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 2006 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My car is very rusted out,underneath the body and no one will work on my car because they feel it's a hazard to drive and work on. I went to an iron works shop and mechanic said it's a common problem with Saturn Vue's,I took it back to where I bought it because they knew it before I bought it . All they wanted to do was put me ina sports car,my car is a hazard to drive it plus I have 1 more year to pay for it. Seems like something could be done about this
The ignition was locked and key wouldn't go in, to get it to unstick I put key in as far as it would go and noticed I could start it without the key being fully inserted. This happened a few times before but this was the first time I realized I didn't need the key to be in the ignition to start nor does it need to be in the ignition to drive. I was able to reproduce problem in driveway. I made a video but think only photos can be uploaded
ignition gets stuck with key and locks steering wheel, now it wont shut off all the way to left and kills my battery looks like there has been MANY ignition issues and recalls with saturns which this is pretty important to have working to drive and be safe esp as a female in this world ..getting stuck or with a dead battery isnt good $300-400 at a gmc to fix this issue I feel personally this should be considered a recall fix
The key can be removed from the vehicle while being driven. Also the ignition doesn't "click" off when vehicle is parked and key is removed causing the battery to drain. There have been several recalls for this issue but not with the 2006 year model. This is a dangerous problem and there are very limited resources to get it resolved.
Vehicle experienced burning smoke emissions and a burning odor from the steering wheel / steering column area where the wipers and signal light/highbeam headlight switches are connected. The smoke emissions and the burning odor appeared to be triggered by the turning signals or from activation of the headlights. For safety purposes, the vehicle was turned off and parked; however, the headlights continued to illuminate after the headlights were shut off. Eventually, the car battery died; but the headlights continued to illuminate; headlights were finally extinguished with disconnection of battery cable.
When you try to start the car when it's cold, all of the interior and exterior lights come on, radio comes on, and then the lights and radio go off and the power steering stops working. After a few attempts and about 5 minutes pass, it works properly. Some times, unexpectedly, all the lights in the car start flashing, the locks on the doors lock and unlock repeatedly while driving. We've replaced the transmission, the ignition switch, the alternator, and have a brand new battery (2x in 6mo). This car is possessed! I worry for the safety of my teenage daughter while driving this car.
When I try to start my vehicle I cannot turn the key in the ignition...I have to push up the gear shifter and then keep turning the steering wheel until the key can turn. I thought there was a recall for this but cannot find the information updated 11/06/2017
When making a turn (any direction) or just turning steering wheel the car will cut off and lock the steering wheel while in the middle of the turn. This happened on city streets or highway while in motion.
On the first start of the day, at or below 24 degrees f, the interior items flash on and off until the electrical system warmed up. I also learned that if the ignition was on for about 3 minutes it was the same as if it was running. I live in nashville and for the last 3 years it only occurred when the outside temp was 24 degrees or below. The flashing on and off of the lights and equipment is the body control module protecting them when the charge rate is too high. It was considered an intermittent problem and who can troubleshoot at or below 24 degrees? A month ago (July) it started all the time, no flashing, no steering, no dash instruments, etc. Longer story short with the plug removed from the alternator (it controls the field voltage through the ECM/PCM) the alternator was still putting out 18.5 volts. …
1) leading events - purchased the car in 2009 used from a certified dealer, was provided with 2 separate sets of keys. Within the first 6 months of driving I noticed increased difficulty in starting the car with the keys provided. Alerted dealer and was given another set of keys. 2) failure - key to ignition frequently sticks and stays in the ignition while car is running. Also have identified that the steering wheel frequently locks which makes it even more difficult to start the ignition. 3) initially I was given a replacement key from the dealer that worked on and off. The car will be turned in for service this weekend to determine what the defect is if any on the car. Estimated cost $250-$500.
Steering complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Saturn Vue, 10% of the model year's 300 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Saturn Vue steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 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 2006 Saturn Vue steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 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.