← New search

2008 Saturn Vue

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 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

329 reports with mileage · 77 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 120 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports11 fire reports10 injury reports

Structure complaints

15 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2024
Power TrainStructure

Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM

NHTSA ODI #11633260

160,000 miles · Apr 16, 2020
Exterior LightingPower TrainStructure

I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES(BOTH SIDES) AND WIRE HARNESS KEEPS MELTING. I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT BEFORE AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. I HAVE NOW PURCHASED THE WIRE HARNESS AND I HOPE THIS WILL NOT BURN ALSO. 2. THE CAR JUMPS WHEN SHIFTING IN REVERSE WHICH INDICATES THE PARKING PAWL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR NO…

Read full complaint

I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES(BOTH SIDES) AND WIRE HARNESS KEEPS MELTING. I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT BEFORE AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. I HAVE NOW PURCHASED THE WIRE HARNESS AND I HOPE THIS WILL NOT BURN ALSO. 2. THE CAR JUMPS WHEN SHIFTING IN REVERSE WHICH INDICATES THE PARKING PAWL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW AND NO RESPONSE RETURNED. 3. WATER IS LEAKING INTO MY CAR. THE FRONT AND BACKSEAT FLOORS ARE SOAKED. LOOKS LIKE THE SEAL AROUND THE FIREWALL IS NOT SEALING PROPERLY. I SAW MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 2008-2010 SATURN VUE. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL? THIS COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11321338

115,000 miles · Apr 13, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure

NOW THIS IS LIKE THE 5TH TIME I THINK I HAVE WROTE A LETTER TO THIS COMPANY AND NO ONE HAS ANSWERED ME I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR BEING PARKED ON A HILL AND IT ROLLS BACKWARDS WHEN NO ONE'S INSIDE OF IT AND OTHER LITTLE THINGS THATS ON THE SATURN RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT ON THE LIST. BUT NOW I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY BACK …

Read full complaint

NOW THIS IS LIKE THE 5TH TIME I THINK I HAVE WROTE A LETTER TO THIS COMPANY AND NO ONE HAS ANSWERED ME I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR BEING PARKED ON A HILL AND IT ROLLS BACKWARDS WHEN NO ONE'S INSIDE OF IT AND OTHER LITTLE THINGS THATS ON THE SATURN RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT ON THE LIST. BUT NOW I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY BACK DOOR NOT SHUTTING WHEN I SHUT IT IT OPENS UNEXPECTENTLY. IN THE WORDS OF CAR TALK IT'S CALLED 1. TRANSMISSION CASE POROSITY AT PARK PAWL 2. OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE STICKS/BIND. ALSO THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE TRANS STICK IS OUT, MY WARNING DASH BOARDS LIGHT COME IN FOR NO REASON 1ST IT WAS OIL LIGHT WHICH I RECEIVED AN OIL CHANGE A MONTH AGO AND NOW IT'S THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CAR ALARM GOES OFF WHEN THE BACK DOOR ACTS UP. NOW I HOPE TO HERE FROM SOMEONE SOON. I MIGHT GO TO THE NEWS CAUSE I NEED HELP AND YOU PEOPLE NOT HELPING SO THAT MIGHT MAKE U MOVE FASTER. BUT IF I DIE OF MY CAR ROLLS AWAY AND KILLS ONE OF THESE KIDS OUTSIDE I WILL SUE YOU PEOPLE SO HARD. WAITING FOR AN AWSER BYE. FYI IVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 2014.

NHTSA ODI #11085014

48,000 miles · Jan 11, 2018
Structure

HOOD STRUTS FAILED AT 48,000 MI AND HOOD SLAMMED SHUT WHILE CHANGING OIL.. NEW STRUTS WERE INSTALLED .

NHTSA ODI #11062249

89,000 miles · Jul 20, 2017
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED MORE THAN A YEAR AGO AND THE DEALER (KENNY ROSS CHEVROLET NORTH, 22010 PERRY HWY, ZELIENOPLE, PA 16063, (724) 609-5069) MADE NO MENTION OF THE RUST ON THE UNDERBODY OF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A STATE INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS DIA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED MORE THAN A YEAR AGO AND THE DEALER (KENNY ROSS CHEVROLET NORTH, 22010 PERRY HWY, ZELIENOPLE, PA 16063, (724) 609-5069) MADE NO MENTION OF THE RUST ON THE UNDERBODY OF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A STATE INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE SUBFRAME MAINLY NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE MECHANIC AT THE INSPECTION STATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO RECALL CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #11006618

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2017
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION AT THE MIDWAY POINT FROM THE CHANNEL TO THE FRAME. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION AT THE MIDWAY POINT FROM THE CHANNEL TO THE FRAME. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/17/17*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10947092

157,955 miles · May 11, 2016
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MI…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,955.

NHTSA ODI #10864412

115,000 miles · Jan 26, 2016
Structure

HOOD LATCH CABLE FAILED. HOOD WAS SHUT BUT STARTED TO LIFT AND VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. ALSO REAR LIFT GATE ELECTRICAL FAILED. COULD NOT OPEN. HAD LOTS OF GROCERIES IN REAR FORCING US TO PULL REAR SEATS DOWN TO RETRIEVE. WHY NO KEY HOLE TO OPEN. SOMEONE DROPPED THE BALL. LIGHT SHIELD ON OVERHEAD PANEL FALLS OUT CONSTANT…

Read full complaint

HOOD LATCH CABLE FAILED. HOOD WAS SHUT BUT STARTED TO LIFT AND VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. ALSO REAR LIFT GATE ELECTRICAL FAILED. COULD NOT OPEN. HAD LOTS OF GROCERIES IN REAR FORCING US TO PULL REAR SEATS DOWN TO RETRIEVE. WHY NO KEY HOLE TO OPEN. SOMEONE DROPPED THE BALL. LIGHT SHIELD ON OVERHEAD PANEL FALLS OUT CONSTANTLY.

NHTSA ODI #10822410

106,000 miles · Aug 16, 2015
EngineStructureWheelsCrash

I HAD BEEN OUT TO LUNCH AND WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE IN MY WORKPLACE PARKING LOT. I EASED INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND NUDGED THE GAS TO GET COMPLETELY IN THE SPACE. WHEN I NUDGED THE GAS, MY CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITH SUCH A FORCE THE CAR WENT OVER A CONCRETE BARRIER IN THE PARKING SPACE AND I THEN HIT A BRICK AND …

Read full complaint

I HAD BEEN OUT TO LUNCH AND WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE IN MY WORKPLACE PARKING LOT. I EASED INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND NUDGED THE GAS TO GET COMPLETELY IN THE SPACE. WHEN I NUDGED THE GAS, MY CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITH SUCH A FORCE THE CAR WENT OVER A CONCRETE BARRIER IN THE PARKING SPACE AND I THEN HIT A BRICK AND CONCRETE WALL THAT WAS KNOCKED DOWN. AN IRON RAILING WAS ON TOP OF THE CONCRETE AND THAT GOT SMASHED AS WELL. MY CAR WAS MOVING AT SUCH A FAST AND FURIOUS SPEED I HAD NO CONTROL OVER IT. AS A RESULT, MY CAR WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE REPAIRS THAT WERE NECESSARY. THIS EXACT THING HAPPENED EXACTLY THREE YEARS AGO IN THIS CAR AND IT WAS THE SAME SITUATION. I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE AT A SHOPPING MALL AND AS I EASED ON THE GAS TO PULL INTO THE SPACE, AGAIN, MY CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND I HIT A TRUCK THAT WAS IN THE SPACE IN FRONT OF WHERE I WAS PULLING IN AND MY CAR STOPPED WHEN IT HIT THE CAR NEXT TO THE TRUCK. MY CAR WAS REPAIRABLE. THANKFULLY, BOTH OF THESE TIMES I WAS IN THE CAR ALONE. I HAVE CALLED GM/SATURN AND MADE A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. ...UPDATED 09/28/15*BF

NHTSA ODI #10748967

92,612 miles · Mar 13, 2015
Structure

I WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR AND THE EXTERIOR HANDLE JUST BROKE. THE BREAKAGE POINT OCCURRED "INSIDE" THE DOOR, AT THE REAR PORTION OF THE HANDLE. FROM THE OUTSIDE THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I MUST ENTER THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TO USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE, TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. T…

Read full complaint

I WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR AND THE EXTERIOR HANDLE JUST BROKE. THE BREAKAGE POINT OCCURRED "INSIDE" THE DOOR, AT THE REAR PORTION OF THE HANDLE. FROM THE OUTSIDE THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I MUST ENTER THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TO USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE, TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IS STILL ATTACHED ON THE FRONT END BUT IS COMPLETELY UNUSABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10694163

Official recalls

3

09V233000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Jun 25, 2009

GM IS RECALLING 44,451 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH BODY COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK OR BIND. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES WITH CHROME DOOR HANDLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

08V470000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Sep 17, 2008

GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT AND CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

08V200000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

May 5, 2008

GM IS RECALLING 26 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6T70 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION CASE SIDE BORE THAT HOLDS THE PARK PAWL PIVOT PIN MAY HAVE A CASTING POROSITY. THIS CONDITION, COUPLED WITH NORMAL OPERATING STRESSES, COULD LEAD TO FAILURE, ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK' POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN ITS PATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

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

PE09016 · Outside Door Handles Stick Unlatched

Opened Mar 10, 2009 · Closed Jul 2, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

BY LETTER DATED JUNE 23, 2009, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 09V233) TO REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES CAN STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE AGENCY OPENED ITS INVESTIGATION BASED ON TWO COMPLAINTS OF DOOR LATCH FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE DOOR TO OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.THE AGENCY ALSO RECEIVED EARLY WARNING (EWR) REPORTS ON THIS ISSUE.CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES HAVE PAINTED BODY-COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES THAT MAY STICK OR BIND.IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN OCCUPANT FALLING PARTLY OR FULLY OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.BASED ON THE ABOVE SAFETY RECALL, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.