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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
29,011 miles · Feb 19, 2006
Power Train

SATURN VUE 4 CYL WITH VTI TRANS . SHUDDER FELT & HEARD ON LIGHT UP HILL GRADES. REALLY BAD WITH CRUISE ON. SHAKES VEHICLE. 3 REPAIRS MADE INCLUDING REPLACING THE TRANS.PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. OTHER SATURN OWNERS HAVE COMPLAIND ALSO, THIER TRANS FAILED COMPLETLY LEAVING THEM STRANDED ON THE HIGH WAY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10150636

240,000 miles · Jan 28, 2006
Power Train

I HAVE A 2004 SATURN VUE 4 CYLINDER WITH THE TVI TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS 24,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR INTO THE STURN DEALER IN GREENVILLE ON THREE OCCASIONS TO REPAIR THIS TRANSMISSION. OFTEN, BUT NOT ALWAYS, WHEN YPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND.THIS CAUSED A VERY NEAR SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN I WAS IN T…

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I HAVE A 2004 SATURN VUE 4 CYLINDER WITH THE TVI TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS 24,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR INTO THE STURN DEALER IN GREENVILLE ON THREE OCCASIONS TO REPAIR THIS TRANSMISSION. OFTEN, BUT NOT ALWAYS, WHEN YPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND.THIS CAUSED A VERY NEAR SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND AND THANKFULLY THE DRIVER OF THE ON COMING TRANSFER TRUCK WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WITH MY CAR. THE VUE HAS NOW BEEN TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY NOW TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR; ENEV THOUGH THEY HAVE PREVIOUSLY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD. THIS DEARLERSHIP HAS HAD TWO SEPERATE OWNERS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. I MUST HAVE A CAR TO PREFORM MY JOB DUTIES, WITHOUT APPROPRIATE TRANSPORTATION I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WORK. WITHOUT MY JOB I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PURCHASE NECESSARY MEDICATION THAT ALLOWS ME TO LIVE. (INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETIC). I AM AFRAID OF DRIVING THIS CAR WITH OUT APPROPRIATE REPAIRS. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND A DANGER TO DRIVE IN ITS PRESENT CONDITION. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP HAS ACTED IN AN UNPROFESSIONAL MANNER IN WORKING WITH ME. I HAVE GOTTEN NO ASSISTANCE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN TREATED RUDLY AND RECEIVED VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. I WANT THIS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. I WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE IS RESOLVING THIS MATTER AND INSURE THE SAFETY OF NOT ONLY MYSELF BUT OTHERS ON THE ROADS. MARCH OF 2004 THE SATURN COOPERATION SENT A LETTER TO THE OWNERS OF THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR EQUIPTED WITH THE VTI TRANSMISSION REGARDING THE CONCERNS ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION AND THAT IT "MAY" REQUIRE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. THIS LETTER STATES THAT SATURN WILL PROVIDE EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR UP TO 75 THOUSAND MILES OR 5 YEARS. THIS LETTER ALSO INFORMS THE OWNER THAT WHILE THIS IS NOT A RECALL A SATURN DEARLER MUST PERFORN REPAIRS AT NO CHARGE.

NHTSA ODI #10148895

44,605 miles · Jan 5, 2006
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 84 AT 70 MPH I LOST MY CLUTCH AND NEARLY HAD A COLLISION WITH A TRACTOR-TRAILER. THE SEALS IN MY SLAVE CYLINDER LEAKED AND I LOST THE HYDRAULIC POWER IN MY CLUTCH. 2004 SATURN VUE, MANUAL SHIFT, 44,600 MILES ON ODOMETER. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW MANY SLAVE CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED IN 2002,2003, 20…

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WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 84 AT 70 MPH I LOST MY CLUTCH AND NEARLY HAD A COLLISION WITH A TRACTOR-TRAILER. THE SEALS IN MY SLAVE CYLINDER LEAKED AND I LOST THE HYDRAULIC POWER IN MY CLUTCH. 2004 SATURN VUE, MANUAL SHIFT, 44,600 MILES ON ODOMETER. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW MANY SLAVE CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED IN 2002,2003, 2004, 2005. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10147004

23,000 miles · Dec 3, 2005
Electrical System

LATE AT NIGHT IN A MAJOR DOWNTOWN PARKING DECK, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. GO TO START VEHICLE, CRANKS BUT NEVER TURNS OVER. SHUT VEHICLE OFF, GO TO RESTART AND VEHICLE WILL START. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT OCCURS EVERY FEW DAYS. NOT TO MENTION, SINCE THIS PROBLEM STARTED MY REMOTE TO UNLOCK AND LOCK DOORS HAS STARTED…

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LATE AT NIGHT IN A MAJOR DOWNTOWN PARKING DECK, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. GO TO START VEHICLE, CRANKS BUT NEVER TURNS OVER. SHUT VEHICLE OFF, GO TO RESTART AND VEHICLE WILL START. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT OCCURS EVERY FEW DAYS. NOT TO MENTION, SINCE THIS PROBLEM STARTED MY REMOTE TO UNLOCK AND LOCK DOORS HAS STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LOCK BUT NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. DEALER CAN NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND CLEANED CONTACTS ON REMOTE, WHICH TWO TRIES LATER TO GET INTO VEHICLE, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10144361

45,000 miles · Nov 28, 2005
Air BagsEquipmentSeat BeltsCrashInjury

I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MY 2004 SATURN VUE WHEN A SUBURBAN REAR-ENDED ME AT APPROXIMATELY 40+ MILES PER HOUR. I THEN HIT THE SUV THAT WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME - AND WE BOTH WENT APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET FORWARD FROM THE STOP SIGN. THE IMPACT TOTALED MY TRUCK TO THE POINT OF THE REAR WAS CRUSHED T…

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I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MY 2004 SATURN VUE WHEN A SUBURBAN REAR-ENDED ME AT APPROXIMATELY 40+ MILES PER HOUR. I THEN HIT THE SUV THAT WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME - AND WE BOTH WENT APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET FORWARD FROM THE STOP SIGN. THE IMPACT TOTALED MY TRUCK TO THE POINT OF THE REAR WAS CRUSHED TO THE BACK SEAT AND THE FRONT FRAME WAS BROKEN IN HALF WITH ABOUT A 1 INCH GAP. MY ISSUES WITH THE SAFETY ARE: THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BROKE NEARLY ALL THE WAY BACK INTO THE REAR SEAT TO THE RIGHT WITH THE SEAT SLIDING BACK AND FORTH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY - YES, I WAS ORIGINALLY REAR-ENDED - HOWEVER THE IMPACT TO THE FRONT WAS EXTENSIVE AS WELL. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE CAUSING ME TO HIT MY FACE AND HEAD AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING SEVERE NECK PAIN (A CERVICAL SPRAIN) AND A BROKEN NOSE REQUIRING SURGERY TO REPAIR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10143854

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2005
Air BagsCrash

I HAVE A QUESTION. ON 2004 SATURN VUES, IF THE CAR IS NOT ON, WILL THE AIR BAGS STILL DEPLOY? I RECENTLY WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT IN NOR WAS I DRIVING MY CAR, AND MY INSURANCE IS NOW SAYING THAT THE ONLY WAY THE AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE GONE OFF IS IF THE CAR WAS ON AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE CLICKED IN. CAN YO…

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I HAVE A QUESTION. ON 2004 SATURN VUES, IF THE CAR IS NOT ON, WILL THE AIR BAGS STILL DEPLOY? I RECENTLY WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT IN NOR WAS I DRIVING MY CAR, AND MY INSURANCE IS NOW SAYING THAT THE ONLY WAY THE AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE GONE OFF IS IF THE CAR WAS ON AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE CLICKED IN. CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER CLAIMS OR IF THIS COULD HAPPEN. THANKS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10142624

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2005
Fuel System, GasolineSeat BeltsService Brakes, Hydraulic

2004 VUE MULTIPLE ISSUES... FIRST ISSUE LESS THEN 100 MILES ON VEHICLE, DEPRESSED BRAKES CAR CONTINUED TO CREEP AT STOP SIGN. DIAGNOSTICS AT SATURN DEALERSHIP: SPLIT IN BRAKE LINE, REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND ISSUE: LESS THEN 300 MILES ON VEHICLE, QUICK STOP CAUSED REAR SEAT SAFETY HARNESS TO BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM VEHI…

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2004 VUE MULTIPLE ISSUES... FIRST ISSUE LESS THEN 100 MILES ON VEHICLE, DEPRESSED BRAKES CAR CONTINUED TO CREEP AT STOP SIGN. DIAGNOSTICS AT SATURN DEALERSHIP: SPLIT IN BRAKE LINE, REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND ISSUE: LESS THEN 300 MILES ON VEHICLE, QUICK STOP CAUSED REAR SEAT SAFETY HARNESS TO BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE WALL.. DAUGHTER WAS NOT RESTRAINED AND SLID FORWARD IN SEAT. SATURN DIAGNOSTICS: SOMEONE WAS NOT DOING THEIR JOB THE DAY IT WAS MADE... THEY TIGHTENED SCREW BACK INTO WALL OF CAR AND HAVE NOT HAD ISSUES SINCE... THIS WAS UNCALLED FOR AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT DURING SAFETY INSPECTION. THIRD ISSUE: SAW DETAILS ON NEWS ABOUT RECALL ON THIS MODEL OF VUE, CONTACTED SATURN DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND WAS TOLD THAT WE WOULD BE GETTING INFORMATION IN THE MAIL ABOUT REPAIRS. FOURTH ISSUE: ABOUT 20,000 ON VUE, WENT TO STORE AND WAS FUNCTIONAL, CAME OUT AND CAR WOULD NOT START, OVER HALF A TANK OF GAS IN VEHICLE AND GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY, BOUGHT GAS CAN AND PUT 5 MORE GALLONS OF GAS IN CAR. STILL SHOWS EMPTY AND CAR WOULD NOT START, NO WORD ON REASON FOR FAILURE BEACHES IT HAPPENED TODAY (10/23/05). *NM

NHTSA ODI #10140530

300 miles · Oct 20, 2005
Electrical SystemSteering

DT: THE CALLER SAID THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN. SHE SAYS IT MAKES A SQUEALING NOISE. ONCE THE STEERING LOCKED. SHE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. SHE SAID IT HAPPENED WHEN SHE WAS TURNING INTO PARKING SPOTS, DRIVEWAYS, AND WHILE TURNING CORNERS. IT STARTED HAPPENING WITHOUT WARNIN…

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DT: THE CALLER SAID THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN. SHE SAYS IT MAKES A SQUEALING NOISE. ONCE THE STEERING LOCKED. SHE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. SHE SAID IT HAPPENED WHEN SHE WAS TURNING INTO PARKING SPOTS, DRIVEWAYS, AND WHILE TURNING CORNERS. IT STARTED HAPPENING WITHOUT WARNING, AND IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. DEALER DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. THEY REPLACED SOMETHING CALLED STEERING SHAFT INTERMEDIATE. ALSO, THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER HOUSING TO FIX THE LOCKING. THEY REPLACED IT THREE TIMES. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WILL CONTINUE TO HELP THE CALLER WITH THE REPAIRS. BUT SHE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE. *AK *JB

NHTSA ODI #10137431

7,905 miles · Oct 6, 2005
Power Train

VEHICLE HAS A LOSS OF SPEED. RPMS INCREASE. NO SPEED. STOP CAR, PUT IN PARK, BACK IN DRIVE A COUPLE OF TIMES. GETS BACK UP TO SPEED. DOORS HAVE TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED OR UNLOCKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES . DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10138895

25,000 miles · Sep 23, 2005
Visibility

DT: THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD FOGGING UP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE WEATHER WAS VERY HUMID. BETWEEN THE LAYERS OF GLASS THERE WERE STAINS. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED, THEY TOLD HIM THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE CONSUMER HAD TO TURN THE HEAT ON TO GET THE STAIN OUT. THE INCIDENT OCCUR…

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DT: THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD FOGGING UP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE WEATHER WAS VERY HUMID. BETWEEN THE LAYERS OF GLASS THERE WERE STAINS. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED, THEY TOLD HIM THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE CONSUMER HAD TO TURN THE HEAT ON TO GET THE STAIN OUT. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON JULY 4, 2005. THERE HAD BEEN NO ACCIDENTS AS OF YET. *AK (12/02/05) THIS PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR EACH DAY WHEN IT WAS HOT AND HUMID WITH OR WITHOUT THE WINDOWS OPEN. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10137475

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.