2008 Saturn Aura: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jul 19, 2017 · Transmission · 157,000 miles · MI

While my daughter was driving on a city street utica road and gratiot in roseville mi the engine shut off without any warning. Luckily no one was behind the car when it shut off or on the freeway at the time or it could have been a bad situation or accident. The car would not start back up just clicking in ignition when turning key in the ignition. Had to call for a tow at 10pm. Shop said something went wrong with timing chain and compression test showed no compression in cylinder 4 possibly bent valves. I recently received a letter from gm regarding a condition when increased resistance in the body control module resulting in voltage fluctuations or intermittency in the brake apply sensor dated march 2017.

Filed Oct 31, 2016 · Steering · 154,140 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn aura. While driving various speeds and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal clicking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,140.

Filed Aug 23, 2016 · Steering · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn aura. While driving various speeds and turning the vehicle, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise and the steering wheel became very stiff. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 10/05/16*lj

Filed Jan 28, 2015 · Steering · 31,549 miles · CA

Popping noise while slow speed turning first reported to a local gm dealer in 2/13. Dealer confirmed shaft was defective but didn't think it was dangerous yet, so was not repaired. After learning in 7/14 that gm had just issued a recall on these shafts, (the federal safety agency campaign number 14e044000), I returned to the same dealer to finally get it replaced. Service manager again stated that the intermediate steering shaft was defective. However, gm management has steadfastly refused to allow the local dealership to replace my unit because my vehicle's VIN was not included in the their list of recall eligible models!

Filed Dec 2, 2014 · Steering · 14,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn aura. When making a left or right turn, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the steering column. The dealer stated that the steering intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000...updated 01/06/15

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Steering · 19,020 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn aura. The contact stated that the steering wheel was making a loud noise and it required force to turn the wheel on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure more than once. The contact was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number:14v153000 (steering) and experienced the same failure on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19020.

Filed Oct 21, 2013 · Steering · 57,200 miles · AR

While driving at low speeds, I discovered a slight noise coming from the steering column each time I turned the steering wheel. In addition to the noise, I felt a "popping" that appeared to be coming from the base of the steering column. Regardless of which way I turned the wheel, the sounds were the same, and continued to get louder the more I drove. I made an appointment with my local chevrolet dealer, to investigate the issue. After the inspection, it was discovered that the steering column was faulty, and should be replaced. Repair cost of $950. With only 57,000 miles on the vehicle, it was way too soon to have experienced this type of issue. After some research, I discovered that there had been several steering problem complaints documented regarding the 2008 saturn aura.

Filed Dec 3, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · 25,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn aura. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and completing turns, he would hear loud popping noise from the steering column. Also, when depressing the brakes he would feel a vibrating sensation. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. The current mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable. Returned by usps. 2nd attempt on 1/16/2013 failed.

Filed Jan 31, 2012 · Steering · 25,158 miles · NC

After having the intermediate steering shaft replaced (23,330 miled), I took my vehicle in for steering vibration and noise when turning again at 25158 miles. The dealer orders parts, and the parts are replaced on 1/12/2010.

Filed Jan 31, 2012 · Steering · 43,516 miles · NC

Once again(4th time over a three year period),I took my vehicle in for steering vibration and clicking noise when I turn. The constant failures in the steering equipment leads me to believe there is manufacturing problem with the steering equipment.

Filed Dec 2, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 19,247 miles · VA

Took my aura into saturn on 12/21/09 for clicking noise, saturn service repositioned intermediate steering shaft per technical bulletin. Now have the same prob going on again but I found another service bulletin 06-02-32-002d dated 06/17/2010 also another for front end clunk/rattle/knocks 06-02-32-007g dated 04/05/2010. I am currently out of warranty with the steering prob and noise from the front end. I have contacted saturn customer service, they are not very helpful. All they want me to do is take it in to the dealership to have it diagnose then we will go from there. Today I found out the noise problem in the from end, it is the struts, both have to be replaced, big bucks.

Filed Oct 17, 2011 · Steering · 15,000 miles · TX

Saturn aura 2008 xe 4cyl. Front end clunk felt in steering wheel and feet at low speed, especially when doing slight turns with braking. Repair shop said struts were no good (at 17,500 miles). Replaced struts at over $700. Clunking continued. Repair shop now says rubber bushings in power steering rack are no good. Replacement bushing are not available anywhere as far as we can tell - even checked on malibu and pontiac g? - no luck. Car is out of warranty. Repair shop was told that entire steering rack had to be replaced (hundreds of dollars) because there is no source to get $3 bushings. Repair shop said safe to drive, so car was not repaired and clunking will not get fixed. Shoulda bought a japanese car.