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 2006 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered violently. The contact's daughter lost control of the vehicle and drove off the road before coming to a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,973. The VIN was unavailable.
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
When it is cold, it is very difficult to turn the key in the ignition. Its takes approx. 30-45 minutes to try and get the key to turn over. Also, once the car is on it is extremely easy for the key to come out of the ignition while the car is running. My transmission also shakes uncontrollably in the park of brake position. When going up and hills or driving on rough roads my speed decreases with out my control. My check engine light comes on at least once a month. I have had to go it checked but, was told that the problems they are mentioned are not problems at all and they can not understand why the engine light keeps coming on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle shuttered and averaged between 100 to 200 rpms without warning. The contact called joe holland Chevrolet and imports at [phone] (located at 210 maccorkie ave, sw, charleston, wv 25303). The contact was informed that he would be referred to a different dealer, but this did not happen. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 145,693.
Several issues with 2006 Saturn Vue to report: - air bag light comes on virtually every time the car is started. There is no one in the passenger seat - ignition - key can be removed from ignition switch while motor is running - ignition - key is virtually impossible to turn unless it is cajoled repeatedly. Typical start up time is in excess of 5 minutes to find the "sweet spot". "sweet spot" tends to move on a daily basis. No particular technique works every time - ignition - key will become stuck in the ignition switch. Results in a two to five minute careful tug of war with the car in order to remove the key. Ignition switch had this problem before and was replaced (at owners expense of $214 dollars) and things were fine for approximately two years. Now the symptoms (see above) have returned. - power locks - unable to lock doors (any) with drivers side lock controls.
Vehicle: 2006 Saturn Vue manual transmission. Twice in the last 4 months the manual transmission has failed catastrophically while driving on the highway. In both instances the shifter separated from the transmission and the vehicle was stuck in gear. The second occurrence was on an I-95. The Saturn dealership replaced and end clip the first time and the shifter cable the second time. They are telling me that the occurrences are unrelated - different parts and balking at fixing the defect without me paying for it. I have found several internet sites in which people are complaining of this same failure over several model years in the Saturn Vue. I was lucky that I did not get in an accident with this failure - especially the second time on I-95.
Can not turn on or off passenger side airbag using the button in above the radio and the light on the dashboard turns on every time I put something in the passenger seat. Even if it's a bottle of water my Vue is a v6 automatic with the Honda engine, but the transition between gears is not smooth at all it feels more like it's jerking into gear. When I put my car in park. I'm know one day I'm going to walk up to it and it won't be there because it will have rolled away. My Vue rolls back n forth in park on flat surfaces. So on a hill it's scarry. It rolls more than my old car that didn't even have anti lock breaks. And a lot of the time using the e-break dosnt help all that much
Vehicle was recalled for torque converter. While in the repair shop it was found that the center support bearing for the drive shaft was coming apart, ie: rubber bushing was separating and needed to be replaced. I was told this is a common problem. Was also told the front lower control arm bushings were separating. The cost for the bearing was between $450. And $500. Dollars, the control arm bushings repair would be $280. Dollars. I believe these parts are defective as the car only has 53,731 miles on it. The bearing defect will cause a vibration of the drive shaft as it becomes worse. The control arms will cause a clunk when going over bumps.
First the vehicle has made a strange noise from the rear of the SUV. I thought it were just the tires but I took it to a shop and found that the bearings on all four tires needed replaced. Shortly after, we were stranded on a rainy florida afternoon at a stop light when the vehicle would not move.the transmission can go into reverse but no forward gear. Cost to replace/ rebuilt $2500.00, more than the car is worth. Furthermore the radio turns on whenever it wants to, it fades in and out of all local stations. Worst American car I have ever purchased. That is probably why they went bankrupt.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. When applying pressure to the brakes, the contact noticed a loud grinding noise from the driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they filed the brakes down yet the grinding noise continued. The manufacturer advised the contact to have the dealer repair the rear differential clutch drum and bearing. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 78,000 and the failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 05/03/11 the rear differential was making a noise. Updated 05/20/11
Transmission complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Saturn Vue, 9% of the model year's 300 complaints. The component named most often is driveline (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Saturn Vue transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 13% 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.