The contact owns a 2003 Saturn L200 with after market auto zone brake shoe pads, part number 405K5. The contact was driving approximately 40 mph when he engaged the emergency brake and it would respond. He then depressed the brakes and there was limited braking power by fifty percent. In addition, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise from the rear passenger wheel. The contact inspected the vehicle but found that the aftermarket brakes were one inch longer than the original equipment brakes and only the extreme outer edges were making contact with the brake drum, which caused the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and they advised him that they would perform an investigation of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 71,000 and the current mileage was 71,100.

- Fresno, CA, USA

Since purchasing my six month old car in 2003 I have had numerous problems. I've had a seat belt buckle replaced, I've had my right front wheel bearing replaced, I've had them looking the back end of my car for a vibration that wont go away when ever I turn the air or heater on, which they say they can't find and don't hear. My rear windshield leaks badly. And today only two and a half years after I got my car, my brakes failed me twice, the second time having me dive in to a curb totally damaging my tire and the steering in my car, and the air bags never went off. Going to file with insurance and take to repair shop.

- Conway, AR, USA

Problems with vehicle's power steering system. Consumer noticed the failure when driving off the lot but thought I was due to cold weather. Later she learned the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to fluid leaking. After the repair, consumer started hearing grinding noise when turning. On 10/08/03, the consumer learned the steering pump had to be replaced. After picking up the vehicle on this date, consumer heard more noises. This time it was a air pocket in the steering fluid. In addition, the automatic climate control system fails to work as designed. It's programmed at 87 degrees when its cold outside. Instead of heat, it would blow warm then cold air. The computer was reprogrammed and the problem became worst than at first. There were countless other problems with this vehicle.

- Bayonne, NJ, USA