Brake Disc Problems of Saturn SL2

1,2,3. Brakes have been a constant problem on this vehicle. First known problem was about 08/99 when dealer found pitted & blistered rear brake rotors. Replaced them "as a favor" since car was still under warranty (less than 36,000 miles). I had complained about lower gas mileage and feeling like car was "dragging" and had been told earlier that there were no problems - use a lower gear. In June, 2000, I noticed that my right rear brake disk was glowing red after a 36 mile freeway drive. Later, when I was able to get under the car, I found that the parking brake actuator on the driver's side rear caliper was frozen in the "on" position. Wd40 and muscle freed it, but it had to be left off at all times. The dealer found the disks to be warped, caliper ruined and front disks also warped. Pads were not terribly worn on the front. I have routinely gone 50,000 on pads in previous calls; the rear pads on this car had less than 15,000!! again, dealer implied it was my fault and not a defect by Saturn. #4. Speed control - device began erratic function - sped up and slowed down without warning; at times wouldn't turn on. Dealer fixed under warranty, but no notice of this problem. #5. Ignition switch - started having difficulty in turning on or fully off (locked position). First told by dealer it must be jammed with key shavings-if key shows brass color, must be replaced. Dealer found that there was a groove in the switch housing-due to use of a "heavy key chain by previous owner". I paid 50% - looks like cheap, soft metal housing-design flaw. #6. Horn failed without warning at around 26,000 miles - 3 1/2 year old car. Replaced under warranty. I wonder what will fail next - all of these could have led to an accident.

See all problems of the 1996 Saturn SL2 🔎.

I wish the state had more stringent lemon laws. I will have had to bring my car in for repairs 5 times now, and I feel that is ridiculous for a car ive only had for 6 months. There are problems that exist now and have reoccurred or probably will. Saturn should definitely produce but better cars if they want people to buy them. . . I certainly won't buy another one or any gm product. I have not contacted Saturn directly because I know that they won't do anything about it as I had dealings with another Saturn. Furthermore, bringing the car to the dealer seems to be a hassle. I have to go out of my way to get my "lemon car" fixed repeatedly for minor problems which are really annoyances. No defect mentioned in summary.

See all problems of the 1999 Saturn SL2 🔎.

Due to design rear disc brakes malfunctioned, causing corrosion. This, in return, resulted in extended stopping distance which could cause a crash. The calipers on the rear disc brakes corrode reducing the effectiveness of the rear brakes.

See all problems of the 1997 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.

Not long after we purchased the vehicle, the brakes made noise and caused the steering wheel to vibrate upon braking. Brought in the vehicle for service and they said the rotors were warped, they cut them down. Since then the brakes have made noises and the rear wheels lockup upon initial driving daily. Each time the vehicle was brought in for regular oil changes, we complained about the noises, at 10. 209 miles &16,284 miles, but they always said nothing was wrong. Now the brakes are still making noises when you first start the vehicle. Also, now the steering wheel vibrates upon braking, more at higher speeds, causing harder braking at times when quick braking is needed. Upon slow rolling stops, like coming to a light, the car surges, like the brakes are grabbing at certain points then releasing. Sometimes braking in normal city roadways, the brakes don't respond when quick braking is needed to avoid dangerous situations. It's like the brake pedal is tough to press.

See all problems of the 1998 Saturn SL2 🔎.