Ask the Car People.SM


Saturn VUE Steering Column Locks and Cannot Turn Key

7 messages,  Last post on Dec 20, 2011 at 5:17 PM

You are in the Saturn VUE Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saturn VUE, Saturn VUE Red Line

Messages Page 2 of 2

#5 of 7 Ignition key won't turn to start by catzhnl80

Sep 28, 2010 (5:19 pm)

This is in reply to these other posts. We had the same problem trying to turn the key in 2003 Saturn Vue. Under warranty and had it replaced in the column. Dealership mech said it was it design flaw. Still had the problem after replacement. Turning the wheel back and forth helped at first, then it didn't work. Found out the trick by accident: step on the brake and the wheel will unlock AND the key will turn. Works everytime. Good luck. Still learning about other design flaws.

#6 of 7 Steering Wheel Locked and I could not turn the key by namusoke

Jun 28, 2011 (3:26 pm)

Dear Mr. Daniel Akerson,
 
My steering locked and I could not turn the key (this issue happened without any warning signs) until I read several blogs about how to solve the problem. After almost being stranded, (I could NOT turn the key whatsoever), and speaking with the GM customer service (my representative was very nice and followed up diligently to make sure I was okay) I decided to take it to a GM dealership to better understand why this issue was happening, especially, because I had never experienced such a problem. The car was diagnosed with "ignition cylinder/tumblers falling apart." I was so shocked and surprised that this issue was causing my car to lock. Therefore, I investigated further, via the internet about Saturn Vue issues and I am scared (utterly scared) to drive my car, after what I have learned about the Saturn Vue and the transmission problems. As well, Saturn lost a class action suit; however, due to bankruptcy, GM is not responsible for the payouts. I paid for the cost to repair the ignition cylinder so that I can have a drivable car. I am young, and have young friends with children. I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND A GM car, ever.
 
The Saturn Vue has a design flaw and instead of a being a responsible corporation to your consumers (AMERICANS) who trusted GM, you bail out and the executive management gets paid at the tax paye'rs expense. Business as usual, I don't think so, because the government owns 60% of this company; therefore, we have a say on how to manage your business. I will be writing my politicians, and specifically let them know that I almost got stranded due to a defective product that's currently on the market.
 
The only good thing that I experienced was the great customer service that I received from the GM representative and the Service Consultant (he was cute, too) from the dealership.
 
Thank you and no more GM...I WILL BE TRADING IN MY CAR!

#7 of 7 Re: Steering Column Locks Cannot Turn Key [laglenn98] by maritecky

Dec 20, 2011 (5:17 pm)

Replying to: laglenn98 (Feb 26, 2009 10:43 am)
I am amazed and upset at the stories I see here, of some : mechanics have apparently given to some of you!!! some really do not make any sense.
The Vue come with a warranty on the engine for needing a tune-up at the 100K miles. A spark plug misfiring???? and so much money to correct???
About the ignition key issue. Yes, it is annoying but it is a safety/anti-theft feature. My daughter hates my car because it 'locks' for her every time while removing the key. Best practical advise: Turn the key torwards you all the way and do not attempt to remove it from the ignition until you are sure you have heard the 'click'. It means that is telling you the ignition is on 'off' and it will lock once you remove the key. Then: remove the key pulling fast-straight out.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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