Most common 2009 Saturn Vue problems
Share of the 118 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn Vue complaints by model year
Best Vue years: 2010, 2005, 2009. Years to avoid: 2003, 2008, 2007, 2006. Compare all years →
2009 Saturn Vue recalls (2)
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
GM is recalling 2,149 my 2009 Saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles May have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on December 8, 2008.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
GM is recalling 42,408 my 2008-2009 Saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump May loosen. If this were to occur, there May be a power steering fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump. If there are no signs of a fluid leak, dealers will tighten the nut.
What 2009 Saturn Vue owners say
Steering all 38 →
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was inoperable while attempting to reverse. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
The power steering goes out especially at lower speeds are from take off ,it takes every thing you have to turn wheel it has almost caused me two accidents, fluid level is fine, makes no unusual noise steering just goes out making it very dangerous to turn to the right are left & very difficult to turn from a complete stop .No one has figured the problem out & its my only vehicle there is definitely a Manufacture problem with the steering in this vehicle
Electrical system all 35 →
While I am driving I have had intermittent incidents that cannot be replicated. "stabilitrak" warning light has not turned off. I have lost control of my vehicle while driving twice but was able to pull over after a few seconds. The vehicle will lose power to the dash. When I am turning the steering wheel gets very hard to turn and will turn off the radio. This will cause the car to loose power while driving. Then when I turn the car off I will be unable to get the key out or turn the vehicle on. I will have to restart the vehicle. I have replaced the battery twice and the alternator twice and this helped for 2 months then the problem persisted. I also replaced the wheel sensors to no avail. I have taken to 3 mechanics but they cannot replicate the issue. …
While driving down road acceleration slowed, all instrument panel lights came on, loss full power steering & brake functions, no turn signals, brake lights, fuel gauge went to empty, messages on driver air bag, stabilitrak,tire air pressure,ABS, everything was flashing. All instrument panel lights were on, radio stopped, sudden increased acceleration then decreased again. I got pulled over to a parking lot (which was very hard with brake pedal going to floor & steering almost impossible), turned off car & removed key. Still had all (4) open door lights on and all the doors were shut. They stayed on more than 5 minutes before finally going off. I sat there 30 minutes before trying to start the car again. When I started it everything was working again as if it had reset itself. Yesterday August 31, 2015 was the third time this same thing has happened to me while driving at 45 MPH or more. …
Transmission & drivetrain
I have only 68,329 miles. My transmission lost reverse. When first driving it will only go up to 10 mph and over time the maximum speed is 30 to 40 mph. Even if it gets to this speed it hesitates. The car is a danger and not drive able. I took the car to a GM dealer requesting a Policy Evaluation according to the Service Bulletin Warranty. The evaluation showed GM will not help me with any repairs or replacement of transmission. A car should not have a major component fail like a transmission especially with such low mileage. It is expected to have maintenance and repairs on a vehicle. What is not expected or normal servicing is transmission repair or replacement. It was estimated from the GM dealerships Policy Evaluation it will cost $5,500 to replace the transmission. My car is in great shape other than the transmission failure. …
While I am driving I have had intermittent incidents that cannot be replicated. "stabilitrak" warning light has not turned off. I have lost control of my vehicle while driving twice but was able to pull over after a few seconds. The vehicle will lose power to the dash. When I am turning the steering wheel gets very hard to turn and will turn off the radio. This will cause the car to loose power while driving. Then when I turn the car off I will be unable to get the key out or turn the vehicle on. I will have to restart the vehicle. I have replaced the battery twice and the alternator twice and this helped for 2 months then the problem persisted. I also replaced the wheel sensors to no avail. I have taken to 3 mechanics but they cannot replicate the issue. …
2009 Saturn Vue engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 32 / 28 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 27 / 30 / 28 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Saturn Vue a good car?
Based on 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Vue rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Vue at the same age. It is one of the best Vue years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Saturn Vue?
The steering — 38 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about electric power assist system. Next are the electrical system (35) and transmission & drivetrain (14).
How many recalls does the 2009 Saturn Vue have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Saturn Vue, the most recent from November 24, 2008 (arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn Vue?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2005 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2008, 2007 and 2006. See the full Saturn Vue years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Saturn Vue problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 23% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.