Three problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 2000 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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 there is an internal leak from my power steering fluid. My car only has 36,800 miles on it. But of course the warranty ran out 800 miles ago. I don't think a fairly new car should be having all these problems.
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 duplicate the problem. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer over 4 additional times and the failure could not be duplicated. There were no recalls on the vehicle and no further repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were under 103,000.