Polymer Body Cracking

[Mike Surwill]

Own a L200 with 27k on the dial ... just visited the dealership for service and Service Manager drew my attention to a "scratch" on the bottom of the passenger side door. Closer inspection showed a 6 inch crack proceeding from the bottom of the door upwards.

Service Manager opened the door to look for a reason, and found the crack radiated from the fastener inside the door jamb area. He called over a tech, and got a torque wrench and carefully monitored the tension on the fastener as it was removed. VERDICT -- over torquing at the factory caused stress crack ... factory issue, and will cover for replacement of door, and repainting of right side as necessary to blend color.

Since it's a factory defect, they are also going to provide a "loaner" vehicle for the three or four days necessary to accomplish the fix. Who says they don't look out for the "little fella"???

 

[tjiamb]

Mike,
This is only the beginning.
From '92 to '99, I owned 2 Saturns, a 92 SL1 and a 94 SL2. The SL2 I kept until 2003. Between the two cars I had 22 doors replaced due to cracks. Started from the factory installed doors and all the replacements done by dealerships.
Good luck with your Saturn.

 

[James1549]

From '92 to '99, I owned 2 Saturns, a 92 SL1 and a 94 SL2. The SL2 I

kept until 2003.
Between the two cars I had 22 doors replaced due to cracks.

Dang,,, and to think that my '92 still has the original 4 doors on it and are perfect...

James

 

[Art (archive)]

Maybe your dealer needs to learn how to use a torque wrench.