NHTSA — Steering Problems

2007 Saturn Aura (Page 2 of 4)

CarComplaints.com Seal Of This Might Hurt

CarComplaints.com Notes: The Saturn Aura was a mid-size car meant to replace the somewhat problematic L-Series. Unfortunately, the Aura brought its own problems: namely cheap brake parts that needed early replacement and a gear shifter that could say it’s in park while the transmission was still engaged.

Brake problems, including uneven wear and warped rotors that cause the car to wobble, are common complaints from 2007 owners. Did GM use metal for its rotors that can’t stand the heat? That’s what some say, and it’s hard to argue when reports show that rotors could start to warp as early as 500 miles off the dealer lot.

Meanwhile, a busted gear shifter cable lead to some unwanted rollaways. That’s because the shifter could say “Park” while the transmission was still in drive, reverse or neutral. A defect investigation into the issue was opened in 2011, eventually leading to a recall of 56,000 vehicles in 2014.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
83,173 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Saturn Aura steering problems

steering problem

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2007 Saturn Aura Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #42

Sep 032015

Aura

  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that there was an unusual noise emitted while driving approximately 45 mph. In addition, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the power steering pump on three separate occasions. In addition, the rack and pinion was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

- Suitland, MD, USA

problem #41

Nov 032012

Aura

  • 154,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the steering column was loose as though it would detach for the vehicle. In addition, the steering column was upside down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the vehicle had steering issues and a wire needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 14E044000 (steering). The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #40

Jun 222015

Aura

  • 133,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While driving approximately 30 mph and attempting to make a right or left turn, there was a popping noise present near the bearing. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14E044000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

- Erlanger, KY, USA

problem #39

Jan 092015

Aura

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, a whining noise emitted from the steering column. In addition, the steering wheel became slightly difficult to turn. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic, who discovered that there were metal shavings in the power steering fluid. The power steering fluid was flushed. The VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 14E044000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Houston, MO, USA

problem #38

Mar 212015

Aura 4-cyl

  • 144,000 miles
Beginning around March 4 2015, car began to have issues with loss of power steering. Initially, it would sometimes have no power steering at start up. I would turn it off and then back on and eventually, this would result in power steering being restored. While driving, the steering wheel would pull independently. At stop lights, if I took my hands off the wheel, the steering wheel would twitch and shake and turn by itself. On sat. March 21, 2015 I lost power steering while driving. Took car to repair shop "performance automotive, (general's highway, crownsville, md; [xxx] proprietor). Mechanic said that the sensors inside the steering column were not operating properly. He said either the steering column or just the sensors need to be replaced. GM said this was not covered by any recall notice, although many other cars in the same class with the same problems were. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Crownsville, , MD, USA

problem #37

Feb 262015

Aura

  • 107,000 miles
I have been driving my vehicle suddenly as I was turning my steering wheel to make a left turn it locks making it very difficult to turn it is completely stiff..I tried to drive slower to avoid an accident and it locked even more I cannot go in reverse because it will not turn right or left...it makes it very unsafe to drive my children.

- Salida, CA, USA

problem #36

Oct 132014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 108,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The master cylinder failure due to rod shifting and locked up front right brake. Burnt up the caliper, brake pads and over heated brake rotor. May have also caused brake fluid to overheat. Dealer charged for brake pads, caliper, machining of rotors, installation, etc. They misdiagnosed the ABS hydraulic pump (which I also had to purchase) before ultimately replacing faulty master cylinder.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #35

Oct 132014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 68,500 miles
After owning the Saturn for seven years the steering intermediate shaft was replaced when there was less than 10,000 miles on the vehicle. Upon the first replacement, the issue was not resolved and the dealership stated that the problem could not be duplicated when we reported the problem. After a long dispute with the dealership, we decided to continue driving the vehicle even with the malfunctioning part. Roughly five years later the issue was addressed again because the shaft that was replaced malfunctioned to the point that the vehicle was inoperable. Now, the dealership is stating that more than the intermediate shaft needs to be replaced. In fact, the dealership told us that the entire steering column needs to be replaced, resulting in more money we have to spend to have the vehicle fixed and running properly. This final dispute with the dealership lead to being without a vehicle to drive for several days. The dealership did not give us updates on the status of the vehicle and we had to call to find out what was going on. Also, we contacted General Motors to report the issue to know avail. Finally, we were told the vehicle was going to be finished on a certain date and when we were expecting to pick up that Saturn, it was not ready leaving us without a vehicle for even longer.

- Coopersburg, PA, USA

problem #34

Sep 212014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 143,500 miles
Since purchased issue with steering, had alignment before purchase but steering is just simply off. The cruise works when want and scare me when pick up speed goes too fast. We were in a group following one another and person behind me said my brake lights were not working. They were working backwards, when not applying brake, brake light was on, when applied brake lights on. There was mechanic in group he checked, said could be wiring and take to dealer. When put on signal have to hold and when it does work have to cut off. I would really enjoy this car, but do have some issues. Looked up recalls had nine, called dealership only 2 came up, but one had to do with brakes. New or used look up recalls before you make a purchase.

- Graham, NC, USA

problem #33

Feb 102014

Aura

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While making a turn at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver and made a clicking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, but the technician stated that the vehicle needed to be inspected or test driven. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer could determine when the parts would become available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA

problem #32

Jun 102014

Aura

  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The gear shift would not go into to park, neutral, or reverse, the gear shift to the transmission broke. The steering column fluid is leaking, the front head light went out. The head gasket is wearing out, the car is rusting already on the body. The air conditioning fan is not blowing out cool air or heat. "the transmission feels like it slipping sometimes. I feel so betrayed to have been sold a car that needs so much work when all I wanted was a dependable car to get me to my part time job. Please advise? thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Fort Wayne,, IN, USA

problem #31

Apr 252014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
I've had my 2007 Aura since March 2013, never had issues until a year later in April 2014. I noticed when I got out of my car that my back break lights were still on, when I got in to start it up, I put the car into drive out of park and it jumped-no lurched forward so hard it felt as if I had been hit from the back. I had to slam my foot on the break to keep from running into the car parked in front of me! than comes July 2014 I receive a notice that my Aura is part of a recall #13036 which relates to the (BCM)-body control module, the (bas)-break apply sensor and the (ecs)-electronic stability control. All in which affects the issues I'm having at this very moment. Now as of a week ago (Aug 2014) my check engine light is on and my auto start is no longer working! I've called Saturn about me not feeling safe in my vehicle and what is the status on the parts coming in and all I'm told is that there is no set time when that will be. On top of that I'm told I may have to pay out of pocket for a diagnostic test and or repairs to my car to find out what is going on! I am a very dissatisfied customer. I just want my car fixed asap!!!! these are serious and can be dangerous issues!! this is my only vehicle and I must take myself and my child back and forth each and everyday.

- Bedford Heights, OH, USA

problem #30

Aug 052014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
Car began to knock loudly on driver side front and pull to left when driving at speed, front struts broken & replaced a approx cost $700 5 days following that, car would not shift out of 1st gear or roll faster than 15 mph at 5 to 6000 RPM. Vehicle was towed twice and now waiting transmission rebuild due to well documented failure of GM wave plate in the 6 speed transmission, cost approx = $3500.

- Valley View, OH, USA

problem #29

Jul 282014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
Clunk, knock or rattle noise from front of vehicle while driving or turning over bumps at low speeds.

- Fort Washington, MD, USA

problem #28

Sep 242013

Aura

  • 57,125 miles
Power steering failed mid-turn. Power steering line contacted hot exhaust, which burned a hole in the hydraulic hose. Failure was immediate. Car was not controllable. Luckily, no one was in the path of the vehicle.

- Tonawanda, NY, USA

problem #27

Jun 032014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 74,000 miles
While driving I got an engine light, then a service ESC then a service traction. I contacted onstar for a diagnostic (after I returned home). I then had it towed to a garage where the mechanic informed me that after replacing a sensor the problem still existed and was due to a stretched timing chain. He then said he thought there might have been a recall concerning this issue. I have had issues prior to this and got no satisfaction from the dealer service center in santa rosa ca. I even filed a complaint with Saturn.

- Point Arena, CA, USA

problem #26

Apr 022013

Aura 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
Had brakes change the first time under warranty for faulty brake pads. Same thing with the brakes in about a little over a year. Power steering whines and leaks somewhere. No power steering. And now wheel bearing hubs humming and bad. Went to dealer for brakes they replace both times but not without a fight. Told them I believe both wheel bearing are bad only replace one. And know other one is worse then before. And also told them power steering was not good they told me it was the braking not the steering. Also I had told the tires lost air the replaced one of the tire sensors because of manufacture defect. Now have problem with the other ones. And now all is not covered under warranty. Everything I told the dealership and they denied is what needs to be replaced.

- South Boardman, MI, USA

problem #25

Sep 222011

Aura 6-cyl

  • 48,987 miles
Steering wheel locks up during turns. Vibration in the steering wheel felt during turn.

- Kingwood, TX, USA

problem #24

May 122014

Aura

  • 45,000 miles
"service airbags" light came on 5/12/14. Owner's manual lists this as potential hazard as airbags may fail to deploy or deploy without warning. Took vehicle two blocks from my home to service station station on 5/13/14, but station said they do not work on airbags. Took vehicle home and parked it. Sent E-mail to Saturn's customer service center on 5/14/14, and eventually spoke to a supervisor on 5/17/14. He said that in order for GM to do anything, I would have to take the vehicle to a dealership in fairfax, va. I explained that I do not believe that I should spend any more money on the vehicle as I feel that it is defective. The supervisor said that he would arrange for towing and GM would pay for it. He also stated that I would be reimbursed for repairs or compensated for the loss of the use of the vehicle and that he would work with me "every step of the way." On 5/20/14, I called for the supervisor and someone else returned my call. When I requested that GM provide me with a written document as to how they intended to resolve the issue, I was told that this would have to be discussed with the supervisor and then they would get back to me. They did not call me back all day Monday. I called and left a message on 5/21/14 and they have not responded to me in any way. The vehicle has been parked in my lot since 5/13/14 and I don't know what to do. I am afraid to drive the vehicle because of my own history with it and the recent spate of recalls for similar issues that have involved injury and death. (my vehicle is not currently under recall but does have similar issues to vehicles that are under recall). I don't know what to do. After promising to assist me, GM now will not return my calls.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

problem #23

Mar 162010

Aura

  • 45,000 miles
While turning the wheels, there is humming sound from the power steering.

- Germantown, TN, USA

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