Saturn Outlook whining noise problems

Filed Jul 4, 2019 · Transmission · 67,430 miles · NY

Please first refer to this known issue: the federal safety agency id number: 10126145 manufacturer communication number: gcus-9-2635 14404b ' special coverage.bulletin. This was an offer from gm to repair this known defect if it occured either before 120k miles or 10 years. My wife's 2008 saturn outlook is used for kid transportation and local trips mostly so she never puts on that much mileage. This vehicle went into service in or around 10/2008. On or around march 1, 2019 her outlook began to experience issues consistent with this gm tsb, failure of the 35r wave plate, a know issue documented by gm.the thing would jerk and shake in reverse, would either fail to shift into 3rd or 5th or if it did, whine and show no acceleration in the least. It happened about 10 times, on local roads and on the highway, very dangerous. I took the vehicle in to our local chevy dealer and was told that the transmission was shot, only 67k miles and it needed to be replaced. I asked the service writer about having the transmission repaired rather than replaced. He really recommended a factory rebuilt unit. We were literally 120 days, 4 months outside of the warranty coverage period on this issue. Saturn/gm would not budge and told me that at some point I had to own the responsibility of the repair! Really? On a know issue that was outlined in the tsb as, "upon failure only" should I bring my vehicle in for repair. How is this fair? I have no idea what I expect from the federal safety agency, but to simply know that gm should have honored the repair or replacement, it was only four months past the cut off and it is a know issue. Thanks for listening, I do plan to file a small claims case and contact any and all consumer protection agencies about this matter. (xxxxx) redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 7, 2018 · Brakes, Engine · 160,000 miles · MN

Bought from sterling motors in watertown sd, in 2017. Trade in was 2000, plus 500 dollars cash, for a 2008 saturn outlook xr awd. Loan was for 10000 after the 2500 trade/payment. Had 160000 miles now has 180000. Within less of a week check engine light comes on, stabilitrac, service air bag, timing chain, traction control all came on. As of 2018 we have replaced all four tires, brakes. Struts, rotors, tie rods, battery, co2 sensor, thermostat, and a few other things. It still needs power steering pump, timing chain fix, cv joints replaced and who knows what else. I've complained to the dealer and he told me I can not trade back, and when we bought it he said it passed the suspection test and claimed nothing was wrong with it. He had to top of the power steering fluid as it was whining and low, said that it was because they flushed it. So now upon turning it has this weird rubbing vibration and loud sound, it shakes at all speeds, it loses power while driving stutters at low speeds, passenger window button don't work, loud noises when idling, whining noise from power steering either just from stationary or driving. It takes forever to pass someone as it almost stalls with the gas pedal all the way to the floor. It has a weird chemical smell when using heater. This saturn outlook is unreliable, very unsafe even after fixing what I had already fixed. I have an invoice for the repairs from watertown ford dealership in south dakota. Sterling motors will not help, said they could fix but I have to pay for parts and work. He sold me a lemon and he doesn't care about the safety or wellbeing of me, my children or others on the road. Talk to the loan place and all they said is I have an agreement to pay regardless if the car works or not. I'm currently 2 months behind. I can't afford another 700-3000 fix while paying 300 a month for a SUV that is unsafe to drive.

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 Mar 21, 2014 · Steering, Transmission · 54,500 miles · MN

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.

Filed Aug 13, 2013 · Steering · 96,000 miles · IA

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!

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 Aug 10, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 37,000 miles · CA

Owner noticed a whining noise when turning at low speeds. Dealer diagnosed a failed steering rack (pinion), leaking power steering pump, and leaking water pump. Vehicle was purchased new in 2009 and currently has 39,000 miles (no longer under bumper to bumper warranty).

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.