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 2004 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.
While driving down a city avenue during rush hour, the transmission failed. No warning, just failed. Several good samaritans pushed me across 3 lanes of traffic to get me off the busy road. It died while I was in gear and driving. I did find out that this model was part of a recall and I ended up paying 2500 for a new transmission because they said the recall had expired that I did not take in on time. 5 years later, it's doing the same thing. A new transmission costs around 3000. What part did they pay? Did they even replace it? 2 years after that the engine quit on a highway off ramp with less than 100K miles. I had to replace that. Then 1 year later, the entire brake system had to be replaced to the tune of 1200. We got a tune up and oil change as we were headed to breckenridge, the tech said we were lucky because the brakes would have been useless in mountain driving. …
3.5 l Honda with Honda mdra 5 speed automatic. 78930b Honda transmission lube correction kit (6 cylinder models) and valve update for transmission is not known to Saturn/GM. Valves failed, overheated transmission on i20, burned up torque converter, lost 4th & 5th gear, temp light came on, revved from 2000 RPM to 4000 RPM and loss of power/surging. Got off interstate before semi hit me. Transmission shop stated recall / update / service bulletin for new self cleaning lube/cooling valves and vale body update for smother shifting. When ignition recall done GM showed nothing about Honda mdra transmission also GM recall department unaware Saturn used Honda power train. Honda is aware of problem but GM wasn't. GM VIN so Honda can't pull up any info.
I recently experienced a transmission vibration or shaking motion (judder or shudder) while driving at speeds between 20 and 45 MPH. GM has issued customer satisfaction program recall 10285 - v2386 in February 2001 for this exact same problem but it only covers 2005, 2006 and 2007 vues. The recall reprograms the power train control module to correct the problem. The exact same engine/transmission is used in the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 vues yet GM has chosen to ignore 2004 Vue owners with the problem. The 2004 Saturn Vue with the Honda supplied engine/auto transmission has this problem and GM needs to reprogram the 2004 power train control module as they have done with the other model years.
While driving transmission will jump out of gear,need to shift gear selector into neutral,then back into drive,sometimes more than once.we have avoided several serious incidents since this problematic issue started.vehicle was checked out several times at Saturn of modesto.ca.now out of business,there fix just replace transmission $5,000 at customers full expense.contracted Saturn customer service,they advised us to contact chase Chevrolet stkn.ca as they can service your Saturn vehicle.called chase Chevrolet was advised there shop did not have proper equipment to service our vehicle,didn't have updated computer software.still having same issues.
I have a 2004 Saturn Vue that came out of park with no keys in the ignition and my 4yr old son fell out of vehicle and was ran over. We are able to take the key out of the ignition without it being in the "off position" and put the vehicle in neutral, reverse, and drive without applying my foot on the brake. The vehicle has not been repaired and is parked on the advice of my attorneys. The key was removed from the accessory position with the shifter in park. Being in the accessory position allowed the shifter to be moved from park without an application of the brake pedal. *smch
I am paying on a 2004 Saturn Vue and after 101,000 miles I was on my way to daycare with my 3 year old daught and the car transmission slipped into neutral now it continuously slips into neutral while driving. 3 months after buying vehicle the steering wheel started creaking and making like a honking sound and we took it back to dealership and were turned away due to it being a personal problem. It also makes popping noises and slips into neutral while on freeway after 50 MPH and when making some right turns.
I just brought a 2004 Saturn Vue, and it takes a long time to get to 2nd and 3rd gear, and if I am driving 30 MPH or lower it shakes. I have taken it back to the dealer twice already and it is still doing the same thing. It also makes a rough grinding, and growling sound. It does all of the above while driving on the highway and city streets. It is also hard at times for me to turn the key to start the car , and the key can come out at any time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. While attempting to shift gears, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front driver's side near the engine. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. While driving at various speeds or while idling in traffic, the vehicle jerked roughly without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Transmission complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 93 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Saturn Vue, 34% of the model year's 276 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Saturn Vue transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries 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.