Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Car rolled down drive way with kids in it. My findings were that in my 2002 Saturn Vue was in the acc position on the key the transmission safety that requires you to push the brake in order to shift is unlocked. I feel this could potentially be very dangerous lucky no injuries to my kids just the car. As far as I know there is no fix for this the dealer said there was no recall and no repair I could do.
While trying to stop by applying the brakes when approaching an intersection, the accelerator would not disengage and caused the vehicle to be unstoppable in that short distance. The transmission on this vehicle has had several problems of this type and has been reported on the internet and by other owners. The result was a collision that totaled the Saturn and another driver's Volvo.
Sudden, massive transmission fluid leak came into contact with hot exhaust manifold. While trying to get it off of the road after a stop, clutch failed. Managed to drive to a safer location about 1/4 mile away. So much smoke was pouring out from under the hood that I was afraid to open it. Retreated to a safe distance and called a tow truck.
The timing chain ruined the entire engine as a result of the chain tensioner failing from lack of oil being applied. Apparently as soon as I heard the clanging sounds it was too late. I am buying a whole new engine which has replaced the oiling mechanism that was faulty in the 2002-2003 models of the Saturn Vue.
I had my 2002 Saturn Vue parked in a neighbor's driveway. Twenty to thirty minutes later, my car popped out of gear, backed up, turned, and rolled off an embankment, landing in between trees and onto shoulders. When I called the week before the acccident, I explained to the service department I had been experiencing problems getting my car into gear. I asked them to check that out and I also scheduled an oil change at that time. While servicing the vehichle, they told me that the gear problems had been a fluke of the Vue. Prior to that, I had no gear problems other than a noise when I shifted that I reported to the dealer in September. The dealer told me that the front axle nuts were not torqued properly. They were retorqued per bulletin 02t52. …
I was driving home from night classes one night and my car would start to shake at the stop light (while idling) when I proceeded to go the car would not go into gear and would putt through the intersections. As I was driving home I got stuck in the middle of an intersection with oncoming traffic. This got worse as I drove and I prayed all the way home that I would not encounter another red light. When I got home I remembered that Saturn had sent me a letter stating that " this letter is intended to make you aware that some 2002 model year Saturn Vue vehicles, equipped with a vti, May exhibit excessive noise or reduced performance." so they are aware that their transmissions are faulty. If you google "2002 Saturn Vue transmissions" you will find a multitude of other customer complaints about the same issue. …
I was referred to cottman transmissions,when I learned about my particular make,model,&year vehicle was included in a recall on 2002 to 2005 Vue and 2003 to 2004 ions vti transmissions were defected,I never received any notices to inform me of this problem. I am a stay at home mother,two kids with after school activities and now no car,cause my transmission is ruined and extremely expensive to work on.though GM filed a class action lawsuit/settlement for the Saturn owners,all I want /need is my vehicle back,my husband has his and hours at work is late in the evening when important places like dmv,post offices,and my kids doctors offfices.I had my Saturn for 6 years and never once did I have a problem this serious,to where I have to sell it or junk it,cause of the expense of getting it rebuilt,or if I would be lucky enough to find a mechanic to do the job.I am so furious with GM and …
Purchased a brand new 2002 Saturn Vue 6 cylinders 3.0 engine. Had to replaced every electronic component in this vehicle. Computer, accelerator sensor, transmission and transmission control module. The "service engine" lights is constantly on. Therefore, I took the truck to the dealer. They tell me I need a new throttle body and a brand new harness since the new throttle body will not work with the existing wires. They want $3,000.00 for this. Within the warranty period I made the dealership aware of transmission problems. They reply that this SUV was operating normal. I replaced the transmission after the warranty had expired. Now the transmission control module is defective. The dealer wants $860 for the part plus programming charges.
I have also found a metal clanking sound coming from the front driver''s side of the vehicle when shifting the car out of park, or reverse. It still continues to have problems between the speeds of 12 to 30 MPH, again the problem presents itself mostly when the vehicle is coasting and losing momentum. The vehicle would be slowing down without any aid of braking of any kind and as the vehicle would attempt to down shift, it would sometimes make a clanking noise, or buck, or in the most extreme cases completely stall out. Also the wiper sprayers have broken twice, and the dealer expects them to break again.
I have a failed transmission, on a 2002 Saturn Vue with 56K miles on it. I brought it in three months after I bought because the transmission was slipping they claimed they changed the fluid, did a tune up etc., but the ride really didn't change. Well the transmission finally went out, and they're ordering parts to "fix" the transmission instead of replacing it. In fact they don't make the transmission anymore (which is understandable, who would continue to make something that doesn't work) but now if mine goes out I have to either have parts replaced, or get one out of a wrecked one.
Transmission complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Saturn Vue, 14% of the model year's 167 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Saturn Vue transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Saturn Vue, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Saturn Vue transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.