2009 Saturn Outlook: sudden loss of power

Filed Dec 23, 2023 · Engine · CA

I was driving and my car started to lurch and went into reduced power mode. I quickly pulled over and turned off the engine. It was towed into the shop, and we found that the timing chain had broken. We had just had our engine mounts replaced and the oil changed. The vehicle has been well maintained. I have seen the issue with the timing chain failure is a common problem in Saturns/GM from internet research. It looks like there was a service bulletin to bring the car in if Service light comes on and you “think” it’s due to premature wear of timing chain. Now we are told the engine needs to be replaced because it was damaged by the timing chain failure and it seems like a known defect that should be covered because it exceeded the value of the car to have such a fix.

Filed Feb 11, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 134,000 miles · OR

In 2016, I purchased a 2009 saturn outlook from a dealer, with 90,000 miles on it. Two months later, "transmission overheating, let engine idle" indicator came on, and the saturn shut itself down as I drove down I-35! Mechanic said they couldn't find anything wrong. They reset my codes, and all seemed okay. This happened a few more times, but know one could tell me what was wrong other that bank 1 low. For the most part it drove without problems. Regular service maintenance, and oil changes consistent with the manual. I rarely drove it after the second year of owning it. On way home to oregon (purchased outlook in iowa), I continuously lost power going up the passes. Semi trucks were passing me, as if I were sitting still. With new air-filter system, maf sensor, coils, boots, and spark plugs installed I continued at a snail pace all the way to oregon. A two day trip took me seven days. Nobody could tell me what was wrong other than the bank 1 low, o2 sensor, which I replaced those as well. I get home and seven months later, I almost get hit by a school bus, because my saturn stalled in the middle of the intersection. Three light changes later, I make it across the street to the college. It shuddered all the way, till I parked it, where I had to wait to be towed three blocks to home. I paid over $15,000 for a vehicle that lasted me under 50,000 miles. It is paid in full, and is now dead. Still no clue as why. Codes show bank 1 and 2 low ? But why will it not start? Why did my battery die? I could not have taken better care of my baby, if I tried! Please, help me fix her. There is no reason for this vehicle to be out of commission, yet it is at 134,000 miles. Gm, please fix this. This was faulty at 90,500 miles. I have always taken great care of every car I have ever owned. It got worse after I took it to a chevy dealer in missouri! Catalytic bank 1 and 2.

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Acceleration · 118,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 saturn outlook. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was reduced engine power. In addition, the vehicle hesitated shifting and began shaking violently when the check engine and stabilitrak warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2015 · Steering · 119,000 miles · WI

Loss of power steering at slow speeds. Gm repair shop says it's a common problem. Power steering pump replaced under warranty but rack and pinion steering not cover even though the two items contribute to each others failure.

Filed May 13, 2015 · Electrical · 57,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 saturn outlook. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to experience a loss of acceleration which resulted in a loss of power without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was unable to be diagnosed. The failure recurred 4 to 5 times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Steering · 75,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 saturn outlook. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 111,000 miles · TX

September 16,2014 around 8:30 pm we were driving on i10 westbound and accelerated to get in the main lanes. The car made the accelerated noise but was stuck in gear at 4400 rpms at 40 miles per hour. We pulled over in a parking lot to test the acceleration and it was hard to tell driving in a short distance, but as soon as we pulled off and attempted to accelerate again the same issue occurred. The next time the car began to lose power as if it would stop so we pulled into another parking lot and cut the car off. When we turned it back on and drove the issue went away.

Filed Jul 14, 2014 · Steering · 108,000 miles · TX

While making a left turn coming out of our neighborhood the steering wheel suddenly lost the ability the make a smooth turn. Not knowing what was happening, I had to force the wheel to turn left in order to make it across the street. The force on the steering wheel did not produce a full turn of movement, just enough to keep the car in the lane. Once I was in a lane I noticed that the steering wheel still had a resistant feel to it. During my drive I also needed to make a right turn and the same thing happened. With the right turn, I noticed that making a turn into the left lane felt less restrictive, but it still required unusual effort to make a turn. Each time I made a left or right turn I was prepared for the feeling of lost power and prepared to use force to make my turning successful. This of course is not what is supposed to occur while turning a vehicle. I have made this issue known to saturn customer care.

Filed Apr 21, 2014 · Engine · 45,000 miles · FL

The engine on this vehicle has issues with the cylinders and misfires. This issue first started last year and was taken into the dealer for service at about 45,000 miles. The dealer could replicate the issue at speeds of about 55 MPH where the engine would misfire and cause a lack of power. However due to a lack of engine codes they could not begin to solve the issue as to why this was happening. Last week the issue became worse and resulted in a loss of power on the highway. Fortunately there is now a code for the engine issue so we know that there are cylinder misfires and it can now be fixed. This is a dangerous issue for drivers as there can be a discernible engine problem that can not be diagnosed by gm's diagnostic equipment until there such a loss of power resulting in a safety issue.

Filed Apr 3, 2014 · Steering · TX

Purchased car used in 2012. Problems started about a month later. First windows stopped rolling down and side mirrors unable to be moved. Was finally able to get that fixed in april of 2013, except the mirrors, they failed to fix those. Brake pedal was making a squeaking sound when pressed. Was also fixed in april 2013. A squeaking or grinding sound started when turning along with a loud metallic squeaking sound when going over speed bumps, pulling into driveway, stuff like that. In april 2013, the rack and pinion was replaced. All this was under my extended warranty. About 4 or 5 months after that repair, the same things were happening. A grinding sound when I turn, brake squeaking again, the same sound going over speed bumps and losing power steering fluid. Took car back to dealership, unable to have it seen for a month. When I was able to get it in, it was well over the parts warranty and the extended warranty was out. Now the same things need to be replaced, plus the engine mount is broken and needs to be fixed. When I complained to the dealership about it and letting them know that I tried to get my vehicle in while the warranty was still valid, they offered to pay $750, leaving me to cover the other $956. I haven't even had them try to figure out why my car doesn't start right away only after I put gas in the tank, regardless of how much gas is already in the tank. I am guessing that is some sort of fuel pump problem, but I'm not a mechanic. I have also had to replace my left rear blinked light twice in under 6 months. I take care of my vehicle, I don't drive it off-road or over pot holes and I don't hit curbs. I don't believe there is any reason for these items to be failing like they are, except that there is a huge problem with the vehicle that gm doesn't want to address.

Filed Mar 21, 2012 · Engine · 32,000 miles · LA

Check engine light came on while driving and veh immediately lost power. Could not drive over 30mph, and engine began smoking. Dealer stated fuel injector was "dumping gas". (guess that would explain the bad gas mileage). Fuel injector and catalytic converter changed. 5 months later check engine came on again at 44,000mi. Dealer states compression problem with fuel injector. The fuel injector was replaced again, but now the dealer is saying there is also a problem with cam shaft. My veh is still in the shop as of today, so I am still not sure if the problem has been resolved.