2000 Saturn SL Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 23%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,784miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2000 Saturn SL, 23% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,784 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I start my car or park it after driving the rpms shoot up extremely high & the engine races. When I shut the car off the engine makes a loud clunk due to shutting it off with the rpms that high. I have had it diagnosed several times & no one knows what is wrong. I had the air idle sensor replaced thinking it was the problem but it is not. This is very bad for the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10288949, filed 2009-10, 95,000 miles“Timing chain failure of Saturn 2000 today while driving on an interstate highway my Saturn stopped working and I had to drift to the side of the road park in a dangerous location get towed only to find out it was the timing chain that broke causing a catastrophic engine failure. I have to junk my car and get a new one. I am very distressed to find the recall of the timing chain in this vehicle and since it was lawfully registered to me am wondering why I have no recall from you?”
NHTSA complaint #10402914, filed 2011-05, 103,000 miles“A 2000 sl1 Saturn passenger vehicle is the source of this complaint. Saturns are often recognized as being 200k mile cars - look for the wall at the service centers. - polaroids of 'happy' Saturn customers. After 94k miles, my Saturn had a piston fragment inside the engine. The vehicle motor is a total loss. I just paid it off 6 months ago. Saturn refused to supply any explanation or offer to stand behind their product.”
NHTSA complaint #10135824, filed 2005-09, 94,000 miles“When checking the color of my oil, the dip stick was found 3 times bone dry. No oil light indicator would come on and finally one time it was too late. On christmas eve my engine blew due to heat and lack of oil. I would lose 5 quarts before my 3000 mile oil change. I had to buy a used engine and have it installed by a family friend due to lack of money to fix this unexpected problem on my 5 year old car that I am still making payemnts on.”
NHTSA complaint #10146395, filed 2005-12, 80,000 miles“Timing chain on my 2000 Saturn l broke. I only have 83,000 miles on it. I have read a lot of complaints online about this problem occurring consistently with GM cars, especially saturns.”
NHTSA complaint #10240697, filed 2008-09, 83,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This 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…
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10214869Jun 15, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10209980Mar 31, 2022This 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…
- 10209921Mar 22, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 16 | 12% |
| 2001 | 18 | 16% |
| 2000 | 34 | 23% |
| 1999 | 45 | 25% |
| 1998 | 28 | 17% |
| 1997 | 38 | 17% |
| 1996 | 63 | 22% |
| 1995 | 67 | 19% |
| 1994 | 38 | 13% |
| 1993 | 30 | 17% |
| 1992 | 24 | 20% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2000 Saturn SL
35 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsTires
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Saturn SL
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