Power Steering Pump problems of the 2008 Saturn Outlook

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the steering wheel pump went out making it difficult to turn the vehicle right or left. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel column is causing the steering wheel pump to fracture. The issue recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000. Ad.

My 2008 Saturn Outlook started to lose steering at low rates or speed between 5mph to 15 mph. It becomes almost impossible to steer the vehicle when driving at low speeds. The steering will lock up and I took it to the dealer and told me it was the steering gear and steering pump; both need replaced. I know this is a known safety issue and need to have it replaced as I have a 5 month child and am unable to afford the $2000 cost that gm quoted me. I have researched this and it seems like this is a common issue. I am afraid to drive this vehicle due to the steering issue.

While in a stopped position, I tried to accelerate and my transmission would not go into gear. I was stuck not being able to pull over to get out of traffic, because my car wouldn't go into gear. I put it into park, then back into drive several times, and I finally got it to creep enough in low gear to get it to the side of the road. This could have been a disaster if I were trying to pull out into traffic. The car was in the shop prior due to the transmission slipping. This was not covered and cost me $3000. I am still not sure this corrected the problem and I don't feel safe in this car. This car has been in the shop several times for a front leak at the driver's door from the sunroof, which still leaks with heavy rain. Also, the constant squealing when turning the wheel which no mechanic will acknowledge. Nothing has ever been done to correct this. I assume it is the power steering pump. The car doesn't have good acceleration power compared to any other SUV model. It drags with no pick up.

I had trouble turning the steering wheel and the steering made sounds when turning. The dealer found that the steering gear was leaking and it was replaced to the tune of $1,300. I received a letter from gm in September 2014 that ". . . Some 2008 model year Saturn Outlook vehicles may develop a power steering pump wear condition that can cause an intermittent drop of power steering hydraulic pressure that will cause reduced or loss of steering assist. " this seems to be the issue I had but when I took it back to the same dealer to be reimbursed for the work, I was told that the issue I had was a leaking steering gear and the issue in the letter was a power steering pump. I am surprised that one doesn't affect the other given the resulting issue is the same.

I am writing this letter to express my disappointment with the Saturn Outlook. I purchased a 2008 Saturn Outlook xe from a local dealership in houston, TX. This car has been a nightmare. My list of problems/repairs: - it overheated twice. The first time it happened, I replaced the radiator cap. The second time it happened, I replaced the thermostat, which in turn caused the water pump to leak. - I replaced an engine solenoid valve. While inspecting my car, the mechanic also noticed I had a transaxle leak. - the throttle body shorted. - the brake master cylinder leaked. - I replaced the cv joints. Actually, the mechanic told me my front end needed repairing - cv joints, struts and steering bushing. I could only afford to repair the cv joints and am currently getting quotes for repairs on the struts. - I had an oil leak (from the oil pan). A car that is only 7 years old has had to have these kinds of repairs - and some within a couple of years of ownership. This is absolutely horrid! the NHTSA should google the reviews on this car. Owners complain of the same problems regardless of model/year (xe/xr, 2007-2010) - leaking roofs (luggage rack), brake master cylinder leaks, power steering issues, thermostat/water pump leaks, transmission issues, etc. Gm's response to this has been abysmal. This car is a lemon. Instead of recalling it, gm would rather sparsely send recalls for specific failures a day late and a dollar short - after folks have spent their hard earned money on repairs. The NHTSA should launch an investigation into this. Gm clearly covered up horrific supply chain, manufacturing and assembly issues and intentionally installed defective parts in these cars.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving at any speed the vehicle would lose power and downshift with an abnormal increase in rpms. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer updated the transmission module but the failure was not corrected. The vehicle continued to lose power with a significant loss of fuel mileage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000 and the failure mileage was 50,000. . . Updated 07/12/12 the consumer stated the sensor camshaft, cylinder head, battery, windshield wiper motor, air bag wiring harness, power steering rack and gear, front pads and rotors, gaskets for intake manifold, gasket for rear valve cover, right front strut, both strut mounts, engine mounts, left front stabilizer link, headlight harness, timing belt cover seal, exhaust stud, power steering pump, hose and clamp, all had to be replaced. Updated 10/02/12.