Brake Disc Pads problems of the 2004 Saturn VUE

Two problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 2004 Saturn VUE. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Saturn VUE based on all problems reported for the 2004 VUE.

1 Brake Disc Pads problem

Failure Date: 06/27/2009

I purchased a set of brake pads from "carquest auto parts" in bethlehem, PA on 6/23/09. Upon the advice of one of the sales representatives, I decided to purchase the carquest brand brake pads listed on the invoice as, "red ceramic pad. " I installed the pads on my 2004 Saturn Vue. Upon completion, as always I took the car on a road test. I experienced some excessive buoyancy in the brake pedal, and continued the road test. I drove the car for a total of no more than five miles. (note that the rotors at this point were almost new, and had no unusual wear or damage. ) as I stopped the vehicle during the test, plumes of brake dust emanated from both front tires. I inspected the pads only to discover that 90% of the pad surface had disintegrated in less than 5 miles. When I returned to the store to notify of a serious safety hazard and a defective brake product, they mocked me for "purchasing such garbage in the first place instead of using dealer parts. " they showed no concern or surprise over what had happened, despite how close I came with death. I have retained the defective pads for your analysis and hopefully to implement a recall.

2 Brake Disc Pads problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2008

1. Brakes. I have had the front brakes and rotors replaced/cut down on this car on the average of about every 20k. I consider this abnormal wear and before you respond with driving conditions, and my other Saturn sl needed brakes on the average of 60k with the same driving conditions. When I questioned soe they told me that it was my driving habits, but as of the recent events, I have begun to question their diagnosis of any problems related to my car. 2. Transmission shifting/wobble/shimmy/vibration. I have complained since new that this transmission has shifted rough, and I was told working as designed. Nobody has been able to find anything wrong yet this problem still exists. 3. Tire wear related to recall. I had to request that my vehicle have the recall performed on it. Yet, after doing research and watching my tires wear. Sometimes in less that 15k something I would consider prematurely, even for performance tires, and reading several owner sites my wear is indicative of a service not being performed. 4. Wheel bearing wear. I have had to have my front wheel bearings replaced 2x in the last 30k. The first occurrence was at 72k when the first replacement was made, and the 2nd was at 99k it was during the 72k service I complained my rotors warping(since I had 2 sets replaced/cut previously) and I was told it was just worn tires and they would not even consider the brake issue, until I purchased new tires. I purchased new tires and the wobbly sound was louder than now that there was new tires on the vehicle. So then recommended replacing the rotors, when I asked about brake pads they told me it was unnecessary. Seemingly illogical, since you had to remove the brake pads anyway, and tired of arguing I did not push the issue, as I needed my car, and loaner availability seemed to dry up since I was out so far out of the factory warranty.


Other Service Brakes related problems of the 2004 Saturn VUE



Fuel Economy of VUE Vehicles
VUE Service Bulletins
VUE Safety Recalls
VUE Defect Investigations