← New search

2004 Saturn Vue

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 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

237 reports with mileage · 39 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 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

23 crash reports5 fire reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

276 reports
73,000 miles · Sep 29, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TIMING BELT BROKE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 45MPH, THIS IN TURN CAUSED MAJOR VALVE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. POOR ENGINEER DESIGN/FLAWED. STILL PAYING PAYMENTS AND NOW OWE LARGE REPAIR BILL. IT WAS 1,500 MI OUT OF EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED AT THE DEALER. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE BARELY 2 YEARS …

Read full complaint

TIMING BELT BROKE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 45MPH, THIS IN TURN CAUSED MAJOR VALVE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. POOR ENGINEER DESIGN/FLAWED. STILL PAYING PAYMENTS AND NOW OWE LARGE REPAIR BILL. IT WAS 1,500 MI OUT OF EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED AT THE DEALER. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE BARELY 2 YEARS AND IT HAS BEEN IN FOR MANY MISC. REPAIRS INCLUDING BOTH BRAKE CYLINDERS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10427969

75,000 miles · Sep 14, 2011
Exterior Lighting

AS I JUST READ, MY RUNNING LIGHTS, ONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES LEADING ME TO BUY THE SATURN (NEW IN 2003), ALSO HAVE FAILED. I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE GREEN LIGHT INDICATOR WOULD FLICKER WHEN I STARTED THE VUE, AND THEN THE LIGHT WOULD DISAPPEAR. REALIZING THAT I WOULD LIKELY GET CHARGED HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR REPAIR, I'M LIVIN…

Read full complaint

AS I JUST READ, MY RUNNING LIGHTS, ONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES LEADING ME TO BUY THE SATURN (NEW IN 2003), ALSO HAVE FAILED. I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE GREEN LIGHT INDICATOR WOULD FLICKER WHEN I STARTED THE VUE, AND THEN THE LIGHT WOULD DISAPPEAR. REALIZING THAT I WOULD LIKELY GET CHARGED HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR REPAIR, I'M LIVING WITH THE FAILURE. IT WOULD BE NICE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10425367

85,000 miles · Aug 22, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, BUT THE CONTACT COULD NOT LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN M…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, BUT THE CONTACT COULD NOT LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,000. UPDATED 09/30/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AS HIS WIFE WAS COMING TO A STOP, SHE HEARD A NOISE. SHE SOON DISCOVERED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR LATERAL STRUT HAD COME OFF THE FRAME, DUE TO THE BOLT HEAD SHEARING OFF, WHICH ALLOWED THE STRUT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE FRAME CAUSING THE LEFT REAR TIRE/WHEEL TO SIT INWARD AT AN ANGLE. THE SAME OCCURRENCE HAPPENED ON JULY 27, 2005, WHICH WAS PERFORMED UNDER A RECALL. UPDATED 10/05/11

NHTSA ODI #10421028

105,000 miles · Aug 11, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING, THE AC STOPS ALTOGETHER. WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, IT SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT. WHEN IT DOES WORK, IT DOES RUN AT FULL CAPACITY AND WILL SOMETIMES EVEN BLOW HOT AIR EVEN THOUGH THE AC IS TURNED ON. IT IS HIT OR MISS WHEN TURNING THE VENT SETTINGS AS IT DOESN'T ALWAYS REDIRECT THE AIR FLO…

Read full complaint

WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING, THE AC STOPS ALTOGETHER. WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, IT SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT. WHEN IT DOES WORK, IT DOES RUN AT FULL CAPACITY AND WILL SOMETIMES EVEN BLOW HOT AIR EVEN THOUGH THE AC IS TURNED ON. IT IS HIT OR MISS WHEN TURNING THE VENT SETTINGS AS IT DOESN'T ALWAYS REDIRECT THE AIR FLOW. ALSO, IT IS HIT OR MISS FOR THE AC TO TURN OFF WHEN SWITCHED TO THE OFF POSITION (HOT OR COLD AIR MAY CONTINUE TO BLOW). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10418543

120,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD "POP" FROM REAR OF CAR. AFTER PULLING OVER THE DRIVER SAW THAT THE TOP OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS TIPPED IN. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED SATURN REPAIR FACILITY. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT REAR LATERAL LINK ASSEMBLY BROKE. THE MOUNTING BOLT BROKE CAUSING THE MOUNTIN…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD "POP" FROM REAR OF CAR. AFTER PULLING OVER THE DRIVER SAW THAT THE TOP OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS TIPPED IN. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED SATURN REPAIR FACILITY. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT REAR LATERAL LINK ASSEMBLY BROKE. THE MOUNTING BOLT BROKE CAUSING THE MOUNTING FLANGE TO BRAKE OFF OF THE FRAME. THIS ACTION ALSO CAUSED THE FRAME TO BEND. IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE FRAME, LINKS, CONTROL ARMS AND SHOCK ABSORBER. TOTAL COST TO ME WAS $1,602.00 SATURN SAID THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE AND WOULD NOT PAY FOR ANY EXPENSES. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MPH, DID NOT HIT A POT HOLE OR OTHER OBJECT. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED, AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THESE ARE NOT PARTS THAT REQUIRE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE OR UPKEEP. THE PARTS ON THIS CAR FAILED. IF THIS FAILURE WOULD HAVE OCCURRED ON AN INTERSTATE ROAD GOING AT A MUCH FASTER RATE OF SPEED, I CAN'T IMAGINE THE CONSEQUENCES. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #10413008

5,000 miles · Jun 21, 2011
Fuel System, Other

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING INACCURATELY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE FUEL GAUGE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAIL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING INACCURATELY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE FUEL GAUGE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10407729

128,861 miles · May 31, 2011
Suspension

WE HAVE A 2004 SATURN VUE, AND WHILE DRIVING HEARD NOISE, BUT DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING RIGHT AWAY. WHEN PARKED, REALIZED THAT THE TIRES WERE BOWED OUTWARD. BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC, AND FOUND OUT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS SHEARED OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10403939

300 miles · Apr 30, 2011
Fuel System, Other

INCORRECT GAS GAUGE READING. 11 GAL. TANK IS CLOSE TO EMPTY AT THE 1/2 MARK. HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE DAY PURCHASED, BUT UNTIL I SAW THE NEWS ABOUT OTHER GM VEHICLES LAST EVENING, I WASN'T AWARE WHO TO PLACE A COMPLAINT WITH. AT THE 1/2 MARK, TAKES 7-8 GAL. OF GAS TO TOP OFF. SHOCKED AT FIRST GAS PURCHASE AFTER BUYING C…

Read full complaint

INCORRECT GAS GAUGE READING. 11 GAL. TANK IS CLOSE TO EMPTY AT THE 1/2 MARK. HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE DAY PURCHASED, BUT UNTIL I SAW THE NEWS ABOUT OTHER GM VEHICLES LAST EVENING, I WASN'T AWARE WHO TO PLACE A COMPLAINT WITH. AT THE 1/2 MARK, TAKES 7-8 GAL. OF GAS TO TOP OFF. SHOCKED AT FIRST GAS PURCHASE AFTER BUYING CAR SINCE GAUGE WAS READING 1/2 FULL; ADJUSTED MY GAS PURCHASES ACCORDINGLY OVER THE YEARS, ALWAYS KEEPING WATCHFUL EYE ON GAUGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10398326

120,000 miles · Apr 12, 2011
Power Train

MY 2004 SATURN VUE IS ON IT'S SECOND TRANSMISSION. AFTER 50,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND I HAD TO GET A NEW ONE. THE MECHANICS DID NOT SEE ANY REASON WHY THE TRANSMISSION WOULD GO OUT. ANOTHER 50,000 MILES MY CAR STARTED MAKING A NOISE ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE MECHANIC DID NOT SEE ANYTHING…

Read full complaint

MY 2004 SATURN VUE IS ON IT'S SECOND TRANSMISSION. AFTER 50,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND I HAD TO GET A NEW ONE. THE MECHANICS DID NOT SEE ANY REASON WHY THE TRANSMISSION WOULD GO OUT. ANOTHER 50,000 MILES MY CAR STARTED MAKING A NOISE ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE MECHANIC DID NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG AND DID NOT SEE A REASON TO INSPECT. ABOUT 20,000 MILES LATER THE NOISE GOT LOUDER AND MY CAR WOULD MOVE BUT WAS NOT PICKING UP SPEED AS I PRESS THE GAS. I HAD TO PARK MY CAR IN A WALMART PARKING LOT AND WAIT FOR A WRECKER TO COME PICK IT UP. THE MECHANIC AT THE YARD WHERE THE WRECKER CAME FROM TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND THEY COULD NOT SEE A REASON WHY. MY CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE AND I DO NOT HAVE 6000 DOLLARS TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395655

44,550 miles · Mar 22, 2011
Power Train

MY 2004 SATURN VUE AWD, EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (ENGINE/TRANSMISSION SUPPLIED TO GM BY HONDA) HAS 44,550 ORIGINAL MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN I RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A TRANSMISSION VIBRATION OR SHAKING MOTION (JUDDER OR SHUDDER) WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 AND 45 MPH. GM HAS ISSUED CUSTOMER SATISFACT…

Read full complaint

MY 2004 SATURN VUE AWD, EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (ENGINE/TRANSMISSION SUPPLIED TO GM BY HONDA) HAS 44,550 ORIGINAL MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN I RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A TRANSMISSION VIBRATION OR SHAKING MOTION (JUDDER OR SHUDDER) WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 AND 45 MPH. GM HAS ISSUED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM RECALL 10285 - V2386 IN FEBRUARY 2001 FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM BUT IT ONLY COVERS 2005, 2006 AND 2007 VUES. THE RECALL REPROGRAMS THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE EXACT SAME ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IS USED IN THE 2004, 2005, 2006, AND 2007 VUES YET GM HAS CHOSEN TO IGNORE 2004 VUE OWNERS WITH THE PROBLEM. I HAVE WRITTEN TO GM'S CUSTOMER & RELATIONSHIP SERVICES BUT THEIR ONLY REPLY IS "YOUR VIN IS NOT COVERED". SOMEONE NEEDS TO FORCE GM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE 2004 SATURN VUE WITH THE HONDA SUPPLIED ENGINE/AUTO TRANSMISSION HAS THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE THEM REPROGRAM THE 2004 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AS THEY HAVE DONE WITH THE OTHER MODEL YEARS.

NHTSA ODI #10393229

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.

03V519000 · Equipment:other:labels

Dec 19, 2003

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L V6 (L66) ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL RIM SIZE SPECIFICATIONS ON THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE NOT CORRECT. THE PRINTED WHEEL RIM DESIGNATION SPECIFIED A 16-INCH WHEEL WHEN A 17-INCH WHEEL DESIGNATION WAS REQUIRED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE WHEEL RIM SIZE IS INCORRECTLY PRINTED ON A TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL, A SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO SOLELY USES THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL FOR SERVICE INFORMATION MAY ATTEMPT TO REPLACE A DAMAGED WHEEL WITH AN INCORRECT WHEEL.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS 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

1

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.