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 2009 Saturn Vue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
the car stable trak light comes on for service then the power steering service light comes and I lose power steering and power of my car this happened at 60mph on the highway, shut the car off for 5 mins and everything went back to normal then it happened again proceeded to do the same thing and it went back to normail
Vehicle has lost power steering. Difficult to steer especially in reverse and sometimes in turning left. If wheels are not completely straight, you have turn with all the strength you can muster. Reluctant to turn left unless you have twice as much time as you should need to avoid an accident.
Hi my name is [redacted]. I am having difficulties with the power steering in my 2009 Saturn Vue xe. This had been on ongoing problem approximately one month. I was instructed to return the car to the dealership for diagnosis. The warranty on my Saturn is no longer needed service. The power steering problem has gotten much more worse over the course of time. It is becoming more and more difficult to maneuver or turn my Vue. I am a 65 year old and my strength isn't where it used to be. The first time the steering went out I almost got into an accident. I also understand that there was a recall for my exact car model. Yes, I was told the recall was not for my specific model. But, as times get harder and harder I really don't have the finances to fix this car. Would you guys be willing to extend my warranty please to get this fixed. This car is as my means of transportation. …
Care was parked in store parking lot. When I attempted to remove the key from the ignition, key would not move from acc to park. Car would start, but no matter what I tried, I could not remove the key. Drove to dealer who told me it was the shifter. Gave me a work-around: move automatic gear to m (manual) then push up hard to p (park.). The key could then be removed. This poses a safety issue if work-around was not known. There's a danger to leaving the car, unable to lock it and running the battery down. If the car had been in a crash with the need to immediately leave the vehicle, there would be a risk to passengers, nearby pedestrians, other drivers and property. When I called the dealer to confirm service needed and set an appointment for service, I was told that I should not wait and come in immediately.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while making a left turn at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump and the inlet pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer on two separate occasion where it was diagnosed that the gear assembly needed to be replaced. In addition, the shaft was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,685. Updated 04/21/2016 updated 05/31/18
Purchased vehicle with mileage at 25,394 5/28/2014 currently today, 3/29/2017 mileage is 53,588, average use per year 9,398. Within the March 2017, 3/3/2017 had a transmission rebuilt, 3/20/2017 check engine, stabilitrak & traction signs flashing map sensor and oxygen sensors were replaced, 3/29/2017, power steering line leak. Under 2009 Saturn Vue-v6 utility 4d red line AWD a recall #08284 was sited on sep 16, 2008 with NHTSA id# 08V470000. Reading description my vehicle falls under the recall condition but my VIN# doesn't show any recall attention required. On 3/20/2017, dealer found a recall 15806 action 9102060 and it was cleared but I still continued to have problems with vehicles steering. I can't accelerate and have difficulty steering to left or right...
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, she lost control of the vehicle slid, and crashed into a guard rail. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering wheel position sensor was not programmed correctly and the steering gear was leaking fluid. The vehicle was repaired. However, the contact stated there was a knocking noise emitted from the steering wheel. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 08V616000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 111,952.
When making a left turn, the power steering seemed to fail and it took a great deal of strength to complete the turn. I have also had this problem when making right turns. It happens at low speeds being that it happens when turning. This has happened many time. I see that there has been a recall on some vehicles but not mine for the same type of issue. I am afraid that I will loose control of my car. My service center, which is a Saturn authorized dealer mentioned a steering sensor, but I believe it is a power steering issue. They told me the repair would cost over $500.
Related recalls
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.
Steering complaints in other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Saturn Vue?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Saturn Vue, 32% of the model year's 118 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Saturn Vue steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-616 (arm, Nov 24, 2008); NHTSA recall 08V-470 (hose, piping, and connections, Sep 17, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Saturn Vue steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury and 1 death 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.