The power steering fails after about 5 mins of operation. The dealer said it was an "unspecified failure of the steering rack", and that it would cost $1500 to replace. This has been going on since spring of 05. I contacted saturn corporate directly, but they refused to help with the problem.
2000 Saturn LS steering complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 35 of 35, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Dt: the windshield wiper control on the steering column broke off when the consumer tried to turn the windshield wipers on. This occurred in the middle of a storm. Consumer took the vehicle to a dealer and they said there were pins missing from the steering column that caused the failure. No corrections have been made at this time. Consumer said saturn was contacted by the dealer about this problem. Also there is a problem with the rear taillights that make them go out when the consumer hits a slight bump or pothole. The consumer can tighten the taillight and it will work properly for a while then stop. Consumer feels he should not have to pay for this.
Currently the blower motor for the heater/defroster is not working. I have had many many problems with this car, inparticular with the brakes and steering. The rack and pinion was repaired twice. I have had brakes replaced twice, and recently the brake drums, rotators and pads. I have had the power steering pump repaired and from time to time need to have the steering wheel lubricated when it starts to make noise again. I am wondering if I am the only one with these problems or are others with this same car having the same problems. I do not feel safe when I am driving this car. I have brought it to the dealer many times to have things checked with wheels and steering.
At 35,558 miles vehicle made a grinding noise while turning the steering wheel. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the power assist pump assembly. At 61,000 miles problem recurred.
When driving, the steering column made a crunching noise when a turn was made. The rack and pinion was replaced four times. It was just replaced again. The steering column was defective and the manufacturer denied that there were any defects.
At 54,000 miles my water pump, timing belt, engine oil cooler, and power steering pump all failed at the same time.
2000 saturn 4cyl l series:power steering pump, serpentine belt, and idler arm all had to be replaced at 72,000 miles. Parts started to fail at 65,000 miles, makes a noise like the transmission was failing.
While driving power steering pump failed, making it hard for the consumer to turn the steering wheel. Problems with brake lights intermittenly failing. When the headlights are on all three brake lights won't work. Brake light failure almost caused an accident and had me pulled over by a police officer. The mechanic traced out and repaired a ground wire to correct the problem. *ak
I own a 2000 saturn ls. I took my vehicle to the dealership in san antonio, tx back in sep or oct 2003. My chief complaint was the steering column would get extremely hot when driving with headlights on. I mentioned to the service advisor I was afraid that the car would catch fire. My wife drive the car with my grandkids and I am concerned for their safety. The service advisor assessed the heat to the steering column and he agreed that it was "abnormally hot." the service advisor stated that he has had complaints of this type before, had informed saturn of the problem, but they had not provided a remedy for it. The currrent gm recall for 98-00 vehicles should include saturn vehicles also because my car is exhibiting the exact same problems. I should not have to wait for the vehicle to catch fire to get the manufacturer's attention. Lives are at stake. My saturn vehicle was manufactured within the same timeframe as other vehicles in the recall.
2000 saturn ls1: since I have purchased this car brand new and taken it for regular maintenance I have had the following problems: several voluntary recalls, then I have had 3 actuator motors in my doors go bad (all different doors); cradle bush bearings needing replacement; front suspension linkages needing replacement; the car battery exploded; emission system malfunction. Everytime I gripe to saturn they are not willing to look into, I feel like there are numerous safety concerns that should be looked into in the 2000 ls series.
I have a 2000 ls1 saturn. I bought it brand new. In the past year I have had to take it in other than for maintenance because something has gone wrong. October 2002- my hydraulics went out of my clutch causing me to be stalled without a car. A few months ago it was recalled due to something gone wrong in the rear axle. So saturn replaced it. On thursday, october 16, 2003, I took it in again because I was hearing a rubbing noise when I made sharp left turns. Turns out I need a $1400 new steering rack because there is an internal leak from my power steering fluid. My car only has 36,800 miles on it. But of course the warranty ran out 800 miles ago. I don't think a fairly new car should be having all these problems.
For the second time power steering made loud clicking noise. On previous occasion last year, the power steering vibrated also. At that time the cylinder and most of the mechanisms in the steering column were replaced.
2000 l-series wagon has continuing power steering problems. Power steering pump was leaking and was replaced 2/01 and again on 8/01 at which time the power steering rack was also replaced. Now on 8/03 the power steering rack needs to be replaced again!!!
Steering rack needs to be replaced for the second time at 54,000 miles.
The power steering pump was replaced due to noise. And rear mirror view mirror was replaced.*ak
While driving approximately 50 MPH on a curvy road, the power steering suddenly failed. This was very disconcerting due to the fact that the car was in a fast left hand curve at the time beginning transition to a right curve. The sudden loss of power steering input caused an uncommanded lane change to the right lane which nearly caused a collision with the vehicle that was in the right lane just after our rear bumper. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and inspected for a loose or broken power steering belt. Upon further inspection it was discovered that the snap ring which retains the power steering pump vane and valve body assembly had partially unseated. We were able to push the valve body back into the pump and press the snap ring back into the retainer boss (land). The car was restarted and sufficient fluid was present in the reservoir to provide normal steering input. About two miles down the road and another sudden failure occurred. There was no warning, no shimmy, or gradual loss of steering input. The car was again re-inspected on the side of the road. This time the snap ring was gone, the valve body and vane assy. Had ejected an was on top of the battery. Power steering fluid was every where. The car was driven home with significant effort and parked. I have attempted to contact the dealer twice since this incident. Due to my work. *jb ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****769327
Consumer states A/C experienced a funny smell, dealer found corobeal infestation in evap vents, A/C made loud noise when starting vehicle, there is a rumbling sound when recycle button is on and the fan is off, faulty ventilation is causing air to come from the bottom of the front passenger seat.
2000 l2w model. Consumer states hears a roaring noise while driving more so at around 30 - 35 MPH. Also there is front end vibration. Dealer found tires were chopped. Dealer replaced lower control arm bushings and performed complete four wheel alignment.
Consumer returned five times to have the vehicle corrected for vibration and play. The power steering system failed. The dealer replaced under waranty, however there is vibration and play. The dealer has been working to resolve the problem, but the problem still exists. The wheel was replaced because of a bent hub. This replacement stopped the vibration. There is still continuous play. The tires were feathered and cupped. The lower control arm and rear bushings were replaced as were the four tires.
Front brake rotors needed to be replaced at 37,929 miles because the inside edges were worn below specification and the brake shoes would not seat properly on the rotor. The edges could not be turned or resurfaced. There was no indication of metal grinding into the rotor. Also, all four tires were replaced for uneven wear. The rear brake retainer spring broke. The rear passenger window is inoperable. There is an electrical short in the console. Consumer also claims there is play in the steering. The power steering was replaced in september of 2001. There is still vibration and play being felt in the steering. There was a bent hub which was causing the vibration.
While accelerating a clicking noise would appear from the right front of vehicle. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer that power steering needed to be replaced. *ak there is a rattle noise in dash board. Foam tape between clutster and bezel installed. There is a clicking and/or screeching noise while turning left or right and there is vibration coming up through the steering wheel. Dealer replaced all four tires along with rear control arm bushings.
While driving 55 MPH or more vehicle would vibrate. Vehicle taken to dealer, consumer was informed that the rear control arm bushing needed to be replaced. *ak consumer states while driving highway speeds, vehicle vibrates, dealer inspected and found all four tires were out of balance, twice at 17748 and 24575 miles. At 40 MPH vehicle pops and jerks into gear, whooshing and grinding noise when braking, hearing a clicking noise when accelerating and dealer found power steering pump bad, auto lock not working properly.
The windshield wiper arm and blades were defective.
1) car shaking problem: dealer replaced lower control arms (right and left) as well as powe steering pump to remedy problem. Car continues to shake at most speeds. Contacted the manuafcturer, who replied there is nothing else they can do. 2) speedometer: reported problem 4 times to dealership, and dealer claims they cannot duplicate the problem. Speedometer making a "whining" sound at most speeds.
Car is unsafe had tires replaced and power steering pump car shakes at all speeds.
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