2002 Saturn LS Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 9%of 493 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Saturn LS, 9% of the 493 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car was running fine. I pulled away from a traffic light and tried to get up to the speed limit of 45 miles per hour. At approximately 40 miles an hour the engine just stopped in the middle of the road. I managed to get it to the side and called the wrecker. Mechanic said timing chain broke and I need a new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10597247, filed 2014-06, 129,000 miles“We were driving the car when it cut off unexpectedly with no warning, while we were going 70 in a pack of traffic. Luckily, we managed to get to the shoulder without a wreck. It would not restart. We had it towed to the mechanic who said the timing belt broke which in turn cause the engine to be damaged. We had to replace the engine as a result.”
NHTSA complaint #10460565, filed 2012-06, 148,000 miles“I was going to work & all out of the blue with no warning my timing chain broke & my car stopped in the middle of the highway & would not start back. Also, my tail light won't work because the plastic housing is broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10763570, filed 2015-09, 203,000 miles“At 60 MPH on freeway the timing belt broke. I lost power and control of the car. It cannot be started. Since the repair cost is too high (more than $2000), and my VIN is not included in the GM recall #06074, I had to junk the car. The car is dangerous to drivers. Gm is not willing to recall all 2001 l200. However, due to so many complains of the same problems from drivers of the 2001 Saturn l200 (whose cars are not included in the recall) NHTSA should force GM to recall all 2011 Saturn l200.”
NHTSA complaint #10669179, filed 2014-12, 15,500 miles“Car over the time I have had it for the past 7 or 8 months has had a rough idle and now the car is hard to start. I suspect it is the timing chain going bad but my 2002 does not fall under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10519978, filed 2013-06, 137,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Saturn LS
200 complaintsElectrical system
102 complaintsExterior lighting
69 complaintsFuel system
45 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