Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt: the contact purchased a used vehicle two years ago, and the second day after purchasing the vehicle there was a roaring noise from the front of the vehicle. The dealer said this was a problem with the front tires ,and the dealer replaced both tires. About two weeks later the noise returned. The vehicle has been to the dealer numerous times for numerous repairs. The vehicle would jerk to the right which caused the contact to hit a curb. There were no injuries but a police report was taken. There have been multiple repairs to the wheel bearings and joints which have not corrected this problem. Also the motor mounts and axles have been replaced in hopes of correcting this problem. The dealer has never been able to accurately repair the vehicle. Currently there is a need for new rotors and more tires. …
While driving consumer her head a roaring in the front end. Drive shift caused consumer to wreck 2002 Saturn. The consumer noticed noise/vibration in the front end. The consumer has replaced several tires. When the brakes were applied the vehicle would pull to the left. An alignment was performed correcting the rear cam and setting the front and rear toe. A collapsed motor mount caused rough idle. The rotors and pads had to be replaced. The rear hub assembly had to be replaced twice. Left rear hub bearing had to be replaced. The front driver's side drive axle assembly had to be replaced.
Replaced water pump, timing chain and pulleys at approximately 90K miles. App. 10K miles later, timing chain broke and had to be replaced again. Multiple issues with suspension, fuel sensors, oil filter casing.
At 12000 miles I took my l200 Saturn in for routine service and was informed that the rear wheels were out of alignment and the tires (2) were choppy. They replaced the tires and did the alignment at no charge. I inquired as to why this happened and was informed that it was a problem with this model Saturn because of the light weighted rear end of the car. I am not sure that this is or is not a safety problem?? I notified Saturn co and they filed my complaint under reference # 1-4597347, and stated the man made components May require repair or replacement. That I understand, but what I don't know is if this is a safety problem. Is ongoing, and that I must assume the costs, or a problem that requires a recall to correct the wheel alignment problem? Or could this result in a buy back etc....? Please advise. Thank you. William surbrook. …
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn LS years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (29), 2000 (28) and 2002 (18) model years. Suspension complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Saturn LS suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Saturn LS model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Saturn LS suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 56% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (19 mentions), followed by the front (11).
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.