Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
This is more information related to Complaint 11761129: After online researching of other '03 2.2L Saturn Vue-owners stalling experiences, it appears that this vehicle has a long history of others like me: an unsafe, unpredictable stalling problem which carries no warnings or logging of error codes to trace the TRUE ORIGIN of problem. (How much did others spend on repairs that appeared to fix the problem by elapsing time enough for the problem to return to normal without the "repair"?) I stress that when all is working fine, the driver feels secure because there's no sign of a problem or trace left of the problem. The vehicle did run for years-at-a-time in a stable, reliable fashion. Once the stalling episodes pass, it felt OK to continue driving for years because everything is fine again. …
Car stalled while driving in traffic [redacted]. Engine died. Warning lights ON. Restarted. Stalled 3 more times in traffic but luckily had space to pull off & engine restarted. Made it into my garage. Restarted, Check Engine Light was ON, but went OFF after time. Car would NOT move in gear. Retried several times. Presently ([redacted]) will crank but WON'T start. Battery good. Looking for anything else obvious. (Had similar problem after buying in 2006 on at least 4 different dates, but restarted after EITHER: left overnight or after battery disconnect/reset: No Check Engine Light after relearning cycles. Successfully passed all emission tests since ownership.) I have about 34,000 miles on odometer. Have had NO other memorable problems except stalling problems. After first stalling years ago, a Saturn dealer on [redacted] replaced VTi transmission fluid & "reprogrammed" the ECM. …
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. While driving various speeds, smoke emitted from underneath the hood area. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that oil leaked from the engine valve cover onto the exhaust manifold. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 02/05/16 the consumer stated the vavle cover gasget was replaced. Updated 02/16/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after five attempts. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the computer needed to be flashed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact heard an abnormal sound when attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. While driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and the vehicle lost power. The contact believed the catalytic converter failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. After the vehicle was inspected, the technician stated that the engine cradle was rusted and needed to be replaced. The transmission and engine could disengage from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.
Saturn Vue 2003 has stalled while driving on multiple occasions. Has stalled doing 80 MPH on hwy has stalled doing 25-30 in town. Security light comes on, power is lost to engine and when security light goes off, then the engine will start again.
NHTSA investigations
Timing chain failure
On December 12, 2005, odi received a defect petition (dp05-008) requesting the investigation of timing chain failures that could cause stalling in Saturn vehicles equipped with the 2.2l (l61) engine. Odi opened pe06-006 on January 24, 2006, with 24 vehicle owner complaints that alleged a broken timing chain caused the vehicle to stop operating.on April 12, 2006, odi received information from general motors (GM)…
Engine complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 90 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Saturn Vue, 14% of the model year's 622 complaints. The component named most often is engine (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Saturn Vue engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 Saturn Vue, though it has 1 recall 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 2003 Saturn Vue engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.