Saturn Vue Problems by Year

We compared every Saturn Vue model year from 2002–2010 using 2,351 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 7 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2003, 2008, 2007 and 2006, which drew far more complaints than other Vue years at the same age. The best years are 2010, 2005 and 2009.

9model years
2,351complaints
7recalls
2003, 2008worst years
2010, 2005best years

Complaints by model year

2002200320042005200620072008200920101676222761703002864061186
Owner complaints per model year, Saturn Vue. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20106−96%—ElectricalGood
2009118−52%2SteeringGood
20084062.1×3TransmissionAvoid
20072861.6×—ElectricalCaution
20063001.6×—ElectricalCaution
2005170−56%—ElectricalGood
2004276typical2TransmissionAverage
20036223.3×1TransmissionAvoid
2002167−36%2ElectricalAverage

* Complaints compared with the median Vue year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Saturn Vue problems

Latest Saturn Vue recalls

Electrical system › Ignition

NHTSA recall 14V-490 · Aug 8, 2014 · 202,155 vehicles

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.

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.

Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch

NHTSA recall 09V-233 · Jun 25, 2009 · 44,451 vehicles

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.

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.

Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm

NHTSA recall 08V-616 · Nov 24, 2008 · 2,149 vehicles

GM is recalling 2,149 my 2009 Saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles May have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on December 8, 2008.

Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA recall 08V-470 · Sep 17, 2008 · 42,408 vehicles

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.

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.

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 08V-200 · May 5, 2008 · 26 vehicles

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.

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 http://www.gmownercenter.com .

All 7 Saturn Vue recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Saturn Vue should you avoid?

2003, 2008, 2007 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Vue years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2003.

What is the best year for the Saturn Vue?

2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other Vue years at the same age, followed by 2005 and 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Saturn Vue problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (683), transmission & drivetrain (649) and air bags (307). Electrical complaints peak in the 2007 model year.

How many recalls has the Saturn Vue had?

7 recalls across 2002–2010. The model year with the most is 2008. See all Saturn Vue recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.