2007 Saturn Aura XR: Service Report

A steering mechanism that makes a whine isn't exactly confidence-inspiring. :-(

nope, it doesn't
 
it would be pretty annoying too but it could be as simple as some water in the power steering fluid

Look on the bright side, it could have been worse. The transmission could have froze or the side airbags could have deployed when you shut the door or the steering column could be defective or the seatbelts could have detached...Oh wait, I'm sorry, wrong company.
 
I am genuinely impressed to hear that Saturn requested the warped panel back. That is exceptional for any car maker. $31 for the oil change also is on the affordable end of the recent oil changes you gave cars in your fleet right? GM dealers seem to be pretty affordable for service.

How the heck is an audible hydraulic whine from the steering system possibly "good enough" for you or them?

I'm not surprised they requested the part back for study as the Saturn division is extremely customer satisfaction focused. The customer service from my Saturn dealer is absolutely superb...they really go above and beyond to make sure the work is done right. Both the sale and service of my AURA XR have been pleasant experiences.

Did you actually read the TSB and make sure it doesn't apply to your car? I learned not to believe everything the dealer tells me. Most of them I think know less than the consumers. Damn the Internet and all these forums!
I would contact the Saturn CS and see what they have to say on this matter.

I definitely would not accept it as "it is what it is"
 
Ask to speak to the service manager. I will be taking my XR in a couple of weeks for its 5000 mile service, I will show this information to the service manger(Brad) and see what he says. That is totally unacceptable.
 
I still have not heard a whine from my XR. I agree with SubyTrojan that the dealer should have gone farther. I will call Brad tomorrow, if I have the time. Saturn has always been good with service, but a few times I have had to challenge them about certain issues. Don't back down.

the whine is a bold statement from the Aura.
Its name derives from its ability to give the driver a migraine headache with aura.
Saturn wants to be sure all drivers experience this unique trademark.

Next time you're at the dealer, ask the tech to drive with you in an Aura GL hybrid. The GL models have an electric PS system, so you shouldn't hear any whine. Tell them that's what you expect your car to sound like. The new 2008 Aura XE-4 (with the ecotec 2.4) may also have electric PS, but I'm not sure.
 
I would also double-check the VIN range just to be sure. The noisy PS system is unacceptable, especially in a car that is otherwise so quiet.

I dont hear the same noise in my car and no one is talking about it in the forums here. It does seem like something they should be able to remedy. Well, it seems like this issue alone has helped all the skeptics make up their mind that the Aura is typical American junk. Unless this problem was noticed in other Aura test cars or by others who have the car it sounds like an isolated issue. Perhaps another dealer will be more honest with you and try to fix the issue.
 
the 2008 Aura with I-4 does have electric steering as do all epsilon cars with 4 cylinders.

I'll reiterate that I have not heard a similar noise from the power steering in my XE -- or at least, the power steering noise does not exceed that of any other car I've driven that had hydraulic steering. However, my car's steering did feel wonky after a tire rotation at the dealer, and I haven't had time to bring it in for a proper diagnostic.
  
Your problem aside, it must be some sort of Providence that Saturn of Santa Monica opened about a month ago; at least the location is convenient to Edmunds. Before that, Saturn of Torrance was the only dealer in the area for the last three years, a shameful state of affairs for a region that is arguably the world's biggest market for cars.
  
As things stand, there is STILL no Saturn store in greater Los Angeles. I don't know how Saturn or GM allowed this to happen.

From Mike's original blog entry:
"Next on the list was the hydraulic whine from the steering system. We demonstrated the problem to the service manager who informed us that the TSB on a similar issue did not apply to our car. After failing to find any mechanical problems with the system, he and the techs road tested 3 brand-new Auras they had on the lot. All exhibited the same level of noise. The official answer? “It is what it is.” Good enough, I suppose, it’s noticeable, but not a deal-breaker."
 
1487, please *read* more carefully before casting judgment on the Edmunds editorial staff and fellow blog readers.

Sorry I took so long.
 
Here goes. I called my local Saturn dealer. Yes there appears to be a problem with the power steering(whine). So far they have had one XE with the problem, they replaced the steering rack, went away. On the XR, however, they have been told not to replace the rack, that will not work. They are working with and awaiting technical assistance to come up with a solution. This also appears to affect the G6 and possibly the new Malibu, but not concrete on that.
 
The dealers and service personnel are not happy about this. Unfortunately they have been told to wait for further orders. The only good news is that it is not dangerous, but from what I hear very annoying.
 
The truly sad thing is that the dealers want this fixed asap, but it appears others aren't in such a great hurry. Keep you informed as I learn more.
 
SubyTrojan, are you starting to believe now? Walk off homer, the Pads win. The Chargers better win on Sunday.

and the sox are walking off a cliff
 
it's actually almost comical, like a greek tragedy

How annoying is this whine? As bad as the power steering whine on old Aerostar minivans?

Toyota_F1: Not terribly annoying. But, like I said, noticeable and more pronounced than other cars in the segment.
 
AuraKR: Thanks for the extra leg-work there. Replace the steering rack though? That's not good news. Just like with the trim panel though, it's good to see Saturn is on the move QUICK to make things right. There's no question their head's in the right place on this car.

That says a lot for the dealerships. The fact that Saturn is working on the issue says a lot too. Reminds me of how Honda was back in the '90s.

"1487, please *read* more carefully before casting judgment on the Edmunds editorial staff and fellow blog readers."
 
I can read just fine thanks. Hoepfully the issue will be resolved by Saturn in the near future. I didnt hear any such noise on any of the three cars I have driven- two XRs and one XE model. The only time I hear anything is when the wheel is turned to full lock position in either direction and this is something I've heard on other cars. Under normal driving conditions I dont hear anything.