Nine problems related to suspension have been reported for the 2000 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The whole subframe on my 2000 Saturn Ls is rotted so bad that I can't even drive the vehicle. It started with my car not starting and putting it up on a lift to see what the problem was. That not starting problem is a bad resonator, but in the process the subframe was found to be seriously rotted away.
Took car to have struts replaced and was told the sub frame had rusted away to make the car unsafe to drive,always checked the body and frame yearly for rust on chassis and uni body so there would not be any potential problem s. I live in the northeast part of the USA. . The problem with the sub frame is it rusts from the inside out so it makes inspection extremely hard to see.
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 they were sorry but all of the front subframes on the Saturn l series they have are rusted through and are not usable. I contacted other yards with the same response. I ended up having to find a salvage yard down south that had a usable subframe. I went online to find numerous forum posts discussing this topic and I'm finding it is very common on this vehicle. Why was there never a recall for this with such a widespread safety hazard? from what I can tell it happens on all model years of the l series. The irony is the rest of the car is very clean, no rust on the rest of the undercarriage. There is no clear explanation why the subframe would have corrosion perforation at such low mileage with no other rust/corrosion on the rest of the vehicle. At a higher rate of speed this could have had a bad outcome. Thank you.
Subframe on Saturn totally rusted away only thing holding passenger wheel on was strut bracket.
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 could have been a serious accident since it has to do with steering. I have regular maint on the car and there was no indication that this might happen. The underside is in very good shape. I had the frame replaced. I feel it was a defect in the frame. I'm sure im not the only one this has happened too.
The front subframe rusted through. Mechanic stated was not normal wear.
The rear end was wearing out which made it impossible for the consumer to drive over 20 mph. Also, the consumer heard a loud thumping noise coming from the rear. The dealership was notified, but the problem had not been resolved. Four tires were replaced. The tech found that the tires had uneven wear. The steering wheel would vibrate, the rear cargo cover was cracked at the clip, there was a thumping sound that had come from the tires at any speed, there was also cupping on the tires that caused the excessive road noise.
When driving at highway speed the rear end of vehicle shakes and there is noise coming from the rear. The tires are wearing unevenly. The dealer has replaced tires twice, alignments have been done. Did not remedy the problem. Nlm.
Vibration at highway speeds 60-70 mph mostly transmitted through steering wheel.