Brake Disc Pads Problems of Saturn SL2

The consumer stated the brake pads wear prematurely. The part has been replaced five times within one year. The cause has not been determined. Please provide additional information.

See all problems of the 2001 Saturn SL2 🔎.

I replaced my brakes and rotors today. The mechanic wanted to show me the mess that they were. I looked at them and he pointed out how unusually destroyed the inside pads are. He said he rarely sees anything that bad. The horn works when it wants to. The key gets stuck in the ignition and some days I really have to work hard to get it out or get the steering wheel to release so I can turn the key. Also the exhaust system is just hanging on before the rust overruns it.

See all problems of the 1996 Saturn SL2 🔎.

Complete braking system failure, creating unstable control of vehicle due to radical vibrations through steering system. Dealer solution and manufacturer's "band-aid" solution - changing rotors and brake pads with inferior parts that continue to fail (4 times front, 2 times rear; most recent - front rotors cut). Manufacturer's explanation of failure on 2 occasions: car is not suitable for northeast, car is used for long trips too often (84 mile round-trip commute), and driver using brakes too much, causing the failure in manufacturer's equipment. Summary: fear of losing control of vehicle due to soft braking system/no brakes, inability to maintain control of vehicle due to radical pulsation in steering system while trying to brake, & financial burden once brakes are out of warranty.

See all problems of the 1997 Saturn SL2 🔎.

Brakes squeak when driving, was advised by mechanic that front pads and rear shoes are at 90% no problem, was advised that squeaking is normal due to moisture, humidity and morning dew.

See all problems of the 1999 Saturn SL2 🔎.

The brakes with abs (I have experience driving vehicles equipped with abs braking) tend to provide extended stopping distances, especially at low speeds, where near loss of control of the vehicle is experienced. During braking, the brakes will feel as if they are only partially applied, so more pressure is placed on the brake peddle, eventually depressing it fully, without any further braking response. The car feels as if it is gliding on ice and simply slides to a stop in about two to three times the typical stopping distance. The car does not feel like it is going to stop at all and feels, instead, as if it is going to continue rolling. This problem has been reported to the Saturn dealer where the car was purchased from, yet they can not find any problems (identical Saturn cars provided while this car was in the shop did not experience similar braking problems, they had higher mileage and stopped without incident). This issue has resulted in one vehicle accident due to failure of the brakes to stop the vehicle at speeds under 40 mph (3/8/99 @ 596 miles) and has resulted in at least twelve other near collisions. Although the dealer can not find a problem they have sanded the front pads (6,554 miles), replaced the front pads (11,385 miles  brakes were grinding, found front rotors and pads to be overheated and glazed, only 40% remaining on pads), and resurfaced the front rotors (6,554 and 11,385 miles). The vehicle needs to go in again to have its brakes inspected and rotors resurfaced at only 22,500 miles (braking quality is degrading and the vehicle and steering wheel shakes, pulsates, and vibrates during braking). Neither my wife or I feel safe driving this vehicle because we do not know if it will stop every time and how many car lengths it will take to finally come to a complete stop. The braking problem is somewhat more likely to occur when the cruse control is switched to the on position, even if it is not actually controlling the vehicles speed.

Brake pads and rotors failed due to rust and corrosion.