2003 Saturn Vue 90,000 miles Broken header pipe

LARNETT

MEMBER
2003 SATURN

I drive a 03 Saturn Vue with 91,000 miles. My service engine light was on and the dealer said that the code was for a loose gas cap. That didn't fix it and the car started skipping or vibrating at low speeds. The dealer changed the timing belt & the car ran smoothe for 1 1/2 days before a loud sound and serious vibrations. Now the dealer is saying that the front header pipe broke off at the weld.

Is this a common problem w/Saturns? Could this have anything to do w/the timing belt repair? Will welding the pipe be smart or should I have them replace it? I have spent $2500 in repairs on this car in the past 3 months.

5 Replies

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

Never heard of that before. A good welder would be the one to get advice from. Check with the muffler shops in your area for feasibility and price. Could also try a wrecking yard.
I don't believe it would have anything to do with the timing belt replacement.

An independent garage familiar with the Saturn marque might also save your repair budget.
https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/avoid_car_repair.htm

Good luck and let us know. :)

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Wednesday, April 5th, 2006 AT 1:39 PM

LARNETT

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3 POSTS

I called a Saturn service center outside my area and told them what my service rep. Said. He had to remove the engine to get to the timing belt because it was below the engine. The other service rep. Said that was a mistake and if he removed the engine he could have damaged the exhaust since it is connected to the engine.

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Wednesday, April 5th, 2006 AT 3:15 PM

PEPPERMRJ

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1,158 POSTS

Thanxs for the update. I hope Saturn will be giving you some satisfaction in way of replacing the exhaust manifold. Call their center and explain/complain.
Saturn Customer Assistance Center
100 Saturn Parkway
MD 371-999-S24
Spring Hill, TN 37174
(800) 553-6000

Good luck and let us know. :)

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Wednesday, April 5th, 2006 AT 5:43 PM

LARNETT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately I already called Saturn and they are the ones that connected me to the other service rep outside my area. I did however, call the local dealer back & tell them what I was told. They denied everything & told me that the guy that initially told me that the engine was removed no longer works there and he shouldn't have told me that. The ended up welding the pipe back on and charging me $200. I needed my car so I just paid and left. It's too bad. I never had any real problems with my car until this year. Now, I hate it and Saturn and will be trading it in next week for a different type of vehicle.

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Thursday, April 6th, 2006 AT 10:26 AM

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

As much of a saturn fan as I am this sort of thing really agravates me also. I did not even have to pay. So much for being a different sort of car company. I would give the main number another shot. Nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even if all you do is file a complaint and let them know they lost a customer.

I respect you frustration and if I had the cash I would not heasitate to ask to purchase the vehicle you just had everything repaired on. Just something to consider.

Good luck. :)