2000 Saturn LS steering problems

Filed Nov 17, 2015 · Body, Steering · 150,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn ls. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal noise from both the front passenger and driver sides of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was corrosion around all of the wheel wells and the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2014 · Body, Steering · 80,150 miles · MI

Driving down the road the vehicle started making noise and steering was uncontrollable. I trailered the vehicle back home. Closer inspection revealed the front subframe/engine cradle was completely rusted through in multiple spots, very dangerous!!! I contacted the dealer to get a new subframe and I was advised the subframe is no longer available and to try finding one in a salvage yard. I contacted a salvage yard and they said they had a few and it would be no problem to pull one. I got the call today saying they were sorry but all of the front subframes on the saturn l series they have are rusted through and are not usable. I contacted other yards with the same response. I ended up having to find a salvage yard down south that had a usable subframe. I went online to find numerous forum posts discussing this topic and I'm finding it is very common on this vehicle. Why was there never a recall for this with such a widespread safety hazard? From what I can tell it happens on all model years of the l series. The irony is the rest of the car is very clean, no rust on the rest of the undercarriage. There is no clear explanation why the subframe would have corrosion perforation at such low mileage with no other rust/corrosion on the rest of the vehicle. At a higher rate of speed this could have had a bad outcome. Thank you.

Filed Oct 21, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 102,012 miles · ME · 1 injury

I had just gone to the gas station to fill up my 2000 saturn lw2 when I was about two blocks from the gas station. I was right around the corner from my house, and had just turned right onto a street with a hill. Suddenly, my car started sputtering so I immediately tried to pull over. I wasn't completely out of the street when I suddenly lost all power brakes and power steering going down the hill at 25 miles per hour. I couldn't stop the car so I put it in park, which stopped it instantly, causing my neck to jerk, which has been sore from whiplash for the past four days so far. I had the car towed to the mechanic who found bits of my timing belt all through the motor, which blew the entire engine. After hearing that it would be over $3,000 for a used engine installed, we've been trying to determine our next move, financially.

Filed Mar 20, 2012 · Body, Steering · 130,000 miles · NY

This happened very suddenly. I applied the brake to enter the ramp to the highway and the car pulled to the left and made a noise. I thought it may be a bearing or brake problem but I had not had any issues before that so I went on since it seamed to be driving ok. While I was on the interstate I went to go into the left lane and realized there was a serious problem with the steering. I slowed down and got off the highway to the shop. I was told there the k frame had less than 1/2" before breaking completely and could have been a serious accident since it has to do with steering. I have regular maint on the car and there was no indication that this might happen. The underside is in very good shape. I had the frame replaced. I feel it was a defect in the frame. I'm sure im not the only one this has happened too.

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Steering · 44,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn ls series. The contact stated that when turning the key to turn on the vehicle, the steering wheel would seize. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact made an appointment for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 44,000 and the current mileage was 44,200.

Filed Nov 15, 2011 · Body, Steering · 170,000 miles · MA

Vehicle pulled when braking. Symptoms started on a monday as a light pull. More noticeable above 50 MPH, and not noticeable below 35. By thursday morning, pull was severe above 50mph. Stayed till after 6:00 at night to avoid traffic. Ride home was "entertaining" as steering wheel did not always go back to "center" when going straight. I thought I needed a steering rack until I inspected the vehicle on saturday. My inspection showed that front subframe (a.k.a. Engine cradle) failed where the "passenger side lower control arm rear bushing was attached". A sizable piece of frame ripped out, with bushing still attached to lower control arm. Rusted perforations in subframe visible approximately 6" behind where frame failed. Two sets of rims (summer and winter) with no "dings" testifies that vehicle never even hit a curb in 170,000 miles. 4 cylinder, so no exhaust nearby to "weaken steel". Bad choice of corrosion protection in a critical part of the frame, and/or undersizing of steel thickness to accommodate for corrosion is my estimate of "failure mode". Contacted dealer and no replacement parts available. Well maintained vehicle, very disappointed it failed this way. Last vehicle I junked was a 17 year old 1973 olds. Everything but the subframe indicated I'd get another 5 years out of this vehicle.

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 102,999 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 saturn ls1. He stated the vehicle was consuming large quantities of engine oil. The dealer stated the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken for a second opinion to a local mechanic where the power steering reservoir was replaced and the failure ceased. On a separate occasion, while driving at speeds of over 10 MPH or attempting a left or right turn, the vehicle would lose power. Also, while in the reverse mode, the vehicle would stall. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer over 4 additional times and the failure could not be duplicated. There were no recalls on the vehicle and no further repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were under 103,000.

Filed May 19, 2007 · Steering · 98,000 miles · 00

Knocking sound coming from steering column when steering wheel was turned from one side to the other. I had this looked at by my mechanic, who confirmed that there was a problem within the steering column leading to its linkage. He told me that this was definitely a potential life risking problem. A recall should be issued because the part in question was not one that was supposed to undergo wear. It is supposed to be good for life! One may not get a second chance if the steering failed while driving, especially on highways.

Filed Aug 31, 2006 · Steering · 36,000 miles · CA

I purchased a pre-certified vehicle for carmax 12/13/03. On 12/16/03 I had to return the care because I heard a loud rattling noise as if some was very loose in the steering column. The service department immediately took the car a gave me a loan car. I did not get my car back until 01/05/04 . Carmax diagnostic test found the steering shaft had to be replaced and was sublet to airport saturn for repairs. I complained several times about the return of my car but the service manager always loaned me car to keep me quite, because I told them I wanted another car because the contract states if you are in any way dissatisfied with a car you can return it within 5 days. I tried to return my car the next day but they told me since the purchase was already made I had to go through the service department and they would honor any repairs needed. Now august 31,2006 I am having the same problem with this car, the steering shaft is making the same noise all over again my car is still under the extended warranty,but is very close to the end of the warranty. Please help me to get the service I need from carmax.

Filed Oct 10, 2005 · Steering · MD

Excessive noise from the steering rack, loss of power steering assist intermittently.