general problems of the 2008 Saturn Aura - part 2

Was recalled for a electric power steering assist. Not even two months later the power steering system has completely failed. I cant even go a quarter mile down the road. It will drive a little down the road and power steering will flash on the dash and turns are almost impossible. I have to shut the vehicle off and turn it back on. This is very dangerous especially if there isn't a place to pull over without making a tun. I called gm and they told me I would have to pay out of pocket to get it fixed and they would not reimburse me for what it costs. I don't think this is right considering that this was the one thing that they were supposed to fix I cant afford to fix it. I have put over two grand in this car all within a year. Mind you this is my only car and I cant get another one. I think that gm should take some responsibility and fix this because this could cost someone their life if they aren't willing to take care of this issue.

After getting all the recalls on my car fixed I assumed it would stop the steering wheel of my car from moving by itself. Wrong. My steering wheel still moves by itself, happens when I'm stopped, parked, driving above 50 or below 20. The steering wheel itself feels jerky. Doesn't feel smooth or tight. I'm assuming because of the recall of the steering wheel module it somehow affected other parts of the steering but that's not a recall yet. I don't feel safe driving this car. I'm afraid to drive it especially on the highways. The problem of losing power steering might of been fixed but what about the steering shaking and moving by itself? there's other people with this problem, there's you tube videos of it. When will this be recalled? probably not until someone likes me crashes because of it.

My husband was alone driving, was early a. M. When a coyote ran out on country road. He has had this many times before having lived in the area over 60+ yrs. He was in 2 lane road, he went to brake and swerved when he said the car became unable to control, he hit the burn on side of road flipping car numerous times ending upside down. He was stuck in seat belt unable to get loose for 15 min finally getting out of it. He was seen by drs @ hospital and released with bruised ribs, cuts and abrasions. When I talked to him on phone later he relates what had happened also saying "it seemed like the car had a mind of its own, it wouldn' t steer or brake right. " I told him to rest and I would talk to him later. That was the last time I ever talked to him, as he died of the blunt force trama from that accident, that was oct 7, 2014. I believe his vehicle is to blame for this accident, as I know what kind of driver he is, off road , around our rural area animals are always jumping out on the road, and he never has had a accident. He doesn't panic, he knows how to drive off road, and have raced in score off road functions in he younger days. He was an excellent driver, driving others, because he didn't drink, and was very safe in driving.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the steering wheel lost power intermittently without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

I received a notice of a recall from gm on my vehicle at the end of June/beginning of July for a power steering issue. The notice said I would be further contacted when parts became available. On 7/19/14, I began noticing intermittent problems with my steering: the wheel would click and turn slightly left to right, sometimes while operating the vehicle and sometimes when the car was stopped (at a light). On 7/22/14, the wheel turned slightly and clicked while I was driving and my power steering indicator warning began flashing. I took the vehicle to an authorized dealer who handles Saturns and they had the car for two days. The indicator light only came on and off intermittently at the time and they did not address the steering issue related to the recall because they said gm had not sent parts yet. They were extremely dismissive of my concerns. Since that time, the power steering warning has progressed to staying on all of the time while the car is operating. Upon starting, the wheel clicks and turns slightly, a chime sounds, and the power steering indicator warning comes on and stays on. I have had my mechanic check the steering as well and he agrees that the issue is related to the recall. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle as I feel a failure in the power steering may be imminent. If it fails for instance while I am changing lanes on the highway and I am not able to easily steer the car into the proper lane, I could be involved in a crash, which could result in one or more fatalities. The gm dealership refused to contact gm to try to get parts quickly. After a heated argument, the dealership said they emailed gm and they have had no reply.

While driving the power steering went on my car. It became very difficult to steer my vehicle at low speeds as well as change lanes. Now the casey Chevrolet is saying that there are no recalls on the electric power assist system (eps). However when doing my research to price how much it cost I see multiple recalls in regards to the eps.

The steering wheel locks up randomly. I am able to steer however it is very hard, I basically loose my power steering. I have been lucky because each of the 4 times it has occurred I was traveling at a low speed and I was able to control the car. Each time, I turn the car off and restart it and everything is fine. I have called my dealership several times and they still do not have the parts in.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact received recall notices for NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) and 14v153000 (steering) however, the parts needed for the repairs were unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

On Saturday, June 14 my car would not start. I moved the floor gear shift deeper into the park position and it started. On Monday, June 16 I parked my car after purchasing an item at drive-through window. When I attempted to start it, it would not start. The gear shift moved through all of the indicators (prd. . . ) and the car began to roll backwards nearly hitting another car. I called for a tow, and the driver noted the problem. Today, pep boys completed repair of the the gear shift assembly. There was a missing part. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while traveling 60 mph, suddenly the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The power steering resumed to normal five minutes later. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 86,000.

I was driving across the parking lot going to get something to eat. My son was in the rear left passenger seat. As I began turning the wheel, the car locked up, hesitated, then quickly sped up. Because there was no ability to gain control of the car, the vehicle stuck the curbside and then a tree. My son and I were not injured, only shook up. The incident was reported immediately and the adjuster informed me of the recall on the Saturn Auras.

My vehicle losses power steering at low speeds. When accelerating or at full speed, the steering is fine. I had my vehicle checked. The power steering fluid remains full. I have trouble getting in and out of parking spaces, the manual steering is very tough to use.

The steering wheel of my car will move by itself. It will shake and turn while driving at any speed. While the car itself doesn't jerk when it does it, it's extremely frightening. It will happen at any speed and happens at random times.

Regarding recall 13036. Performed at ed bozarth Chevrolet in nevada on 9/2/2014. Vehicle is continuing to illuminate tell-tales "service traction, service esc, traction control off & esc off" approximately 96% of the time while driving. Lights will go off briefly when applying brakes but come back on after coming to a complete stop. As soon as the vehicle is started, the warning lights come on with audible warning as well. I returned to the dealer & they stated the recall was performed correctly. If it was, why are theses lights still coming on? prior to the recall, the lights came on, but in a different pattern. Currently, the lights go off when the vehicle is in reverse. Any assistance or advice would be much appreciated.

On 9/2/2014 I took car to ed bozarth Chevrolet to have service on recall 13036. My car was returned with no change in the problem; "service traction control, traction control off, service ecs & ecs off" tell-tales lights were still illuminating consistently. The invoice indicated they fixed the following under the recall; 1) a06396 adh promoter, 2) 13596990 (s) clip 3) 13596991 (s) retainer 4) 15188763 (s) retainer 5) 11509086 (s) strap and "108420 campaign 13036 performed bcm & bpps harness & connector repair. " the invoice indicated I declined service on "ses light and traction control diagnosis also shocks, struts, engine leak diagnosis, broken panel replacement 1064 c. " the best part was they told me I needed to have my oil changed, which I personally did 3 days prior to bringing the car in! they shattered the fuse compartment cover located inside the vehicle, tried to glue it back with a blue colored glue which did not work and then indicated on the invoice I declined having the broken panel replaced at a charge of $86. 00. All they wanted to do was sell me service which was not needed. I asked the service adviser if a blown or missing fuse could cause the tell-tales lights to illuminate and he said no. When I returned home yesterday, I looked at the fuse compartment and found one bad fuse and one missing fuse. After replacing them, the check engine light went off for the first time in over 3 months. I did still receive one "traction control service and one service ecs" light. I am going to return to dealer today to attempt to have them remedy the issues. A follow up complaint will be written in an effort to assist. Thank you.

While warming up the car the power steering warning appeared on the driver display. Loss of power steering was confirmed when I attempted to turn the steering wheel. The dealer indicated that the power steering assist requires replacement. I did do some research on this problem and found that transport canada has forced a recall by gm to replace faulty power steering modules in that country. With more research I did determine that the part numbers involved are the same in canada as the ones in the us. Why has there not been a recall for this problem here in the us when gm has recognized the problem in canada?.

Power steering cuts in and out. The dealer states the power steering could be lost altogether. The issue is the electric power steering motor. I told the dealer of a transport canada recall # 2012331 on this issue. The dealer stated it could a part from a different source. Is the NHTSA aware of this problem? if so, has your investigation proved it is not the part recalled in canada? I think the sudden loss of powering steering is a safety issue. The dealer is west herr Chevrolet of orchard park NY.

While driving on the overpass/highway, car jumps/skips to the side (opposite of turning direction). Steering shaft has been replaced and didn't solve this issue. We have had front end basically re-done also. Losing power steering fluid; power steering whines and is very stiff. I am convinced that this vehicle should be on the recall list!!! very disappointed in the amount of money we have had to sink into this car. We've been dealing with a continuum of repeated problems for 3 plus years!.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. Also, the transmission failed to shift out of park intermittently and the four doors failed to lock. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

All of a sudden my steering wheel became hard to turn. I have to manually turn my wheel back straight after making a turn. I had my usual oil change company check to see if it was any power steering fluid and there was.

Popping noise while slow speed turning first reported to a local gm dealer in 2/13. Dealer confirmed shaft was defective but didn't think it was dangerous yet, so was not repaired. After learning in 7/14 that gm had just issued a recall on these shafts, (nhtda campaign number 14e044000), I returned to the same dealer to finally get it replaced. Service manager again stated that the intermediate steering shaft was defective. However, gm management has steadfastly refused to allow the local dealership to replace my unit because my vehicle's VIN was not included in the their list of recall eligible models!.

Car began groaning loudly when wheel is turned to the right (either parked of moving), steering feels "jumpy" took it to the dealership who replaced a strut and charged me for it, then I took it back and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft and charged my warranty. Took it back to the dealership a third time and they said the sound must be normal because no recalls have been issued, but they can not clarify what the issue is. . Read more...

There is a clunk sound in the front end of the vehicle when moving from a full stop. A clunk can also be heard when slowing down preparing to stop. Took vehicle to authorized service center, dealer indicated the steering shaft needed to be replaced and a full 4 wheel alignment would be required. Repairs are scheduled for two weeks from today.

Clicking sound as stearing wheel is turned either right or left. Sounds like a universal. Usualy two clicks per first revolution. Will click both while stoped and moving.

Intermittent steering at any speed and steering wheel wobbles when parked idling.

Saturn Aura 2008 xe 4cyl. Front end clunk felt in steering wheel and feet at low speed, especially when doing slight turns with braking. Repair shop said struts were no good (at 17,500 miles). Replaced struts at over $700. Clunking continued. Repair shop now says rubber bushings in power steering rack are no good. Replacement bushing are not available anywhere as far as we can tell - even checked on malibu and pontiac g? - no luck. Car is out of warranty. Repair shop was told that entire steering rack had to be replaced (hundreds of dollars) because there is no source to get $3 bushings. Repair shop said safe to drive, so car was not repaired and clunking will not get fixed. Shoulda bought a japanese car.

Intermittent sticking in steering while driving at speeds over 40 mph.

Once again(4th time over a three year period),I took my vehicle in for steering vibration and clicking noise when I turn. The constant failures in the steering equipment leads me to believe there is manufacturing problem with the steering equipment.

I find it hard to believe that I had to have the steering gear assembly replaced 3/7/11 and then on 11/15/11 I had to have the intermediate shaft replaced in the same year. Can someone tell me if a recall was made on these parts?.

2008 Saturn Aura. Consumer states the front of the vehicle began making clunking noise the consumer took the vehicle to the local dealer, where they lubricated the intermediate steering shaft. As it turned out, that was only a temporary fix. In January 2012, the noise returned again, followed by a popping noise. Another visit to the dealer resulted in a quote of $500 to replace the left front control arm assembly and ball joint. An independent repair facility performed the work for $312 instead. The consumer stated the noise has since returned again to the steering shaft.

2008 Saturn Aura 4 cyl has power steering problems. Light comes on and off and then the steering locked up while I was driving at about 45 mph. Turned off engine and restarted and steering was back. Having this problem for about 6 months. Saturn said needs new motor for about $300. Ridiculous!!.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving approximately 20 mph over a grass patch, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a pole. The contact indicated that the traction control light illuminated during the incident. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. Also, while driving at an unknown speed, the contact inadvertently made contact with the transmission shifter and the shifter switched to the neutral position. Also, the power steering malfunctioned and failed to work while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 47,000.

The original problem of vibration in the steering when making sharp turns has progressed to a clicking sound when making all turns. I took the vehicle in on 9/8/2009, the dealer ordered replacement intermediate steering parts. On 9/28/2009, the parts were replaced.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the steering wheel was making a loud noise and it required force to turn the wheel on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure more than once. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign id number:14v153000 (steering) and experienced the same failure on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19020.

2008 Saturn Aura. Consumer writes in regards to transmission recall notice and requests reimbursement for repairs. The consumer was informed, the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced.