NHTSA — Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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.

1997 Saturn SL brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Saturn SL Owner Comments

problem #12

Oct 202001

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Was driving approximately 50mph and was merging into traffic when transmission locked in gear and failed to change. Consumer stated prior to purchasing vehicle she complained of a clunk noise when changed gears into reverse, also the driver side brake light is inoperable, also the right side mirror needed to be replaced, engine mounts were replaced, brakes were replaced, serpentine belt was cracked, engine overheats.

- West Islip, NY, USA

problem #11

Jun 272001

(reported on)

SL

  • miles
I purchased my car brand new in 1996. Since then, it has had numerous electrical problems all of which I am told if they can't find it they can't fix it. I stopped taking my car to them becasue that was what they told me - I have logged complaints to the Saturn customer service center online and they told me I can not have copies of those records - recently, I was left stranded again and when I took my car to the shop they told me I needed a new $3800 engine, my husband went and got the car - it works fine!!!!!!!!! no new engine needed. When I sopke to the service manger and owner they said oops bda diagnosis - what id I had paid that money to have my engine repaired? they still say there isn't an electrical short in my car and if I want I can bring it up whenever the electrical guy is there next. I know several other people who have electrical problems with their Saturn and they have been told the same thing. I beleive they are hiding the fact that there is a defect in this car and by "not finding it" they don't have to fix it. This is a hazardous situation when your car dies for no reason while you are driving down the frreeway - or your brakes come on for no reason while you are moving, windshield wipers work when they want....... - I am scared to drive my car.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #10

May 242001

(reported on)

SL

  • miles
I had to have constant servicing done w/car in shop over a 1 yr period for up to 1 wk @ a time w/ failure in systems listed brakes & tires not covered w/warranty though only 4 months after purchase anothe dealer serviced car orig. Dealer would not. (tiresize: 175-75-14)( dot number: Tire size: 175-75-14 )

- Hastings-On-Hudson, NY, USA

problem #9

Jun 012000

SL

  • miles

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

Warped rotor after 6 months of ownership was replaced by dealer, all brakes replaced in June 2000

- Ludlow, MA, USA

problem #8

Apr 042000

SL

  • miles
During a left turn driving at 15 to 20 miles per hour, attempting to slow the vehicle down, the brake pedal traveled its entire range without slowing or stopping the car. The brakes where then pumped several times without success, the car was eventually stopped by use of the parking brake.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #7

Sep 151999

SL

  • miles
Erratic problem with brake grinding / squeaking when brakes are applied. Vehicle taken to dealer shop three times, and informed consumer that nothing was wrong, and that was normal. Consumer knew this was not normal. Asking NHTSA to lookinto this matter and provide additional information.

- South Heaven, 00, USA

problem #6

Mar 191999

(reported on)

SL

  • miles

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

Brakes continually experience noise and require excessive force to engage.

- Alta Loma, CA, USA

problem #5

Aug 291997

SL

  • miles
Brakes continually make noise.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #4

Jun 011997

SL

  • miles
Brakes failed several times resulting in damages to vehicle.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #3

Sep 161998

SL

  • miles
While driving along on a damp drawbridge, proceeded to put on brakes then the car plowed into the vehicle in front between 50 to 60 feet stopping distance. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #2

Dec 221997

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brake failure, causing accident.

- Kailua, HI, USA

problem #1

Jun 151997

SL

  • miles
Exiting street from dead end where consumer lived 11 years, attempted to slowly stop, brakes rejected, then slammed on brake pedal vehicle did not respond. Made a sharp right turn, a car crashed into her vehicle, continued to move then suddenly the brakes grabbed.

- Hope, RI, USA

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