General Motors is recalling about 254,000 model year 2000-03 Saturn L-Series cars equipped with 2.2 liter engines. GM will replace the ignition module and spark plugs. Of the total, about 240,000 of the vehicles are in the U.S. and approximately 14,000 are in Canada.

Some of these vehicles may misfire which could lead to failures in the exhaust system. If the initial condition is not remedied and the vehicle continues to be driven, there could be further damage to the brakes, fuel system, or other underbody components. Continued driving could result in an under car fire. There have been seven reports of fires related to the condition, but no crashes, serious injuries, or fatalities.

There are warning signs to alert owners that their 2000-03 Saturn L-Series cars may have the condition. A driver would notice that the vehicle may be hard to start, that the overall power of the engine is reduced, and that there is a change in the idle quality. The "Service Engine Soon" light would be flashing, and there could be noticeable exhaust noise. Owners should contact their retailers if they are experiencing these conditions.

Beginning in late July, GM expects to notify owners of the affected vehicles, instructing them to bring them into their Saturn retailers. They will replace the the specified powertrain components. Also, on the 2002-03 models only, they will reprogram the powertrain control module. The replacements and reprogramming will be performed at no cost to the customers. If you have any questions, owners can call Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, select option 3.

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Source: General Motors, NHTSA