Steering Column problems of the 2002 Saturn VUE

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. The contact was driving 25-35 mph when smoke was emitted from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 104,365 and the current mileage was 104,400.

2002 Saturn Vue (42000 miles): noticed rumbling sound and vibration coming from area of rubber boot where steering column enters floor board. Applied lubricant and this temporarily corrected the problem but it soon returned. Dealer claims steering column is bad and need replacement - $1000+ for parts and labor.

Whenever the steering wheel is turned it makes a noise and seems to vibrate the vehicle. It has not yet failed, but is very worrisome.

Dirt supposedly got in my steering wheel case and has damaged a coil, now my horn barely works and my air bag is at risk. Saturn will not repair without a cost of $378. 00 and the car is 2yrs old only this month. I drive the car back and forth to work with the air on. . And dust in the case puts my life in danger without the possibiity of an airbag.

Rubbing sound in steering column. Dealer says Saturn knows of the problem and is looking for a fix. Have brought it in 3 times and nothing has worked.

I have also found a metal clanking sound coming from the front driverã‚s side of the vehicle when shifting the car out of park, or reverse. It still continues to have problems between the speeds of 12 to 30 mph, again the problem presents itself mostly when the vehicle is coasting and losing momentum. The vehicle would be slowing down without any aid of braking of any kind and as the vehicle would attempt to down shift, it would sometimes make a clanking noise, or buck, or in the most extreme cases completely stall out. Also the wiper sprayers have broken twice, and the dealer expects them to break again.