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2002 Saturn Vue

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Saturn Vue do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 276.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

132 reports with mileage · 35 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports5 fire reports6 injury reports

Suspension complaints

10 reports
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132,000 miles · Apr 3, 2014
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, HE HEARD A SNAPPING SOUND ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE LEFT REAR TIRE SNAPPED OFF OF THE REAR LATERAL LINK. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, HE HEARD A SNAPPING SOUND ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE LEFT REAR TIRE SNAPPED OFF OF THE REAR LATERAL LINK. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LATERAL LINK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED WHICH HAD BEEN TORN FROM THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE DIAGNOSED FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132000.

NHTSA ODI #10577083

113,000 miles · Jun 23, 2013
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. SHOCKS, STRUTS, REAR SUSPENSION, BRAKES, ELECTRICAL, OIL HAS BEEN EITHER LEAKING OR BURNING TO THE EXISTENT I PUT SOME IN EVERYOTHER DAY BECAUSE IT IS LOW, THE SWAY BAR AND THE STEERING COLUMN, THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE TRAIN, AND THE TIMING CHAIN. THERE ARE MANY OTHER UNSAFE ISSU…

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I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. SHOCKS, STRUTS, REAR SUSPENSION, BRAKES, ELECTRICAL, OIL HAS BEEN EITHER LEAKING OR BURNING TO THE EXISTENT I PUT SOME IN EVERYOTHER DAY BECAUSE IT IS LOW, THE SWAY BAR AND THE STEERING COLUMN, THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE TRAIN, AND THE TIMING CHAIN. THERE ARE MANY OTHER UNSAFE ISSUES I HAVE HAD AND I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THEIR ATTENTION FROM DAY ONE BECAUSE I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER, BUT HE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. IT FINALLY BROKE DOWN ON ME AND NOW I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521260

127,000 miles · Sep 8, 2010
Suspension

SUSPENSION "STABILIZER BAR" BROKE, RIGHT SIDE, AT THE RUBBER MOUNTING WHERE THE BAR IS BOLTED TO THE SUB-FRAME. BROKEN END OF THE STABILIZER BAR THEN RIPPED THRU THE RIGHT CV AXEL BOOT, DESTROYING THE CV JOINT. THE BREAK WAS UNDER THE RUBBER MOUNTING AND THE BAR WAS RUSTED THRU, CAUSING THE BREAK. UNDER 30 MPH, NO ACCIDENT, N…

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SUSPENSION "STABILIZER BAR" BROKE, RIGHT SIDE, AT THE RUBBER MOUNTING WHERE THE BAR IS BOLTED TO THE SUB-FRAME. BROKEN END OF THE STABILIZER BAR THEN RIPPED THRU THE RIGHT CV AXEL BOOT, DESTROYING THE CV JOINT. THE BREAK WAS UNDER THE RUBBER MOUNTING AND THE BAR WAS RUSTED THRU, CAUSING THE BREAK. UNDER 30 MPH, NO ACCIDENT, NO PERSONAL INJURY AND NO OTHER DAMAGE NEW PARTS UNAVAILABLE, SO PURCHASED A REBUILT AXEL AND A USED STABILIZER BAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10354589

136,942 miles · Apr 20, 2008
Suspension

I HAVE A 2002 SATURN VUE AWD. AT A LITTLE OVER 100,000 MILES, NOISE STARTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVE TRAIN. THE NOISE WAS LIKE CONSTANT HOWL. THE NOISE WOULD START AT ABOUT 30 MPH AND INCREASE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO NOTICE THAT THE NOISE WOULD DISAPPEAR WHEN TAKING A FREEWAY RAMP TO THE LEFT. THE NOISE SLOWLY G…

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I HAVE A 2002 SATURN VUE AWD. AT A LITTLE OVER 100,000 MILES, NOISE STARTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVE TRAIN. THE NOISE WAS LIKE CONSTANT HOWL. THE NOISE WOULD START AT ABOUT 30 MPH AND INCREASE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO NOTICE THAT THE NOISE WOULD DISAPPEAR WHEN TAKING A FREEWAY RAMP TO THE LEFT. THE NOISE SLOWLY GREW LOUDER UNTIL AT 136,000 MILES THE NOISE HAD BECOME VERY LOUD. AFTER SOME INTERNET SEARCHING, THE NOISE WAS BELIEVED TO BE THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING. NORMALLY, FRONT WHEEL DRIVE WHEEL BEARINGS LAST LONGER SO IT WAS HARD TO BELIEVE IT HAD GONE OUT. THERE WAS NO NOTICEABLE PLAY IN THE BEARING EITHER ON OR OFF THE VEHICLE. REPLACING THE BEARINGS ELIMINATED THE NOISE. I HAVE THE FULL SET OF SATURN SHOP MANUALS AND THE DIAGNOSTICS DID NOT INDICATE THAT THE BEARINGS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. AT LEAST ON INTERNET POSTING SAID AFTER TAKING APART AN OLD BEARING THAT SATURN HAD ELIMINATED A BEARING RACE. IF THIS IS TRUE, IT PROBABLY SAVED A FEW CENTS FOR SATURN BUT COST ME HUNDREDS. AFTER REMOVAL, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAD NOTICEABLE NOISE JUST TURNING IT BY HAND. THE RIGHT BEARING WAS IN BETTER CONDITION BUT STILL PRODUCED NOISE ON THE VEHICLE. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WILL PROBABLY NEED REPLACEMENT ALSO, SINCE NOW IT APPEARS THAT NOISE IS COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225152

41,019 miles · Sep 19, 2006
Suspension

(1) WAS TURNING RIGHT FROM DRIVEWAY ONTO STREET FROM WORK (2) WAS A LOUD METAL SNAPPING SOUND, THEN A GRINDING TYPE SOUND WHILE DRIVING HOME. THUMPS WHEN MAKING TURNS WHEN CHECKED AT HOME, DISCOVERED THAT FRONT STABILIZER BAR'S RIGHT LINK HAD SNAPPED LOOSE AT JUNCTION OF ROD AND BALL JOINT ON THE SUSPENSION STRUT. GRINDING WA…

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(1) WAS TURNING RIGHT FROM DRIVEWAY ONTO STREET FROM WORK (2) WAS A LOUD METAL SNAPPING SOUND, THEN A GRINDING TYPE SOUND WHILE DRIVING HOME. THUMPS WHEN MAKING TURNS WHEN CHECKED AT HOME, DISCOVERED THAT FRONT STABILIZER BAR'S RIGHT LINK HAD SNAPPED LOOSE AT JUNCTION OF ROD AND BALL JOINT ON THE SUSPENSION STRUT. GRINDING WAS DUE TO LOOSE END OF THE LINK RUBBING INSIDE THE WHEEL. (3) LINK HAD TO BE REPLACED, WAS DIFFERENT DESIGN FROM ORIGINAL. ORIGINAL WAS 3 PIECES SCREWED TOGETHER, REPLACEMENT WAS CASST SINGLE PIECE. ORIGINAL IS AVAILABLE. FAILURE COULD HAVE LED TO THE BROKEN PIECE DISABLING BRAKES IF IT RUPTURED THE BRAKE HOUSE, OR DISABLING ABS HAD IT BROKEN WIRE LEADS WHICH ARE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. PARTS REDESIGN POINTS TO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE THAT OLD DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10168644

36,000 miles · May 18, 2006
Suspension

SATURN VUE HAS ISSUES WITH SWAY BAR, HAD TO REPLACE O RINGS AND DO ALIGNMENT--DEALERSHIP/SERVICE DEPT CLAIMED IT WAS BECAUSE OF MICHIGAN ROADS, FUNNY THING IS THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN VA MOST OF THE PAST 9 MONTHS. MR. FARMER AT SATURN OF FLINT WAS VERY RUDE TO ME ON THE PHONE. MANUFACTURER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE CONCERNED …

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SATURN VUE HAS ISSUES WITH SWAY BAR, HAD TO REPLACE O RINGS AND DO ALIGNMENT--DEALERSHIP/SERVICE DEPT CLAIMED IT WAS BECAUSE OF MICHIGAN ROADS, FUNNY THING IS THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN VA MOST OF THE PAST 9 MONTHS. MR. FARMER AT SATURN OF FLINT WAS VERY RUDE TO ME ON THE PHONE. MANUFACTURER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT ONCE THE O RINGS GO THEN GOES THE ALIGNMENT, TIRES AND THEN BRAKES. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD 'TROUBLE' WITH THE O RINGS. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE RECALLED? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10157804

37,000 miles · Jan 5, 2005
SuspensionCrash

I WAS INVOLVED IN 2 ACCIDENTS WITH MY 2002 SATURN VUE. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING IN RAINY CONDITIONS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. I FIRST VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TRIED TO GET CONTROL OF THE CAR, BUT WOUND UP DOING SEVERAL 360 DEGREE TURNS AND SPUN TO THE RIGHT AND OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. THE SECOND AND MOS…

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I WAS INVOLVED IN 2 ACCIDENTS WITH MY 2002 SATURN VUE. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING IN RAINY CONDITIONS WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. I FIRST VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TRIED TO GET CONTROL OF THE CAR, BUT WOUND UP DOING SEVERAL 360 DEGREE TURNS AND SPUN TO THE RIGHT AND OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. THE SECOND AND MOST RECENT TIME, I WAS FOLLOWING TRAFFIC AND TAPPED ON MY BRAKES WHEN AGAIN I LOST CONTROL, WENT TO THE LEFT AND DID A 520 AND PRETTY MUCH MY CAR IS TOTALLED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10105792

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2004
SuspensionCrashInjury

PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 SATURN VUE SUSPENSION.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE WHICH WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH THROUGH A RED LIGHT. INITIALLY THE CONSUMER HAD CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THEN IT SUDDENLY PULLED THEN THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE FLIPPED TWICE. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, …

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PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 SATURN VUE SUSPENSION.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE WHICH WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH THROUGH A RED LIGHT. INITIALLY THE CONSUMER HAD CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THEN IT SUDDENLY PULLED THEN THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE FLIPPED TWICE. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, THE CONSUMER WAS NOT BADLY INJURED. THE CONSUMER WONDERS IF THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10089154

52,000 miles · Aug 16, 2004
SuspensionCrashInjury

I WRECKED A SATURN VUE GOING 55 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SWAY THEN SLDING TO THE LEFT HITTING A DITCH GOING AIRBORN ROLLING OVER SEVERL TIMES HITTING THE MOUNTAIN WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE AND ENDED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE REAR TIRE BROKE OFF THE BENT UNDER THE CAR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10087013

Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2004
Electrical SystemSuspension

I HAVE HAD MY 2002 SATURN VUE FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND A HALF. THE PROBLEMS ACTUALLY STARTED AFTER ABOUT THREE MONTHS OF MY PURCHASE DATE. I HAVE CONTINUOUSLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING, NEVER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM TWICE. THE ENTIRE COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPLACED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, BUT IS CAUSING ME PROBLEMS…

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I HAVE HAD MY 2002 SATURN VUE FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND A HALF. THE PROBLEMS ACTUALLY STARTED AFTER ABOUT THREE MONTHS OF MY PURCHASE DATE. I HAVE CONTINUOUSLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING, NEVER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM TWICE. THE ENTIRE COMPUTER HAD TO BE REPLACED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, BUT IS CAUSING ME PROBLEMS AGAIN. I JUST PICKED IT UP LAST NIGHT AFTER THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED; THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AGAIN THIS MORNING. THIS IS THE SEVENTH TIME I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS DEALING WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT. I ALSO HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT-END SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THE TORSION BAR LINKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE TORSION BAR BUSHINGS TWICE. THE LATEST INCIDENT HAPPENED A WEEK AGO AFTER THE SUSPENSION WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED. THE DEALERSHIP HAD PUT THE WRONG SIZE OF BUSHING ON THE TORSION BAR; IT CAME FLYING OFF WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT. THIS COULD HAVE POSED A PROBLEM IF THE PART WERE TO HIT ANYONE. MY WARRANTY IS ALMOST UP AND I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BE STUCK PAYING FOR ALL OF THESE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND KNOW FOR A FACT THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THESE SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOTIFIED SATURN CORP., BUT REALLY DID NOT GET ANYWHERE. THEY SENT ME A CHECK FOR ONE MONTHLY PAYMENT, HARDLY COMPENSATION FOR HAVING TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWELVE TIMES WITHIN ONE YEAR.

NHTSA ODI #10066136

Official recalls

2

14V490000 · Electrical System:ignition

Aug 8, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14506. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

01V386000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Dec 18, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THESE BOLTS WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, THEY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. IF AN ANCHORAGE FAILED IN A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE06006 · Timing Chain Failure

Opened Jan 24, 2006 · Closed Jun 6, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

ON DECEMBER 12, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A DEFECT PETITION (DP05-008) REQUESTING THE INVESTIGATION OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURES THAT COULD CAUSE STALLING IN SATURN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.2L (L61) ENGINE. ODI OPENED PE06-006 ON JANUARY 24, 2006, WITH 24 VEHICLE OWNER COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGED A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP OPERATING.ON APRIL 12, 2006, ODI RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM GENERAL MOTORS (GM) CONCERNING TIMING CHAIN FAILURES IN APPROXIMATELY 412,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 THROUGH 2003 SATURN L-SERIES AND ION VEHICLES WITH 2.2L ENGINES. GM'S RESPONSE INCLUDED 1,020 OWNER COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS CONCERNING TIMING CHAIN FAILURE, INCLUDING 228 THAT ALLEGED THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING.GM ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY CLAIM DATA THAT SHOWED 1,902 SUBJECT VEHICLES RECEIVING TIMING CHAIN REPAIRS, INCLUDING 261 WHICH INDICATED THAT A STALL WHILE DRIVING RESULTED FROM THE FAILURE.THE GM COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS THAT DID NOT CONTAIN SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO DETERMINE THAT A STALL WHILE DRIVING OCCURRED WERE PROVIDED IN THE CATEGORY OTHER.GM STATED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS PROBABLY OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE PARKED SINCE THE TIMING CHAIN IS MORE LIKELY TO BREAK DURING HIGH CHAIN LOAD SITUATIONS, SUCH AS ENGINE STARTUP.GM'S DATA SHOWED ELEVATED FAILURE RATES IN APPROXIMATELY 20,500 MY 2001 L-SERIES VEHICLES PRODUCED DURING A FOUR MONTH PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 2000 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2001.OVER ONE-THIRD OF GM'S TOTAL COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS (34.3%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (38.2%) INVOLVED L-SERIES VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE 4-MONTH PERIOD, WHICH ARE ONLY ABOUT 5% OF SUBJECT VEHICLE PRODUCTION.THE TIMING CHAIN FAILURE RATE IN THE VEHICLES BUILT DURING THIS RANGE IS OVER 10 TIMES GREATER THAN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION. FOR THE MY 2001 L-SERIES VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE 4-MONTH PERIOD, THE 36-MONTH FAILURE RATE FOR REPAIRS INVOLVING STALL WHILE DRIVING IS SLIGHTLY UNDER ONE PERCENT.HOWEVER, IF THE INCIDENTS CODED AS OTHER ARE ADDED, THE 36-MONTH FAILURE RATE RISES TO NEARLY FIVE PERCENT FOR THOSE VEHICLES.ODI AND GM ARE CONTINUING TO ASSESS THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS CODED BY GM AS OTHER THAT INVOLVE INCIDENTS OF STALL WHILE DRIVING.GM'S STATISTICAL MODELING OF THE FAILURE DATA INITIALLY CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE RATES WERE DECLINING WITH AGE AND MILEAGE FOR ANY SET OF WARRANTY DATA ANALYZED (E.G., STALL WHILE DRIVING, OTHER OR COMBINED).HOWEVER, SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS SHOWED THAT THE FAILURE RATES ARE INCREASING. BASED ON THE HIGH COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY RATES FOR TIMING CHAIN FAILURE IN THE 4-MONTH PRODUCTION PERIOD FOR THE MY 2001 L-SERIES VEHICLES, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE FREQUENCY OF STALL INCIDENTS DUE TO TIMING CHAIN FAILURES IN THOSE VEHICLES (EA06-009).

PE04052 · Rear Suspension Toe Control Link

Opened Jul 22, 2004 · Closed Nov 1, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING CERTAIN SEVERE DRIVING MANEUVERS.THE INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY NHTSA-CONDUCTED NCAP DYNAMIC ROLLOVER TEST INCIDENTS INVOLVING MY 2004 SATURN VUE VEHICLES AND ONE CONSUMER COMPLAINT THAT ALLEGED WHEN RECOVERING FROM A ROAD EDGE DEPARTURE, THE LEFT-REAR WHEEL OF A MY 2003 SATURN VUE ?BENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE,? RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.ODI ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE DURING THE NCAP TESTS WAS THE RESULT OF WHEEL RIM-PAVEMENT CONTACT TRANSMITTING SIGNIFICANT COMPRESSIVE FORCES TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK, THUS CAUSING IT TO BUCKLE.THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED DURING A SEVERE TEST USED TO ASSESS ROLL STABILITY.THE FORCES GENERATED DURING THIS TYPE OF WHEEL-RIM PAVEMENT CONTACT ARE MORE THAN SIX TIMES THE GREATEST FORCES MEASURED DURING GM?S MOST SEVERE VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION TESTING.ODI INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT VEHICLES SHOWED THAT DAMAGE TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK APPEARED TO BE THE RESULT OF VEHICLE CRASHES AND DID NOT PRECIPITATE THE CRASHES.TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF NO VEHICLE CRASHES OR ROLLOVER INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ADDITIONALLY, THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO STRENGTHEN THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER DETAIL.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING CERTAIN SEVERE DRIVING MANEUVERS.THE INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY NHTSA-CONDUCTED NCAP DYNAMIC ROLLOVER TEST INCIDENTS INVOLVING MY 2004 SATURN VUE VEHICLES AND ONE CONSUMER COMPLAINT THAT ALLEGED WHEN RECOVERING FROM A ROAD EDGE DEPARTURE, THE LEFT-REAR WHEEL OF A MY 2003 SATURN VUE ?BENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE,? RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.ODI ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE DURING THE NCAP TESTS WAS THE RESULT OF WHEEL RIM-PAVEMENT CONTACT TRANSMITTING SIGNIFICANT COMPRESSIVE FORCES TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK, THUS CAUSING IT TO BUCKLE.THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED DURING A SEVERE TEST USED TO ASSESS ROLL STABILITY.THE FORCES GENERATED DURING THIS TYPE OF WHEEL-RIM PAVEMENT CONTACT ARE MORE THAN SIX TIMES THE GREATEST FORCES MEASURED DURING GM?S MOST SEVERE VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION TESTING.ODI INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT VEHICLES SHOWED THAT DAMAGE TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK APPEARED TO BE THE RESULT OF VEHICLE CRASHES AND DID NOT PRECIPITATE THE CRASHES.TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF NO VEHICLE CRASHES OR ROLLOVER INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ADDITIONALLY, THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO STRENGTHEN THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER DETAIL.

Suspension:rear

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING CERTAIN SEVERE DRIVING MANEUVERS.THE INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY NHTSA-CONDUCTED NCAP DYNAMIC ROLLOVER TEST INCIDENTS INVOLVING MY 2004 SATURN VUE VEHICLES AND ONE CONSUMER COMPLAINT THAT ALLEGED WHEN RECOVERING FROM A ROAD EDGE DEPARTURE, THE LEFT-REAR WHEEL OF A MY 2003 SATURN VUE ?BENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE,? RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.ODI ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE DURING THE NCAP TESTS WAS THE RESULT OF WHEEL RIM-PAVEMENT CONTACT TRANSMITTING SIGNIFICANT COMPRESSIVE FORCES TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK, THUS CAUSING IT TO BUCKLE.THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED DURING A SEVERE TEST USED TO ASSESS ROLL STABILITY.THE FORCES GENERATED DURING THIS TYPE OF WHEEL-RIM PAVEMENT CONTACT ARE MORE THAN SIX TIMES THE GREATEST FORCES MEASURED DURING GM?S MOST SEVERE VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION TESTING.ODI INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT VEHICLES SHOWED THAT DAMAGE TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK APPEARED TO BE THE RESULT OF VEHICLE CRASHES AND DID NOT PRECIPITATE THE CRASHES.TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF NO VEHICLE CRASHES OR ROLLOVER INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ADDITIONALLY, THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO STRENGTHEN THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER DETAIL.