Brake Foundation Components problems of the 1999 Saturn SL2

Nine problems related to brake foundation components have been reported for the 1999 Saturn SL2. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Brake Foundation Components problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2004

I purchased a 1999 Saturn Sl2 w/ 23,000mi. At 60,000mi I began to feel a judder/vibration from the steering wheel. I took it to a Saturn dealer and was told the rotors we're warped and needed to be replaced. I went to a repair shop and had non-oem brake rotors installed and after approxiametely 65,000mi, began to have the same problem. After leaving the car with the repair shop, they could not find anything wrong, but my rotors keep warping. The repair shop cut the rotors "slightly" and now at 70,000mi I still have the same problem. There is definietly wrong with the design of the brake system. I have been told that rotors do warp but they should last for approx. 70,000mi, and I should not be feeling the judder/vibration in my steering wheel.

2 Brake Foundation Components problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2002

When applying brakes pedal felt spongy, and there was extended stoppping distance. Vehicle was examined by dealer, who stated brakes were in working order. Consumer stated the brakes would grind and squeak.

3 Brake Foundation Components problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2001

According to diagrammed police report and personal photos taken (I can provide copies of all, Saturn skidded approximately 80 ft due to left, front brake locking at 35 mph. Vehicle started to turn to right just before impacting a suburban rearend. Saturn does not have abs; however, at 35 mph most vehicles will stop before 80 feet. Would like to know of other incidents.

4 Brake Foundation Components problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2001

While driving 45 mph applied brakes and pedal felt soft and spongy, no braking action. This happened 2 more times. No accident. Vehicle was taken to dealer, who did nothing more than look at the brake pads and said there was nothing wrong.

5 Brake Foundation Components problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2000

I applied brakes to slow down and trun left, but the brakes failed, I could not turn the wheel and the car crashed into a house.

6 Brake Foundation Components problem

Failure Date: 07/01/1999

While driving at 60-65 mph steering wheel will start to shake. Contacted dealer, and the dealer could not find problem after nine attempts. Consumer states rough idle when warm. Dealer replaced pcm/ecm, but problem still exist. Power steering fluid low. Experiencing shimmy when braking. Noise from gas tank when coming to a stop.

7 Brake Foundation Components problem

Failure Date: 04/01/1999

Vehicle experienced brake failure.

8 Brake Foundation Components problem

Vehicle experienced problems with the brakes. A technician found that the rear brakes were out of adjustment, causing noise, consumer states this could possibly be due to faulty installation of the tire assembly.

9 Brake Foundation Components problem

The brakes vibrate when applying, dealership considers this a trait of the vehicle.


Other Service Brakes related problems of the 1999 Saturn SL2


SL2 Service Bulletins
SL2 Safety Recalls