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 2003 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V490000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair; however, the new ignition keys provided under the remedy failed to start the vehicle. The contact had to use the old key to start the vehicle. Additionally, the battery was replaced twice because the vehicle failed to turn off, causing the battery to drain. The vehicle needed to be jump-started. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that she was disabled and had returned the license plates to the DMV. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that there were multiple failures within the vehicle. The vehicle was hesitant to accelerate accompanied with a loud, humming noise. The horn sensor was melted, causing the horn to malfunction and sound continuously. The fuel tank was also fractured, causing a fuel leak and fumes to fill the vehicle cabin. The muffler was abnormally loud and the steering wheel would seize without warning and most frequently when attempting a left turn. In addition, the timing chain failed. The hazard light activation button also fractured therefore; the contact was unable to utilize the hazard lights. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted in regards to all of the failures experienced in the vehicle but neither provided any assistance to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving on the interstate. When the failure occurred, all the warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle operated normally until NHTSA campaign number: 14V490000 (electrical system) was remedied. The vehicle was taken to bill buck Chevrolet where it was diagnosed that the failure could not be replicated. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. While driving approximate 25 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound under the hood immediately followed by the eruption of flames. The contact stopped the vehicle and had complications opening the door because the vehicle had lost all electrical power. The contact was eventually able to open the door and exit the vehicle. The police and fire department reported to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to tow station and was declared as destroyed. The cause of the fire was undetermined. The approximate failure mileage was 99,072.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. Additionally, smoke emitted from the center of the steering wheel where the horn was positioned. The contact also mentioned that the key released from the ignition while the engine was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician was unable to locate a problem. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,343. Updated 06/10/14 updated 8/21/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. While driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and jerked when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the contact unintentionally struck the key with her hand and ejected it out of the ignition while the shift lever was in drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V490000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
I received a letter from general motors regarding my vehicles recall 14506 back in September 2004. I have tried numerous times to schedule a fix for this recall. Rice Buick GMC , 8330 kingston pike, knoxville, tn [phone] I am told the part for this fix has yet to arrive and I will be called when the part arrives. It has been months, I believe 4 months is plenty of time to receive parts. I have yet to receive my call. I am afraid I will have another incident or accident. Any help or advice will be appreciated.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V490000 (electrical system), weeks later the steering wheel was emitting smoke. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer twice where the vehicle was diagnosed, but the results were unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 271,469.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed that the ignition control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired four times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. While driving on the highway at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning and the electrical power failed. The vehicle was able to restart after being parked for a long time. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.
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 2003 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 124 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Saturn Vue, 20% of the model year's 622 complaints. The component named most often is horn (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Saturn Vue electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-490 (ignition, Aug 8, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Saturn Vue electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 6 fires and 2 injuries 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.