1,2,3. Brakes have been a constant problem on this vehicle. First known problem was about 08/99 when dealer found pitted & blistered rear brake rotors. Replaced them "as a favor" since car was still under warranty (less than 36,000 miles). I had complained about lower gas mileage and feeling like car was "dragging" and had been told earlier that there were no problems - use a lower gear. In june, 2000, I noticed that my right rear brake disk was glowing red after a 36 mile freeway drive. Later, when I was able to get under the car, I found that the parking brake actuator on the driver's side rear caliper was frozen in the "on" position. Wd40 and muscle freed it, but it had to be left off at all times. The dealer found the disks to be warped, caliper ruined and front disks also warped. Pads were not terribly worn on the front. I have routinely gone 50,000 on pads in previous calls; the rear pads on this car had less than 15,000!! Again, dealer implied it was my fault and not a defect by saturn. #4. Speed control - device began erratic function - sped up and slowed down without warning; at times wouldn't turn on. Dealer fixed under warranty, but no notice of this problem. #5. Ignition switch - started having difficulty in turning on or fully off (locked position). First told by dealer it must be jammed with key shavings-if key shows brass color, must be replaced. Dealer found that there was a groove in the switch housing-due to use of a "heavy key chain by previous owner". I paid 50% - looks like cheap, soft metal housing-design flaw. #6. Horn failed without warning at around 26,000 miles - 3 1/2 year old car. Replaced under warranty. I wonder what will fail next - all of these could have LED to an accident.
1996 Saturn SL brakes complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 43, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Consumer took vehicle in for electrical problems & found that rotors were corroded on the inside. Dealer checked vehicle for inspection in june & said nothing to the consumer about rotor corrosion. Consumer will have to pay out of pocket. *ak the mechanic stated that the rotors should not have been machined because it does not meet the required minimum thickness.
Brakes failed due to the brake line to the rear wheel being corroded.
At approox. 25mph approaching an intersection, pressed the brakes which traveled to the floor, repaired the problem.
Upon attempting to make a normal stop consumer noted that vehicle became difficult to stop, causing some extended stopping distance. Also when vehicle is at a stand still , it will not accelerate. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer noted that 1st. The calipers. Then , master cylinder failed/not releasing, causing brakes to grab. *ak.et.
Brake parts corroded causing damage to rotors and calipers.
When traveling down an incline about 25 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal, pedal went to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance, also, emergency parking brake was enganged in order to stop vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, the brakes failed and weren't stopping the vehicle properly. Also, there is virbration within the steering and a short within the electrical system.
On 6/17/99 at 6;30pm I was making a right hand turn from rte 73s to atco jughandle. Once I made the turn the steering wheel locked in place and the brakes would not work. The car shuttered and crashed into the curb. My speed was 20mph and the weather conditions were drizzling.
Warped front brake rotors.
Brake adjuster bent.
Front rotors warped. Manufacturer replaced with a redesigned model and they warped also.
Front brake rotors warped/replaced.
Cylinder head cover failure.
Upon approaching an intersection and facing a red light, attempted to slow down, but foot slipped and stepped on gas pedal, vehicle lost control, resulting in 2 collisions/injuries. Also brakes failed to stop vehicle.
Ignition key sticking.
Rotors wear excessively and need to be replaced every 3-4 months.
While driving at or about 35 MPH car was involved in a forntal collision on wet pavement, brakes never really worked on the car, manufacturer not contacted. *ak dealer replaced pads and rotors three times in 22 months, due to pads and rotors being rusted. Consumer stated pads and rotors.
Brake pads failed.
Brake rotors warped.
Brakes work intermittently.
Brake failure, when applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and continues to fade, intermittently failes, in for repairs, found no problem.
Brake failure, driving at speed of 15 MPH, frontal collision, impact 12:00, applied brakes, resulting in extended stopping distance. *ak
While attempting to park vehicle in garage, brakes failed/would not stop vehicle, vehicle went through garage door and hit door dividing garage and house.
Failure of the ABS brakes, consumer was driving 60 MPH and the cruisie control was on, the consumer applied force to the brake pedal and the vehicle continued to move, causing the consumer to have a collision.
Consumer states that vehicle vibrated before the brakes failed, causing an accident to occur.
Sometimes when applying the brakes there is a grinding noise, on one occasion went to apply the brakes and there were no brakes, has ABS anti-lock brakes . Please describe .
Abs brake failure , when applying ABS brakes they make a grinding noise, and there is complete loss of effectiveness.
Antilock brakes failed, causing accident/injury.
The car would shake when coming to a stop, within 13800 miles the brake pads, rotors, struts had to be replaced. Please explain more.
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