2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan recalls and problems

The 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan has 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
3
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan recalls

Recall 02V-020: Seat Belts

Reported Jan 17, 2002 · 790 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain sedans fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages," and no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles were manufactured with welds between the door striker and belt-line that do not meet saturn specifications.

Risk: If the seat belt anchorage on the pillar failed in a crash, the driver could be injured more seriously. In a side impact, occupants could also be injured more seriously because of greater intrusion or reduced performance of the optional side curtain air bag.

Fix: Dealers will install additional structural fasteners to the driver's side door pillar. Owner notification began january 22, 2002. 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.

2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Air1
Power Train1
Air Bags1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Air › Disc — 1
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 15,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 78,000 miles · reported Nov 8, 2010
A car was going 55 MPH, didn't brake and hit the person behind me who was pushed into my car and I was pushed into a truck. The force of the impact moved all our cars 65 feet. The airbags did not deploy, although according to some comments by police and fire, they should have. I just wanted to report this just in case there were other owners with the same issues. Car was totaled, no repair done.
Power Train · at 12,000 miles · reported Nov 11, 2004
Car engine stalls and dies. Car idles very rough. The manual transmission pops out of gear between 2nd and 3rd occasionally. Car does not have a 1st gear if you use 1st the car bucks like crazy. But according to saturn dealer service centers visited 5 times the vehicle is running within factory specs and there are no fail codes. Have been several times on the expressway going 65 m.p.h and the engine has died what fun. The car has been inspected and the report states the car since day one I drove it off the dealership lot was worth less than 50% of purchase price and has become a safety hazard.…
Service Brakes, Air · at 15,000 miles · reported Dec 16, 2002
Brakes failed on my 2002 saturn s series sedan (15,000 miles) while decellerating at a yield merge and rearended a car at low speed with minimal damage. Police officer noted brake pedal had to be floored to get only slight braking officer advised vehicle must be towed. Vehicle towed to saturn dealership. After much resistance saturn home office in tennessee sent inspector. Conversation this date with tennessee office said verbal prelim. Report- nothing really seen wrong. I don't belive it and fear driving the car.car still at saturn of freehold.

Other Saturn S-Series Sedan years

Compare all Saturn S-Series Sedan years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan: 02V-020 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedan?

Owners report service brakes, air problems most often (1 reports), followed by power train (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 15,000 miles.

Are Saturn recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saturn dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.