← 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
70,100 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Suspension

2004 SATURN VUE REAR SUSPENSION CAUSES WHEEL TO COLLAPSE DUE TO SHEARING OF BOLT UNDER CONSTANT LOAD. THIS PROBLEM SPURRED A VOLUNTARY GM RECALL IN 2004. MY VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL WORK COMPLETED. IN AUGUST, 2009, THE WHEEL COLLAPSED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN THE CAR. I'M NOT SURE HOW THEY DROVE IT HOME WITH THAT C…

Read full complaint

2004 SATURN VUE REAR SUSPENSION CAUSES WHEEL TO COLLAPSE DUE TO SHEARING OF BOLT UNDER CONSTANT LOAD. THIS PROBLEM SPURRED A VOLUNTARY GM RECALL IN 2004. MY VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL WORK COMPLETED. IN AUGUST, 2009, THE WHEEL COLLAPSED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN THE CAR. I'M NOT SURE HOW THEY DROVE IT HOME WITH THAT CONDITION WITHOUT A ROLLOVER OR ACCIDENT. I HAD THE REPAIR MADE FREE OF CHARGE AFTER MUCH ARGUMENT BUT AM CONCERNED THAT IN 4-5 YEARS, BOLT FATIGUE WILL CAUSE THE SITUATION TO REPEAT ONCE AGAIN. I HAVE THE SHEARED BOLT HEAD IN MY POSSESSION . I AM WRITING DUE TO CONCERN THAT MANY MANY OTHERS WILL AGAIN, SOON, THIS YEAR, EXPERIENCE THE SAME WHEEL COLLAPSE AFTER HAVING THEIR VOLUNTARY RECALL REPAIRS MADE IN 2004. IT SEEMS LIKE A MANDATORY RECALL OF THE GM VOLUNTARY RECALL IS IN ORDER. EXCERPT FROM CONSUMER AFFAIRS ARTICLE, AUGUST 5, 2004: GENERAL MOTORS IS VOLUNTARILY RECALLING THE SATURN VUE TO FIX A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION. IN DOING SO, IT MAY BE HOPING TO AVOID LITIGATION THAT COULD RESULT FROM ACCIDENTS OCCURRING WHILE GOVERNMENT SAFETY AGENCIES CONDUCT THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS. THE RECALL AFFECTS 246,433 VUES IN THE 2002-2004 MODEL YEARS, INCLUDING 231,123 IN THE UNITED STATES AND 15,310 IN CANADA. IT ALL STARTED WHEN A SATURN VUE OWNER WROTE TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) TO COMPLAIN THAT THE REAR WHEELS OF HIS CAR COLLAPSED ON A TIGHT TURN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER. THE AGENCY DECIDED TO CONDUCT A TEST OF ITS OWN, TAKING TIGHT TURNS AT 45 MPH, AND SURE ENOUGH, THE REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED AND THE CAR ROLLED OVER. THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHEN A TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODEL OF THE VUE WAS PUT THROUGH THE SAME TEST. READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/RECALLS04/VUE_RECALL.HTML#IXZZ0H1HXNUN0. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315472

70,100 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Suspension

2004 SATURN VUE REAR SUSPENSION CAUSES WHEEL TO COLLAPSE DUE TO SHEARING OF BOLT UNDER CONSTANT LOAD. THIS PROBLEM SPURRED A VOLUNTARY GM RECALL IN 2004. MY VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL WORK COMPLETED. IN AUGUST, 2009, THE WHEEL COLLAPSED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN THE CAR. I'M NOT SURE HOW THEY DROVE IT HOME WITH THAT CONDI…

Read full complaint

2004 SATURN VUE REAR SUSPENSION CAUSES WHEEL TO COLLAPSE DUE TO SHEARING OF BOLT UNDER CONSTANT LOAD. THIS PROBLEM SPURRED A VOLUNTARY GM RECALL IN 2004. MY VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL WORK COMPLETED. IN AUGUST, 2009, THE WHEEL COLLAPSED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN THE CAR. I'M NOT SURE HOW THEY DROVE IT HOME WITH THAT CONDITION WITHOUT A ROLLOVER OR ACCIDENT. I HAD THE REPAIR MADE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE DEALER AFTER MUCH ARGUING BUT AM CONCERNED THAT IN 4-5 YEARS, BOLT FATIGUE WILL CAUSE THE SITUATION TO REPEAT ONCE AGAIN. I HAVE THE SHEARED BOLT HEAD IN MY POSSESSION. I AM WRITING DUE TO CONCERN THAT MANY MANY OTHERS WILL AGAIN SOON, THIS YEAR, EXPERIENCE THE SAME WHEEL COLLAPSE AFTER HAVING THEIR VOLUNTARY RECALL REPAIRS MADE IN 2004. IT SEEM LIKE A MANDATORY RECALL OF THE 2004 GM VOLUNTARY RECALL IS IN ORDER. EXCERPT FROM CAUG 5, 2004 ONSUMER AFFAIRS ARTICLE: GENERAL MOTORS IS VOLUNTARILY RECALLING THE SATURN VUE TO FIX A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION. IN DOING SO, IT MAY BE HOPING TO AVOID LITIGATION THAT COULD RESULT FROM ACCIDENTS OCCURRING WHILE GOVERNMENT SAFETY AGENCIES CONDUCT THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS. THE RECALL AFFECTS 246,433 VUES IN THE 2002-2004 MODEL YEARS, INCLUDING 231,123 IN THE UNITED STATES AND 15,310 IN CANADA. IT ALL STARTED WHEN A SATURN VUE OWNER WROTE TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) TO COMPLAIN THAT THE REAR WHEELS OF HIS CAR COLLAPSED ON A TIGHT TURN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER. THE AGENCY DECIDED TO CONDUCT A TEST OF ITS OWN, TAKING TIGHT TURNS AT 45 MPH, AND SURE ENOUGH, THE REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED AND THE CAR ROLLED OVER. THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHEN A TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODEL OF THE VUE WAS PUT THROUGH THE SAME TEST. READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/RECALLS04/VUE_RECALL.HTML#IXZZ0H1HXNUN0. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315453

50,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 SATURN VUE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 2009 REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION BEING REPAIRED WITHIN 5 YEARS, AT NO COST. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HER 5 YEARS HAS EXPIRED. THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND THE DEALER IS WILLING TO PAY 50% OF THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT DOESN'T AGREE…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 SATURN VUE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 2009 REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION BEING REPAIRED WITHIN 5 YEARS, AT NO COST. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HER 5 YEARS HAS EXPIRED. THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND THE DEALER IS WILLING TO PAY 50% OF THE REPAIR COST. THE CONTACT DOESN'T AGREE WITH THE COST. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 04/09/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT 100%. UPDATED 05/06/10.*JB UPDATED 06/14/10.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10315168

100,260 miles · Feb 24, 2010
Power Train

I BOUGHT A 2004 SATURN VUE 4 MONTHS AGO. I ALSO BOUGHT A EXTENDED WARRANTY THRO WYNS. MY TRANSMISSION HAS NOW GONE OUT. I HAVE 100,260 MILES ON IT. THE WARRANTY WAS FOR 100,000. SATURN SAYS I AM OUT OF THE WARRANTY COVERAGE BUT WYNS WILL COVER THE COST OF THE TRANSMISSION MINUS MY $100 CO PAY. THEY HOWEVER WILL NOT COVER IT U…

Read full complaint

I BOUGHT A 2004 SATURN VUE 4 MONTHS AGO. I ALSO BOUGHT A EXTENDED WARRANTY THRO WYNS. MY TRANSMISSION HAS NOW GONE OUT. I HAVE 100,260 MILES ON IT. THE WARRANTY WAS FOR 100,000. SATURN SAYS I AM OUT OF THE WARRANTY COVERAGE BUT WYNS WILL COVER THE COST OF THE TRANSMISSION MINUS MY $100 CO PAY. THEY HOWEVER WILL NOT COVER IT UNTIL SATURN FAXES THEM THE BULLETIN ON THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. SATURN CALLED ME BACK AND SAID THAT THEY WILL NOT FAX THIS INFORMATION TO WYNS AND WILL NOT MAIL ME THE WARRANTY INFORMATION TO ME. SATURN STATED TO ME IF I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER REPAIR FACILITY THAT THEY WOULD LOOSE OUT ON THE MONEY OF REPAIRING MY TRANSMISSION. SO NOW I CANT GET MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY TO FIX IT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO PROOF THAT THE WARRANTY IS NO GOOD AT MY MILEAGE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AT WEST 40 AUTO SALES WHO DID NOT TELL ME ABOUT ANY PROBLEMS OR BULLETINS ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10313772

90,000 miles · Feb 24, 2010
Power TrainCrashInjury

I HAVE A 2004 SATURN VUE THAT CAME OUT OF PARK WITH NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND MY 4YR OLD SON FELL OUT OF VEHICLE AND WAS RAN OVER. WE ARE ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WITHOUT IT BEING IN THE "OFF POSITION" AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, REVERSE, AND DRIVE WITHOUT APPLYING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE HAS N…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2004 SATURN VUE THAT CAME OUT OF PARK WITH NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND MY 4YR OLD SON FELL OUT OF VEHICLE AND WAS RAN OVER. WE ARE ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WITHOUT IT BEING IN THE "OFF POSITION" AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, REVERSE, AND DRIVE WITHOUT APPLYING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS PARKED ON THE ADVICE OF MY ATTORNEYS. *TR THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE ACCESSORY POSITION WITH THE SHIFTER IN PARK. BEING IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION ALLOWED THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED FROM PARK WITHOUT AN APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. *SMCH

NHTSA ODI #10313568

55,500 miles · Feb 12, 2010
EquipmentPower TrainTraction Control System

I WAS DRIVING ON SPEED OF 55 MPH AND THEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP ABRUPTLY . I TOOK TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT IS A VIT TRANSMISSION MANUFACTURER PROBLEM ON THE SATURN 2004 VUE. THIS IS VERY DANGER SITUATION BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION STOP WITHOUT ANY WARNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10309008

95,000 miles · Feb 7, 2010
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL ON THE HIGHWAY, MY 2004 SATURN VUE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC. MY CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED AND WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. ALL THE CARS BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE AROUND ME QUICKLY AS NOT TO HIT US. A COP AND ANOTHER CAR STOPPED TO PHYSICALLY PUSH MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE POLICE OFFICER THEN …

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL ON THE HIGHWAY, MY 2004 SATURN VUE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC. MY CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED AND WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. ALL THE CARS BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE AROUND ME QUICKLY AS NOT TO HIT US. A COP AND ANOTHER CAR STOPPED TO PHYSICALLY PUSH MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE POLICE OFFICER THEN HAD TO PUSH MY CAR TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP OFF THE HIGHWAY. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. AFTER THE AUTO REPAIR CHARGED ME FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPAIRED AND THAT GM HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THESE ENGINES.. I CANT UNDERSTAND HOW TOYOTA CAN ISSUE A RECALL, BUT GM CAN'T. WILL IT TAKE SOMEONE "IMPORTANT" TO GET KILLED IN ONE OF GM'S CARS BEFORE OUR GOVERNMENT DOES ANYTHING FOR THE COMMON PEOPLE? *TW

NHTSA ODI #10307193

85,000 miles · Jan 2, 2010
Power Train

2004 SATURN VUE TRANSMISSION FAILURE ESTIMATED 150,000 CARS HAVE THIS FAILURE FAULTY TRANSMISSION WIRE INSTALLED IN AUTOS FROM 2002 THRU 2005. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10297825

100,500 miles · Dec 29, 2009
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH NO WARNING ON MY 2004 SATURN VUE WITH 100,000 MILES. THE DEALER TELLS ME ITS MY PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO ISSUE A RECALL UNLESS THEY FEEL ITS A SAFETY HAZARD. WELL I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY GOING 65MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION JUST STOPPED. MY RPM'S REVVED REALLY HIGH BUT THE CAR WOULD …

Read full complaint

TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH NO WARNING ON MY 2004 SATURN VUE WITH 100,000 MILES. THE DEALER TELLS ME ITS MY PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO ISSUE A RECALL UNLESS THEY FEEL ITS A SAFETY HAZARD. WELL I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY GOING 65MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION JUST STOPPED. MY RPM'S REVVED REALLY HIGH BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD ANYMORE. I WAS ALMOST HIT 3 TIMES TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITH THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND I AM 6 MONTHS PREGNANT AND HAD 2 TODDLERS INT HE BACK SEAT! I WOULD SAY THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10297269

90,000 miles · Dec 15, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ON MY 2004 SATURN VUE. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF LOOKING AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURES ON THE SATURNS. I RECENTLY HAD MINE GO OUT ON MY VUE AT 90,000 MILES AND AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING IT FIXED WHICH COULD COST ME UPWARDS OF $2,000. IS THERE AN…

Read full complaint

I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ON MY 2004 SATURN VUE. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF LOOKING AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURES ON THE SATURNS. I RECENTLY HAD MINE GO OUT ON MY VUE AT 90,000 MILES AND AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING IT FIXED WHICH COULD COST ME UPWARDS OF $2,000. IS THERE ANY FORM OF A RECALL O THIS AND WHAT ARE IF ANY ARE MY OPTIONS FOR EITHER SATURN FIXING IT OR REIMBURSING ME ANY AMOUNT. COULD YOU PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE . THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295918

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.