Steering Column problems of the 2005 Saturn VUE

My 2005 Saturn Vue has had problems for years with the steering wheel locking after parking and turning it off, such that it takes quite a bit of "jiggling" of the wheel in order to enable the key to turn in the ignition column. Additionally, the key is able to be removed while on. I had not thought to see if it was recalled, but was told that my father's 2003 Saturn Vue did have the steering/ignition column recalled and replaced for exactly the same issues as I am experiencing.

I was driving on the freeway when my Saturn Vue's key fell out of the ignition. There is nothing on my key ring but they key and the keyless remote. I was able to re-insert the key and regain steering control. When this happened, it moved from the "run" position to the "acc" position and locked my steering column. The engine also shut off. I see that the 2002-2004 Saturn Vue has already been recalled for this dangerous defect that has already caused numerous confirmed fatalities and need to point out that according to general motors, the 2005-2007 Saturn Vue's have the exact same part number ignition cylinder and switch. I am able to remove my key while driving at any time without pressure, and have been able to replicate the vehicle going into "acc" mode whilst moving. This is unacceptable that you will recall earlier model years, but not every vehicle with the same defective part.

I was leaving work, I entered my car, put the key into the ignition and attempted to turn the key. The key would not turn. The ignition was locked and there was no unlocking it. I called several tow companies as this had happened a year earlier and a tow company came out, sprayed the ignition with wd-40 and it turned right away. I tried the wd-40 before calling the tow company and it did nothing. When the tow truck arrived, he had made a statement that he had seen this a lot with these SUV's. He got the key into the auxiliary position and hit it the key with the hard end of a butt of a knife. This made the ignition slip to the "on" position. I could then turn the key and start the truck. I do not have the money to have this ignition replaced. I feel that this ignition should be replaced as just because it has not had an accident yet, there is obviously a defect with this ignition. The steering column was locked until the key could be turned to the "on" position. I have to leave the key in the ignition at this time so, that I can start the truck and get to work. I am told it will be close to $300 to repair this defect!.

Last Jan. 2004 my wife and I purchased a 2004 Saturn Vue awd v6. From day one it was in the shop for repairs, drive train, front end etc. ( we have a copy of all records) the last repair was a steering column replacement around June 04. In July 04 Saturn took this vehicle back and replaced it with a 04 Vue. This past October 05 it developed a rattle in the front end and Saturn replaced the steering column. After repair the rattle is still there and I had a local repair shop check the vehicle and once it was on the lift they were able to move the steering column with their hand. Saturn has said this vehicle and the last one are safe to drive but my concern is two Vue's and both having the steering column replaced and told there is no problem. I can't be the only person with this repair or problem and I feel Saturn is giving me the run around.

Last Jan. 2004 we purchased a 04 Saturn Vue, the vehicle ended up being in the shop for repairs such as suspension, drive train, wheel bearings etc. The last repair was the steering column and Saturn agreed to replace the m/v. In July 04 were received our new 04 Vue. On Saturday we brought it to the dealership for service and to check a rattle in the front end. We are new scheduled to have the steering column replace in this m/v. Saturn stated that the m/v is safe to drive but my concern is two (2) 04 Vue's with steering column replacements and Saturn not telling me if this is a major problem with these m/v's. What are the odds that this could only happen to us not once but twice.