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Engine coolingPart report

2002 Saturn LS Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
200about this part
Share
41%of 493 total for the year
Median mileage
78,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 200 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Saturn LS, 41% of the 493 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Timing chain seperated on my 2002 Saturn l200 at 15 MPH 2 months ago. It cost me $2700 to replace engine and then I found the links about a possible recall on this very issue but was told by Saturn that it didn't cover my car. I am highly upset about this as my engine did exactly what all the other saturns in the recall did so why is mine excluded?? I want my year covered in the recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10427764, filed 2011-09, 140,000 miles

“While traveling on the road at approximately 50 MPH my 2002 Saturn l200 suddenly lost power and the steering wheel locked. Fortunately traffic was light and the vehicle coasted into a parking lot. I have been advised by 2 different mechanics this is the result of a broken timing chain. The car was taken to a aaa repair shop and I am supposed to get a 3rd opinion diagnosis this week.”

NHTSA complaint #10317546, filed 2010-03, 123,000 miles

“My wife was driving our 2001 Saturn l200 to work at highway speed when the engine stalled and would not restart. She was able to coast to the side of the road without causing a collision. Diagnosis by a GM mechanic found that the timing chain had broken, causing 6 exhaust valves to bend. We are currently pursuing our options for repair.”

NHTSA complaint #10219230, filed 2008-02, 101,845 miles

“2002 Saturn lw200 2.2l engine. I was pulling out of a parking lot when the engine stopped and would not restart. Had the vehicle towed to my mechanic who informed me that the timing chain had broken and ruined the engine. I have read that the 2001 model has a recall for the exact same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10331013, filed 2010-05, 45,000 miles

“I was driving on the highway at 55mph and my 2002 l200 Saturn's engine stopped. No noises beforehand or warning lights. My mechanic told me the timing chain broke causing severe damage to the engine's cylinders. Estimated cost is over $2,000. The car only has 82,000 miles on it. No crash or injuries occurred.”

NHTSA complaint #10273155, filed 2009-06, 82,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200220041%
200130052%
200014037%

Other parts of the 2002 Saturn LS

Electrical system
102 complaintsExterior lighting
69 complaintsFuel system
45 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 Saturn LS

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology