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 2009 Saturn Outlook owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I bought this 2009 Saturn Outlook yesterday from a used dealership they said there was nothing wrong with the car well I live over 100 miles away from where I bough it and about halfway home it's it was dark outside I was driving on the highway going up a hill the motor was acting like it wanted to jump out f the car (I'm not sure exactly how to describe it) anyways it only did ur for just a second then stopped all went back to normal and today just died while driving and now it wont start wont even turn over
Travel us hwy when encountering rain condition vehicle had rear wheel loss of control into hydroplane, when attempting to correct steering into skid the steering failed to respond as if no power steering. The vehicle cruise control was on until point of first applying brake. The vehicle impacted ravine at frontal impactof grill atb high speed then flip side over side without one air bag deploying. Driver,passenger side, passenger/driver-side of seat, or pillar post air bags failed. The yellow airbag indicator light was always on and believed to be normal. After pressing on-star , emergency connection failed to which on-star claims antenna must of been damaged, though photos show intact. On star complaint about failure of system been on going since purchase. …
I have had my Outlook for roughly a year and a half ago now, and my power steering seems to go out when going a low speed and turning. It has caused me 2 accidents so far within months of each other, increasing my insurance to $460/mo. One was backing up, it stopped turning and it backed into a vehicle, and the other was parking, it stopped and I scraped against another. I see this is a common problem. Something needs to be done about this. This could potentially kill someone. I'm in florida and we are allowed to turn left/right on green. God forbid someone is speeding while I'm doing a u-turn, because they would definitely smack into me since it's so hard to turn. I am quite sure I have the muscles I do from trying to turn my vehicle. It happens the most parking, u turns (or slow turns in general), backing up, and 3 point turns.
The power steering is loud and hard to control at low speeds. I just took the car to the dealer after receiving a letter that says bring it in and have the power steering checked, but they said it was my gearbox leaking and it would only be $1600.00 to replace it not only that they charged $70 to tell me that.....this is after the $4500 transmission I just had replaced....all the other saturns are recalled for this issue, they need to take back all saturns and give discounts towards another car...these are garbage....thanks
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Outlook. While the vehicle was at a mechanic for an unrelated repair, it was noticed that the steering shaft separated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and various parts of the steering assembly were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,700.
My wife was driving the vehicle was stopped at a red light when the power steering pump I will say exploded fluid everywhere and the vehicle would no longer turn at all I'm 6'1 270 athletic and could not move the steering wheel...I have read so many people having the same power steering issue and and no recall has been made...
Was driving 60mph while going around a corner on a highway and the power steering failed. Almost caused us to wreck but was luckily able to regain control. This issue should be investigated and a recall issued. Pulled into a shop when we get into town and fluid is full, it's now at the dealer being diagnosed.
Loss of power steering at slow speeds. GM repair shop says it's a common problem. Power steering pump replaced under warranty but rack and pinion steering not cover even though the two items contribute to each others failure.
I have a Saturn Outlook, 2009 model year with 15,600 miles on it. After I parked the vehicle, I noticed a fluid had leaked out onto my driveway. I could not tell where the fluid was from, although I knew it was not oil. I suspected power steering fluid or brake fluid. I took the vehicle to a Chevy dealer for inspection / repair. The dealer found that the hose was leaking at the connection to the power steering unit. The dealer called general motors and they ( general motors) agreed to pay for the repair minus a $100 deductible which I had to pay. I really appreciate this gesture by general motors, however, this tells me that g.m. Knows there is a problem with this power steering hose on many vehicles, and they are just trying to avoid a recall due to this problem. …
Our 2009 Saturn Outlook was purchased new in feb 2009. The squeaking noises in the steering column started at 11,171 miles. We had it serviced under warranty. They said it needed to be lubricated. The squeaking persisted and we returned to the dealership December, 2009 at 12,000 miles. They said it was a loose part in the assembly so they flushed the fluid and replaced the reservoir assembly. The squeaking persisted and we returned to the dealer feb 2010 at 16,940 miles and they again lubricated the steering shaft. The squeaking returned aug, 2010 at 20,621 miles and the steering gear was finally replaced. The speaking returned in late 2011 but we were out of warranty and decided to deal with it. Then the power steering went out completely as I was making a u-turn in a busy intersection, kids in the car. I almost crashed. This was late 2013. …
Steering complaints in other Outlook years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Saturn Outlook?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Saturn Outlook, 22% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Saturn Outlook steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Saturn Outlook, though it has 7 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 2009 Saturn Outlook steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries 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.