Four problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 2009 Saturn Outlook. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Saturn Outlook based on all problems reported for the 2009 Outlook.
Loss of power steering at slow speeds. Gm repair shop says it's a common problem. Power steering pump replaced under warranty but rack and pinion steering not cover even though the two items contribute to each others failure.
Vehicle turning at low mph was difficult. Took to dealership and they are stating the seals in the rack and pinion seals were leaking and rack and pinion needed to be replaced - $1,400.
Purchased car used in 2012. Problems started about a month later. First windows stopped rolling down and side mirrors unable to be moved. Was finally able to get that fixed in April of 2013, except the mirrors, they failed to fix those. Brake pedal was making a squeaking sound when pressed. Was also fixed in April 2013. A squeaking or grinding sound started when turning along with a loud metallic squeaking sound when going over speed bumps, pulling into driveway, stuff like that. In April 2013, the rack and pinion was replaced. All this was under my extended warranty. About 4 or 5 months after that repair, the same things were happening. A grinding sound when I turn, brake squeaking again, the same sound going over speed bumps and losing power steering fluid. Took car back to dealership, unable to have it seen for a month. When I was able to get it in, it was well over the parts warranty and the extended warranty was out. Now the same things need to be replaced, plus the engine mount is broken and needs to be fixed. When I complained to the dealership about it and letting them know that I tried to get my vehicle in while the warranty was still valid, they offered to pay $750, leaving me to cover the other $956. I haven't even had them try to figure out why my car doesn't start right away only after I put gas in the tank, regardless of how much gas is already in the tank. I am guessing that is some sort of fuel pump problem, but I'm not a mechanic. I have also had to replace my left rear blinked light twice in under 6 months. I take care of my vehicle, I don't drive it off-road or over pot holes and I don't hit curbs. I don't believe there is any reason for these items to be failing like they are, except that there is a huge problem with the vehicle that gm doesn't want to address.
Owner noticed a whining noise when turning at low speeds. Dealer diagnosed a failed steering rack (pinion), leaking power steering pump, and leaking water pump. Vehicle was purchased new in 2009 and currently has 39,000 miles (no longer under bumper to bumper warranty).