1997 Saturn SL brakes problems

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Brakes · MD

I have a 1997 saturn sl2. The "button" on my parking brake handle popped off the other day (03/27/2006), releasing my parking brake. Luckily I was not on a steep hill and the transmission was in gear, otherwise the car would have rolled away. Its hard to believe that such a tiny piece of "plastic" is all that holds the parking brake in place. Once the button is broken, there is no way to engage the parking brake. I really think this warrants a recall.

Filed Jul 27, 2004 · Brakes · 10 miles · IN · crash

I bought a new 1997 saturn , paid cash and 2 months after purchase, I had brake problems. Put brakes on, could not stop the car (6/7/97). Saturn did nothing regarding this. They said I was not use to the brakes. Tapped the back of a van. 2.) had grand child in car, backing into garage brakes did not hold again. Hit sand bags husband had in garage that stopped car. Some nut came from another state, sisn't drive even 2 miles and saidm there was nothing wrong with the brakes!!!!! I worked in a vocational high school (c.v.s.) in chicago, il, they told me that the inspection was not right. Wrote to everbody, not help from nobody!!!!! I would never recommend a saturn to anyone!!!they are lemons!!!I put a sign in my car saying don't buy a saturn, you'll get a lemon like mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Nov 2, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Was driving approximately 50mph and was merging into traffic when transmission locked in gear and failed to change.*ak consumer stated prior to purchasing vehicle she complained of a clunk noise when changed gears into reverse, also the driver side brake light is inoperable, also the right side mirror needed to be replaced, engine mounts were replaced,brakes were replaced, serpentine belt was cracked, engine overheats.

Filed Aug 28, 2001 · Brakes · MO

Since 1999 the rotors on front have been turned and then replaced twice, along with 3 sets of new brakes that were bad when taken off, along with that tire replacement was done twice. Now there is a severe vibration then followed by a loss in power and RPM's go continuously up and down and the brake pedal hardens up.

Filed Jun 27, 2001 · Brakes · TX

I purchased my car brand new in 1996. Since then, it has had numerous electrical problems all of which I am told if they can't find it they can't fix it. I stopped taking my car to them becasue that was what they told me - I have logged complaints to the saturn customer service center online and they told me I can not have copies of those records - recently, I was left stranded again and when I took my car to the shop they told me I needed a new $3800.00 engine, my husband went and got the car - it works fine!!!!!!!!! No new engine needed. When I sopke to the service manger and owner they said oops bda diagnosis - what id I had paid that money to have my engine repaired? They still say there isn't an electrical short in my car and if I want I can bring it up whenever the electrical guy is there next. I know several other people who have electrical problems with their saturns and they have been told the same thing. I beleive they are hiding the fact that there is a defect in this car and by "not finding it" they don't have to fix it. This is a hazardous situation when your car dies for no reason while you are driving down the frreeway - or your brakes come on for no reason while you are moving, windshield wipers work when they want....... - I am scared to drive my car.

Filed May 24, 2001 · Brakes, Tires · NY

I had to have constant servicing done w/car in shop over a 1 yr period for up to 1 wk @ a time w/ failure in systems listed brakes & tires not covered w/warranty though only 4 months after purchase anothe dealer serviced car orig. Dealer would not. *ak (tiresize: 175-75-14)( dot number: tire size: 175-75-14 )

Filed Mar 20, 2001 · Body, Brakes · MA

Head gasket, water pump, oil pan gasket, serpentine drive belt, and coolant light on, service engine light was also on, work completed by dealer.

Filed Jul 5, 2000 · Brakes · CA

All hydraulic pressure disappeared because of failure of master cylinder.

Filed Jun 22, 2000 · Brakes · NY

Due to design rear disc brakes malfunctioned, causing corrosion. This, in return, resulted in extended stopping distance which could cause a crash. *ak the calipers on the rear disc brakes corrode reducing the effectiveness of the rear brakes.

Filed Apr 5, 2000 · Brakes · CA

During a left turn driving at 15 to 20 miles per hour, attempting to slow the vehicle down, the brake pedal traveled its entire range without slowing or stopping the car. The brakes where then pumped several times without success, the car was eventually stopped by use of the parking brake.