Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue which was purchased in December 2002. She stated that there were numerous failures with the vehicle. While driving approximately 6 MPH through a brush-less car wash, water entered into the sun roof housing. On a separate occasion, she also smelled oil burning and the dealer replaced the right inner cv joint boot. The hazards lights failed to operate normally and were repaired twice due to repeat failures. When she engaged the hazard switch, it collapsed into the dashboard console. The service engine soon light illuminated and the dealer stated that the thermostat failed and it was replaced. All repairs were made to the vehicle per the warranty. The rear lateral link assembly recall number 04067001 2002-2004 Vue rear suspension recall was also replaced. The driver's side window would not close; however, the driver's side switch was replaced. …
Consumer states: took in vehicle on 5 separate times for transmission, whining noise was heard, almost like the engine was overheating. Was on highway, and no matter how much gas consumer gave it vehicle wouldn't move. When giving it more gas the engine would rev but still wouldn't go. Before problems with transmission, at a separate time, something with the computer went wrong. It completely shut down. Such as gas gauge showed empty tank and speedometer went to zero. When at a stop idle seems to drop and when accelerating from stop, vehicle hestiates and lurches. Transaxle speed sensor replaced. Transmission control module reprogramed due to whining noise. Hood won't open. Hood cable readjusted. Driver and passenger washer nozzle missing and replaced. Steering wheel making noise. Shaft boot greased. Service engine soon (ses) light on. Oxygen sensor was contaminated and replaced.
Dt: 2003 Saturn Vue. The front sway bar links and torsion bar have been replaced three times and the problem recurred. The suspension and steering made grinding sounds and the car handled differently. They were replaced on March 8, 2004, March 3 2005, and July 27, 2005. The vehicle has 29,000 miles on it. Saturn told the consumer to see the dealership about the problem. The ABS activated under normal braking conditions. The wiper switch was replaced due to a short. The steering shaft needed to be lubricated.
Saturn Vue experiencing problems with the transmission, catalytic converter shield, windshield, accelerator, rear suspension, defective passenger side ball joints, struts and bushings.** answer required***. The defective catalytic converter shield was replaced, there was noise under the vehicle in the exhaust area of the vehicle due to a defective muffler. The windshield rattled at high speeds. The accelerator pedal stuck resulting in sudden acceleration. The driver's door would not open from the inside.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated she has had the driver side wheel bearing and ignition switch repaired. In addition, the rear differential failed and the engine coolant was leaking into the engine. The windshield wiper sprayer was also defective. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The contact stated she did not feel safe driving the vehicle. There were no further repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.
The windshield washer nozzle disc pops out of its nozzle assebly making the windshield fluid spray pur out rather than properly spray the windshield inorder to properly clear the viewing area. Epecially needed during winter season of salt/slush spray from forward vehicle on road/hwy operation. (basically the vehicle in front of your vehicles tires sprays salt/slush spray up on your windshiel, and without the windshield sprayer working correctly you can't see the road.
2003 Saturn Vue - the driver side mirror cracked from exposure to snow/ice. This split makes viewing out the back difficult and May result in an accident. The mirror cracked without being touched or moved. This is also documented at a Saturn owners forum saturnfans.com under the Vue forum. The part is on national back order so this must be occuring a lot. I don't know if Saturn is investigating the cause.
The windshield cracked when hand washing the car! Mild california weather, normal hose temperature. Windshield fractured outward from under edge at the top center. There were no chips or cracks prior. Dealer says the extended warranty does not cover glass. We thought getting the extended warranty did just that, extended the normal warranty. Now we have an unsafe vehicle that is too expensive to fix!
Occasionally there has been a line of smoke coming from my steering column when I start the car. Now my windshield wipers will not turn off unless I remove the fuse. I am concerned about a fire and will be getting it fixed, however I have read of other Saturn owners having this same problem. So I know mine is not the only car out there to have this problem.
With less than 50,000 miles on this vehicle, I have replaced the rotors and the rear wiper motor. The latest failure left me stranded and needed to be towed to the dealer. The slave cylinder for the hydraulic clutch fluid went with a total cost of 1100.00 out of factory and extended warranty of course. Company claims this is a wear and tear issue.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Saturn Vue, 3% of the model year's 622 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Saturn Vue window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
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.