On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2 liter L4 (L61) engines, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction in overall engine power, and the vehicle may be hard to start. Continued operation of the vehicle after such an ignition module failure will result in the "Service Engine Soon" light flashing, and may lead to secondary failures of the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and exhaust resonator.

Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise. Prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure may lead to an under car fire.

Due to a parts availability problem, owners are being sent an interim letter advising what should be done at this time. When parts become available, owners will be re-contacted advising them to contact their dealers for appointments to have their vehicles repaired. Parts should be available during September 2003. Dealers will (1) replace the ignition control module, (2) replace the ignition control module and spark plugs, or (3) replace the ignition control module, spark plugs, and update the Powertrain Control Module calibration. Owners should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000 prompt 3.

On certain sedans and wagons, the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time.

This can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake lamps (including the center high-mounted stop lamp) or tail lamps. A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.

Dealers will install a reinforcing socket adapter (and corresponding new socket) to the back of the existing lamp assembly. If necessary, the reinforcing socket adapter will be installed into a new lamp assembly and then installed in the vehicle. The recall is expected to begin in September 2005. Owners should contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.