2000 Saturn LS: ball joint or control arm failure

8 of the 382 complaints about the 2000 Saturn LS describe ball joint or control arm failure.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Ball joint or control arm failure by model year

2002
3
2001
3
2000
8

What owners say

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 Oct 30, 2004 · Lights, Suspension · IN

Have owned the car, 2000 ls1, since it had about 8k miles. Have had to buy 3 sets of tires so far due to irregular wear. Been to saturn dealership and other garages several times about this before finally learning from saturn this past summer that the lower control arms on this make and model are defective and that saturn had put together a shim kit to fix the problem. This solution would cost over $500, especially when you count the four wheel alignment that would also be necessary. Also having brake light problems. Brake lights don't work when parking lights are turned on. Have replaced bulbs several times, particularly the driver side brake light. Mechanic cleaned and adjusted the socket's contact points, but 3 weeks later the driver side brake light was not working again. Wipers don't get windshield clean, even when brand new. Auto unlock stopped working.

Filed May 15, 2002 · Engine, Steering · FL

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.

Filed May 9, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · MD

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.

Filed Apr 10, 2002 · Body, Brakes · MI

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.

Filed Apr 10, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · MI

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.

Filed May 20, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · CA

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.

Filed Jan 8, 2001 · Suspension, Tires · OH

Consistent problem with vehicle alignment causes premature wearing of tires. *ak dealer has replaced rear toe and camber, front control arm bushings, adjusted right front camber, adjusted rear toe on both sides, adjusted front toe, problem could be related to the firestone tires, size p205/65r15.