NHTSA — Power Train: Automatic Transmission Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,340 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Saturn SL transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Saturn SL Owner Comments

problem #11

Nov 082003

SL 4-cyl

  • 44,409 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving 65 mph in first gear transmission shifted to fourth gear without warning, and consumer temporarily lost control of the vehicle. Consumer shifted vehicle to neutral, then back to first gear to regain control of the vehicle. Dealership mechanic tried to repair the vehicle, but was unable to resolve the problem. The occupants sustained muscles pulls, bumps, and bruises.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #10

Nov 272002

SL 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,328 miles
We brought our Saturn into the oakland, ca dealer for a transmission diagnosis. Automatic transmission has developed some leaks and clutch / gear assembly problems. Initial quote from the dealer service manager for repair is $2600+. extended warranty expired 12/31/02, and the car is currently at the 94,904 mile mark. At the 91,328 mileage mark, the dealer performed an "87,000 mile" service, not a "90,000 mile" service. Why didn't the service advisor inform my daughter that the "90,000 mile" service was due, which included a transmission service" from my perspective this appears to be a case of this dealership not training their service advisors properly to advise a customer regarding routine maintenance. The car is currently at the 94,904 mile mark, and it seems reasonable that if the dealer had performed the "90,000 mile" service when the car was at the 91,328 mileage mark and inspected the transmission these problems would have been identified and repaired while the car still under warranty. Saturn has issued at least one dozen service bulletins regarding maintenance of this transmission several targeted to the specific issue of transmission leaks and repairs. Does this Saturn dealer have a pattern of not informing female customers about recommended maintenance? is this an issue at other Saturn dealers? is this a case of gender bias since the male service advisor did not communicate the factory recommendations to a female customer" maintenance work by the Saturn oakland (ca)dealer:fuel pump replaced, water pump replaced, window mechanisms replaced, drive belt replaced, idler pulley replaced, motor mounts replaced, alternator replaced, the power steering pump replaced. We don't understand how they could have inspected/diagnosed/repaired all these items and not have included the transmission maintenance at key mileage milestones.

- Castro Valley, CA, USA

problem #9

Feb 012002

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Valve body in automatic transmission needs to be replaced. Vehicle cannot be put into reverse. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.

- Mission Hills, CA, USA

problem #8

Oct 202001

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was driving approximately 50mph and was merging into traffic when transmission locked in gear and failed to change. Consumer stated prior to purchasing vehicle she complained of a clunk noise when changed gears into reverse, also the driver side brake light is inoperable, also the right side mirror needed to be replaced, engine mounts were replaced, brakes were replaced, serpentine belt was cracked, engine overheats.

- West Islip, NY, USA

problem #7

Aug 012001

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Defective transmission, when putting vehicle into gear there was a clunking noise. An additional problem was the forward gears which failed and were not working. Dealship was aware of problem.

- West Islit, NY, USA

problem #6

Oct 151997

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Ongoing probem with transmission not changing gears properly on any speed, and slow responding from a stop position/take off, hesitation. Also, brake pedal would intermittently go to the floor before vehicle stopped. Dealer notified on three occasions, and was informed that nothing could be found consumer is concerned that this vehicle is unsafe to operate, and will be trading it in within a few mont asking NHTSA to look into this matter before passing it on.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #5

Nov 061997

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission temperature sender failed.

- Burbank, CA, USA

problem #4

Jul 091998

SL

  • miles
Transmission--bushing went out. Spark misfire--computer module was replaced by dealer.

- Beaumont, CA, USA

problem #3

Jul 281997

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission required repair on three occasions, valve body, connector and gasket, failures causing slipping. Mjs

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #2

Jul 011997

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission has no power, the gas level is very poor on a hill, sometimes will not go up hill at all, losing rpms. Dealer contacted, and cannot remedy the problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information.

- Sonora, CA, USA

problem #1

Sep 061996

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission failure.

- Lancaster, CA, USA

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