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Saturn Transmission Problems

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Saturn • Aura • Vue --- • Engine problems • Transmission problems • Airbags • Ignition interlock • Oozing goo • Miscellaneous woes • The Shamrock Saturn --- Recalls/News • Penske Scraps Plan to Buy Saturn; Brand Likely to Die • Penske Hopes to Drive Saturn Off GM's Lot • Saturn Climbing the Roadway to Heaven • Saturn Aura Gets a 5,000-Mile Road Test • NHTSA Probes Timing Chain Again • NHTSA Recalls Saturn L Series • NHTSA Probes Saturn Timing Chain Failures • Saturn Astra Named Safest Car Under $25,000 • Saturn Outlook Gets Top Marks from Consumer Reports • Saturn Targets Toyota, Honda for Side-by-Side Tests • Saturn Sky Prices Go Sky High • Saturn VUE Recalled • L-Series Cars Recalled

J of Poughkeepsie NY (10/30/08)
Saturn SL2 1999 Transmission problems: When I shift from park to reverse the vehicle jerks violently. I took the vehicle to the dealer to have them look at it and they couldn't replicate the issue. This problem is not consistent. Although they stated that they know what it is because it is pretty common, I should wait until the car does it regularly then bring it in for service. They also stated that this would cost approx 1200 to fix.

I don't understand that if this is a known issue why isn't Saturn doing something about it? There are many people on this board who have had their transmissions fail or worse implode while driving. I don't want to be one of those people.

This is our only form of transportation besides walking and we want Saturn to fix this issue.

Jeanetta of Oklahoma City, OK September 24, 2008

Jeanetta of Oklahoma City OK (09/24/08)
I purchased a 2004 Saturn VUE in August of 2004. My salesman sang the praises of the variable VTI transmission. At 23,000 the transmission went out. Of course, the car was still under warranty, so Saturn repaired it without incident. Shortly after the repairs were done, which was in December 2005, we received a letter from Saturn stating they had extended the warranty to 75,000 miles.

My VUE is now at 89,000 and the transmission has gone out again. My Saturn dealership told me it would cost 5,700 to repair it. I contacted the Saturn Corp. customer service and the only thing they are willing to do is split the cost with me, the main reason being I can't provide them proof that I always take my VUE to an authorized Saturn dealer to have it serviced. I told them this wasn't acceptable and filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Someone from the General Motors customer service contacted me and after reviewing everything, they are still only willing to split the cost with me...oh, and offer me a 1,000 customer appreciation certificate that can be used toward the purchase of a new GM car. I have not accepted or declined their offer.

In the process of gathering up all paperwork needed by the BBB, I discovered the letter they sent me concerning extending the warranty was dated March 2004, five months before I purchased the vehicle. That means my salesman knew there were problems with the variable VTI transmission and not only withheld that information, but was deceptive in telling me what a great product it was. Had I known there were issued with the transmission, I never would have purchased the vehicle to begin with.

I have been without my car for almost a month now and since I can't afford to rent a car, I've had to rely on my family to provide me transportation to work and back.

Randall of Lake Milton, OH August 17, 2008

Randall of Lake Milton OH (08/17/08)
I bought a 2003 Saturn Ion (used) and the transmision quit on my wife and had to be towed home. I have a 4 year loan and the car has been sitting since Good Friday of this year. Saturn Motor Co. said that they don't have much problems with the Ions but with the Vues. they have the same transmissions so what the crap???

Thomas of Spring Valley, NY August 9, 2008

Thomas of Spring Valley NY (08/09/08)
My 2000 Saturn Sedan, SL has semi-chronic transmission problems. I like the car other than this, however, after driving it for over 1/2 hour in city driving, it stays frequently in 1st gear. This is true even after the RPMs go above 4,500! I've brought it to my mechanic who says it needs a new valve body! The car only has 110,000 miles and I don't think the automatic transmission should need a major repair at this stage! I am very gentle with the transmission and keep the car in good repair.

There have been no economic consequences to me over this, as I drive very little, and work is near my home, but it certainly has caused me to cancel any long trips! This problem is limited to driving at slow speeds; highway driving (if I can get th car into the higher gears), is fine. I certainly can't afford 700 for a new Valve Body or 3,000 for a new transmission!

Sarah of Mission Hills, KS August 5, 2008

Sarah of Mission Hills KS (08/05/08)
My father bought a 2002 SL1 brand new. He from the beginning claimed that the car had no pickup and had a hard time changing gears. He handed it down to me 3 year ago after my 98 saturn's transmission failed. The car takes a moment to shift into reverse, and jumps when switching gears. I took it to the shop and they told me that the entire transmission was shot. I can't believe that a 2002 car with 80,000 miles on it needs an entirely new transmission.

After reading all of the complaints about the same type of car, I am even more angry with saturn than initially. It also needs new breaks and the rotors are completely rusted out. I have taken excellent care of this car, and cannot believe saturn has not done a recall.

Luckily the shop found a used transmission that also has 80,000 miles on it and they going to install it for 2,500 (that includes labor costs.)

Glenn of Fortston, GA July 9, 2008

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