Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle was in motion at 30 MPH on city street, engine completely stopped working with loss of power steering and power brakes. Coasted vehicle to a side street & stopped. Had car towed to a mechanic. We were quoted $1700 bill to repair due to broken timing chain. Researched recalls and found that NHTSA had a recall #07V519000 for 2001 Saturn l100. This seems grossly shortsighted on the part of NHTSA, as there have been dozens of duplicate complaints. This prompted the state of north carolina consumers council to issue a defect petition for 2000-2003 Saturn l series with the 2.2l engine with the NHTSA. It is surprising how little effort the NHTSA has made in light of the scope of this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn l100. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated as engine power began to reduce independently. The contact merged to the shoulder, shut off and then restarted the vehicle. The contact then saw smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The manufacturer was contact and advised that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the brakes, fuel filter and fuel line would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000 and the current mileage was 168,000.
My daughter [redacted] was the passenger and [redacted] was driver. The kids went for drive and were found the next early morning around 6 am. The car was so burned and destroyed the kids could not be identified, and all who were there questioned the straight tire tracks without any correction or over correction in the steering of tire tracks, no braking in the county road tracks, and with fracture and damage of the skull area we later were told that the air bags never deployed! The tracks were approx 150 yrds long and went at an angle of perfection gradually pointing towards a ravine that would end both of the kids lives. We sent a forensic specialist to look at car 2 months later and was told to save our money on full report because the specialist said the car was so destroyed he couldn't make heads or tails as to a case against GM. …
Driving down in congested morning traffic on highway when engine shut off. With engine off, brakes hard to push and steering very difficult. Vehicle coasted to stop. Engine would not restart. It just turned over. Shop said timing chain snapped and engine had to be replaced.
I am listing this vehicle identification number to fulfill your request on the safety complaint form, however I believe what I am about to share is an issue that applies to all vehicles on the road today, regardless of their source of motive power, if they have a hydraulic-brake system. I believe the current federal specifications for brake lines are too susceptible to corrosion, and although the materials brake lines are made of on most vehicles, probably meet Federal standards. Federal standards for this and other vehicle parts should evolve more frequently, sensitive to modernization and field experience. Corrosion-resistant brake lines are available and Federal statutes should be upgraded to specify they be constructed of more durable material and also be positioned in vehicles to increase their ease of replacement. …
When the vehicle was placed in reverse the brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle continue to move although the driver kept pushing the brake pedal. As a result of the brake failure the consumer vehicle hit a parked vehicle which caused damage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they could not determine the cause of the problem. The consumer believes that the ABS system May be the cause of the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn LS years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (25), 2001 (22) and 2002 (15) model years. Brake complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Saturn LS brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Saturn LS model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Saturn LS brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 56% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › disc › rotor (13 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8).
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.