Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Saturn LS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Saturn LS. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal noise from both the front passenger and driver sides of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was corrosion around all of the wheel wells and the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 150,000.
While driving approximately 50 MPH on a curvy road, the power steering suddenly failed. This was very disconcerting due to the fact that the car was in a fast left hand curve at the time beginning transition to a right curve. The sudden loss of power steering input caused an uncommanded lane change to the right lane which nearly caused a collision with the vehicle that was in the right lane just after our rear bumper. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and inspected for a loose or broken power steering belt. Upon further inspection it was discovered that the snap ring which retains the power steering pump vane and valve body assembly had partially unseated. We were able to push the valve body back into the pump and press the snap ring back into the retainer boss (Land). …
Vehicle pulled when braking. Symptoms started on a Monday as a light pull. More noticeable above 50 MPH, and not noticeable below 35. By Thursday morning, pull was severe above 50mph. Stayed till after 6:00 at night to avoid traffic. Ride home was "entertaining" as steering wheel did not always go back to "center" when going straight. I thought I needed a steering rack until I inspected the vehicle on Saturday. My inspection showed that front subframe (a.k.a. Engine cradle) failed where the "passenger side lower control arm rear bushing was attached". A sizable piece of frame ripped out, with bushing still attached to lower control arm. Rusted perforations in subframe visible approximately 6" behind where frame failed. Two sets of rims (summer and winter) with no "dings" testifies that vehicle never even hit a curb in 170,000 miles. 4 cylinder, so no exhaust nearby to "weaken steel". …
Driving down the road the vehicle started making noise and steering was uncontrollable. I trailered the vehicle back home. Closer inspection revealed the front subframe/engine cradle was completely rusted through in multiple spots, very dangerous!!! I contacted the dealer to get a new subframe and I was advised the subframe is no longer available and to try finding one in a salvage yard. I contacted a salvage yard and they said they had a few and it would be no problem to pull one. I got the call today saying they were sorry but all of the front subframes on the Saturn l series they have are rusted through and are not usable. I contacted other yards with the same response. I ended up having to find a salvage yard down south that had a usable subframe. I went online to find numerous forum posts discussing this topic and I'm finding it is very common on this vehicle. …
I purchased a pre-certified vehicle for carmax 12/13/03. On 12/16/03 I had to return the care because I heard a loud rattling noise as if some was very loose in the steering column. The service department immediately took the car a gave me a loan car. I did not get my car back until 01/05/04 . Carmax diagnostic test found the steering shaft had to be replaced and was sublet to airport Saturn for repairs. I complained several times about the return of my car but the service manager always loaned me car to keep me quite, because I told them I wanted another car because the contract states if you are in any way dissatisfied with a car you can return it within 5 days. I tried to return my car the next day but they told me since the purchase was already made I had to go through the service department and they would honor any repairs needed. …
I had just gone to the gas station to fill up my 2000 Saturn lw2 when I was about two blocks from the gas station. I was right around the corner from my house, and had just turned right onto a street with a hill. Suddenly, my car started sputtering so I immediately tried to pull over. I wasn't completely out of the street when I suddenly lost all power brakes and power steering going down the hill at 25 miles per hour. I couldn't stop the car so I put it in park, which stopped it instantly, causing my neck to jerk, which has been sore from whiplash for the past four days so far. I had the car towed to the mechanic who found bits of my timing belt all through the motor, which blew the entire engine. After hearing that it would be over $3,000 for a used engine installed, we've been trying to determine our next move, financially.
This happened very suddenly. I applied the brake to enter the ramp to the highway and the car pulled to the left and made a noise. I thought it May be a bearing or brake problem but I had not had any issues before that so I went on since it seamed to be driving OK. While I was on the interstate I went to go into the left lane and realized there was a serious problem with the steering. I slowed down and got off the highway to the shop. I was told there the k frame had less than 1/2" before breaking completely and could have been a serious accident since it has to do with steering. I have regular maint on the car and there was no indication that this might happen. The underside is in very good shape. I had the frame replaced. I feel it was a defect in the frame. I'm sure im not the only one this has happened too.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Saturn ls1. He stated the vehicle was consuming large quantities of engine oil. The dealer stated the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken for a second opinion to a local mechanic where the power steering reservoir was replaced and the failure ceased. On a separate occasion, while driving at speeds of over 10 MPH or attempting a left or right turn, the vehicle would lose power. Also, while in the reverse mode, the vehicle would stall. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer over 4 additional times and the failure could not be duplicated. There were no recalls on the vehicle and no further repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were under 103,000.
I have a 2000 ls1 Saturn. I bought it brand new. In the past year I have had to take it in other than for maintenance because something has gone wrong. October 2002- my hydraulics went out of my clutch causing me to be stalled without a car. A few months ago it was recalled due to something gone wrong in the rear axle. So Saturn replaced it. On Thursday, October 16, 2003, I took it in again because I was hearing a rubbing noise when I made sharp left turns. Turns out I need a $1400 new steering rack because there is an internal leak from my power steering fluid. My car only has 36,800 miles on it. But of course the warranty ran out 800 miles ago. I don't think a fairly new car should be having all these problems.
Currently the blower motor for the heater/defroster is not working. I have had many many problems with this car, inparticular with the brakes and steering. The rack and pinion was repaired twice. I have had brakes replaced twice, and recently the brake drums, rotators and pads. I have had the power steering pump repaired and from time to time need to have the steering wheel lubricated when it starts to make noise again. I am wondering if I am the only one with these problems or are others with this same car having the same problems. I do not feel safe when I am driving this car. I have brought it to the dealer many times to have things checked with wheels and steering.
Steering complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Saturn LS?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Saturn LS, 9% of the model year's 382 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Saturn LS steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 Saturn LS, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Saturn LS steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.