These bushings are installed vertically and experience cyclic tensile and compressive stress as the lower arm moves up and down. It seems that if the bushing was horizontal as in earlier Saturn SL designs (1990-2002) and other more conventional designs, this problem would be avoided.

I think the GM engineering validation tests and analysis totally missed this failure. Just look at all the people complaining on Saturn Fans and Youtube. It may also be materials related as a better rubber such as urethane can take more deformation before tearing or splitting.

My Moog replacement parts (different material / slightly different bushing geometry) have not yet failed as of 2017.

My car had always made a rattling sound and a year after buying the car I brought it to the dealership and they claimed there was nothing wrong. The problem and noise continued for another 3 years until one day on the highway my father had told me he thought my lug nuts were loose on my car because the car was wobbling severely. I knew it had wobbled in the past but because the dealership told me there was nothing wrong I never pursued it or got an 2nd opinion.

The noise and wobbling eventually got worse and more frequent so I took it to 2 mechanics and they printed out a LIST of issues that were wrong. They told me a car with that many miles is rare to start having suspension, struts and sway bar issues. I replaced the tires and sway bar because they suggested it would help and I couldn't afford the additional $1,700 to replace everything. The car drove okay for 6 months and the noise came back again, brought it to the mechanic and it was the sway bar again. When I told the mechanic I had just replaced the sway bar less than a year ago, he looked at me and said Saturns were the worst cars that have ever been made and suggested I sell it asap. Unfortunately, I lost my job and I'm now stuck with a car that continues to need repairs!!!