Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Saturn LS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving down the road the vehicle started making noise and steering was uncontrollable. I trailered the vehicle back home. Closer inspection revealed the front subframe/engine cradle was completely rusted through in multiple spots, very dangerous!!! I contacted the dealer to get a new subframe and I was advised the subframe is no longer available and to try finding one in a salvage yard. I contacted a salvage yard and they said they had a few and it would be no problem to pull one. I got the call today saying they were sorry but all of the front subframes on the Saturn l series they have are rusted through and are not usable. I contacted other yards with the same response. I ended up having to find a salvage yard down south that had a usable subframe. I went online to find numerous forum posts discussing this topic and I'm finding it is very common on this vehicle. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 MPH something was noticed through the rear view mirror coming off the vehicle. It was pulled over and upon inspection the right rear tire had separated. The spare tire was put on the vehicle then it was taken to a repair shop for inspection. The mechanic noticed the left rear tire was also separating and the left rear tire was replaced. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 05/04/06
I have a 2000 Saturn LS 1 that I had bought in June 14 2012 @ the us truck & auto on us. 31 south here in traverse city michigan 49685. The salesperson's name is[redacted]. I was on craigs list looking for a reliable car and I came upon us truck & auto and wyane would not let me test drive the car and that the car is in perfect running condition until March 14,2014 my wheel came off at a stoplight getting to go on green but didn't move far. And when I got the car the dome light wasn't working and a wire had been disconnected from the daytime head lamp and burned out tail lights. Since I purchased it at a car dealership I took they had the vehicle inspected but learned later that wayne does not always have the vehicles inspected that he puts on his lots but sells lemons. …
I have contacted Saturn about the tire problems associated with the LS series, which I currently own the car of the first launch year, 2000. I am now on my third set of tires. They tell me that it is the tires, but I am also on the third brand of tire. I know that I am not alone in this problem. While at the garage with this last set of tires, another consumer had to replace their tires at 5000 miles. I have asked Saturn to look into a possible design flaw with regards to the way the car's chassis is styled. They refuse to listen to what I have to say. I would also like to send to you copies of letters I have directed to the Saturn corporation. Thank you, bette grey. (tiresize: r185)
Front brake rotors needed to be replaced at 37,929 miles because the inside edges were worn below specification and the brake shoes would not seat properly on the rotor. The edges could not be turned or resurfaced. There was no indication of metal grinding into the rotor. Also, all four tires were replaced for uneven wear. The rear brake retainer spring broke. The rear passenger window is inoperable. There is an electrical short in the console. Consumer also claims there is play in the steering. The power steering was replaced in September of 2001. There is still vibration and play being felt in the steering. There was a bent hub which was causing the vibration.
Having been made aware of the recent Firestone recall, I felt it necessary to report this tire blowout since it occured on a brand new car (w/ only 12000 miles) with a new set of Firestone tires (the originals that came with the car) I was going the speed limit when the tread completly separated as has been happening to other Firestone tires. I'm not sure if this is a coincidence, since this model tire is not the one being recalled, but I would like some more information regarding this potentially serious problem, and possible tire replacement.( dot number: tire size: p185/65r14 )
Tire delaminated at highway speed, less than 8 hours and 250 miles after being checked by my neighborhood Firestone store. I know of atb least 1 other Saturn ls2 owner who had a similar delamination. I am now concerned about the safety of these tires, as the problem is like the explorer problem. I was just lucky not to loose control of my car. Don't know if these tires came from the decator plant but this could be a problem similar to the explorer problen. Fortuniately the lower center of gravity probably keeps the Saturn from flipping over.( dot number: ? Tire size: p205, 65r1 )
Since purchasing this vehicle in nov. 1999 I have put approx. 24K miles on it, the dealer has changed the tires on the car three times. One time every approx 8000 miles, the reason the tires get changed is that after the tires get hot from driving they begin to thump, this does not happen when the tires are new but after approx 6 to 8 thousand miles of wear.the dealer has checked the car but can not find anything wrong. When they discuss this with firstone , theykeep changing the tires. Obviuos this is concerning!!!!( dot number: tire size: p20565r15 )
Consumer returned five times to have the vehicle corrected for vibration and play. The power steering system failed. The dealer replaced under waranty, however there is vibration and play. The dealer has been working to resolve the problem, but the problem still exists. The wheel was replaced because of a bent hub. This replacement stopped the vibration. There is still continuous play. The tires were feathered and cupped. The lower control arm and rear bushings were replaced as were the four tires.
Consistent problem with vehicle alignment causes premature wearing of tires. Dealer has replaced rear toe and camber, front control arm bushings, adjusted right front camber, adjusted rear toe on both sides, adjusted front toe, problem could be related to the Firestone tires, size p205/65r15.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2000 Saturn LS?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2000 Saturn LS, 6% of the model year's 382 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Saturn LS wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2000 Saturn LS, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Saturn LS wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.