Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. After the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V490000 (electrical system), the key failed to release from the ignition switch and heard a clicking noise when removing the key. A couple of days later, the turn signals failed intermittently. In addition, the contact mentioned that smoke emitted from the top of the steering wheel on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that the turn signal arm would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000. Ma 10/5 updated 10/8/15
I had several problems with my ignition switch since buying this vehicle as new, so the switch was replaced on dec 2008 at the dealership, which I paid for. I brought this vehicle to a GM dealer per the recall in 2015 and was told all is good, so I could claim reimbursement for the 2008 repair. To date, after filling in the required forms and submitting them to a local GM dealer, and corresponding with GM corporate, they refuse to reimburse me for the repair because they did not keep any Saturn maintenance records when the division was shuttered, even though corporate was the office that notified me of the exact date of the ignition switch repair so I could submit my credit card statement as proof. The last contact from corporate was 15 dec 2015 with no response from several messages left with their case manager, paula [phone], ext. 5913223).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. While driving 30 MPH, several dashboard warning indicators illuminated, including the battery warning indicator. Simultaneously, the power steering seized operation temporarily and caused the vehicle to swerve. Also, while traveling up an incline, the battery warning indicator flashed and then turned off when driving on leveled ground. A fax was sent to the vice president of safety at general motors in regards to the failure; however, there was no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the key failed to turn in the ignition switch and numerous attempts had to be made before the vehicle would start. The failure recurred continuously. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign number: 14V490000 (electrical system). However, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle because they were unable to locate a failure. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.
Car power shuts down while driving, unable to start again in any traffic or road conditions to move car to a safe area. Full loss of power unexpected, vehicle simply stops running. This vehicle was purchased 'used' from a private seller I suspect was well aware of the situation but didn't expose it. $2300 spent so far with no findings as to why the problem occurs. Only an added 30 miles to the odometer since purchase. Present reading is 107,251.
ABS light remains on; my electrical system is faulty; my blinkers work at will. My fuel line sensor causes my vehicle to shut off after driving a distance. There is a noise when I reverse. My service engine light is now appearing and the wheel locks and hard to turn. Read the manual; vehicle does not require power steering fluid. Must contact a dealer per the manual. Will call today. Fuel line issues September 2015 other issues to date 12/28/2015.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the ignition key released from the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified if the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH smoke was emitted from the steering wheel without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
I purchased this vehicle used (app 47K miles on it) in March 2006. During summer of 2006 there started to be a problem wherein the car, when traveling down the road, would suddenly switch, without warning, into a "reduced power mode". A small light would come on indicating this, but the biggest problem was that about 5 seconds after this light comes on, the vehicle down shifted into 2nd gear and caused the engine to break down to 30 MPH. The only way to restore power was to pull over and shut the vehicle off for 30-60 seconds. ***I was told by the repair center that there are several technical service bulletins within Saturn for this defect, so they know it exists. *** however, because the cost of the repair (to consumers) is over $1300, they have not made a recall of what is obviously a safety defect. …
In the morning my wife attempted to start the car and it did not start. When I got home from work I started the car, but the idle was very rough. I drove the car around the block (standard transmission) and it was very difficult getting the car to accelerate in first gear. As I drove the car to the dealership, the "service engine soon" light was flashing. The idle was rough, the engine was underpowered, and when I came to a complete stop, the engine would stall. The parts replaced were #12587426: coil asm, #12580215: module as, #12569190: spark plug. I do not know if the parts are available. The repairs were done at Saturn of national city in san diego county. This vehicle is a 2002 Saturn Vue. It has the 2.2l (l4) engine. The parts and the engine are the same ones found in the Saturn l-series sedan, which had a recall for the ignition control module. I believe that recall is 03-c-06. …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
Electrical complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Saturn Vue, 31% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is horn (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Saturn Vue electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-490 (ignition, Aug 8, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Saturn Vue electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.