Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt: the contact purchased a used vehicle two years ago, and the second day after purchasing the vehicle there was a roaring noise from the front of the vehicle. The dealer said this was a problem with the front tires ,and the dealer replaced both tires. About two weeks later the noise returned. The vehicle has been to the dealer numerous times for numerous repairs. The vehicle would jerk to the right which caused the contact to hit a curb. There were no injuries but a police report was taken. There have been multiple repairs to the wheel bearings and joints which have not corrected this problem. Also the motor mounts and axles have been replaced in hopes of correcting this problem. The dealer has never been able to accurately repair the vehicle. Currently there is a need for new rotors and more tires. …
While driving consumer her head a roaring in the front end. Drive shift caused consumer to wreck 2002 Saturn. The consumer noticed noise/vibration in the front end. The consumer has replaced several tires. When the brakes were applied the vehicle would pull to the left. An alignment was performed correcting the rear cam and setting the front and rear toe. A collapsed motor mount caused rough idle. The rotors and pads had to be replaced. The rear hub assembly had to be replaced twice. Left rear hub bearing had to be replaced. The front driver's side drive axle assembly had to be replaced.
I own an 2001 Saturn l-33, with 38,280 miles. On two occasions the service light (not the service engine light came on, and when this occurred, the transmission would shift harshly. On 04-30- 2009, I had started the car, which had no been used that day, I was sitting somewhat sideways in the drivers seat talking to my father, when the auto when the auto went into reverse by itself, and dragged me across the street, hitting a block wall. I got up and into the auto, and noticed the shift lever was still in "park". I found a websight "the Saturn forum" wherein other Saturn l-300 owners had the same problem with the service light coming on etc. As far as I know, Saturn has not sent out a service bulletin, or re-call on this problem. I also found out the problem might be due to "pinched" wiring going to the "transmission control module. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Saturn l-series. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the key removed on a slight incline it rolled backwards and crashed into another vehicle which was destroyed. Upon inspecting the vehicle the gear shift was in reverse. The contact stated that the emergency brake was engaged as well. No one was injured during the crash. The contact also stated that the key could be removed while the vehicle was in drive. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the crash and the manufacturer stated that there was nothing they could do to assist him. The contact noticed a recall for the power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (PRNDL) (00V344000) but the contact never received a letter from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer should be responsible. The failure mileage was 111,000.
I have a 2000 Saturn ls2. I was approaching a red light. I downshifted from 3rd to 2nd without incident. When I tried to shift down to 1st, I heard a pop and the gear shift lever was completely disconnected to the linkage. This was very disconcerting. When I called the mechanic and told them what happened the first question was 'do you have a Saturn?" I found out that this problem is caused by failure of a plastic bushing which costs less than $20 but which Saturn is charging $800 to replace along with a lot of other parts. They will not sell just the bushing. I bought one on ebay for $19.99. If this happened on the freeway or while pulling into traffic causing a stall, it could result in a serious accident. I suggested that Saturn ought to be fixing this for free and they laughed at me.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Saturn ls1. He stated the vehicle was consuming large quantities of engine oil. The dealer stated the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken for a second opinion to a local mechanic where the power steering reservoir was replaced and the failure ceased. On a separate occasion, while driving at speeds of over 10 MPH or attempting a left or right turn, the vehicle would lose power. Also, while in the reverse mode, the vehicle would stall. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer over 4 additional times and the failure could not be duplicated. There were no recalls on the vehicle and no further repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were under 103,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles. Some of these vehicles were assembled with the transaxle shift cable clip missing or improperly seated. Without the clip, the cable can slip out of its bracket and the transaxle lever would not move along with the shift lever.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transaxle shift cable retainer clip to verify proper installation and, if necessary, replace the clip and adjust the cable to specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn LS years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (30), 2002 (26) and 2000 (25) model years. Transmission complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Saturn LS transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V-344 (gear position indication (prndl), Oct 30, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn LS transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (21 mentions), followed by the clutch assembly (5).
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.