2007 Saturn Outlook: whining or grinding noise

Filed May 28, 2015 · Steering · 158,500 miles · WI

Accelerated to get on interstate 41 to 65 MPH. Heard a unusual noise. Lost all power steering (ps) , had to use manual/hard to steer control. No warning light came on, no idea of what was happening. Drove car home at a reduced speed. Car maker notified me in september 2014 they had a "campaign" to replace pumps if failed before 150,000 mi. I had heard a ps whine noise and had taken the outlook to the dealer in february2015, before the 150,000 mi and they said if it failed they would honor the campaign. They would not look at the ps fluid or listen to the noise.

Filed Apr 2, 2014 · Steering · 36,000 miles · MO

The first incident involving steering occurred when I hit a puddle in road. I lost all power steering and also had a whining in steering column. I've had multiple incidences since and now have little to no power steering. I've taken to the dealer for multiple issues including the steering issues. They have replaced the steering column and gear as well as moved the power steering cable. This provided a temporary fix however I have little to no steering now and am out of warranty. I have taken to multiple shops and am being told it could be pump or steering column again. The fixes are between $1400-2500 and may do one to find that the issue was the other. In researching online I am surprised there has not been a recall on these vehicles as well. There are a number of other gm products being recalled for same issue but not the outlook. This occurs at low speeds and low rpms, this makes for dangerous city driving.

Filed Apr 17, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · MI · fire

Wife called me and said her car wouldn't move - belt problem? Had heard clattering and high pitched whine earlier and yellow check engine light came on. Was able to start car and shift it into reverse and drive. We decided to drive it to the dealer - champion gmc buick in brighton. Going up a hill near maltby intermediate school, the car began to stall and slow. Blue smoke came out of the engine. Stopped at top of hill. Got out and inspected engine again...acrid burning smell. Was able to limp car down other side of hill and park in mt. Brighton parking lot and called aaa to tow the vehicle. No flames detected. Dealer said gaskets transmission had failed, coating underside of hot engine.

Filed Jun 1, 2012 · Steering · 68,000 miles · FL

While driving in a moderate rain storm today, 6.1.12, at 35 MPH, the steering on my vehicle locked up and froze after driving through a puddle. This has occurred several times in the past few years, but I do not recall the exact dates so I will report today's date only. The steering wheel would eventually free and return to normal operation after about 10 seconds. Also, there is a loud whining noise from the steering block and under the hood when this occurs. The noises sounds like the power steering belts are slipping due to being soaked with water. This is my wife's vehicle, we have two kids. This vehicle is driven in the state of fl with heavy, and frequent storms. This is very troublesome and scary and I am concerned this loss of steering will lead to a crash.

Filed May 18, 2011 · Steering · NC

2007 saturn outlook. Consumer states problem with steering *tgw the consumer stated while driving in the rain, he struck a small puddle of water in the middle of a main road. As he was making a turn, the steering wheel jolted out of his hands and the vehicle began to make a loud noise. The consumer drove into a ditch as he was unable to gain control of the vehicle until the last second; having to use all of his strength to keep from plowing fully into the ditch and rear embankment. After the incident, the consumer heard a whining noise coming from the steering column, which would cost $1000 to replace. *jb the consumer stated the problem has not been resolved. Updated 09/15/11.

Filed Sep 24, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 55,000 miles · FL

I have experienced only issues all year with my 2007 saturn outlook. It has 55,000 miles and in june 2010 the wiring short circuited behind the steering wheel causing the theft security lock system to go into effect assuming the car was being hot-wired. It cost me over $300 to fix at the dealer and had to be towed. Then the dealer said my inside fuse box was completely corroded from water and they would need to fix the leak my sunroof was causing. The dealer has made 6 attempts to fix and I just picked up my car this morning, hopefully after the final attempt. Now my breaks are causing issues, the break pedal softens and goes down to almost the floor when pressed every 4th or 5th time and it is drinking brake fluid, I need to take it this weekend to check for a leak. Not to mention my power steering is making loud whining sounds every time that I move the steering wheel. Oh, and my passenger side low beam headlight has gone out a few times and my husband has had to access the back of it to replace it but it continues to go out. Oh, and my transmission caused problems two weeks ago and the dealer fixed it under my powertrain warranty.. 55,000 miles and this car is giving me issues as if I'm over 200,000 miles!

Filed Oct 18, 2009 · Steering · 51,500 miles · MD

While at idle, the steering pump started "whining". The noise stopped after getting up to speed. Several times, while attempting to make a right hand turn, the steering column seized, causing the vehicle to skid at approximately 25 MPH. This is a serious safety issue. It seemed to only occur during rain.

Filed Sep 22, 2009 · Steering · 39,073 miles · GA

My outlook is at approximately 40,000miles. At about 30,000 there started to be a very noticeable whine in the steering column, especially upon turning. Several times I noticed the steering kind of turning rough with a sharp turn, as in backing out of a parking space. Two weeks ago after going through standing water in the roadway, I began to turn left onto a side street and the steering wheel locked up-not a loss of power steering, there was no way to turn the wheel. I took the car to the service shop that afternoon. Upon describing my issue to the service rep, he stated that he had only ever had one vehicle in with that complaint and that what had occurred was that they drove through water, splashing it onto the power steering belt (which was worn) causing it to slip. After dropping the car off I did some research on my own and found multiple unresolved complaints exactly like mine posted online. When I picked the car up, they charged me $45 and said that I had somehow gotten air in my power steering fluid. My car has done this twice since then. Once very briefly while leaving a parking spot and again last night in the middle of a downpour. I bought this vehicle because I have 4 kids and I liked the safety features of the airbag system-but this scares me to death!! I am to the point of being afraid to drive in the rain. I want to take it back for more service, but based on what I'm reading, no one is getting any resolution.