Front Suspension Wheel Bearing problems of the 2003 Saturn VUE

I have had to replace wheel bearings, the brakes 2x in 2 years, gone through 2 sets of tires and now I have to replace the electric steering column.

Wheel bearing replaced 3 times now on the same wheel. I have had to replace the wheel barring twice so far for a 2003 Vue, none of this would be covered under warranty because according to Saturn, it all started when I had to much mileage. I'm about to replace it again for the 3rd time and I thought I saw that there was a recall but apparently not. There is no crash to report because it makes this terrible noise that lets me know what is happening and I can replace it before it gets bad.

On 5th set of tires, uneven wear, mainly right rear. Getting only 12,000 miles for 1st 2 sets, bought better tires elsewhere. Told of noise and vibration. Was told was caused by worn tires. When tires wore again, went to dealer to replace the worst, right rear, and told of uneven wear, noise and vibration. Was blamed with poor maintenance, dealer did not test drive. Offered alignment, could not get right rear to align. They said replace knuckle joint, but couldn't tell me it would fix it. Told them I couldn't afford at that time, didn't tell me it was covered by warranty. Didn't like how I was treated, went elsewhere for other 3 tires. They also said the noise/vibrations from worn tires. They aligned no problems. Replaced wheel bearing month later. Every 10 -12 months replaced tires and align, all told me the noise/vibration from worn tires (the noise/vibration would go away with new tires). Last round, had tires, alignment, new front brakes, and rear brakes cleaned. Found broken rear axle. Replaced axle, noise/vibration back, with new tires. They pulled up service bulletin from 2004, defective rear differential seal leaking causing the clutch drum to go. Took to dealer, they confirmed rear differential clutch drum needed replaced. They would not pay , as no warranty, even though they missed the diagnosis in 2006, under warranty. I asked them to look at the old axle (I have ). They said it looked like it fell apart, not broken. Been trying to reach corporate investigator over 3 weeks with no luck. Should be investigated as I have read numerous reports of others with these same issues. Notes: mileage was documented 3000 miles over actual on 2 occasions (dealer), was given a competitor warranty company's phone number when I asked for dealers warranty company phone number, and corporate documented my phone number wrong (even area code) and then tried to blame me. Current mileage is 83,962, dealer has me documented at 85623 on 06/23/08.

Squeak noise intermittent when first obtained vehicle. Adjustments made periodically under warranty ( to dashboard etc. ) noise seemed to go away but always came back. Noise became louder, and more like a creaking noise, when at low speeds or over bumps when brake is not being pressed. Took Vue in while under 49,700 miles, visual inspection found front stabilizer links to be noisy. I declined them repairing it as they would not replace fro free or discount, even with such low mileage, and noise has been present. I stopped taking it to the dealer after warranty was up as they have a reputation in town to not work with the customer. Lateral links were already replaced under warranty, I feel the stabilizer links should be replaced free also, with such low mileage. I will take it to a mechanic and have it down, for my own safety, but I feel I deserve reimbursement for that as well as the front and rear brakes I just had put on and front wheel bearing! I also had to replace all 4 tires on car due to wear, and car had less than 4500 miles on it.

I have a 2003 Saturn Vue @51,000 miles both front and back wheel bearings need replacing. I have replaced the front at my expense ($550. 77) the back one also needs to be replaced. This can be dangerous not only to myself, any passengers in my vehicle or other motorists.

I have a 2003 Saturn Vue. Since I purchased this vehicle, I have now had 5 wheel bearings replaced, one per wheel and 2 on passenger front side. The first 4 were covered under warranty but the last one cost $410 to have replaced. I complained about the cost and since I had each wheel bearing replaced at the dealership, they only charged me 25% of the cost. Five wheel bearings in 3 years in not a very good record. I would like to have this issue researched because, to me, it seems that it is either a lemon or a recall item.

Saturn has a defect in their rear wheel bearing on their 2003 Vue. I have had three replaced on my vehicle and have another out.

2003 Saturn Vue failed to start. The vehicle made squeaking noises when the consumer made a right turn, in addition to various other rumblings. The consumer experienced problems with the rotors, bearings and transmission. A special wheel bearing had to be ordered as well as a special side cover and hardware for the transmission. The coolant switch was defective. The rear wipers would stick. The gas gauge would only read 3/4 full. The air condition stopped working and the hot and cold knob did not go all the to cool. The starter was replaced which was the reason the vehicle wasn't starting. The transfer case seal was replaced.

This was the second time the front and back wheel bearings have been replaced, the Saturn dealer refused to replace them , insisting that the tires were not properly rotated. Went back to Saturn again and said the tires needed to be replaced. Have replaced all four of the tires. Saturn replaced the front two tires themselves. Currently, the bearings e failed again on the front and back. The first time the consumer took vehicle to Saturn for bearing replacement was on August 6, 2003.