I bought this car in nov 2015 and by jan 2016 had lost my power steering twice. Each time the dealer had to replace a hose. It was fine for about a month before starting to become very loud again. At this point I went back and forth with him and he finally replaced the pump and I paid a deductible. It has been 3 weeks and I lost my power steering again. The steering wheel is very squeaky while turning at slow speeds. There is clearly an issue going on that is causing these hoses to keep blowing, I am also reading similar issues by people all over the web. I have two children who I drive around all day long and I have been very lucky we haven't been in an accident due to this yet. Once it was on a very busy high speed road. While I do not know why this keeps happening, this is an issue that clearly needs gm's attention, and it should be fixed by gm. The first time I was parked and as soon as I put my car into reverse it popped, the second I was driving at almost 60mph, the third I was on a back road going around 30mph.
2008 Saturn Outlook steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 45, newest first, as owners wrote them.
When coming out of my drive way I noticed it was hard to steered. I am having problems steering the truck to the right and left. The steering wheel is very hard. The tires always loosing air. The wipers or the windshield have very poor visibility.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn outlook. While driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel pump failed and made it difficult to turn the vehicle right or left. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel column caused the steering wheel pump to fracture. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 71,000.
I am writing this letter to express my disappointment with the saturn outlook. I purchased a 2008 saturn outlook xe from a local dealership in houston, tx. This car has been a nightmare. My list of problems/repairs: - it overheated twice. The first time it happened, I replaced the radiator cap. The second time it happened, I replaced the thermostat, which in turn caused the water pump to leak. - I replaced an engine solenoid valve. While inspecting my car, the mechanic also noticed I had a transaxle leak. - the throttle body shorted. - the brake master cylinder leaked. - I replaced the cv joints. Actually, the mechanic told me my front end needed repairing - cv joints, struts and steering bushing. I could only afford to repair the cv joints and am currently getting quotes for repairs on the struts. - I had an oil leak (from the oil pan). A car that is only 7 years old has had to have these kinds of repairs - and some within a couple of years of ownership. This is absolutely horrid! The federal safety agency should google the reviews on this car. Owners complain of the same problems regardless of model/year (xe/xr, 2007-2010) - leaking roofs (luggage rack), brake master cylinder leaks, power steering issues, thermostat/water pump leaks, transmission issues, etc. Gm's response to this has been abysmal. This car is a lemon. Instead of recalling it, gm would rather sparsely send recalls for specific failures a day late and a dollar short - after folks have spent their hard earned money on repairs. The federal safety agency should launch an investigation into this. Gm clearly covered up horrific supply chain, manufacturing and assembly issues and intentionally installed defective parts in these cars.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn outlook. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The contact discovered that the power steering hoses ruptured and the power steering fluid leaked from the vehicle. The contact replaced the hoses but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the hoses with oem parts but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the steering wheel pump and the rack and pinion but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
The vehicle's engine shuts off and the steering column locks up. There is a rapid decline in speed and the volt meter drops to less then 11. I have to hope that my vehicle is not hit by oncoming traffic and that I do not guide the vehicle into something that will cause damage. The 2008 saturn outlook is an unsafe vehicle. I have had issues with the vehicle shutting off during operation on several occasions while driving in city traffic, highways and at toll locations including bridges and tunnels. I have taken the vehicle to several dealerships and contacted gm to no avail. If they cannot replicate the issue, then the issue does not exist.
I had trouble turning the steering wheel and the steering made sounds when turning. The dealer found that the steering gear was leaking and it was replaced to the tune of $1,300. I received a letter from gm in september 2014 that "...some 2008 model year saturn outlook vehicles may develop a power steering pump wear condition that can cause an intermittent drop of power steering hydraulic pressure that will cause reduced or loss of steering assist." this seems to be the issue I had but when I took it back to the same dealer to be reimbursed for the work, I was told that the issue I had was a leaking steering gear and the issue in the letter was a power steering pump. I am surprised that one doesn't affect the other given the resulting issue is the same.
Went to make a u-turn and the steering wheel locked up. Jerked on it to get it working again. On around 10 occasions in the 18 months we've owned this vehicle, the steering wheel has locked up for no reason.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn outlook. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds attempting to make a turn, a loud abnormal squeaky noise emitted from the steering column and excessive force was required in order to turn the wheel. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
While trying to pull in/out of my friveway my steering locked up. Any speeds under 20mph I can hardly turn wheel.
The steering column squeaks when you turn the steering wheel slowly and backing up and turning into position slowly.
Power steering goes out at slow speeds and hard turns (pulling into parking spaces, three point turns, u-turns). While it might be an issue with a sub-system, similar issues in other gm cars have resulted in a recall. Http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/pages/news/us/en/2014/mar/0331-power-steering.html I've been to several dealerships, garages trying to diagnose the problem. Gm has finally repeated the issue but is asking my extended warranty to cover it. Want to document the case so it can be determined if it is indeed similar to the recall above. Thank you
We were on vacation in the smokey mountains headed up the winding roads to our cabin when I was unable to turn the wheel. It was extremely scary as if we got 3 foot off the road we would have fell off the side of the mountain (as there were no guard rails). We tried to reverse, but the steering wheel would barely move. My husband reached over and we both tried with all our might to turn to make it back to the cabin we were staying at. After doing some research online, it seemed this had happened to several other people with the same vehicle. I called gm customer service the next morning as we were not sure we would be able to make it down the curvy roads to the bottom of the mountain. No dealerships in the area were open with it being a holiday (july 4th) weekend. They connected me with a dealership in illinois who gave some advice. We were told that it would be best to have it looked at but that most vehicles with this issue turn easier with the accelerator being pushed. We didn't have 3 extra days to spend waiting for a gm dealer to take a look, so we thought we would try. We started out ok, but as we got farther down (15 minute drive from our cabin to the bottom) it got very hard again. We would slow down way before the curve so that we could accelerate through the curve and have the ability to turn the steering wheel. We safely made it out of town. Gm customer service LED us to believe they would cover most of the $1400 in repairs as the parts may have been made in the same factory as other vehicles with this type of recall. However, they did not cover any of it as no accident or injuries were caused by the problem.
I bought my 2008 saturn outlook roughly 3 years ago. After having it only a few months I began to have steering issues. The steering all but locks up when I slow down to speeds below 25-30 MPH. This is a huge safety problem!! I have 4 children and have had multiple close calls with this issue. I have been dealing with this problem for 2+ years! I might have had the money to have if fixed if I had not had to have the transmission replaced!!!! I had the transmission replaced summer of 2012......yet another issue that I find a lot of people complaining about! Gm has had so many recalls!! Where are the recalls for these problems?
I went through a puddle of water that was on the road. About 2-3 minutes after going through the puddle my power steering went out. The engine began to loose power as the battery light went out also. *tr I waited about 2 minutes and the steering was restored. I did research and found out that other 2008 saturn outlook owners had this problem and there was a repair bulletin number 07-03-32-010. Which stated that water would get in this engine causing the above mentioned condition and that gm recognized this flaw and added an mudguard in subsequent year models. I called gm and they had no information on this service bulletin and suggested I go to a dealer for service.
My 2008 saturn outlook started to lose steering at low rates or speed between 5mph to 15 MPH. It becomes almost impossible to steer the vehicle when driving at low speeds. The steering will lock up and I took it to the dealer and told me it was the steering gear and steering pump; both need replaced. I know this is a known safety issue and need to have it replaced as I have a 5 month child and am unable to afford the $2000 cost that gm quoted me. I have researched this and it seems like this is a common issue. I am afraid to drive this vehicle due to the steering issue.
Recently having problems with the drivers side low beam headlight. When I took it in to the dealer to be looked at I was informed that the wiring harness had melted. To replace it will cost an upward of $400. Also having problems with the vehicles steering constantly squealing, not sure what is going on. And when going around turns the stability control makes a loud abrupt noise almost stopping the vehicle. I just can't believe all the problems I've been having with this vehicle in such the short amount of time I've owned it. I am a pregnant mother with 2 children already and I do not trust the safety of this vehicle!!
Power steering fails whenever there is a decrease in speed. Especially difficult when trying to turn into merging traffic.
I was driving and all the sudden my power steering stop working. It will go on and off and now as of 05/06/2014 it does it all the time.
I was driving my children to school when my power steering just stopped and I had to try and drive without it. I was told a month before it was the steering and pinion rack, got that fixed and there was two codes that popped up. I was told that one cancelled out the other which didn't make sense. Now the transmission needs work and they say that was the problem to begin with. I have spent so much money trying to fix this problem only to find out that it was the transmission along. I am very disappointed in gmc cause when I went to the dealer they suggested that I change part until they find the problem. I am pissed cause I still can't enjoy my truck anymore. My extended warranty is over and they dealer wants over 2000 grand to fix the transmission if that's what it really the problem. Looking online many people have had this issue and still no recall on the transmissions for saturn outlooks. Shame on you gmc.
Noticed while driving at any speed that slight movement of the steering wheel right or left caused a whining noise in the steering column area. Only a few days later I noticed the car bucking when shifting in the lower gears after accelerating from a stop. Two days after the lower gear shifting issues, I noticed the car stuttered and bucked when I shifted into reverse and attempted to back into my driveway. I brought the car in for service and was told the car threw a code - p0018 - which means "crank to cam intake", along with saying the rack and pinion is leaking and could be fixed at a cost of $1700. And the transmission is shot and they recommended bringing to a local transmission shop to get the best cost/service. I have no idea what that will cost. The car only has 54k miles on it. Our 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty expired in september 2013. This could have been a major safety issue. Now it appears the repairs will cost a third of what the car is currently worth. Those systems should not fail after such low mileage.
I had just pulled out on a interstate highway, and the vehicle acted like it did not want to shift gears. The check engine light came on and I could not accelerate any faster than 40 MPH. I pulled off the side of the road and waited on a tow vehicle. The steering has been very stiff also in the last few months.
While driving my car, I noticed the stabiltrak error message on the dash and a message to get my brakes serviced. I thought it would go away, but keep coming up. Took the car into the dealership and have to have the stabiltrak replaced. I have looked online and noticed that this is an issue with a lot of people. Seems like it should be looked into by gm. Can cause major problems with the car like turning over!
Our saturn outlook has had problems that have accumulated more recently that include the steering box failing (audible popping when near neutral steering position), the electronic stability control and brake simultaneous lights with feedback in the brake pedals (even when ABS is not active), and a very annoying weather/water leak from an unknown source that is soaking the passenger carpet after every single rain. None of these items were covered under warranty, and I'm returning the car for the second time tomorrow to the dealership to investigate the leak (again) and the stability control. I already replaced the steering box, out of pocket, for over $1000. We just paid the car off and bought it new in 2008. It barely has 50,000 miles on it, and this is not a quality product. The ride, handling, interior features/space are outstanding, but there are too many faults for such a new(er) car. I also replaced the water pump a few months ago, but that was at the tail end of my warranty (now expired). After only 5 years and 50,000 miles, I'm looking at expensive monthly payments for a new vehicle to replace what should have lasted at least another 5 years comfortably without major defects. It's no wonder saturn went out of business and that gm has nearly failed so many times...
On our 08 outlook, the power steering just "gave out", whenever it felt like- be in the middle of a sharp turn, u turn, or going on/off an exit ramp. There was no warning (groaning, whining, etc. From the pump), you suddenly would lose power steering. This is extremely dangerous. I contacted the dealership- it apparently wasn't covered under the power train (????why?). I tried all of their "fixes"- flushing the fluid out with new, putting synthetic in, filling slightly above as recommended. It finally boiled down to a new power steering pump. Ridiculous!
While in a stopped position, I tried to accelerate and my transmission would not go into gear. I was stuck not being able to pull over to get out of traffic, because my car wouldn't go into gear. I put it into park, then back into drive several times, and I finally got it to creep enough in low gear to get it to the side of the road. This could have been a disaster if I were trying to pull out into traffic. The car was in the shop prior due to the transmission slipping. This was not covered and cost me $3000. I am still not sure this corrected the problem and I don't feel safe in this car. This car has been in the shop several times for a front leak at the driver's door from the sunroof, which still leaks with heavy rain. Also, the constant squealing when turning the wheel which no mechanic will acknowledge. Nothing has ever been done to correct this. I assume it is the power steering pump. The car doesn't have good acceleration power compared to any other SUV model. It drags with no pick up.
Original owner, under warranty at 21,036 miles, had their dealership (mark christopher auto center, ontario, ca 91764) diagnose and confirm/replace internal rivets loose, necessary to replace defective steering column assembly, 03/18/2010. We are the second owner, and our dealership, polar chev of white bear lake, mn 55110, also recommends again replacing this defective steering column assembly at an expense of approximately $1,600, @ 62,000 miles. We feel gm knew of this defect based on other complaints online (ie. [email protected] and [email protected] just to name a few). We feel we should not have to pay for the replacement and gm has put us along with others, in a potentially dangerous driving situation!
Power steering pump was first replaced due to failure in 10/2011. Power steering pump has again failed and now requires replacement of the pump, hoses, and steering rack due to the damage caused by failed pump at a cost of $1,700. Technician advised that the parts have to be ordered from canada and will take up to 3 weeks to come in!! The first replacement pump's 1 year warranty expired, so once again, I'm paying out of pocket to replace this part as a result of a "known problem." last fall I had an issue with the sunroof leaking into the cabin of the car due to another "known problem." gm needs to step up to the plate and recall these vehicles to correct these "known problems."
Steering suddenly without warning became very stiff. Unable to complete turn. Had to slam on brakes to avoid an accident. Forced to urgently replace power steering unit at great expense. This is a safety issue and should be investigated with potential for recall or reimbursement for replacement expense.
Loud noise emitting from hood while driving in the past, then while driving steering became very stiff making it impossible to steer my car safely. I contacted gm customer care who informed me that there is not a current recall on the steering although after researching I have found that there have been numerous complaints about the steering problems leading to unsafe driving. I beg you to investigate the numerous complaints and repair records from gm about the excessive number of complaints, accidents and injuries caused by the defective steering mechanism. Thank you!
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