The contact owns a 2005 Saturn VUE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ignition key fell out of the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the key failed to fit back in the ignition switch. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Saturn Vue steering lock-up problems
33 of the 2,351 owner complaints about the Saturn Vue describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 33
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical mileage
- 103,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 10Grinding brakes 3Won't start 2Stalling 1Loss of power 1Jerking 1Airbag light 1Adaptive cruise 1
What owners say
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.
I was driving taking a right turn when the steering wheel locked and would not turn further, I drive into the other lane. I then decided to get into a parking lot, seconds later the steering wheel locked again and I had to get the car towed to my house.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving 30 MPH, several dashboard warning indicators illuminated, including the battery warning indicator. Simultaneously, the power steering seized operation temporarily and caused the vehicle to swerve. Also, while traveling up an incline, the battery warning indicator flashed and then turned off when driving on leveled ground. A fax was sent to the vice president of safety at general motors in regards to the failure; however, there was no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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 2009 saturn vue. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to phil smith chevrolet (located at 1640 n state rd 7, lauderhill, fl 33313, (954) 372-2576) where it was diagnosed that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Power steering locked from time to time. Dealer says module and motor at the power steering is causing that. That can happen wheter the vehicle is stationary and in motion. Very unsafe
When the car starts the steering locks up and makes the car difficult to drive. The brakes also grind and the transmission makes noises. The electrical components malfunction and lights and sounds flicker on and off. All of these things have been looked into by a mechanic and they cannot find a solution as to why the electric malfunctioning and steering is locking up.
Air bag light will be on, or flash periodically when already fastened. Had an electrical fire in the left side of steering column 7/27/18. Cruise goes in and out. Dim/bright light comes on when using turn signal. Ignition switch locks up from time to time where key can't be removed and steering wheel locks up or you can remove key but switch is still engaged. Vehicle has been in motion when most incidents occurred and lockups occur depending on what position the steering wheel is in (adjustable). The electrical fire happened just as I exited the highway from a 30 minute trip after releasing the cruise control button. Luckily I was only 4 blocks from home. Cfd was called and they dismantled the column, extinguished the fire. I was blessed. This could have been worse!
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.
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling 2,149 my 2009 saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing. This could cause the tie rod to separate from the knuckle.
- Risk
- Although steering control of the vehicle could be maintained after a tie rod separation by the unaffected wheel on smooth roads or during light braking, with more significant suspension or braking inputs, the affected wheel could turn out and skid. If a vehicle built with two incorrect steering knuckles had both tie rods separate at the same time, steering control of the vehicle would be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on december 8, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Recall number 08V616000 · Recall details
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 Saturn Vue steering lock-up
Which Saturn Vue years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (12 complaints), 2007 (6 complaints) and 2005 (5 complaints).
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