Ask the Car People.SM


Saturn Outlook Problems

48 messages,  Last post on Feb 21, 2013 at 9:29 AM

You are in the Saturn Outlook Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saturn Outlook, SUV

    
 
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
 
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

Messages Page 4 of 5

#31 of 48 Electrical-Battery problems by msgran

Jul 06, 2012 (7:16 am)

My daughter bought a used 2008 Saturn Outlook from the dealership just before they left for Hawaii. They are in the Army. They have been having a world of problems with the battery since they got there. First thing was their external temp kept showing 130-140 degrees (not likely) and their fans were running when the car was off. They were told to replace the temp gauge that is located in the front. Did that. Still happening. Next they were having to be jumped off all the time. Were told it was a bad battery....replaced the battery. Still happening. Now, the car completely dies and they are getting a message that the battery charging system needs attention. I'm sorry, but they are in the army. They have no money to continue taking this car in only to have the same thing keep happening. My daughter's husband is fixing to be deployed over seas AGAIN, and she has 2 small children. She can't be stranded somewhere with these babies. This CANNOT CONTINUE. She has no one there to help her. Any ideas?????

#32 of 48 Re: Electrical-Battery problems [msgran] by gmcustsvcsarah

Jul 06, 2012 (1:12 pm)

Replying to: msgran (Jul 06, 2012 7:16 am)
Is this work being done at one of our dealerships out in Hawaii? If so, and if you daughter would like for us to look into this further, please have her send the following information to us at socialmediagm.com: her name, address and phone, the last 8 digits of the vehicle's VIN and current mileage, and the name of her involved dealership.
 
Kind regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

#33 of 48 08 Outlook, Many Problems & Transmission Fix with Misleading Fuel Economy by kmanzi

Jul 06, 2012 (8:47 pm)

I have a 2008 Outlook with 51k, which I really love, but unfortunately has given me so many problems. I have been reading these message boards for years, and I have found so much good information on them. I've finally decided to join in on this discussion so I can share my experiences and hopefully help others with similar problems. I have created a spreadsheet with every single fix or maintenance performed on the car, with mileage, date, service notes and grouped by category to I can quickly see the repeat issues that arise. I have also been tracking my fuel consumption for the last 6 months accurately, because I am nearly going broke filling the tank up 2x a week. The results are pretty shocking...read on.
 
The following list is in date order of everything that has been replaced in my car, most covered under warranty or recall, but this is a long list to have these things fixed. With no warranty, I had to pay for the power steering pump that went driving on the highway. So far, the following have been replaced: Sensor Camshaft, Cylinder Head Gasket,Dead Battery, Windshield Wiper Motor, Transmission Software Update (after multiple complaints),Airbag Wire Harness, Power Steering Rack & Gear, Front Pads and Rotors (1st time), Gasket for Intake Manifold, Gasket for Rear Valve Cover, Right Front Strut, Both Strut Mounts, Engine Mounts,Front Pads and Rotors (2nd time), Left Front Stabilizer Link, Front Pads and Rotors (3rd Time), Headlight Harness, Airbag Connector Kit, Engine Front Cover Crank Seal, Timing Cover Seal, Broken Bolts in Cylinder Head & Valve Cover, Exhaust Stud Broken Bolts, Power Steering Pump, Hose & Clamp.
 
More interesting is the fuel economy I have accurately documented, resulting in the finding out I get an estimated average of 11.85 MPG combined City/HWY AFTER the Transmission Software and Calibration Update was made in 2009 (orig.released on May 2008). For tracking data, I used a 6 month period from January - June 2012. (For those who don't know, the original transmission software had a hesitation when accelerating (providing a flat spot b/w 35-50 mpg). GM will not advertise this update, you must ask for it and be firm. However, the negative impact will be the fuel economy, which obviously GM did not research properly. A GM service rep told me that the software is an "option" and I should be glad to hear they offer that "option", my sales person should have review all of my options such as engine size, etc. It is a trade off between performance and fuel economy and if I wanted performance I should have bough a sports car. I responded, and quickly corrected him to say, no this is not an option, it is a manufacturers defect and I want it fixed. Here are the results of my findings...believe me, this took time to pull it all together, but it is accurate: Average MPG is 11.85 Combined City/Hwy from Jan - June 2012
Lowest MPG Recorded was 8.90, Highest MPG Recorded was 14.80
Total Miles from January - June 2012 is 6330 miles, using 587 gallons at an expense of $2170.
• TOTAL Cost of Excess Fuel Consumption Due to Software Update Since 2009: $5069.00
• TOTAL Cost of Excess Fuel Consumption Due to Software Update This Year : $768
Monthly unnecessary expense for gas is ~$152.00, that is a lot of extra money to spend each month that doesn't have to be wasted.
So I am in limbo until I get a response based on my data I provided (with back up documentation)....I guess we will see how this ends up....
 
Currently, GM has offered $3k towards a new GM vehicle, but to be honest, I cannot afford a new GM car right now, I am still paying off my excessive gas bill. $3k towards a new car really doesnt go too far. I have already contacted the National Highway Safety Admin, Better Business Bureau, and next steps are CT Attorney General, Possible EPA and perhaps small claims court for the $5000 refunded to me from gas.
 
Average Tank Filled was 18.3 gallons, which got about 204 miles for an estimated cost of $68.00

#34 of 48 Possible Timing Chain Problem? by travis49

Jul 08, 2012 (1:45 pm)

I believe my 2008 Saturn Outlook is having timing chain problems. When I accelerate,I hear a loud clicking noise. Any thoughts?
 
Also, does anyone know if there are GM authorized service centers in Germany? I'm in the Army and was just stationed here.
 
Thanks!

#35 of 48 Outlook A/C problem by mstuart2

Aug 07, 2012 (6:20 am)

My 2008 Outlook A/C stopped working after months of hissing noises aourn 60k miles. Dealer added died coolant to find leak. Turns out two hoses were rubbing together causing a hole over time. For some reason, the $1,500 repair of this obvious design flaw is on me. The A/C worked after the fix for two weeks. It then began hissing again and two weeks later stopped working. In the shop now but I expect another large bill. A car with 65k miles should have no repair bills other than brakes and oil changes. Does anyone know where to address complaints to GM other than my dealer?

#36 of 48 Re: Outlook A/C problem [mstuart2] by mstuart2

Aug 07, 2012 (10:51 am)

Replying to: mstuart2 (Aug 07, 2012 6:20 am)
Dealer called: evaporator core is now bad. Another $1,250 to fix for a total over $2,700. Although they offered to pay for the part/core, not the labor, so I would save $300. So my GM SUV has hoses that were designed so poorly they rubed together causing a hole and all the coolant to leak out multiple times and then the evaporator goes bad in the same A/C system. I am sure there is no connection with the two issues. I still need someone at GM whom I can complain to. There is absolutely no excuse for the entire A/C system of a car going bad before 70k miles. We also live in New England so it's only used half the time.

#37 of 48 Re: Outlook A/C problem [mstuart2] by gmcustsvcsarah

Aug 07, 2012 (11:14 am)

Replying to: mstuart2 (Aug 07, 2012 6:20 am)
If you wanted for us to look into this further, mstuart2, we can be contacted at socialmediagm.com (to set up a case, please 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

#38 of 48 Re: Outlook A/C problem [gmcustsvcsarah] by mstuart2

Aug 09, 2012 (5:35 am)

Replying to: gmcustsvcsarah (Aug 07, 2012 11:14 am)
I look forward to hearing from you/GM. I sent along the informaiton on Tuesday. Thanks for your help.

#39 of 48 Re: Outlook A/C problem [mstuart2] by gmcustsvcsarah

Aug 09, 2012 (6:37 am)

Replying to: mstuart2 (Aug 09, 2012 5:35 am)
Very good! My coworker Christina, who answers inbound emails from the forum, should be in touch with you soon!
Sarah, GM Customer Service

#40 of 48 Re: 2007 Saturn Outlook - Frustration [bighow1100] by pebs4

Oct 11, 2012 (2:16 pm)

Replying to: bighow1100 (Mar 29, 2012 9:46 pm)
gm is doing nothing with my situation where i had to get a new transmission on a 2008 outlook with 40k and since i didnt take it to a gm dealer, they wont reimburse me. customer service reads off a sheet of paper of what they have to tell you. they need to be sued! saturns closed and they are taking advantage of this, leaving us customers with problems.

Messages Page 4 of 5

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement