2003 Saturn Vue: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Oct 23, 2014 · Airbags · 22,807 miles · TX

After talking to a saturn car care specialist in january 2014 because of a loud noise in steering column, and after having been told there was no recall for the problem I was experiencing, it was recommended that I make an appointment with local gm dealership to have problem inspected which I did. When I turn the steering wheel, there is a loud noise like a rubber band is being stretched to the point of breaking. The following is what dealership reported on repair invoice: "steering wheel air bag coil making a noise. The noise is due only to plastic items making contact with one another. This noise is common in cold weather and is not an area of concern at this time". I live in a high temperature/high humidity state and the problem is constant - not only in winter. After visiting the dealership and they inspected, the noise was gone but that lasted only for a week or so and it returned and it still persists to this date. I was then advised by the service department manager to use a dry silicone spray on the steering column/air bag area and that should take care of the problem. It did not. Or, I could have the current driver's side air bag replaced at my own cost which I opted not to do because of the expense. I have been concerned about this air bag problem for a long time. It originally started while I was still living in another state until three years ago when I moved to my current address. My question is this: have other owners of vehicles with air bag problems also experienced this noise prior to the air bags exploding with sharp metal objects seriously injuring them? Or, was a noise like this reported to friends/relatives by those killed prior to the incidents? Other comments by saturn owners on web site also could not get answer from gm as to cause of this noise which they were also experiencing. Am I driving a time bomb???

Filed Mar 17, 2009 · Steering · 51,050 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The steering wheel makes a noise when turning the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the steering wheel was malfunctioning. The contact found a recall for this issue for the 2002 models, but not the 2003 vue. She feels that this is a safety hazard and saturn should pay for the repairs because the steering could fail at any moment. The current mileage was 51,358 and failure mileage was 51,050. Updated 4/14/09 *cn updated 04/17/09.

Filed Jun 10, 2005 · Acceleration, Body · 16,358 miles · IL

Consumer states: took in vehicle on 5 separate times for transmission, whining noise was heard, almost like the engine was overheating. Was on highway, and no matter how much gas consumer gave it vehicle wouldn't move. When giving it more gas the engine would rev but still wouldn't go. Before problems with transmission, at a separate time, something with the computer went wrong. It completely shut down. Such as gas gauge showed empty tank and speedometer went to zero.*ak when at a stop idle seems to drop and when accelerating from stop, vehicle hestiates and lurches. Transaxle speed sensor replaced. Transmission control module reprogramed due to whining noise. Hood won't open. Hood cable readjusted. Driver and passenger washer nozzle missing and replaced. Steering wheel making noise. Shaft boot greased. Service engine soon (ses) light on. Oxygen sensor was contaminated and replaced.

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Body, Fuel system · 1 miles · NY

My complaints are several . All of which have been described in technicakl bulletins. I have had my vehicle back to the dealer no less than 10 times since I ourchased it. Now, I live with the issues because I can't afford to lose additional work , the worst problem is the vibration in the drivetrain at idle (when in drive and the vibration driving at 60-65. In addition, the front drivers door squeeks ( I belive its the insulation) my luggage bolts broke, the seat cushion on the drivers side would not stay attached on the front edge, there is a popping noise when the truck is idling, when you close the rear liftgate, the plastic interior seperates from the door, whe it is cold my steering column make noise.

Filed Jan 26, 2004 · Steering, Transmission · 12,005 miles · NC

This is the second complaint I have had to file. This car keeps breaking down on me and it is not even one year old! On 1/12/04 I needed to drive to rocky mount, nc then on to roanoke rapids, nc school. After arriving in rocky mount, my car would not go into gear, but started fine. When I attempted to put the car in gear the care stalled and turned off. I then attempted to start my car again and place it into gear one more time. It started and went into gear and seemed to drive fine. I called saturn of greenville and they told me that the battery is likely to be the problem and to not turn my car off for one hour, I then stated that I would continue to drive to roanoke rapids. After arriving at my final destination, my car again stalled and turned off when I placed it into gear. I had to get my car towed and get a rental car which were both huge inconveniences to me. Finally, on 1/16/04, I called saturn to find out what was wrong with my car and they said that air was trapped in the transmission line and that during the repair process, damage was done to a drain bolt ("stripped"). I was then told I could pick my car up on 1/17/04. After getting my car back, it is still making a grinding noise in the steering column when I turn the steering wheel, it makes weird noises constantly, and the rpms are messed up. They rev up when I tap the pedal, but when I need to accelerate, they do nothing. Something is seriously wrong with the saturn vue and their transmissions need to be recalled!