Steering Column Problems of Saturn VUE - part 1

Have had to replace the steering column twice due to anti lock brake and traction control issues. Both system lights are on the dash. Problem is intermittent but the only fix is a steering column which are hard to find. Has been going on for 2 years.

See all problems of the 2008 Saturn VUE 🔎.

Vehicle experienced burning smoke emissions and a burning odor from the steering wheel / steering column area where the wipers and signal light/highbeam headlight switches are connected. The smoke emissions and the burning odor appeared to be triggered by the turning signals or from activation of the headlights. For safety purposes, the vehicle was turned off and parked; however, the headlights continued to illuminate after the headlights were shut off. Eventually, the car battery died; but the headlights continued to illuminate; headlights were finally extinguished with disconnection of battery cable.

See all problems of the 2006 Saturn VUE 🔎.

Inner, otter rods and hub bearings were replaced in July by gm of englewood, NJ. After two days I heard a metal rubbing noise coming from the front passenger side of my vehicle. I took it back to gm they checked it and my car was diagnosed with a steering column and quoted a $3100. 00 for repair cost which I cannot afford. For a second opinion; I took it to my mechanic and he stated the same issue with my vehicle. As well as a print out for 2002-2004 Saturn Vue models recalls for this issue. I called Saturn headquarters, they checked my VIN for recalls and claim was denied because my vehicle did not qualify under this recall by the VIN number. Can you help?.

See all problems of the 2004 Saturn VUE 🔎.

The bolt in the steering column broke. Thus when you turned the wheel, the tires did not turn.

Steering wheel locked. Key would not turn in lock cylinder. Car would not start. Onstar communication was disabled. Lock cylinder had to be drilled out and replaced. Housing in steering column was damaged. Saturn Vues were recalled for ignition lock cylinder replacement, but 2008 models were left out of the recall. They should be on the recall list for ignition cylinder steering wheel lock problems along with the other Saturn Vue models. Steering wheel locked and prevented me from leaving a nearly empty parking lot at dusk. I had no way to call for help from the car. I depend on onstar for emergency assistance where cell signals are weak.

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.

See all problems of the 2005 Saturn VUE 🔎.

Had the ignition column replaced due to gm recall and today the steering column started smoking!!!!.

See all problems of the 2003 Saturn VUE 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. After the key was removed from the ignition, the headlights remained illuminated and smoke appeared near the steering column. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 104,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that intermittently the vehicle would not shift out of park and failed to start. While driving the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and was towed to a repair facility. The mechanic stated that the ignition switch and the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 08/14/2014.

See all problems of the 2009 Saturn VUE 🔎.

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.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, there was a complete lost of steering. The steering wheel was not able to turn. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who stated the steering column, electrical assist needed to be replaced to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Rg.

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!.

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.

See all problems of the 2002 Saturn VUE 🔎.

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while at a stop light, smoke emerged from the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

See all problems of the 2007 Saturn VUE 🔎.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the steering seized without warning. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic was performed, which located the failure at the steering rack, column and the module. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 120,000.

My 2008 view has had several issues with the steering. It started with the power steering going out for 10-30 seconds. Now there is a loud screaching sound that is occuring when the wheel is being turned. Gm has replaced the steering column and other multiple items, but the problem still occurs. The vehicle has been in the shop approximately 10 times over the last 7 months.

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.

My steering column is gone out took it in to get it looked at. Then the shop called Saturn and they where told that they were having several problems with the steering column. Now for about six months my seat belts don't work they keep snapping out of the holder the seat belt light flashes when you have your seat belt on. And also we are having problems with our passenger door getting stuck and not opening. We have two small children and a teenager. Help us please.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph and experienced difficulty in steering the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on two separate occasions to have the steering column shaft replaced. Additionally, the floor shifter failed to release into gear. An unintended acceleration occurred at any given speed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on different occasions to be repaired which consisted of replacing components such as; floor shift assembly, acceleration pedal engine mount, and the front suspension drive train motor mount. The intermediate shaft was also tightened. The manufacturer was notified of the malfunctions. The failure mileage was 1,000. The current mileage was 27,000. Updated 04/15/10. The steering column, steering shaft, gear assembly, engine mount were all replaced. Updated 09/30/10.

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.

2006 Vue rear tires were cupped, tires were replaced. Consumer experienced unusual steering conditions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to determine the cause of the problem. The vehicle was taken to and independent mechanic who determined that there was a problem with the steering. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated they were going to swapped the rack from another Vue and changed some sensors in the steering column. The dealer never made the repairs.

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.

I purchased my 2003 awd v6 Vue new from the same dealership that I take it to for repairs. Since I have owned it, I have reported several times that the vehicle "stalls" while accelerating. Usually around 40 mph. The rpm's rev up (to the red) and the car goes nowhere, like it has suddenly shifted into neutral. This happens while accelerating after a stop. Needless to say, I have had several incidents where I was almost rear-ended. I feel the dealership is trying to resolve the problem, but have been unable to get it to repeat. We are now looking at having one of the service tech drive it for a week or two to see if they can get it to occur. It happens to me at least 3-6 times a month, but intermittently. I do not have a vti transmission. I have two other problems with my Vue that have been unable to be fixed; the first is the steering/alignment. If I hold the steering wheel straight on, the car goes to the left. The dealership will fix the alignment, and within 2 days it off again. I have to steer to the right to keep the vehicle straight. It has never been involved in a wreck and I can see no reason for the alignment to go off so quickly. Secondly, the car makes a loud popping sound when idling if the a/c or heater is on. The dealership says this is normal. It just doesn't seem right. The vents also blow air when the system is off. My Vue has 46,001 miles. I stand behind the vehicle and my dealership. I just wish they could figure out what is causing it to rev out the way it does. It is quite alarming when it happens.

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.

In the past year, I have already had to repair the rear suspension twice, the front suspension, my back seat latch, and my rotors. My Vue is the worst vehicle I have ever purchased. When driving in any bad weather I have no traction and slip all over the road.

Car has numerous noises which dealer says they can't do anything about. The main noise irritant source is the steering column. Technician drove car with me and stated that Saturn has a electronic/mechanical components that make gear-winding noises and can't be repaired. Dealer refused to do anything about it.

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.

This is the second complaint I have had to file. This car keeps breaking down on me and it is not even one year old! on 1/12/04 I needed to drive to rocky mount, nc then on to roanoke rapids, nc school. After arriving in rocky mount, my car would not go into gear, but started fine. When I attempted to put the car in gear the care stalled and turned off. I then attempted to start my car again and place it into gear one more time. It started and went into gear and seemed to drive fine. I called Saturn of greenville and they told me that the battery is likely to be the problem and to not turn my car off for one hour, I then stated that I would continue to drive to roanoke rapids. After arriving at my final destination, my car again stalled and turned off when I placed it into gear. I had to get my car towed and get a rental car which were both huge inconveniences to me. Finally, on 1/16/04, I called Saturn to find out what was wrong with my car and they said that air was trapped in the transmission line and that during the repair process, damage was done to a drain bolt ("stripped"). I was then told I could pick my car up on 1/17/04. After getting my car back, it is still making a grinding noise in the steering column when I turn the steering wheel, it makes weird noises constantly, and the rpms are messed up. They rev up when I tap the pedal, but when I need to accelerate, they do nothing. Something is seriously wrong with the Saturn Vue and their transmissions need to be recalled!.

May 2003, bought 03 Saturn Vue. June 2003: pointed out rattle in steering column. Told the wrong part had been installed, replacement part ordered/installed. 7/03, reported same rattling. Technician said it was same problem, but wrote down it was a noise in the dashboard. 9/03, rattle back. 9/28, steering seemed loose, went off the road twice going around curves. 9/29 driving to work, heard a loud rattle, then "thunk", then the steering pulled & I hit a parked car. Told Saturn dealer about accident, asked to check steering. Dealer said there was problem with the steering and "a part" was being ordered. Later called, said we hadn't told him car had been in an accident (we had) and they wouldn't touch it until engineer looked at it. Dealer refused to honor extended warranty we purchased, providing rental while car was in shop, until engineering team looked at the car. I was also told the "rack" had to be replaced. Saturn called 10/10, 4pm. Said engineer would look at car sometime following week. Said they had "backlog" and couldn't get to it sooner. 10/13, call from engineer saying nothing wrong with the steering, Saturn not at fault for the accident, would not reimburse for rental or cover deductible. But they would fix the steering under the warranty - the same steering that was not a problem?! I was told that the power steering pump had been replaced at the first visit. Then I was told that the steering column had been replaced at the first visit. Oct. 17, picked up the Vue from the Saturn dealer. Supposedly, the steering column was replaced. Steering wheel is now 20 degrees off center. When steering, there is a feeling of no control & way too much play. Turning the wheel produces a loud groaning sound. I would appreciate knowing if others are having these same problems.

My complaints are several . All of which have been described in technicakl bulletins. I have had my vehicle back to the dealer no less than 10 times since I ourchased it. Now, I live with the issues because I can't afford to lose additional work , the worst problem is the vibration in the drivetrain at idle (when in drive and the vibration driving at 60-65. In addition, the front drivers door squeeks ( I belive its the insulation) my luggage bolts broke, the seat cushion on the drivers side would not stay attached on the front edge, there is a popping noise when the truck is idling, when you close the rear liftgate, the plastic interior seperates from the door, whe it is cold my steering column make noise.

I purchased a 2003 Vue on 12/02 there was a recall in 03/03 the problem was fixed, but lead to other problems. (1) the check engine light would not go out took it in 2 times. (2) the car was lurching when coming to a stop. (3) the car did not get enough gas when taking off. (4) there is a knocking sound when I turn a corner. (5) the car had to be towed in just 1 day after picking it up for other problems because it would not start.

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.

While driving steering wheel lost complete control, causing vehicle to keep in the same direction. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ts.

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.