Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
440–25K
3225–50K
3250–75K
4675–100K
52100–150K
31150K+
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
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2004
SuspensionCrashInjury
MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2004 SATURN VUE ON MONDAY, JULY 26, HE APPARENTLY HIT A PATCH OF GRAVEL WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IT WENT INTO THE DITCH ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL COLLAPSED AND THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED. THERE IS EXTENSIVE …
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MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2004 SATURN VUE ON MONDAY, JULY 26, HE APPARENTLY HIT A PATCH OF GRAVEL WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IT WENT INTO THE DITCH ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL COLLAPSED AND THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED. THERE IS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ON THE FRONT END AND PASSENGER SIDE, AS WELL AS TO THE SHIFT CASING INSIDE THE VUE FROM WHEN MY SON'S KNEE SLAMMED INTO IT. THE VEHICLE IS STILL BEING ESTIMATED FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES (EITHER TO TOTAL IT OR REPAIR IT).*AK
NHTSA ODI #10082832
Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2004
SuspensionCrashInjury
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 14, 2004 WHILE IN MY 2004 SATURN VUE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. I WAS HIT ON THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE AREA AND THE BACK TIRE BENT UNDER THE CAR AND MY SATURN WAS TIPPED OVER AND SPUN AROUND WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE DOWN ON THE PAVEMENT. THIS WAS NOT A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT. I WAS PROBABLY ABOUT 20MILES…
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I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 14, 2004 WHILE IN MY 2004 SATURN VUE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. I WAS HIT ON THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE AREA AND THE BACK TIRE BENT UNDER THE CAR AND MY SATURN WAS TIPPED OVER AND SPUN AROUND WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE DOWN ON THE PAVEMENT. THIS WAS NOT A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT. I WAS PROBABLY ABOUT 20MILES PER HOUR AND THE PERSON THAT HIT WAS PROBABLY BETWEEN 25-35MPH. MY SATURN VUE SUSTAINED ABOUT $10,500 DAMAGE SOME OF WHICH WAS THE REAR SUSPENSION. I DO NOT YET KNOW OF THE FINAL OUTCOME WITH THE INSURANCE WHETHER IT WILL BE REPAIRED OR TOTALLED. I JUST HAPPENED TO READ THE KANSAS CITY STAR TODAY 7-27-04 ABIYT TGE GOVERNMENT SAFETY AGENCY INVESTIGATING THE SATURN VUE AND THIS FIT THE DESCRIPTION COMPLETELY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10082779
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2004
Air BagsCrashInjury
WHEN DRIVING AT 35 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AT A STOP SIGN. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO T-BONE THE OTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEAT, BUT AIR BAG DEPLOYED TOWARDS THE LEFT OF THE SEAT. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. …
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WHEN DRIVING AT 35 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AT A STOP SIGN. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO T-BONE THE OTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEAT, BUT AIR BAG DEPLOYED TOWARDS THE LEFT OF THE SEAT. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10075808
400 miles · Feb 2, 2004
Power Train
RANDOM OBD CODE P0571 CRUISE/BRAKE SWITCH MALFUNCTION SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON 6 DEC 03. THE SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN CHECKED SWITCH ALIGNMENT, CONNECTORS. NUMEROUS FAILURES CURRENTLY WAITING SINCE 29 JAN ON ENGINEER TO LOOK AT FREEZE FRAME DATA FROM THE COMPUTER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10056379
1,073 miles · Jan 14, 2004
Structure
ROOF RACK SCREW HOLES HAVE NO WAY TO DRAIN WATER. RESIDUAL WATER SITS IN THE SCREW HOLES OF THE RACK AND HAS STARTED TO RUST THE SCREWS. RACK SCREWS HAVE NEVER BEEN TOUCHED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, BUT ARE RUSTING. BAD DESIGN AND SHOULD BE FIXED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10053201
950 miles · Nov 30, 2003
Structure
WATER THAT COLLECTS IN BOLT HOLE WELLS IN ROOF RACK RAILS CAN PROMOTE CORROSION. EVAPORATION IS THE ONLY WAY FOR THE WATER TO ESCAPE. MANUFACTURER SHOULD PROVIDE A SET OF SEALING PLUGS AND CORROSION INHIBITING GREASE/GEL TO SEAL OF THESE HOLES.*AK
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.
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.
2004 Saturn Vue Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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