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2003 Saturn Vue

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Vue years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Saturn Vue are substantially higher than the model-year median of 276.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

482 reports with mileage · 140 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.

  • Power Train. Review the 316 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports9 fire reports20 injury reports

Equipment complaints

15 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2013
EquipmentPower Train

2003 SATURN VUE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND MORE THE DATE OF SALE: 12/05/2008. THE LOAN OFFICER CLAIMS STATES EVERYTHING WAS OK WITH THE VUE BEFORE PURCHASE PER HER REVIEW. HOWEVER THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, REAR HUB BEARING, NOISE COMING FROM LEFT SIDE BEGINNING JAN 14, 2009- TO CURRENT. WE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND RETUR…

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2003 SATURN VUE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND MORE THE DATE OF SALE: 12/05/2008. THE LOAN OFFICER CLAIMS STATES EVERYTHING WAS OK WITH THE VUE BEFORE PURCHASE PER HER REVIEW. HOWEVER THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, REAR HUB BEARING, NOISE COMING FROM LEFT SIDE BEGINNING JAN 14, 2009- TO CURRENT. WE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND RETURN TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING REPORT: BRAKES MAKING NOISE ALL THE TIME AND BURNING SMELL FROM VENTS. SATURN DEALERSHIP IN CONCORD REPAIR: FRONT BRAKE ROTOR REFINISHING AND THE TEACH COMMENTS: UNABLE TO VERIFY ANY SMELLS THIS VISIT. A/C DRAIN NOT RESTRICTED. CALLED GM IN DETROIT, MI (NO HELP) AND THEY ARE AWARE THAT THE VUE WAS RETURN BECAUSE OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS; MY DAUGHTER MET THE LADY WHO PURCHASES THE VUE 2003 AT A FOSTER CARE MEETING IN CONCORD IN 2009, SHE ASK ABOUT THE RACK THAT WAS ON TOP OF VUE 3/24/2009: FILED A CLAIM WITH BBB AUTO LINE PROGRAM: CLAIM THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON 7/31/06. I PURCHASE THE VUE IN 2008. --WHAT DOES THAT MEAN. ON MARCH 21, 2012 CHECKED THE TRANSMISSION WITH TRANSMISSION CENTER IN OUR AREA: ADVICE COULD NOT CONFIRM TRANS SLIPPAGE, IT NEEDS REAR HUB BEARING. WE REPLACE THE HUB BEARING, BUT THE NOISE AND SLIPPAGE CONTINUED. THAT SUMMER (JUNE 2012) I TRAVELED TO OAKLAND WITH THE DEBUTANTES (5 YOUNG LADIES INCLUDING MY GRANDDAUGHTER TO EAT) IN ROUTE IN TRAFFIC THE VUE BEGIN TO LOSE ITS POWER AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. CAR'S GOING AROUND US-IT WAS CRAZY AND NICE MEN CAN AND PUSH THE VUE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TODAY SUNDAY JULY 8, 2013 AND AT 1:50PM PST.--SPOKE WITH THE SALES CONSULTANT WHO PROMISES TO HAVE THE OWNER CALL ME BACK. HE DID AND ASKS HOW I CAN HELP YOU. I EXPLAINED ONCE AGAIN THE PROBLEM AND HE SAID" SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED A NEW CAR". I DISCONNECTED THE CALLED...VERY DISRESPECTFULLY--NOT FUNNY. I'VE CHECK THE INTERNET AND CALLED OTHER TRANSMISSION CENTER: COST RANGE $3,999.00. PLEASE HELP ME RETRIEVE SOME OR ALL OF MY MONEY BACK. RESPECTFULLY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ODI #10523568

104,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
EquipmentPower Train

IN 2007 I WAS DRIVING MY SATURN VUE AWD 4CL EQUIPPED WITH A VTI TRANSMISSION DOWN THE HWY 401 IN ONTARIO. I WAS GOING A SPEED OF 100KM/HR. WITHOUT WARNING MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND REDUCED POWER LIGHT WENT ON AND CAUSE MY POWER TO DROP FROM A SPEED ON 100KM/HR TO 0 IN ABOUT 3 SECONDS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OF THE HIGHWAY AS …

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IN 2007 I WAS DRIVING MY SATURN VUE AWD 4CL EQUIPPED WITH A VTI TRANSMISSION DOWN THE HWY 401 IN ONTARIO. I WAS GOING A SPEED OF 100KM/HR. WITHOUT WARNING MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND REDUCED POWER LIGHT WENT ON AND CAUSE MY POWER TO DROP FROM A SPEED ON 100KM/HR TO 0 IN ABOUT 3 SECONDS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OF THE HIGHWAY AS MY SPEED WAS DECREASING BUT HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID TRAFFIC AND GET MYSELF TO SAFETY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHO HAD IT TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO INFORMED ME DUE TO THIS SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION (VTI) THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. I HAD IT FIXED AT COST OF $4500. I RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE MAIL IN NOVEMBER OF 2009, FROM GM CANADA ADMITTING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THEY WERE OFFERING VARIOUS INCENTIVES. (EX A $5000 VOUCHER TOWARDS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE OR 50% REIMBURSEMENT TOWARDS A PREVIOUS REPAIR OR 50% TOWARDS A REPAIR AT PRESENT. WHEN I CALLED THEY TOLD ME BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS OVER 160, 000 KM I WOULD NOT QUALIFY FOR ANY OF THESE INCENTIVES EVEN THOUGH AT THE TIME THE TRANSMISSION WENT THE CAR WAS AT 104,000. THEY OFFERED ME A $700 REIMBURSEMENT. AS THIS WAS GOING THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION WENT AGAIN,FORTUNATELY NOT OF THE HIGHWAY. IT AGAIN NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED FOR $5000, BUT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND I AM UNSURE IF I WANT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I WAS EVEN TOLD WHEN BY AN AGENT AT GM NAMED ALEXIS WHEN I SAID THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED OR THE TRANSMISSION FIXED PROPERLY SHE STATED"REGARDLESS OF IF THE VEHICLE IS SAFE OR NOT THIS IS OUR POLICY" . THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE VTI TRANSMISSION AND IT HAS TO DO WITH THE BELT. THE ONLY RECTIFYING GM DOES IS TO PUT IN ANOTHER TRANSMISSION EXACTLY THE SAME. THIS CAR IS A HUGE SAFETY LIABILITY ESPC WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON A HIGHWAY, NOT TO MENTION THE FINANCIAL LIABILITY. GM'S SOLUTION FOR THE $5000 VOUCHER FOR A NEW VEHICLE WAS A COBALT (HOW IRONIC AS THEY ARE NOW BEING RECALLED). THIS CAR IS VERY UNSAFE!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315750

Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2009
EquipmentPower Train

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE COMPLAINT THAT I FILED YESTERDAY (# 10265132). I AM THE GUY WHO LIVES IN LAS VEGAS. I GOT MY CAR BACK FROM SATURN LAST THURSDAY WITH A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION IN IT. WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AND WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE THAT WAS NEVER PRESENT BEFORE SO I TOLD SATUR…

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THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE COMPLAINT THAT I FILED YESTERDAY (# 10265132). I AM THE GUY WHO LIVES IN LAS VEGAS. I GOT MY CAR BACK FROM SATURN LAST THURSDAY WITH A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION IN IT. WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AND WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE THAT WAS NEVER PRESENT BEFORE SO I TOLD SATURN TO TAKE IT BACK AND FIX IT AGAIN. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO HEAR THE SOUND AND GAVE THE CAR BACK TO ME THE NEXT DAY (FRIDAY 04/10/09). I DROVE THE CAR HOME (ABOUT 4 MILES) AND DID NOT DRIVE IT UNTIL I WENT TO WORK ON MONDAY (04/13/09). WORK IS 15 MILES AWAY. WHEN I LEFT WORK I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT WITH MY CAR IN DRIVE AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE ONLY! WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD LIKE AS IF I WERE TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I WAS INCHES FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE TEMP WENT DEAD COLD. THEN I PUT IT BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE TEMP WHEN BACK TO WHERE IT WAS BEFORE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE MORE BEFORE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I GOT ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR DID NOT FEEL RIGHT (VERY SLUGGISH). I HAD TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR FOR THE CAR TO MOVE MORE THAN JUST A LITTLE. THE ENGINE NOISE WAS BACK EVEN LOUDER THAN BEFORE. I MADE IT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE CLOSED FOR THE DAY SO I LEFT MY CAR OVER NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE DROPPED ME OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP. I NEEDED TO PULL MY CAR INTO THE SERVICE BAY SO I STARTED MY CAR BUT JUST TURNING THE KEY BUT NOT PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE REVVED TO OVER 3000 RPM. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I NOTICED THAT MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. THE MORE GAS I GAVE THE CAR THE FASTER THE DAYTIME LIGHTS WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF. THE SATURN MECHANIC TEST DROVE MY CAR AND USED SOME INSTRUMENT PLUGGED UNDER THE DASH. HE CAME BACK FROM THE DRIVE AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION AGAIN! THIS IS MY 4TH TRANSMISSION IN THE LAST 1 1/2 YEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265322

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2009
Equipment

ERHDERAERHSERHSERHSTRHERHERHHHGERGADRGRDH ER H RH AER HAE RH ER H ERH ER H ERH ER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265042

70,000 miles · Oct 14, 2008
Equipment

I OWN A 2003 SATURN VUE AND THE IGNITION KEEPS LOCKING UP ON ME. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO WORK IS TO GIGGLE THE KEY. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR. NOW THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION AT ALL AND THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED AND REPAIRED. MY FATHER HAS THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HE HAD I…

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I OWN A 2003 SATURN VUE AND THE IGNITION KEEPS LOCKING UP ON ME. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO WORK IS TO GIGGLE THE KEY. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR. NOW THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION AT ALL AND THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED AND REPAIRED. MY FATHER HAS THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HE HAD IT FIXED AND IT HAS STARTED ALL OVER. SATURN SHOULD STOP PUTTING FAULTY PARTS IN ALL OF THEIR AUTOS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10245426

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2007
Electrical SystemEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP. I CANNOT EVEN SELL IT BECAUSE PEOPLE WHOMEVER LOOK AT IT SAYS IT RUNS HORRIBLY. THE TRUCK DOESN'T ACCELERATE PROPERLY, THE GAS TANK FLOAT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK, THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THE KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR (IF YOU CAN GET IT IN IT DOESN'T ALWAYS TURN)…

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THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP. I CANNOT EVEN SELL IT BECAUSE PEOPLE WHOMEVER LOOK AT IT SAYS IT RUNS HORRIBLY. THE TRUCK DOESN'T ACCELERATE PROPERLY, THE GAS TANK FLOAT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK, THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THE KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR (IF YOU CAN GET IT IN IT DOESN'T ALWAYS TURN), IT MAKES GRINDING SOUNDS WHEN IT TURNS, THE CD PLAYER SCRATCHES YOUR CD'S, THERE ARE BURNING SMELLS FOR NO REASON .... ON AND ON AND ON. DON'T KNOW WHY THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX EVERYTHING THAT GOES ON WITH IT. IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT PLEASE EMAIL ME AT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10208817

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2007
EquipmentPower Train

ON 11/19/2004 29,021 MILES. NOISE IN ENGINE AREA. SATURN REPLACED TRANSMISSION FLUID. WAS TOLD IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. 9/12/2005 61,695 MILES. CAR WOULDN'T GO WHEN PUT INTO GEAR. ALL GEARS WERE TRIED. CONTACTED SATURN WAS TOLD TO GET IT TOWED IN AND THEY WOULD INSPECT IT. BROUGHT TO ATTENTION …

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ON 11/19/2004 29,021 MILES. NOISE IN ENGINE AREA. SATURN REPLACED TRANSMISSION FLUID. WAS TOLD IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. 9/12/2005 61,695 MILES. CAR WOULDN'T GO WHEN PUT INTO GEAR. ALL GEARS WERE TRIED. CONTACTED SATURN WAS TOLD TO GET IT TOWED IN AND THEY WOULD INSPECT IT. BROUGHT TO ATTENTION THAT THE LETTER I RECEIVED ABOUT THE VTI TRANSMISSION HAVING PROBLEMS AND AGAIN WAS TOLD IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE CAR TOWED IN. ALSO HAD TO RENT MY OWN CAR. WAS REIMBURSED BUT ONLY FOR A SMALL PORTION ON THE RENTAL CAR COST AND NOTHING FOR THE TOW. FINALLY GOT MY CAR BACK ON 9/21/2005. 5/31/2006 89,412 MILES. AGAIN CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST AS I WILL NOT GO BACK TO SATURN. ANOTHER TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN ANOTHER VTI AS NO OTHER TRANSMISSION CAN BE PUT IN THIS CAR. THIS ONE AT MY EXPENSE. 9/26/2006 105,000. CAR LOST POWER ON A CANYON ROAD HAD TO PULL OVER AND BE TOWED. WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND WAS NOW RUNNING FINE. 2/8/2007 117,000 MILES. HERE WE GO AGAIN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. WHEN WILL A RECALL BE ISSUED. HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS UNSAFE AND SHODDY TRANSMISSION. PLEASE HELP. I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10182153

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

2003 SATURN VUE FAILED TO START. *KB THE VEHICLE MADE SQUEAKING NOISES WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT TURN, IN ADDITION TO VARIOUS OTHER RUMBLINGS. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ROTORS, BEARINGS AND TRANSMISSION. A SPECIAL WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE ORDERED AS WELL AS A SPECIAL SIDE COVER AND HARDWARE FOR THE TRANSMI…

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2003 SATURN VUE FAILED TO START. *KB THE VEHICLE MADE SQUEAKING NOISES WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT TURN, IN ADDITION TO VARIOUS OTHER RUMBLINGS. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ROTORS, BEARINGS AND TRANSMISSION. A SPECIAL WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE ORDERED AS WELL AS A SPECIAL SIDE COVER AND HARDWARE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. THE COOLANT SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. THE REAR WIPERS WOULD STICK. THE GAS GAUGE WOULD ONLY READ 3/4 FULL. THE AIR CONDITION STOPPED WORKING AND THE HOT AND COLD KNOB DID NOT GO ALL THE TO COOL. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED WHICH WAS THE REASON THE VEHICLE WASN'T STARTING. THE TRANSFER CASE SEAL WAS REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10165813

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2006
EquipmentSuspension

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN VUE. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE NOW HAD 5 WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED, ONE PER WHEEL AND 2 ON PASSENGER FRONT SIDE. THE FIRST 4 WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE LAST ONE COST $410 TO HAVE REPLACED. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE COST AND SINCE I HAD EACH WHEEL BEARING REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY O…

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I HAVE A 2003 SATURN VUE. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE NOW HAD 5 WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED, ONE PER WHEEL AND 2 ON PASSENGER FRONT SIDE. THE FIRST 4 WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE LAST ONE COST $410 TO HAVE REPLACED. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE COST AND SINCE I HAD EACH WHEEL BEARING REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY ONLY CHARGED ME 25% OF THE COST. FIVE WHEEL BEARINGS IN 3 YEARS IN NOT A VERY GOOD RECORD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESEARCHED BECAUSE, TO ME, IT SEEMS THAT IT IS EITHER A LEMON OR A RECALL ITEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10159711

41,000 miles · Dec 30, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train

PURCHASED MY SATURN VUE USED IN MARCH 2005...AT THAT TIME I HAD 6K MILES LEFT ON THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY...IN JUNE 2005 TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL SATURN DEALERSHIP TO TAKE CARE OF ALL NORMAL ISSUES & GET A MAINT CHECKUP...AT THAT TIME THEY REPLACED THE RESISTOR- ENGINE COOLING FAN (DUE TO BLOWING HOT AIR WHEN AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON), HE…

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PURCHASED MY SATURN VUE USED IN MARCH 2005...AT THAT TIME I HAD 6K MILES LEFT ON THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY...IN JUNE 2005 TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL SATURN DEALERSHIP TO TAKE CARE OF ALL NORMAL ISSUES & GET A MAINT CHECKUP...AT THAT TIME THEY REPLACED THE RESISTOR- ENGINE COOLING FAN (DUE TO BLOWING HOT AIR WHEN AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON), HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLY COMPOSITE ON FRONT LEFT (CRACKED WHERE BOLTED TO FRAME), OBD SYSTEM UPGRADE (RECALL), REPLACEMENT OF REAR LATERAL LINK ASSEMBLY (RECALL), AND LAST THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WAS REPLACED/ADJUSTED & LUBED DUE TO GOING BAD - AT THAT TIME THEY NEVER DISCLOSED TO ME THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED 3X'S SINCE JAN 2003. ON DEC 24TH @ 10:00AM...MY ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY FAILED AND LEFT ME STRANDED...THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM...DUE TO ME BEING 5,000 OVER MY WARRANTY...THEY WERE NOT GOING TO REPLACE IT...APPROX COST OF $450. I WENT DIRECTLY OVER TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP....FORT WAYNE, IN SATURN...A SERVICE CONSULTANT PULLED UP THE HISTORY OF MY VUE AND DISPLAYED TO ME THAT THE GEAR SHIFT HAD BEEN WORKED ON 4 OTHER TIMES...HIS SERVICE MANAGER STATED HE WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF IT DUE TO THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED & IT WAS NOT HIS FAULT...I CALLED SATURN'S CORPORATE OFFICE INFORMED THEM OF THE ISSUE...THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD GET IT TAKEN CARE OF WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED...WAITING TO SEE WHAT IS DONE...MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP....AS FOR THE SERVICE MANAGER @ FW, IN SATURN DEALERSHIP...I HAVE HEARD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT HOW HE TREATS CUSTOMERS FROM FRIENDS THAT ARE ALSO SATURN OWNERS... 8JB

NHTSA ODI #10146575

Official recalls

1

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.

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.