The contact's cousin owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while his cousin was driving 65 MPH, the power steering locked which caused the vehicle to veer off to the left side off the highway across three lanes of traffic. The contact's cousin was able to stop the vehicle on the shoulder of the highway. The contact stated that he was uncertain if any warning lights had illuminated prior to or during the failure. After some time, his cousin was able to restart the vehicle and the power steering returned with normal operation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
2008 Saturn Vue: steering wheel locks up
12 of the 406 complaints about the 2008 Saturn Vue describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 120,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 6 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Steering wheel locks up by model year
What owners say
The steering wheel locks up and is hard to turn! This is unacceptable I looked it up and it was a recall!! I need to know the steps to access how to get it fixed!! The vehicle was drip at the time and the information center has a light that came on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn vue. While operating the vehicle, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact also stated that steering wheel fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
When the key switch is in the on position there is a click at the position (approximately ten degrees, right) where the steering wheel lock appears to be attempting to engage. This could lock up the steering wheel while making a slow right turn, as when exiting a freeway. When the key switch is in lock position and key is removed the warning chime still occurs when the door is opened.
After driving my car the ignition key would not turn to the "off" position once the car is stopped and the shifter in park. The key was stuck the after driving ? Had power but I couldnt remove my key , its stuck , couldn't move my steering wheel its locked. I tried moving back into the park position several times before the ignition key would release allowing the key out so can leave. Key in "off" position. I couldnt remove the key, steering wheel locked up, this happened twice now ? Both times after driving in on slightly bumpy road fwy. ?
Key stuck in ignition lock cylinder. Steering wheel locked. Brakes locked. Shifter locked. Emergency flasher lights not working. All electrical off, windows would not open. Key would not turn in lock cylinder. Car would not start. Onstar communication was disabled. Lock cylinder had to be drilled out and replaced. Housing in steering column was damaged and had to be replaced. Car had to be towed. Saturn vues were recalled for ignition lock cylinder replacement, but 2008 models were left out of the recall. They should be on the recall list for ignition cylinder steering wheel lock problems along with the other saturn vue models. Steering wheel locked and prevented me from leaving a nearly empty parking lot at dusk. I had no way to call for help from the car. I depend on onstar for emergency assistance where cell signals are weak.
Steering wheel locked. Key would not turn in lock cylinder. Car would not start. Onstar communication was disabled. Lock cylinder had to be drilled out and replaced. Housing in steering column was damaged. Saturn vues were recalled for ignition lock cylinder replacement, but 2008 models were left out of the recall. They should be on the recall list for ignition cylinder steering wheel lock problems along with the other saturn vue models. Steering wheel locked and prevented me from leaving a nearly empty parking lot at dusk. I had no way to call for help from the car. I depend on onstar for emergency assistance where cell signals are weak
While driving vehicle on the expressway, the power steering locked up like car had stalled momentarily then regained power. Startled I decided to exit freeway and while making a right hand turn it locked solid again and I heard like a actuator motor make a buzzing sound. This made me very nervous because I lost power twice. I called onstar right away to report incident . This was extremely dangerous. I have driven thousands of cars in my lifetime as I was a former g.m. Dealer but I never have experienced anything like this . I am very concerned someone could be injured severely if this problem occurs in this car or others like it.
Key wouldn't engage in ignition and steering wheel locked up while parked.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn vue. The contact stated that the ignition would not turn and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was being diagnosed. The manufacturer has not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 84,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn vue. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the steering seized without warning. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic was performed, which located the failure at the steering rack, column and the module. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 120,000.
Transmission not engaging properly. Vehicle jerks while shifting and does not reach over 60 MPH without going to 6 rpms. While in heavy rush hour traffic, the car does not accelerate and the power steering locks.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low...
- Steering
- Steering
- Steering
- This technical bulletin provides a revision for 12-02-32-002 to add the 2013-2014 model years, add noise...
Related recalls
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling 42,408 my 2008-2009 saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump may loosen. If this were to occur, there may be a power steering fluid leak.
- Risk
- The fluid could contact hot exhaust components resulting in a possible engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump. If there are no signs of a fluid leak, dealers will tighten the nut. If a fluid leak is present, dealer will tighten the nut and check the fluid level. The recall began on september 26, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Recall number 08V470000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2008 Saturn Vue steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 2008 Saturn Vue?
12 of 406 owner complaints about the 2008 Saturn Vue (3%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 2008.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Saturn Vue?
There is 1 recall and 6 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2008 Saturn Vue
Check engine light 32Transmission failure 28Power steering loss 23Door locks 19Airbag light 17Stalling 17Won't shift 16ABS 14Won't start 14Loss of power 13Engine failure 12Wipers 12Slipping 10Headlights 9Fire or smoke 8Jerking 8Hesitation 7Warning lights 6Adaptive cruise 5No deployment 5
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