Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Took car to have struts replaced and was told the sub frame had rusted away to make the car unsafe to drive,always checked the body and frame yearly for rust on chassis and uni body so there would not be any potential problem s. I live in the northeast part of the USA.. The problem with the sub frame is it rusts from the inside out so it makes inspection extremely hard to see.
The whole subframe on my 2000 Saturn LS is rotted so bad that I can't even drive the vehicle. It started with my car not starting and putting it up on a lift to see what the problem was. That not starting problem is a bad resonator, but in the process the subframe was found to be seriously rotted away.
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. …
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.
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.
The rear end was wearing out which made it impossible for the consumer to drive over 20 MPH. Also, the consumer heard a loud thumping noise coming from the rear. The dealership was notified, but the problem had not been resolved. Four tires were replaced. The tech found that the tires had uneven wear. The steering wheel would vibrate, the rear cargo cover was cracked at the clip, there was a thumping sound that had come from the tires at any speed, there was also cupping on the tires that caused the excessive road noise.
Front end vibration and steering wheel shakes at highway speeds. Feels unsafe fo drive. Vehicle brought to dealer for repair 7/16/01. Again on 6/23/03. Problem continues to persist. Requesting GM Saturn look closely at the problem, provide guidance to dealerships, and intervene on behalf of vehicle owners. Recall affected vehicles.
Have owned the car, 2000 ls1, since it had about 8K miles. Have had to buy 3 sets of tires so far due to irregular wear. Been to Saturn dealership and other garages several times about this before finally learning from Saturn this past summer that the lower control arms on this make and model are defective and that Saturn had put together a shim kit to fix the problem. This solution would cost over $500, especially when you count the four wheel alignment that would also be necessary. Also having brake light problems. Brake lights don't work when parking lights are turned on. Have replaced bulbs several times, particularly the driver side brake light. Mechanic cleaned and adjusted the socket's contact points, but 3 weeks later the driver side brake light was not working again. Wipers don't get windshield clean, even when brand new. Auto unlock stopped working.
Front brake rotors needed to be replaced at 37,929 miles because the inside edges were worn below specification and the brake shoes would not seat properly on the rotor. The edges could not be turned or resurfaced. There was no indication of metal grinding into the rotor. Also, all four tires were replaced for uneven wear. The rear brake retainer spring broke. The rear passenger window is inoperable. There is an electrical short in the console. Consumer also claims there is play in the steering. The power steering was replaced in September of 2001. There is still vibration and play being felt in the steering. There was a bent hub which was causing the vibration.
Suspension complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Saturn LS?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Saturn LS, 7% of the model year's 382 complaints. The component named most often is front (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Saturn LS suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 117,000 miles.
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.