer that was because she did not change oil every 3000 miles, but waited until 3200 miles.

- Louisville, KY, USA

Just bought car from major dealership 5 days ago. Engine ticking and oil level low. I only put 175 miles on car and its in the shop.

- Spfld, MA, USA

Engine running loud when oil checked it was very low had just gotten oil change. Got another oil change to be on safe side. About 2000 miles after that oil change there was almost no oil left.

- Newington, CT, USA

While driving, without warning, engine cuts off. This causes a loss of electrical power in the vehicle. Also, vehicle has to be turned off and started back up. Dealer has seen vehicle several times, and can't find cause.

- St. Paul, MN, USA

Vehicle is burning an excessive amount of oil which has caused engine to lock up.

- Richmond, VA, USA

While driving on highway vehicle would shut down after reaching 65mph. Also, instrument lights would come on prior to shutting off. Alternator was replaced & 2 weeks later the vehicle stalled out again on the highway. Had the vehicle serviced on 27 May 1999 & no problem was found at that time.

- Fresh Meadows, NY, USA

Engine head was found to have a crack in the 5th journal. Car running normally, was diagnosed by the presence of oil in the coolant. No trauma occured to the engine to sustain crack. All suggested regular maintenance performed on vehicle. Light driving with no insult to vehicle to stress engine. Repair included replacement of engine head and entire coolant system.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Engine oil light never came on; vehicle had oil at previous check, and no oil spots were seen. Yet, after travelling 1/4 of mile, engine died and mechanic reported no oil and needs new engine.

- San Jose, CA, USA

While driving engine check light came on. Also vehicle was losing 11/2 quarts per oil change.

- Marietta, GA, USA

Engine/ignition/computer/speedomer/cruise control/rear window defroster: Elecrical wiring/windshield wiper motor/driver's seat latch and parking brake failed.

- Bismarck, ND, USA

Service engine soon or oil warning light came on, engine died and would not restart, remove engine and replace number of cylinder and cylinder rings.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

Vehicle loses power and makes noise due to engine failure.

- Arnold, MO, USA

After multiple complaints regarding amount of oil vehicle was burning, the engine locked up due to lack of oil.

- Coats, NC, USA

While drivng, the vehicle just stopped completely in the middle of traffic. Vehicle was towed to a shop, where the alternator and battery were replaced. Owner still experienced problems with vehicle. When taken to the dealer, the alternator was replaced again. The alternator has been replaced (3) times within a (2) year period.

- Redlands, CA, USA

Owner indicates that the engine stalls at any given time.

- Palmdale, CA, USA