Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Saturn Outlook owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over however, the steering functionality did not return. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
I bought this car in nov 2015 and by jan 2016 had lost my power steering twice. Each time the dealer had to replace a hose. It was fine for about a month before starting to become very loud again. At this point I went back and forth with him and he finally replaced the pump and I paid a deductible. It has been 3 weeks and I lost my power steering again. The steering wheel is very squeaky while turning at slow speeds. There is clearly an issue going on that is causing these hoses to keep blowing, I am also reading similar issues by people all over the web. I have two children who I drive around all day long and I have been very lucky we haven't been in an accident due to this yet. Once it was on a very busy high speed road. While I do not know why this keeps happening, this is an issue that clearly needs GM's attention, and it should be fixed by GM. …
I have had several issues since day one transmission replaced at 40K miles they only rebuilt so have had issues ever since still having issues ever since major electrical dashboard goes dark when driving flashes after it rains I loose power steering when driving for literally a minute sunroof leaks through airbags service has been checking for over 3 years now other issues I had prior to your extended warranties however no im over the 120K mile limit this vehicle has continual dangerous issues and now that you no longer manufacturer I feel gmac doesn't care and the cost to fix when repais are needed are outrageous I am now at 200K miles however this all started from the beginning through warranty and with the bulk once warranty expired this is a dangerous vehicle the steering and electrical alone
I had trouble turning the steering wheel and the steering made sounds when turning. The dealer found that the steering gear was leaking and it was replaced to the tune of $1,300. I received a letter from GM in September 2014 that "...some 2008 model year Saturn Outlook vehicles May develop a power steering pump wear condition that can cause an intermittent drop of power steering hydraulic pressure that will cause reduced or loss of steering assist." this seems to be the issue I had but when I took it back to the same dealer to be reimbursed for the work, I was told that the issue I had was a leaking steering gear and the issue in the letter was a power steering pump. I am surprised that one doesn't affect the other given the resulting issue is the same.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The contact discovered that the power steering hoses ruptured and the power steering fluid leaked from the vehicle. The contact replaced the hoses but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the hoses with OEM parts but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the steering wheel pump and the rack and pinion but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
The vehicle's engine shuts off and the steering column locks up. There is a rapid decline in speed and the volt meter drops to less then 11. I have to hope that my vehicle is not hit by oncoming traffic and that I do not guide the vehicle into something that will cause damage. The 2008 Saturn Outlook is an unsafe vehicle. I have had issues with the vehicle shutting off during operation on several occasions while driving in city traffic, highways and at toll locations including bridges and tunnels. I have taken the vehicle to several dealerships and contacted GM to no avail. If they cannot replicate the issue, then the issue does not exist.
During transit on interstate the engine stop providing power to the transmission and RPM decreased to 1,000 while decelerating the vehicle from 70mph to 45mph making it difficult to change lanes to pull off the road almost resulting in a fatal motor vehicle accident. After about 30-45 seconds the engin reengaged. 30 minutes later the vehicles system alerted that the transmission is overheating and recommended that we place the vehicle in nutral. This is the second time this has happened.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. While driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel pump failed and made it difficult to turn the vehicle right or left. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel column caused the steering wheel pump to fracture. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 71,000.
Power steering intermittently fails while turning left or right at low speeds. When it fails it becomes very difficult to turn the steering wheel, requiring significant force to complete the turn. This becomes very dangerous and a major safety issue. Repairs shops have not been able to diagnose the issue since it happens intermittently. Issue began to occur with less than 100K mikes.
My 2008 Saturn Outlook has under 100K miles and when I am at very slow speeds, trying to turn the wheel it loses all power steering and makes it almost impossible to turn the wheel. I cannot parallel park due to this issue nor can I do anything where I May have to make a sharp turn. This is an issue and needs to be recognized by GM
Steering complaints in other Outlook years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Saturn Outlook?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Saturn Outlook, 7% of the model year's 633 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Saturn Outlook steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Saturn Outlook, though it has 5 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 2008 Saturn Outlook steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 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.