2002 Saturn LS Body and structure Problems

“The steering was not performing correctly which made the car unstable and scary to drive so I took it to a mechanic to find out the problem. I was advised the subframe had rusted all the way through and needed to be replaced. They told me all that held the subframe together was some rusty parts. This could have caused a bad crash if it had failed on the highway. I know I live in an area that they salt the roads but there is no reason a 9 year old car should have a subframe that has failed.”

“This car has been nothing but trouble. I have had to have the drive shaft replaced, the motor mounts replaced, the tail light assembly replaced, the steering assembly replaced and I too have a problem with the dash lights dimming. The technicians at the local Saturn dealership are nothing but rude. They dont fix the problems you bring the car in for and you end up having to take it back the next day or even sometimes that same evening for a repair that wasnt done properly. I thought this was going to be a good car but it has been constant trouble and is constantly in the repair shop.”

“2002 Saturn l-100 sedan. Front subframe assembly rusted to the point of total failure on the right hand side where lower control arm connects. Failure happened in parking lot so there was no personal injury or crash. Failure took out right inner cv joint and drive shaft. Wheel well liner and fender also damaged. Front subframe assembly had to be replaced with new part. New cv joint and drive shaft installed.”

“Initial indication was vibration in vehicle at 50-65 MPH, but no vibration in steering wheel. Suspected wheel weight fell off. Over several days, began to notice steering wheel had to be turned slightly to left to keep car straight. Now thought car out of alignment. Last day, steering wheel had to be at 10 o-clock position for car to stay straight. Inspection revealed frame on passenger side rusted out and splitting where lower control arm front attachment occurs. Mechanic confirmed problem. Mileage approximately 112,500. Plan to take car off road and donate to charity.”

“While backing up, the entire left front of the vehicle fell off, dragging on the ground. If this had occurred going forward at highway speeds, a fatal accident would almost certainly have occurred. Maintenance personnel at place of purchase discovered an indentation on a fiberglass cross member. They claimed that contact with an object while backing, either at time of incident or earlier, caused sufficient damage to front end to eventually result in total front end failure. …”