Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while traveling approximately 20 MPH attempting to avoid crashing into another vehicle, the contact had to apply force to the brakes and the steering wheel locked. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle crashing into a metal ground wire which flipped the vehicle over. A police report was filed no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to a body repair shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact made aware that the vehicle was not included in recall NHTSA campaign id number: 08V470000 (steering) and NHTSA campaign id number: 08V616000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saturn Vue. While attempting to turn the key in the ignition, the key failed to turn. Additionally, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and seized completely at one point. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. A dealer was not contacted. The contact spoke to an independent mechanic who stated that they would inspect the vehicle later and the contact could potentially need a new steering wheel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
My 2005 Saturn Vue has had problems for years with the steering wheel locking after parking and turning it off, such that it takes quite a bit of "jiggling" of the wheel in order to enable the key to turn in the ignition column. Additionally, the key is able to be removed while on. I had not thought to see if it was recalled, but was told that my father's 2003 Saturn Vue did have the steering/ignition column recalled and replaced for exactly the same issues as I am experiencing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saturn Vue. While reversing the vehicle, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (south pointe Chevrolet, 9146 s. Memorial drive, tulsa OK, 74133) stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
I was sitting in driver seat and I out my key in ignition and turned it to 1 past the acc and I was able to take my key out of the ignition while it still being turn to 1. While in park. I can also take my key out of ignition while it's running while in drive or park on the 1 mark after acc.
Driving to maryland from charlotte nc. I was on the hwy going approx. 65. Car completely shut off, no noise, no warning. As the car slowed down, I coasted to the side of the hwy to a stop. Looked down at the gear shift, it was in drive. The ignition was in the on position. I put on the break and put the car in park and shut off the ignition. Waiting a few seconds, I turned the key. The car started up and the chime went off. It was the chime that the car makes when you open the door and the keys are still in the ignition.( a series of quick dings) I didn't open the door. All I did was start the car up. I continued, no problem. The same thing happened again on Saturday November 29th, 2014 on the highway going around the same speed. The car jerked slightly and shut off. This time it was at night. I coasted to the exit that was coming up. …
Every time the car hits a bump there a severe rattle from the front end. I had new struts installed and that is when the mechanics told and showed me that the bushings on the rack and pinion unit were going bad. I have checked since then and nobody seems to sell the bushing. They want you to buy a new unit for 600ish dollars or a remanufactured one for as much as 300ish dollars. Now when you purchase either of these units it is suggested that you also buy the new boltsand castle nuts for it which less then 29 dollars. The units have new bushings installed so I know some one is producing them and you can buy the bolts from almost anyone. The mechanic suggested sooner then later would be best as rack May come loose from frame and cause a sever loss of steering which would include severe bodily harm or death. …
I was driving on the freeway when my Saturn Vue's key fell out of the ignition. There is nothing on my key ring but they key and the keyless remote. I was able to re-insert the key and regain steering control. When this happened, it moved from the "run" position to the "acc" position and locked my steering column. The engine also shut off. I see that the 2002-2004 Saturn Vue has already been recalled for this dangerous defect that has already caused numerous confirmed fatalities and need to point out that according to general motors, the 2005-2007 Saturn Vue's have the exact same part number ignition cylinder and switch. I am able to remove my key while driving at any time without pressure, and have been able to replicate the vehicle going into "acc" mode whilst moving. This is unacceptable that you will recall earlier model years, but not every vehicle with the same defective part.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that after making a left or right turn, the vehicle would hesitate to drive forward. The contact mentioned that the failure would occur on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic testing, who advised that the electronic steering control failed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
I was driving on the freeway about 60 MPH and noticed there was a burning smell coming from the steering wheel and then there was smoke. I exited the freeway and let the car sit for about 10 minutes and the smoke went away. I took the car to the mechanic and we couldn't get the car to duplicate the smell or smoke. I has happened several times since then.
Steering complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Saturn Vue, 12% of the model year's 170 complaints. The component named most often is column (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Saturn Vue steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2005 Saturn Vue. 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 2005 Saturn Vue steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.