While parking my 1898 Saturn Sl in a hospital garage, the shift lever went limp without warning. There was no way to operate the transmission. When I removed the console, I discovered that the plastic bushing that connects the manual shift lever to the shift cable was missing. There was no longer any connection between the shift lever and the cable to the transmission. The entire shift cable assembly had to be replaced to fix the problem. Saturn told me that the bushing is made onto the cable rather than being available as a separate part. If this bushing had failed in a traffic situation it could have resulted in an accident. The bushing should be designed such that if it brakes; the shift lever will remain connected to the shift cable and just cause sloppy shifting thereby warning the driver that repair is required. I still have the old shift cable assembly.

- Meraux, LA, USA

While accelerating to 40 mph consumer shifted from second to third gear and floor shifter failed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Lady Lake, FL, USA

Shifter arm clutch linkage bushing broke while shifting gear.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

Manual transmission linkage broke. The plastic that locks the ball of the linkage to the socket of the shifter cracked, and became seperated while in operation.

- College Station, TX, USA