1998 Saturn SL brakes problems

Filed Apr 20, 2009 · Brakes · MD

I parked my car, a 5-speed manual, and the parking brake release button popped out, and is now broken so I cannot use the parking brake at all. Not safe considering my car is a manual. I am attempting to locate a replacement button, but have not had much luck so far.

Filed May 27, 2004 · Brakes · WI

1998 saturn 41,635 miles- bakes pulse and shakey steering- machine rotors new pads 48,343 miles-shakey steering-balance wheels replace suspected bad tire. 64,057 miles-shakey steering-machine rotors, pads okay for now.*mr there is something definitely wrong with the brakes and or the rotors. I have owned many vehicles and never had rotor problems. While at the repair shop I overheard two phone calls from customers with similar complaints.

Filed Feb 20, 2004 · Brakes · TX

Emergencey brake non-functional after 1/8 inch daimeter plastic button retainer broke. Ts assembled such that if it fails it is disengauged, resulting in a car that can roll down inclines.

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Brakes · MI

Vehicle experiencing noise in the front end. Dealer could not find anything wrong and advised consumer that there is no adjustment on front brakes and the rear brakes adjust themselves. However consumer found out that the rear brakes do not adjust themselves and have to be adjusted manually. This happened 3 times. Vehicle also losing brake pedal going 2/3 of the way to floor. Dealer found left front wheel rotor was worned. Consumer replaced brake pads and rotors. *tt the calipers were sticking and the dealer was not willing to replace it.

Filed Dec 26, 2001 · Brakes · VA

The front rotors have been replaced twice in 57000 miles. Something is wrong when this happens this often with this little amount of mileage.

Filed Oct 17, 2001 · Brakes · TX

I too have had repeated brake problems with my sl1. The first time saturn replaced them because at 25,000 miles, they should not be bad. Then at 45,000 miles it happened again! The service man told me it was because I was "riding" the brake. Of course it was my fault - not! I argued with him, but lost. Had to pay almost $400 dollars for a brake job that was already replaced and should have been under warranty. I asked him if I was going to be changing the rotors again in 30,000 miles, he said no. It should last till 50,000 miles. Guess what?!? 25,000 miles later, it is having the same problems. Not only that, I now have a cracked/blown head gasket to which after many inquiries, seems to happen alot in the sl1 models. We'll see what happens, but needless to say I will not be investing in "a different kind of car company" anymore.

Filed Aug 21, 2001 · Brakes · NJ · 4 injuries

While pulling into a parking space, stepped on the brakes, which failed. Car struck the crub and a railing causing the airbags to deploy and the seatbelts to lock very tight. Two days prior to purchasing the brakes were squeaking.

Filed Feb 3, 2001 · Brakes · CT

Rotors warped and were replaced 9 within 9 months after buying vehicle brand new, replacement part was defective and replaced one month later, in february of 2001, rotors were warped and replaced again.

Filed Jan 19, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · CA

The brake rotors warp easily, they are either insufficiently thick or cooled. Nlm

Filed Sep 2, 2000 · Brakes · LA

Not long after we purchased the vehicle, the brakes made noise and caused the steering wheel to vibrate upon braking. Brought in the vehicle for service and they said the rotors were warped, they cut them down. Since then the brakes have made noises and the rear wheels lockup upon initial driving daily. Each time the vehicle was brought in for regular oil changes, we complained about the noises, at 10.209 miles &16,284 miles, but they always said nothing was wrong. Now the brakes are still making noises when you first start the vehicle. Also, now the steering wheel vibrates upon braking, more at higher speeds, causing harder braking at times when quick braking is needed. Upon slow rolling stops, like coming to a light, the car surges, like the brakes are grabbing at certain points then releasing. Sometimes braking in normal city roadways, the brakes don't respond when quick braking is needed to avoid dangerous situations. It's like the brake pedal is tough to press.