Front Suspension Control Arm problems of the 2000 Saturn LS

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 side lower control arm rear bushing was attached". A sizable piece of frame ripped out, with bushing still attached to lower control arm. Rusted perforations in subframe visible approximately 6" behind where frame failed. Two sets of rims (summer and winter) with no "dings" testifies that vehicle never even hit a curb in 170,000 miles. 4 cylinder, so no exhaust nearby to "weaken steel". Bad choice of corrosion protection in a critical part of the frame, and/or undersizing of steel thickness to accommodate for corrosion is my estimate of "failure mode". Contacted dealer and no replacement parts available. Well maintained vehicle, very disappointed it failed this way. Last vehicle I junked was a 17 year old 1973 olds. Everything but the subframe indicated I'd get another 5 years out of this vehicle.

Have owned the car, 2000 Ls1, since it had about 8k miles. Have had to buy 3 sets of tires so far due to irregular wear. Been to Saturn dealership and other garages several times about this before finally learning from Saturn this past summer that the lower control arms on this make and model are defective and that Saturn had put together a shim kit to fix the problem. This solution would cost over $500, especially when you count the four wheel alignment that would also be necessary. Also having brake light problems. Brake lights don't work when parking lights are turned on. Have replaced bulbs several times, particularly the driver side brake light. Mechanic cleaned and adjusted the socket's contact points, but 3 weeks later the driver side brake light was not working again. Wipers don't get windshield clean, even when brand new. Auto unlock stopped working.

While accelerating a clicking noise would appear from the right front of vehicle. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer that power steering needed to be replaced. There is a rattle noise in dash board. Foam tape between clutster and bezel installed. There is a clicking and/or screeching noise while turning left or right and there is vibration coming up through the steering wheel. Dealer replaced all four tires along with rear control arm bushings.

2000 l2w model. Consumer states hears a roaring noise while driving more so at around 30 - 35 mph. Also there is front end vibration. Dealer found tires were chopped. Dealer replaced lower control arm bushings and performed complete four wheel alignment.

While driving 55 mph or more vehicle would vibrate. Vehicle taken to dealer, consumer was informed that the rear control arm bushing needed to be replaced. Consumer states while driving highway speeds, vehicle vibrates, dealer inspected and found all four tires were out of balance, twice at 17748 and 24575 miles. At 40 mph vehicle pops and jerks into gear, whooshing and grinding noise when braking, hearing a clicking noise when accelerating and dealer found power steering pump bad, auto lock not working properly.

Consistent problem with vehicle alignment causes premature wearing of tires. Dealer has replaced rear toe and camber, front control arm bushings, adjusted right front camber, adjusted rear toe on both sides, adjusted front toe, problem could be related to the firestone tires, size p205/65r15.