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 2004 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I pulled up to a stop sign and the engine died. When I turned the key, I could hear the pistons impacting the valves. The timing chain slipped and because this is an interference engine, it destroyed the engine. My mechanic has offered a remanufactured engine with a warranty for $3000+ or a used junkyard engine for $2000+. The vehicle is in excellent condition but will most likely need to be scrapped because it's not logical to spend that much money on a car that is only worth $1800. All of this after I've spent over $1000 replacing the whole suspension, shift cables, brakes, and calipers. This engine and timing chain setup has been used in many GM vehicles and has been recalled in the Saturn ls. But not in any of the other models which use the same setup. It's ridiculous and they should have all been recalled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. While the contact's daughter was driving the vehicle, the key fell out of the ignition. The failure occurred more than twice while driving. In addition, the steering wheel made an abnormal squeaky and rattling sound while being turned. Excessive force had to be used to turn the steering wheel. Also, the check engine indicator was illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the power steering and ignition failures were not diagnosed because they did not have the proper electric tools. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 250,000.
I was on my way home in my 2004 Saturn Vue when a buck jumped out in front of me. I stomped on the brakes, however, I ended up hitting the buck (deer) that then ran away. My entire front in was smashed in, the air bags never deployed, the seat belts didn't lock when I stomped on the breaks. My daughter and I were both in the front seats and we both went forward messing up both of our necks and backs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal noise emitted from the engine without warning. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,200.
The transmission for my Saturn Vue (2004) was replaced in 2010 when my vehicle had 77637 miles. The transmission was replaced in 2010 after receiving a letter from Saturn notifying of issue with intelligence (vti) transmission and my vehicle experiencing issues. My now second transmission is having the same problems the first transmission had. The mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle has said that it is not normal for a vehicle to have the same transmission issue and I know my family and friends have not experience this type of issue with their vehicles. This leads me to believe that this is not normal and that the issue with the intelligence (vti) transmission has not been resolved. I am asking for GMC to cover the cost to replace the new defected transmission for my vehicle. I would like for this issue to be escalated. …
New 2004 Saturn Vue(2wd) with 3.5 liter v6, purchased in July 2004 1st symptom: poor fuel efficiency 16mpg city instead of 20mpg; worse during rain 22-24mpg hwy instead of 28mpg; 19mpg overall average -dealer response normal for first 5K miles, I'm now over 8K 2nd symptom: engine backfires after cold start; worse during rain -dealer response no trouble found, changed oil 3rd symptom: slow to start when parked on slight upward incline -haven't notified dealer yet 4th symptom: low coolant light came on but coolant level was OK -will be taking it in to dealer I'm concerned about taking it in for service after reading similar reports on this vehicle and numerous tales of poor resolution. Please notify or post about any new bulletins or resolutions that May be helpful.
I took the vehicle to my auto repair shop because of the recent onset of an unusual rumbling sound when decelerating. After a test drive and inspection the mechanic wrote these comments on the repair invoice. "determined front frame rusted through causing extreme movement of engine cradle and engine assembly. Unibody is rusted out. This vehicle is probably totaled and this information should be given to the NHTSA. Caution: this vehicle is dangerous to drive and should be taken off the street immediately." both the mechanic and myself feel that this shouldn't have happeded to a ten year old car with less than 86,000 miles that has been prperly maintained. The mechanic also photographed the damage. Your prompt attention would be greatly appreciated.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the transmission would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer of the transmission was no longer in business. The vehicle manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure and the current mileage was 115,000. Updated 07/06/12 the consumer also stated she returned to the dealer several times, to fix the fuel gauge problem. The check engine light illuminated, which turned out to be a faulty 02 sensor. Updated 10/02/12
I would like to file a complaint on my 2004 Saturn Vue. I have done a lot of looking around on the internet and found that there has been a lot of timing chain failures on the saturns. I recently had mine go out on my Vue at 90,000 miles and am in the process of getting it fixed which could cost me upwards of $2,000. Is there any form of a recall o this and what are if any are my options for either Saturn fixing it or reimbursing me any amount. Could you please contact me with any information you have . Thanks in advance for your help.
When the car is idling, the ac stops altogether. When the car is in motion, it sometimes works and sometimes does not. When it does work, it does run at full capacity and will sometimes even blow hot air even though the ac is turned on. It is hit or miss when turning the vent settings as it doesn't always redirect the air flow. Also, it is hit or miss for the ac to turn off when switched to the off position (hot or cold air May continue to blow).
Engine complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Saturn Vue, 9% of the model year's 276 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Saturn Vue engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 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 2004 Saturn Vue engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 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.