2000 Saturn LS Steering problems

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn ls. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact noticed an abnormal noise from both the front passenger and driver sides of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was corrosion around all of the wheel wells and the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Driving down the road the vehicle started making noise and steering was uncontrollable. I trailered the vehicle back home. Closer inspection revealed the front subframe/engine cradle was completely rusted through in multiple spots, very dangerous!!! I contacted the dealer to get a new subframe and I was advised the subframe is no longer available and to try finding one in a salvage yard. I contacted a salvage yard and they said they had a few and it would be no problem to pull one. I got the call today saying...

I had just gone to the gas station to fill up my 2000 saturn lw2 when I was about two blocks from the gas station. I was right around the corner from my house, and had just turned right onto a street with a hill. Suddenly, my car started sputtering so I immediately tried to pull over. I wasn't completely out of the street when I suddenly lost all power brakes and power steering going down the hill at 25 miles per hour. I couldn't stop the car so I put it in park, which stopped it instantly, causing my neck to...

This happened very suddenly. I applied the brake to enter the ramp to the highway and the car pulled to the left and made a noise. I thought it may be a bearing or brake problem but I had not had any issues before that so I went on since it seamed to be driving ok. While I was on the interstate I went to go into the left lane and realized there was a serious problem with the steering. I slowed down and got off the highway to the shop. I was told there the k frame had less than 1/2" before breaking completely and...

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn ls series. The contact stated that when turning the key to turn on the vehicle, the steering wheel would seize. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact made an appointment for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 44,000 and the current mileage was 44,200.

Vehicle pulled when braking. Symptoms started on a monday as a light pull. More noticeable above 50 mph, and not noticeable below 35. By thursday morning, pull was severe above 50mph. Stayed till after 6:00 at night to avoid traffic. Ride home was "entertaining" as steering wheel did not always go back to "center" when going straight. I thought I needed a steering rack until I inspected the vehicle on saturday. My inspection showed that front subframe (a.K.A. Engine cradle) failed where the "passenger...

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 saturn ls1. He stated the vehicle was consuming large quantities of engine oil. The dealer stated the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken for a second opinion to a local mechanic where the power steering reservoir was replaced and the failure ceased. On a separate occasion, while driving at speeds of over 10 mph or attempting a left or right turn, the vehicle would lose power. Also, while in the reverse mode, the vehicle would stall. The dealer could not...

Knocking sound coming from steering column when steering wheel was turned from one side to the other. I had this looked at by my mechanic, who confirmed that there was a problem within the steering column leading to its linkage. He told me that this was definitely a potential life risking problem. A recall should be issued because the part in question was not one that was supposed to undergo wear. It is supposed to be good for life! One may not get a second chance if the steering failed while driving, especially on highways. *Ak

I purchased a pre-certified vehicle for carmax 12/13/03. On 12/16/03 I had to return the care because I heard a loud rattling noise as if some was very loose in the steering column. The service department immediately took the car a gave me a loan car. I did not get my car back until 01/05/04 . Carmax diagnostic test found the steering shaft had to be replaced and was sublet to airport saturn for repairs. I complained several times about the return of my car but the service manager always loaned me car to keep me...

Excessive noise from the steering rack, loss of power steering assist intermittently. *Jb

The power steering fails after about 5 mins of operation. The dealer said it was an "unspecified failure of the steering rack", and that it would cost $1500 to replace. This has been going on since spring of 05. I contacted saturn corporate directly, but they refused to help with the problem. *Nm

Dt: the windshield wiper control on the steering column broke off when the consumer tried to turn the windshield wipers on. This occurred in the middle of a storm. Consumer took the vehicle to a dealer and they said there were pins missing from the steering column that caused the failure. No corrections have been made at this time. Consumer said saturn was contacted by the dealer about this problem. Also there is a problem with the rear taillights that make them go out when the consumer hits a slight bump or pothole. The consumer can tighten the taillight and it will work properly for a while then stop. Consumer feels he should not have to pay for this. *Jb

Currently the blower motor for the heater/defroster is not working. I have had many many problems with this car, inparticular with the brakes and steering. The rack and pinion was repaired twice. I have had brakes replaced twice, and recently the brake drums, rotators and pads. I have had the power steering pump repaired and from time to time need to have the steering wheel lubricated when it starts to make noise again. I am wondering if I am the only one with these problems or are others with this same car having the same problems. I do not feel safe when I am driving this car. I have brought it to the dealer many times to have things checked with wheels and steering. *Ak

At 35,558 miles vehicle made a grinding noise while turning the steering wheel. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the power assist pump assembly. At 61,000 miles problem recurred. *Ak

When driving, the steering column made a crunching noise when a turn was made. The rack and pinion was replaced four times. It was just replaced again. The steering column was defective and the manufacturer denied that there were any defects. *Jb

At 54,000 miles my water pump, timing belt, engine oil cooler, and power steering pump all failed at the same time. *Ak

2000 Saturn 4cyl l series:power steering pump, serpentine belt, and idler arm all had to be replaced at 72,000 miles. Parts started to fail at 65,000 miles, makes a noise like the transmission was failing.*Ak

While driving power steering pump failed, making it hard for the consumer to turn the steering wheel. Problems with brake lights intermittenly failing. When the headlights are on all three brake lights won't work. Brake light failure almost caused an accident and had me pulled over by a police officer. The mechanic traced out and repaired a ground wire to correct the problem. *Ak *mr

I own a 2000 saturn ls. I took my vehicle to the dealership in san antonio, tx back in sep or oct 2003. My chief complaint was the steering column would get extremely hot when driving with headlights on. I mentioned to the service advisor I was afraid that the car would catch fire. My wife drive the car with my grandkids and I am concerned for their safety. The service advisor assessed the heat to the steering column and he agreed that it was "abnormally hot." The service advisor stated that he has had...

2000 Saturn ls1: since I have purchased this car brand new and taken it for regular maintenance I have had the following problems: several voluntary recalls, then I have had 3 actuator motors in my doors go bad (all different doors); cradle bush bearings needing replacement; front suspension linkages needing replacement; the car battery exploded; emission system malfunction. Everytime I gripe to saturn they are not willing to look into, I feel like there are numerous safety concerns that should be looked into in the 2000 ls series.*Ak

I have a 2000 ls1 saturn. I bought it brand new. In the past year I have had to take it in other than for maintenance because something has gone wrong. October 2002- my hydraulics went out of my clutch causing me to be stalled without a car. A few months ago it was recalled due to something gone wrong in the rear axle. So saturn replaced it. On thursday, october 16, 2003, I took it in again because I was hearing a rubbing noise when I made sharp left turns. Turns out I need a $1400 new steering rack because...

For the second time power steering made loud clicking noise. On previous occasion last year, the power steering vibrated also. At that time the cylinder and most of the mechanisms in the steering column were replaced. *Ak

2000 L-series wagon has continuing power steering problems. Power steering pump was leaking and was replaced 2/01 and again on 8/01 at which time the power steering rack was also replaced. Now on 8/03 the power steering rack needs to be replaced again!!!*Ak

Steering rack needs to be replaced for the second time at 54,000 miles. *Ak

The power steering pump was replaced due to noise. And rear mirror view mirror was replaced.*Ak *jb