NHTSA — Steering Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
94,749 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.

2002 Saturn Vue steering problems

steering problem

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2002 Saturn Vue Owner Comments

problem #9

Jun 092014

Vue

  • 120,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the ignition key released from the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified if the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Rome, GA, USA

problem #8

May 042014

Vue

  • 126,000 miles
The ignition switch has to be inserted in the door in one position to unlock, then turned over to turn on the ignition, then it is very hard to turn the ignition to the run position, the acc. Position will not work. Sometimes it will not activate the power steering, has to be turned off and restarted to get it to work, if GM has known of this problem since 2001, why did they not recall my specific car which is 2002 Saturn Vue. I was told by GM that this VIN. Was not recalled. The suggested that I take it to GM dealer for diagnostic check, which I have to pay for, but I know the ignition is defective. If this is how they intend to fix the problem, why issue a recall. I can have it repaired but it is going to cost me in excess of $200 I have had 4 different keys cut for it, with none of them will work. You cannot turn the steering wheel when this problem pops up. Maybe this will keep someone else from getting involved in accident. I have given up on GM fixing the problem. I will take it to my local repair shop.

- Hixson, TN, USA

problem #7

May 192014

Vue

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph smoke was emitted from the steering wheel without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Diamond Bar, CA, USA

problem #6

May 192014

Vue 4-cyl

  • 167,500 miles

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

After the morning drive of 4 miles, smoke start coming from the steering wheel in the area of the turn signal indicator.

- Diamond Bar, CA, USA

problem #5

May 092014

Vue 6-cyl

  • 124,862 miles
Key in vehicle locks up at times when trying to turn it on. Key also comes out of ignition while car is still running. Now when start the car smoke is coming out of ignition and steering wheel area.

- Connersville, IN, USA

problem #4

Apr 062014

Vue

  • 104,365 miles
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.

- Beliot, WI, USA

problem #3

Feb 142011

Vue 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles

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

2002 Saturn Vue repeatedly looses power steering. It appears to happen soon after starting and turning. Sometimes it may be reset by turning off and on the Vue and/or letting it idle for a few minutes. This issue was repeatedly reported to the dealership since 2006 without resolution. Loosing power steering periodically has caused serious safety issues and may lead to an accident or death. Please respond to me with any suggestions or advise. My email address is [xxx]. electric power steering has been recalled on many GM cars. GM is currently has a law suit against the maker of these electric power steering units. This is a serious problem and I would like to know the resolution. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Sandy, UT, USA

problem #2

Sep 032003

(reported on)

Vue

  • 0 miles
Vehicle came equipped with an electronic steering mechanism. The steering mechanism failed which resulted in poor steering and loss control.

- Onsted, MI, USA

problem #1

Jul 052002

Vue 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles
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.

- New Milford, CT, USA

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