2007 Saturn Aura XR: Oh not again...

Obviously now the defective part isn't the cover.
The defect is whatever's pushing the cover off.
 
Sometimes fixing things is trial and error.
Looks like the steering column is crooked, hence the steering wheel is pushing the cover off.
You can see the steering wheel is scraping at both the top and bottom cover, neither of which should happen.

See UAW, you still have a long way to go in assembling quality cars.

The UAW should be on strike for having to make low quality budget parts for interiors, as exemplified by this steering column issue, rather than whining about benefits. If I was forced to drive a car like this, or Trailblazers that always have tail lights blowing, or Silverados that have their day time head lights burning out, or any other GM car that has a TSB and recall list numbering above thirty.
 
That's why I bought a Nissan.
 
I know certain someones are going to have an issue with this post...so I digress.
 
It's a first year car. It's teething. Wait until next year...THEN they'll have the wrinkles ironed out.

Again, this is just one vehicle folks. We've read on a Saturn forum that at least one other person has had it happened, but until we hear about a whole heap of Aura steering columns popping off (or a recall) it's best to consider it a fluke.

My sister and blrother-in-law have an XR, they love it and have had absolutely no issues with it. My father has a 2005 Buick with over 40k miles and has had no problems. My Nissan has been in for service 3 times in the last year alone, but I still love the car. That's what dealer and extended warranties are for, and I haven't had a car domestic or foreign in the past 15 years that has truely been trouble or left me stranded. (Can't say that about many of the junk electronics I've owned in that same time period--and some that were very expensive.)Just about all cars made today are well made and very reliable, so blasting a brand or the American auto industry as whole for this minor problem in 1 car is rediculous. It's problematic that these opinions seem to be made by individuals who have no intentions to ever buy domestic and post generalized hateful comments towards the the industry and those who choose their products.
I've been reading articles in Edmunds for many years now and have been generally very happy with the ever changing site, but I do wish that the long term reports would stop the nitpicking on any of these cars and focus more on the cars as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I think any problem a car has should be reported, but wouldn't it be great if the writers focused on and shared their experiences with the joy and priveledge of driving any automobile they want and how each car according to its own cass and merits reflects their idea of driving passion.

Edmunds.com should have a rule that for each negative toned post written by a staff member, they also have to write one positive toned post to counter balance it. Doesn't have to be the same car.
 
Positive toned posts should include random exclamation marks of joy, full of love and praises and everything huggable.
 
Neutral posts exempt. But neutral posts are boring.

lol, how many positives can you write when it's only been driven around town? it needs to be driven long term, then you can see how it is

"Big windows welcomes clear view of hot babe!"
"Giant rims turns city driving into challenging adventure!"
"Bug eyes! Aura and Oddyssey staring contest!"
"Corrugated instrument panel reminds me to paint my house!"
"Drive until you pop! Which editor can drive the Aura furthest before the cover pops? Click for the answer to this mystery!"
"Polishing the wood trim to a mirror finish!"
"Parking lot speed bumps! So soft grandma's back won't hurt!"
"Leather... I like touching it."
"Saturn vs Nissan! Which badge has more chrome?"
"Name that honk!"
 
Yes I'm crazy.

doesn't matter if it's just an isolated incident or it's indeed a mass production issue. i can't imagine the frustration of being the owner of this brand new car, who needs to keep going back to the dealer for the same issue.

Thank you billt9. you seriously made my day!

jriz - I'm assuming I'm the one other person you mentioned who had this happen, but in my case I just pushed it back together...it was just a little loose in this area...didn't totally pop apart like Edmunds' vehicle. I have had another steering problem (intermediate shaft) that was fixed by my dealer. Why Edmunds' dealer can't fix a piece of plastic...I have no idea!
 
I'm surprised at some of the things Edmunds does not pick on...but I'm not giving them any ideas. It might result in a mile long page ranting about the way the rear headrests restrict visibility (oops, gave them an idea). :) I'll do a preemptive strike for the next Edmunds reviewer because I'm surprised the following haven't been mentioned yet - the trunk not popping up far enough and the front air dam getting scraped up have both been fixed by redesigned parts.

You guys need to hire billt9 do write your headlines haha.

Billt9, funny stuff. Corrugated instrument panel and grandma were my favorites
 
Here's one: "Sticky buns and Cream of Mushroom soup! We take the G35 to the Car Wash!"
 
or "OOH La La!: James Riswick, a shoestring tie, his favorite flannel shirt, and the Mini Cooper go clubbin'!"

billt9
 
Thank you, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. At least since my boss said this years Dolphins would go 14-2.
 
SubyTrojan:
 
I don't know how the Pads pulled it out last night, but they are aging me quick.
 
mjd1123, I think their is a TSB for the trunk opening. I am having my XR serviced next week, so I'll let you know.
 
I am really starting to get depressed. It seems like I am the only person who buys an American car and has no trouble. I just don't understand what is happening with that steering cover. But I'll tell you what, I would be raising holy ---- with the dealer.

Does the Aura have a collapsible steering column? Almost sounds like that might be the culprit - if it somehow got compressed (perhaps an impact in transit?), this could lead to the steering wheel rubbing the cowl.

AuraKR -- I know what you mean. It's like having a girlfriend who's really cool, and then when take her to meet your parents, she throws-up at the dinner table. Or something. :P
  
And what is UP with you people who are complaining about the trunk release?! To my mind, the pushbutton trunk lid release should do one thing: Release the trunk lid. Can you lift the lid after pushing the button? If so, then then the system worked! I never liked it on my other cars when the lid popped all the way open.

Aura KR: You aren't the only one who's going to be raising ---- with the delaer! Though I have to admit, the Saturn service dept. is a pleasure to deal with...even if they haven't found the root of two of our problems.

"Drive until you pop! Which editor can drive the Aura furthest before the cover pops? Click for the answer to this mystery!"
 
and
 
"Leather... I like touching it."
 
Were my favorites.

I agree that none of the legit complaints I have about the car have been mentioned which is amazing to me. The Aura's inferiority to the Altima and the steering cover issue have dominated the posts so far.

1487, what are your 'legit' complaints about the Aura? To me, a steering whine and defective interior panels that eject themselves count as legit.

I've already got the answer to Saturn's steering column cover woes: duct tape!

I actually suggested that this morning.

I love the Aura. Only because it generates so much fun discussion. I would never buy it oh no, I don't shop domestic, I hear the interior panels fall off.

^ LOL

"1487, what are your 'legit' complaints about the Aura? To me, a steering whine and defective interior panels that eject themselves count as legit."
 
That is legit, but I'm talking about day to day issues that you notice when owning the car. The cover issue isnt an ergonomic or design issue, its a flaw that needs to be fixed under warranty.
 
"I love the Aura. Only because it generates so much fun discussion. I would never buy it oh no, I don't shop domestic, I hear the interior panels fall of"
 
if you really believe that you should actually check out some 5 year old domestic cars. Import lovers are ususally poorly informed, I see you are no exception. Just confirms why I typically have little respect for those who refuse to examine domestic offerings before commenting.

"Import owners are ususally [sic] poorly informed"??? Years of research indicates that Honda and Toyota buyers are more likely to have a college education than those of any US brand. But I'd bet you're one of those who would say they've been indoctrinated with "liberal ideas" in their colleges and universities.
 
On a more serious note, American brands have been getting MUCH better in the last ten years. The problem is that the American brands lost an entire generation of buyers--many folks bought their first and last GM, Ford, or Chrysler product in the 1980s, and had such bad experiences that they never looked back. THAT'S why GM et al have to prove themselves NOW. Not irrational prejudice--just out of date assumptions based on bad experiences from 20-30 years ago.
 
I desperately want the US brands to catch up and surpass their competition. In a few cases they've done it--the Ford Fusion is a terrific car, for example. But Toyota buyers will forgive a few trim pieces or even a major engine sludge problem, and Honda buyers will forgive a bad transmission, because they've had 20 years of good experiences--how long will it take till GM is consistent enough to earn that kind of forgiveness?

This really bugs. How can a newly built car come loose? Norh American Car of the Year. What a winner this is. It would irritate anyone to see their steering wheel cover pop loose. Whats going on? It might just be the case is too close to the steering wheel, therefore forcing pressure and causing it to separate. Still a great car to drive. Keep your eyes open for mishappennings.

[quote]I don't shop domestic, I hear the interior panels fall of"
  
if you really believe that you should actually check out some 5 year old domestic cars. Import lovers are ususally poorly informed, I see you are no exception. Just confirms why I typically have little respect for those who refuse to examine domestic offerings before commenting.[/quote]
 
you didn't get the joking tone from that? you need to develop a sense of humor