2002 Saturn L100

The 2002 Saturn L100 was a mid-size sedan offered by General Motors. It came standard with a 2.2L Inline-4 engine producing 135 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.0L V6 engine was available as an option producing 182 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciated the Saturn’s dent-resistant polymer body panels and relatively spacious interior. However, some common complaints included uninspired styling, a somewhat rough-riding suspension, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

2.2L Inline-4

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear or stretching of the timing chain can cause the engine to run poorly, misfire, or stall. A rattling noise from the engine bay is also a common symptom.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The catalytic converter can fail prematurely, leading to poor engine performance, reduced fuel economy, and a check engine light (typically code P0420).
  • Solution: Replacing the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the intake manifold gasket can cause vacuum leaks, leading to rough idling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping and Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The 4T40E transmission can experience slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifting, and general erratic behavior.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid flush and filter change might temporarily alleviate the symptoms. More severe cases may require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for fluid/filter. $1500 - $3500+ for rebuild/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: The struts and shocks can wear out over time, leading to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased braking distances.
  • Solution: Replacing the struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken or Worn Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Coil springs can break or weaken, causing the vehicle to sag, especially on one side.
  • Solution: Replacing the broken or worn coil spring(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per spring.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Ignition Switch
  • Description/Symptoms: The ignition switch can fail, causing the vehicle to not start or to stall while driving.
  • Solution: Replacing the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power window motors can fail, preventing the windows from opening or closing.
  • Solution: Replacing the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog Light Housing Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The fog light housings are known to be fragile and are prone to cracking.
  • Solution: Replacing the fog light housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per fog light.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard is prone to cracking, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replacing the entire dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sun Visor Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The sun visors can sag and not stay in the up position.
  • Solution: Replacing the sun visors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per visor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Saturn L100 faces a range of potential issues, from engine-related problems like timing chain and intake manifold gasket failures to transmission slippage and electrical gremlins. Suspension wear and interior trim problems are also commonly reported. The severity of these issues varies, but repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major engine or transmission work. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and consider a pre-purchase inspection to identify any potential problems.