Saturn SL power steering loss problems

Filed Sep 8, 2014 · Steering · 114,000 miles · LA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sl. While coming out of a left turn at an unknown speed, the power steering failed. The steering wheel seized and excessive force was required to steer the vehicle. The failure caused the contact to drive into a ditch, over a levee, and crash into a pipe. Once the vehicle came to a stop, the contact noticed the ignition key was on the floor. The air bags deployed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2007 · Steering · 116,900 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 saturn sl1. While making a sharp u-turn at an unknown speed, the steering wheel column made a loud noise and began wobbling excessively. Approximately ten minutes later, the steering column failed completely and caused the vehicle to become fixated. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v138000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)). The manufacturer was notified as well. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 116,900. Updated 01/03/08. *lj it was determined that the bearing at the end of the worn gear failed. The worn gear separated from the rack and pinion assembly, which resulted in loss of steering.

Filed Jul 31, 2007 · Engine · 57,777 miles · NY

I was pulling out of a parking lot onto the main highway when the car made a pffff sound and I lost all power to the car the motor just stopped. I had no power steering and no power brakes. The dealer stated the timing chain just snapped and then 12 out of the 16 valves in the car bent. I found this incredible on a vehicle with such low mileage.

Filed Aug 24, 2005 · Steering · AZ · crash

Dt: the contact owns a 1995 saturn sl. The contact stated received the federal safety agency campaign rfecall 94v170000. The recall stated that fracture of the steering gear pinion shaft causes complete loss of steering control which could result in a crash. However, this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN. This happened to contact's vehicle and she lost control of vehicle. The service department did replace the part before she found out about the recall. She was seeking reimbursement for the actual part which cost $1120, and $286 for the rental car.

Filed Aug 8, 2005 · Engine · 106,900 miles · VA

Problems with the harmonic balancer having excessive run out causing improper serpentine belt alignment which created excessive belt wear. If problem is left unattended, serpentine belt/balancer can separate causing engine stall and loss of power steering which may cause accident. Contacted manufacturer but did not acknowledge a problem existed even though the balancer was redesigned. Balancer was replaced by the owner as a precautionary measure to prevent potential hazards. I also noticed several failure notices by other owners of this same brand/model of vehicle posted on the internet. Vehicle in question is a 1993 saturn sl2 sdn w/dohc 1.9l engine could not find the proper category to classify the vehicle I the next pages.

Filed Jan 11, 2005 · Steering · 134,578 miles · NC

I own a 95 saturn sl,and there was a recall on this car because of steering gear box. The problem with the gear box is that the steering gear pinion shaft was improperly heat treated, causing the shaft to fracture during vehicle operation,causing a complete loss of steering. Well last night january 10,2005 mine broke for no apparent reason. Well today january 11,2005 I called the saturn place and after they transferee my call ,the man that I spoke with told me that the VIN number on my car did not match the ones that were recalled. But how is it that they recalled the exact car as mine and mine broke but they cannot fix it because my VIN number does not match them. My wife drives this car all the time to transport our kids and other neighbor kids to and from school everyday. I just thank god that she was right next door at my mothers house instead of on the highyway on the way home from school with all the kids in the car and no way to control the steering.when the steering went out my wife almost landed in the ditch across the steet from my mother's house.

Filed Dec 17, 2004 · Steering, Tires · 72,844 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

While driving 60 MPH, the consumer lost steering control. This caused the consumer to hit a tree. The vehicle was towed. Please provide more information. *jb. Driver sustained injuries.

Filed Sep 3, 2004 · Steering · 114,856 miles · NJ · crash

My son was traveling south on the garden state parkway @ 65mpn. Slowed to exit at exit 105. As he entered the exit, he felt something break, lost steering, and the car shot to the right, the air bags deployed, and the right side of the car slid down the guard rail and came to a stop just before impacting a concrete jersey wall. The initial inspection of the vehicle revealed that the right side spindle had snapped. The arm on the spindle that the tie-rod attaches to snapped in half.

Filed Nov 25, 2002 · Steering · 110,000 miles · OH

While pulling out of a parking space the consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the steering column, while driving another 2.5 miles the consumer experienced total loss of steering ability. The dealer is aware of the problem. *ts

Filed Oct 24, 2002 · Steering · 58,226 miles · IL

Consumer states that while driving and without warning the rack and pinion snapped causing the consumer to lose steering control. The dealer has been notified. *ts