Saturn S-Series recalls
18 official safety recalls for the Saturn S-Series from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.
Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:
- United States: nhtsa.gov/recalls
- United Kingdom: check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk
Park lock cable may allow shifting out of Park
An improperly adjusted park lock cable may allow the vehicle to shift out of Park with the key removed, increasing the risk of a crash from unintended movement. Owners or dealers can check the cable and have it adjusted if needed.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
- Remedy
- SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 6, 2000.OWNERS WHO HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECALL SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Fuel tank vent valve weld may be inadequate
An inadequate weld on the fuel tank vent valve may allow fuel to spill during refuelling or a rollover. If fuel meets an ignition source, a fire could occur. Dealers will inspect the weld and replace the fuel tank if needed.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
- Consequence
- FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 6, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Console armrest latch may open in a crash
The console armrest latch may not withstand the required force and could open in a crash, allowing the armrest or console contents to injure an occupant. Dealers will replace the latch.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- STRUCTURE:BODY
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT WITHSTAND THE VERTICAL FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Consequence
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE LATCH MAY OPEN AND THE ARMREST OR THE CONTENTS OF THE CONSOLE COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE ARMREST LATCH.
- Notes
- GM RECALL NO. 99071.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 29, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-833-6000, PROMPT #3. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts may fall out
Loose shoulder guide anchor bolts may fall out and make the seat belt inoperative, leaving an occupant improperly restrained in a crash. Dealers will inspect the bolts for proper installation and torque.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.
- Consequence
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
- Notes
- GM RECALL NO. 909067/SATURN RECALL NO. 99-C-02.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 29, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT #3.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Brake pipe nuts may be loose
Brake pipe attachment nuts may not be tightened to specification. Brake fluid could leak and increase stopping distance. Dealers will check for leakage, verify the nuts are tightened to specification and replace the brake pipes if needed.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PIPE ATTACHMENT NUTS THAT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS.
- Consequence
- IF THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS ARE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE BRAKE'S STOPPING DISTANCE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS FOR LEAKAGE, VERIFY THEY ARE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPES IF NEEDED.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 24, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Rear bumper fasteners may be loose or missing
Loose or missing fasteners may prevent the rear bumper from absorbing energy as designed in a rear-end collision. Dealers will check that the fasteners are present and properly tightened, and install new ones if missing.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 581, "BUMPER STANDARD." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR BUMPER FASTENERS THAT MAY BE LOOSE OR MISSING.
- Consequence
- IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE OR MISSING, THE REAR BUMPER MAY NOT ABSORB ENERGY AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE REAR BUMPER BEAM FASTENERS ARE PRESENT AND PROPERLY TIGHTENED AND, IF MISSING, INSTALL NEW FASTENERS.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGSUT 24, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Instrument panel carrier welds may be inadequate
Some welds in the instrument panel carrier assembly may not meet quality standards. A front seat occupant, particularly one who is unbelted, may face increased injury risk in a frontal crash. Dealers will repair the assembly.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WELDS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY THAT DO NOT MEET SATURN QUALITY STANDARDS.
- Consequence
- A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT, PARTICULARLY AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT, MAY HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 24, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Front seat back may slip rearward
Front seat recliner gear teeth may wear excessively, allowing the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied. If this happens while driving, it could cause loss of control. Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SEATS
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED.
- Consequence
- IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 13, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Headlamp adjustment instructions are incomplete
The owner's handbook does not explain how to adjust horizontal headlamp aim, which could result in improperly aimed lamps and visibility problems for oncoming drivers. Owners will receive a label with corrected instructions; a dealer can place it in the handbook if requested.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECTION OF THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK TITLED "HORIZONTAL AIM" DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCT AN OWNER HOW TO ADJUST THE HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence
- A VEHICLE'S HEADLAMP WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED CAUSING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS TO ONCOMING VEHICLES.
- Remedy
- OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A LABEL WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM TO BE PLACED OVER THE EXISTING TEXT IN THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PLACE THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK FOR THEM.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000 (PROMPT 3). ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Front seat belt retractor may not lock
Repeatedly pulling a front seat belt out much faster than normal may cause its retractor lock to stop working properly. The occupant may not be properly restrained in a crash. Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger retractors.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT IS PULLED OUT MUCH FASTER THAN NORMAL, A NUMBER OF TIME, THE LOCK-UP FEATURE OF THE RETRACTOR WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY.
- Consequence
- IN A RAPID DECELERATION OR VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000 (PROMPT 3). ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Floor pan welds may not secure seat belt anchorage
Suspect cold welds in the floor pan may leave a seat occupant improperly restrained in a crash. Dealers will repair the vehicles.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SEATS
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT COLD WELDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN THE TUNNEL AREA OF THE FLOOR PAN. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE."
- Consequence
- IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
- Notes
- OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE.ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN ACCOUNTED FOR. NO FURTHER ACTION IS NEEDED ON THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN.
Steering gear bearing cage may separate
The pinion bearing cage may separate under high steering loads, allowing the pinion gear to disengage and causing loss of steering control. Dealers will replace the manual steering gear assembly.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING. THE PINION BEARING CAGE IN THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE UNDER HIGH STEERING SYSTEM LOAD CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKING LOT OR SIMILAR LOW SPEED MANEUVERS.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PINION GEAR DISENGAGING FROM THE RACK CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-833-6000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Front passenger seat adjuster may have insufficient engagement
The passenger seat's inboard fore/aft adjuster may have less lock pawl engagement than specified, allowing the seat to move with a belted occupant in a moderate to severe frontal impact. Dealers will inspect and replace the adjuster.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- SEATS
- Defect
- THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS HAVE LESS LOCK PAWL ENGAGEMENT ON THE INBOARD FORE/AFT ADJUSTER THAN SPECIFIED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SEAT MOVEMENT WITH A BELTED OCCUPANT DURING A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT INBOARD FORE/AFT ADJUSTER.
- Notes
- OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 1996. NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREEDUPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Park lock cable may be improperly adjusted
The park lock cable may allow shifting out of Park with the key removed, or key removal when the shift lever is not in Park. The vehicle could move unexpectedly and cause an accident. Consumers are asked to inspect the cable; dealers will adjust it if needed.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
- Defect
- THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED, OR REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK." THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
- Consequence
- CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy
- CONSUMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE PARK LOCK CABLE. IF IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY, DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.
- Notes
- SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION; AUTOMATIC; INDICATOR; LEVER; GEAR; FMVSS 114.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Steering gear pinion shaft may fracture
An improperly heat-treated pinion shaft may fracture during operation, causing complete loss of steering control and a possible crash. Dealers will replace the manual steering assembly.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Defect
- THE STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED CAUSING THE SHAFT TO FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
- Consequence
- FRACTURE OF THE STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT CAUSES COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING ASSEMBLY.
- Notes
- SYSTEM: STEERING; MANUAL; GEAR BOX.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING.NOTE: IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Generator wiring may overheat and ignite
A short circuit in the generator can cause excessive current in its wiring, creating enough heat to ignite nearby materials and cause an underhood fire. Replace the generator wiring harness with one that opens like a fuse under certain excessive-current conditions.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
- Defect
- THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
- Consequence
- SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy
- THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
- Notes
- SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; GENERATOR; WIRE HARNESS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED SERVICEDATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME WITHOUT CHARGE ORTHE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASECONTACT SATURN SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-552-0008. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONALHIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Battery cable terminal may short against starter
An incorrectly formed positive battery cable terminal may contact the starter solenoid housing and short, creating an underhood fire risk. The clearance will be inspected and adjusted if needed.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Defect
- THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence
- AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE BATTERY CABLE ANDTHE STARTER HOUSING CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy
- INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.
- Notes
- SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDANS, COUPES, AND STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH TWIN CAM16 VALVE ENGINES.
Transmission may engage drive or reverse in park
Improperly machined valve assemblies may prevent the transaxle from engaging park or neutral even when the selector indicates either position. The vehicle could start in or move unexpectedly in drive or reverse. Defective valve bodies will be replaced.
Official NHTSA recall text
- Component
- POWER TRAIN
- Defect
- THE TRANSAXLE VALVE ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MACHINED. VEHICLES MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK.
- Consequence
- IF THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK ORNEUTRAL, IT COULD BE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR COULD STARTIN REVERSE OR DRIVE, OR MIGHT MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH OR INJURY TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy
- REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE VALVE BODIES.
- Notes
- SYSTEM: TRANSAXLE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES.
Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.