Saturn VUE under Investigation for Suspension Problems

NHTSA "Fishhook" Tests Resulted in Suspension Failure of FWD and AWD VUEs

Recent years have been rough on Saturn. Harsh words have been said by auto journalists about the ION sedan and Quad Coupe,

During the NHTSA's rollover testing of sport utility vehicles, the Saturn VUE has suffered a major suspension failure in both FWD and AWD models. (Photo: Alexandra, Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

the cancellation of the L-series midsize model has left them without a stake in the family-sedan segment, but at least the brand had the VUE SUV to keep morale positive. With its robust plastic body panels and the recent introduction of a Honda-designed 250 horsepower V6 motor, things appeared to look up. That is, until yesterday when federal regulators at the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation on the compact SUV's rear suspension due to failures in rollover tests.

Starting this year, the NHTSA has begun testing the rollover factor of sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and vans; all vehicles that have a high center of gravity. This test is performed by a standard "fishhook"

GM spokesperson Jim Schell commented on the issue stating, "We are cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation". (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

maneuver which simulates a driver rapidly turning left, and then right while driving at 45 mph. The "fishhook" test is an industry standard, and is used by many magazines including Consumer Reports. While performing the test on a VUE equipped with four-wheel drive, the rear suspension failed, causing the rear wheels to collapse under the vehicle. The same test, when conducted on a two-wheel drive model yielded the same results.

To further exacerbate the issue, the VUE is also under investigation for a complaint issued earlier this year that relates to the suspension's failure. In early 2004, a customer complained that his 2003 model VUE's rear wheel bent under sharp maneuvering at freeway speeds, after which the vehicle left the road. The result was a rollover.