NHTSA Complaint #10413008 — 2004 SATURN VUE

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD "POP" FROM REAR OF CAR. AFTER PULLING OVER THE DRIVER SAW THAT THE TOP OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS TIPPED IN. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED SATURN REPAIR FACILITY. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT REAR LATERAL LINK ASSEMBLY BROKE. THE MOUNTING BOLT BROKE CAUSING THE MOUNTING FLANGE TO BRAKE OFF OF THE FRAME. THIS ACTION ALSO CAUSED THE FRAME TO BEND. IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE FRAME, LINKS, CONTROL ARMS AND SHOCK ABSORBER. TOTAL COST TO ME WAS $1,602.00 SATURN SAID THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE AND WOULD NOT PAY FOR ANY EXPENSES. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MPH, DID NOT HIT A POT HOLE OR OTHER OBJECT. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED, AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THESE ARE NOT PARTS THAT REQUIRE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE OR UPKEEP. THE PARTS ON THIS CAR FAILED. IF THIS FAILURE WOULD HAVE OCCURRED ON AN INTERSTATE ROAD GOING AT A MUCH FASTER RATE OF SPEED, I CAN'T IMAGINE THE CONSEQUENCES. THANK YOU.