1997 Saturn SC1 Electrical system Problems

“Vehicle has only 37,000 miles on it, engine is dead. Will cost over $3000 for new engine. This car has been in for numerous repairs, many problems, and most were never fixed. I approached the dealership in summer 2000 about going to arbitration re: having vehicle replaced, and they refused to provide the area representatively name and number. I got it anyway and filed a complaint. Dealer promised to rectify all issues, and repaired several problems, which have all recurred (and worse) since the warranty expired. …”

“I bought my Saturn in may of 1999, at 20,000 miles. It was previously a lease vehicle. At 73,000 miles, the engine started to burn over 2.5 quarts of oil every 3000 miles. The car was under warranty and the engine was rebuilt. At approximately 150,000 miles the engine started burning again. I have to have my oil changed every 1500 to 2000 miles now. I have been told, by multiple mechanics, that this is a common problem with the Saturn sc2s. I've also had the ignition replaced. I started having problems with starting it up at about 45,000 miles. …”

“The contact owns a 1997 Saturn sc2. The contact experienced difficulty removing the key from the ignition. He made several attempts before the key released; however, the ignition switch was in the accessory position. The driver maneuvered the key in different positions for approximately five to ten minutes. Suddenly, the ignition key was removed from the designated off position. The failure occurred intermittently and without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and they discovered recall number 97-c02 (ignition cylinder). …”

“Consumer stated that when he got into vehicle and tried to start it vehicle began to smoke around the dash and steering column. Vehicle filled up with smoke. Consumer took vehicle to repair shop, wa stold by technician that wiring harness had been fried. *akthey stated that it was the main wiring harness and it would cost him 4-5 thousands dollars to repair, and more if it damaged something else.”

“Smoke started coming from vehicle while pulling out from a driveway. Dealership examined vehicle and determined ground wire for ignition had burned out and melted. Consumer states that smoke originated under dash, the ignition switch failed causing ground wire to short out and melt, this is what caused the smoke, the 30 amp fuse under the hood tripped as designed, causing engine to stop.”