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Saturn Vue ABS System Problems
katiedid88
Member Posts: 4
Evertime I turn left the brake light, traction control and stability control lights come on and the car starts dinging. Mechanic says it could be front wheel bearings because they are tied to the ABS system??? But I have been seeing alot about wheel speed sensors?
Second, everytime I brake suddenly, a cloud of smoke comes from the front end and there is a burning oil smell. The oil is fine and no leaks. Again mechanic says it could be a cracked CV boot throwing grease?
Lastly everytime I put in reverse or when I lightly put pressure on the brakes when driving I get this noise like a humming (errrrrrr) noise. Its not the grinding/squealing noise you would get when brake pads needs replaced.
HELP!!! I only have 60k miles on this.
Second, everytime I brake suddenly, a cloud of smoke comes from the front end and there is a burning oil smell. The oil is fine and no leaks. Again mechanic says it could be a cracked CV boot throwing grease?
Lastly everytime I put in reverse or when I lightly put pressure on the brakes when driving I get this noise like a humming (errrrrrr) noise. Its not the grinding/squealing noise you would get when brake pads needs replaced.
HELP!!! I only have 60k miles on this.
1
Comments
We're sorry to hear about the difficulties you're having with your Vue. Is the mechanic you're working with one of our GM technicians? If so, we're happy to follow up on this with you! We can be contacted at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and Edmunds username, phone and address, the last 8 of your VIN and current mileage, and the name of your involved dealership).
Sarah, GM Customer Service
Thx
We hope you hear from katiedid88 soon on whether or not she was able to find the root of the ABS issue. If you decide to work with a dealership, let us know as we'd be happy to follow up on your progress with them.
Sarah, GM Customer Service
We're sorry to hear that you did not have a satisfactory experience with the first dealership. If you had wanted for us to follow up on anything with either dealership, please don't hesitate to contact us via email at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, the name of your dealership, and a brief summary of the situation).
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Well new brakes and rotters are close to $300.00. And I have had no issues with brakes at all, I only have around 68,000 miles.
Im thinking of having brake fluid put in just to see if it fixes the issue or not before we do any type of brake work that I really dont think I need.
But I did research and printed everything off and took it with me, and the mecahnic even said these Saturns are known for this issue and the bad wheel sensors but assured me mine were ok.
So at this point its getting worse and I feel like when it happens the car shifts a little (like jerks) and again it only happens when I turn left, whether just a slight left movement of the wheel and it goes off.
I have no idea what to do at this point. I feel like either way I'm getting the short end of the stick. Meanwhile, my car chimes at me every time I turn left, but it doesn't seem to affect performance.
I am going to call the two shops I had previously consulted on Monday to tell them what the real problem was.
Sarah at GM customer service, I think you should tell someone at GM about this. I've seen this problem repeatedly on other blogs, leading to many dissatisfied customers. Even though Saturn is dead, this problem will likely occur with the Captiva.
I'm definitely going to keep an eye on the thread and am glad to hear that the brake fluid solution posted by katiedid88 worked!
All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
I need to know if others have experienced such and what was the solution
If you would like for us to follow up on this with your dealership, please email us more details at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, and a summary of the situation so far).
Sarah, GM Customer Service
Thanks for your help...topping off fluid seemed to solve(kudos to your mechanic as well)....I just started having this issue last week and....1st thing I looked at was brake fluid reservoir and it was just above low level line(proly need bake pads; will change soon)but did not think it would solve because it looked like the low level sensor was still much lower than the fluid....2nd I found a thread on the internet about a TSB for 08 Saturn Vue and it was about checking wiring and/or connector for the rear abs circuit...so I did this and found wiring, wheel sensors and connectors ok...I even pulled rotors off for inspection. I am really glad I found this thread. THANKS AGAIN
regards
Michel
Just this weekend I've experienced the exact same problem on an 09 VUE(72k)....found this thread and need to know if adding fluid is the fix. I assume by now you've seen enough such episodes to form an opinion...thanks, brooks
Since I am not a technician, I cannot advise on if adding fluid will correct the issues you're experiencing. If you'd like to send us your VIN, contact info and dealership we can explore what options there are in getting this problem corrected for you. We can be reached by email at socialmedia@gm.com [attn Amber].
Thank you
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
I will tell you that since fixing my brake problems, I've had a myriad of other problems. The largest problem was that my transmission went out at 92k miles. The dealership wanted to charge $4300 for a new transmission. After weeks of back and forth with gm customer service (direct and social media) and the dealership, I was able to get the cost down to around $1000. I was without a car for nearly a month during this process.
Over the weeks of dealing with GM and the dealership, I was able to figure out how the process works (you may know this, but I was clueless when I started). The dealership works with GM Corporate when a customer has an issue that is close to the warrant period. In this instance, I was 6 months out of my warranty period. The dealership and corporate negotiate with one another to absorb costs when working out a resolution. For instance, if they offer a total discount of 60% off cost, the dealership could take on 30% and GM takes on 30%. Once the dealership has some skin in the game, you will likely see a decrease in the initial charge. In my case, it started at $4300. Then, once they took "a closer look" at my transmission, they determined that I just needed a minor rebuild which would be about $1200. Thus, they would have to absorb less cost. Go figure.
A week after having my transmission rebuilt, I started to notice a problem with my power steering pump. It was making the typical whining noise I'm familiar with. I took it to a Firestone, where they told me that I needed a new pump. I wanted to get GM's opinion, so I took it to another dealership for evaluation. They told me it wasn't the pump making that noise, the car needed a new $1200 steering column. They told me this was not typical and they would work with GM (at my request) to sort out a discounted cost for a replacement. After two weeks, the dealership told me that they would not work with GM to fix the car because they didn't want to absorb the cost. The GM customer service agent apologized and suggested I take it to another GM dealership a restart the process.
I didn't know what to do at this point. I was not wanting to put ANOTHER $1200 into the car. So here is the best part: I took the car home and checked the fluid level on the power steering pump and it was empty! I filled the pump with fluid and the sound stopped. Seriously, I almost spent $1200 when I fixed my whining problem for $12. The car was at 2 GM dealerships and a Firestone and all three didn't check the fluid levels. I guess that GM inspection they promote is worth about as much as the paper it's printed on.
Sorry to ramble here, but I've had the worst possible experience with GM. I would work with them if you have extra time (and a high pain tolerance), get your vehicle fixed, and trade it in for something else. My family has been GM customers for decades, but that is over.
I understand your frustration in dealing with an ABS brake issue. I see the mechanic who has been working on your vehicle is bringing it into a nearby dealer? I would like the opportunity to discuss your current situation with you. Please reach out to us via email at socialmedia(at)gm.com and include your contact information and VIN. In the email please include "ATTN LAURA" in the headline so we can make sure it gets to me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Laura M.
GM Customer Care
We're sorry that you're not having a good experience with your Vue and that you're having an ongoing, unresolved concern with the ABS system. It's understandable that diagnostic fees can add to the frustration.
When you had your uncle do work on your Vue, did that resolve your concerns or are you still having trouble?
Regards,
Sarah (Assisting Amber)
GM Customer Care
So, she starts driving it to get used to it for the long drive to school. She tells my hubby that the brakes come on by themselves and she has to "floor" it to move. We of course poo-poo her and say it's because she isn't used to driving AWD - and the dealer checked it out for safety when doing all the work mentioned above!
Well, I had to drive it for a few days while my car was being worked on. She was NOT exaggerating at all! The brakes locked up for no reason whatsoever!! I had to stop there on the road as they were actually smoking!
My husband worked on this; replacing every damned brake part - even the master cylinder! I drove with her to college (Riverhead NY to Buffalo NY) and we had no problems. Last week she called. It is happening again!! This time it took over 2 hours for them to release. She missed classes of course but worse I can't allow her to drive this unsafe vehicle home for Thanksgiving.
We're at wit's end with this vehicle! I chose the damned thing and I am SO sorry! Between the $6K we paid plus all the new parts and labor, we're nearing $10K for 9 year old vehicle!!
Suggestions are welcome!!!
Now, I figured the only way to solve this problem is to narrow it down myself and thought I'd done so until a couple weeks ago...I'm still in the analysis stage. A BIG step in the right direction is to pull the fuse so that the stabilitrack system is disabled. The fuse you are looking for is in the fuse box under the hood, it's a 40 amp square fuse and is labeled ABS (there are 2 ABS fuses, it's the big one). When pulled, a warning light will flash on the panel that the stablilitrack system requires servicing...that's because you just disabled it. Don't be alarmed, the brakes continue to function just like conventional brakes, without the computer-assisted braking. I said earlier that I thought I'd found the problem...not so quick. Happened again even with the fuse pulled(which is starting to make me thing that there is something going on with the mastercylinder/vacuum assist, which as far as I can discern, is the ONLY place that pressure can be introduced into the system unintentionally) . I did discover that pressing the brake pedal to the floor will disengage the brakes...for some strange reason.
I started my analysis with a laser thermometer that could tell me which wheel/wheels were involved with the unintended braking. Couldn't make any sense out of the data...all four were involved, but 2 diagonally were much MORE involved. I've yet to make a similar observation because the latest episode happened while my wife was driving the car. Fortunately, I'd told her about pressing the brake pedal to release...more to follow as I discover....
Will let you all know how it goes!
Anybody have any ideas before I loose my mind?
I'm driving this until she comes home for Christmas to be certain that it is finally fixed!
I'll keep you all informed ... it's been a trip literally and figuratively!
It's time to stop complaining about this car and take some action. Go to the NHTSA.GOV website and make an official complaint. I filed separate complaints on the ignition, transmission and engine cover leak. If we're lucky, we may get a recall and get some of our repair money refunded. That happened when the Ford Windstar that I owned blew head gaskets. Ford was forced to recall the car and refunded repair and towing costs.
Ugh back again. I posted back in the fall about the same brake problem everyone here is talking about. I have a 08 Saturn Vue XR. We took it to the dealer and I explained the problem, the female service writer basically didn't listen and they relied on the codes. Leading us to a $3000 repair that within 20 mins of leaving the dealership the lights came on and it did the same thing. I went back and talked to the General Mgr of the dealership, they ended up replacing the VVT transmission and sent me on my way. Then shortly after I had an issue with a leak, I took it back and they said it was my powersteering and charged me $70 to tell me that. We took it to a friend's repair shop and had that fixed. Now less than 10K miles later guess what just happened, yep the same slowing and hard breaking, flashing lights. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I just went to the autoparts store and had the codes read which came up C0131 Antilock Brake System Traction Control Pressure Circuit Malfunction and Low brake fluid. My husband just checked the brake fluid and it was fine but we will be adding more in. I AM SO DISGUSTED WITH GM!! In light of recent failure to recall situations I guess I am not surprised. I have always purchased GM but this will be the last. GM needs to stand up and recall this vehicle and figure out the problem before someone gets killed.
09 VUE ABS Problems update...
Several months ago I posted that the subject Saturn would apply brakes all by itself...well, for those who may be chasing a similar problem, I've found the answer. After a couple of months of driving with the ABS/Stabilitrack/etc. disabled, I was able to narrow the problem to the front calipers... that's right, the calipers. Turns out that while the rest of the automotive world has figured out disc brakes - stem to stern - GM still hasn't....70K miles and the calipers go bad. I think I'd like my bail-out money back!!!! Good luck to those of you still having this problem.....
So is there a solution for these problems. I have the same issue as Izntexas. I have an 08 Saturn Vue Redline. What used to happen was the ABS light would come on and chime would ding when making turns. Now, the car is slowing down like in a low gear and then brakes real hard to push down. What's the issue?
Hi dc_saturnvue08,
Have you considered taking your Saturn VUE into the dealership for a diagnosis? We recognize this has become frustrating, however the dealership has the technical expertise to isolate this issue and plan for an appropriate fix. If you'd like for us to reach out to them on your behalf, please private message us your VIN, full contact information, mileage and preferred dealership name.
Thank you,
Amber N.
GM Customer Care