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 2008 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the transmission felt like it was slipping while driving at various speeds. The transmission failed to shift gears or lock into the desired gear. The contact had not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
2008 Saturn vue AWD. Steering wheel is very difficult to turn while driving. There is a lot of resistance. No leaking fluid visible and no visible loss of fluid levels. Transmission was torn down/repaired in 2017 for metal bits present at 95,000 (approximate) miles. It is currently at 107,600 miles. Transmission gets stuck in lower gear and rpms Rev up without the vehicle gaining acceleration. The tear down/rebuild was due to bad 3 5 wave plate also and seems to be replicating the issue again. Check engine light comes on amd goes off intermittently and cannot get issue to replicate at the mechanics. Key has also gotten stuck in the barrel. Took almost 2 hours to try numerous ways to get it to release-also had to unlock manually on the door handle, none of the lights inside worked and when it was able to get started it was very slow and deliberate. …
Just backed out of my driveway and drove 2 blocks down my street. Stopped at the stop sign and the car wouldn't move. It was still running, however it wouldn't move. The car coming up behind me didn't notice my flashers and had to slam on his brakes which caused him to be rear ended. Everyone was ok. Car was pushed back to my driveway and there it sits. Tried to start it and it still won't go anywhere. The check engine light is on, but it was not on before it stopped, or while being pushed back. I can't afford to have it towed anywhere right now to be checked out. The used dealership I bought the car from gave me an obd scanner. Transmission codes P0700 and P2723 came up.
When you drive the car the transmission fails. less than 48 hours ago I just bought this 2008 Saturn vue certified pre owned and I've been reading a lot of review's about the specific model of car and a lot of other people that have had this car has had the same common experience I will attach a screenshot of what I'm talking about down below I seriously think someone should look into this issue because not only do I think this vehicle isn't mechanically safe to be sold and driven on the road but the majority of the community that has owned one of these cars would agree to what I have to say
My 2008 Saturn vue Engine size 3600cc, 6 cylinders has been feeling like the transmission is slipping when you get up to a certain speed and this could be very harmful to other drivers that are driving.. Sometimes the car won't go into park or reverse and I feel that since there are 3 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THAT THE GM PLACE SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THIS Because someone could get hurt really badly if the transmission locks up while going down the road.
I have had the vehicle for 1 week and it has been running good. I parked it yesterday when I went to go to work today the vehicle would not shift gears while going down the road. It has really high RPM's and will not shift out of first gear.
Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while reversing at 5 MPH, she had placed her gear shifter into drive, however, the vehicle continued to reverse without warning and failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact hit her coworkers vehicle at a low rate of speed. The contact was able to reverse the vehicle into a park space and parked the vehicle. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be serviced, diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the speed of the vehicle decreased to approximately 10 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated and the contact noticed a burning odor. The contact maneuvered to the emergency lane and shut the vehicle off. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed as a transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,400.
Purchased a certified used vehicle Saturn Vue 2008. Was told by sales man it had a 1 year bumper to bumper warranty and 2 year on the power train. Just after my 1 year mark my transmission went out. I took it to the dealer and felt assured at least it was under warranty, only to find out it, that is was only covered for 1 year on the power train, I was very displeased to have the transmission go out with only 50K miles on it. After speaking with several "managers" about the problem and how I felt they should cover it under the warranty, they finally agreed to absorb some of the cost, I paid 1K dollars for the transmission, while my car was being worked on they did the service that it was due such as rotating tries etc. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
GM is recalling 26 my 2008 Saturn vue vehicles equipped with a 6t70 6-speed automatic transmission. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the transmission case side bore that holds the park pawl pivot pin May have a casting porosity.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2008. Owners May contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Transmission complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 120 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Saturn Vue, 30% of the model year's 406 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Saturn Vue transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-200 (automatic transmission, May 5, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Saturn Vue transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.