Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased a Saturn Vue 2008 automobile which was purchased on feb.18,2008. I've had two accidents with this vehicle, both due to brake failure. The first accident occurred on June 27,2008, at approximately 7:15 am. I was maneuvering my vehicle in a garage area when I stepped on the brake , the peddle went to the floor and the car crashed into the garage thus "stopping " the car, the car was moving 5-10 m.p.h. The second accident occurred on July 17, 2008 at 4:15 pm. I was 3 car lengths behind another vehicle traveling 25 m.p.h when I stepped on my brake peddle which "again" went down to the floor and I crashed into the car in front of me. My vehicle was towed to the Saturn dealer on the 17th of July 2008 and as of this date, August 26, 2008, Saturn still retains possession of my vehicle alleging to be having it repaired. …
Our 2008 Saturn Vue xe recently started locking up the ABS and brakes while driving. It happens in stop and go traffic and most frighteningly at freeway speeds. The vehicle will apply the brakes at will for no reason and the ABS and traction control indicators come on. We have had the vehicle serviced multiple times and we have replaced all brake hardware and the issue still exists. We have done countless hours of research and have found that hundreds of Saturn, Chevrolet, and commodore vehicles exhibit the same issues and general motors dealerships do not even have an answer. The vehicle brake issues render the vehicle inoperable and cause immediate slowness and inability to maneuver on the freeway when it locks up. We cannot use the vehicle and have exhausted all resources and options trying to fix the issue. It cannot be traded in with these issues either. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. While driving at any speed, the brakes seized, all of the calibers seized, and the anti-skid and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was contamination in the brake fluid. As a result, the brake pads, the hoses, and the brake fluid were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however; the contact stated that the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the brake fluid was flushed and the booster and master cylinder were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle shook and lost power. The check engine, traction control, and anti lock brake system indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled into a parking space and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who replaced and reprogrammed the ECM. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure recurred after one and half years. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the transmission solenoid control circuit and reprogrammed the transmission module. The failure mileage was 56,178.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. While the contact's wife was exiting the interstate at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when depressed. The contact, a certified mechanic, discovered that the brake lines had a hole due to improper routing of the brake line. The contact diagnosed that the brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,430.
I was driving down fm 1960 I saw white smoke coming from under the hood and through the vents. I turned off the air condition; then grey smoke start being visible from the under the hood. I came to a yellow light and tried to brake but the brakes did not work. When I was able to get the truck to stop, a cloud of black smoke came from the glove compartment and floor board areas. I exited the vehicle and about 30 seconds later the flames engulfed the truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. While driving 60 MPH, the brakes applied automatically without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (airport Chevrolet, 3001 biddle rd, medford, or 97504), but the failure could not be diagnosed due to lack of failure codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 78,000. Updated 8/3/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the traction control indicator illuminated and the front brakes seized. The vehicle slowed down without depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.
I have lights on the instrument panel to indicate an issue with the braking system ABS and stability response to my vehicle. The technician at ntb stated my wiring harness is corroded. To me this is not a normal thing to have general maintenance. There is no current recalls noted for this and something needs to be done. Although I can still brake the car.
Brakes lockup when driving. ABS braking system light comes on. Took it to dealer and they said nothing was wrong. Numerous complaints on the internet. Brakes locked up again after taking to dealer. Please help!! Car was in motion at normal speeds 55 MPH when this has happened on 3 occasions.
Brake complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Saturn Vue, 5% of the model year's 406 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › master cylinder (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Saturn Vue brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Saturn Vue, though it has 3 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 2008 Saturn Vue brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes 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.