Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
I have a 2009 Saturn Vue xe with only 40,515 miles and the wiring in the headliner above the windshield and driver side visor caught on fire! The fire was put out with a fire extinguisher. A burned area about a foot around is now in the headliner. It blackened the white paint on the outside roof. The melting wiring insulation in the headliner dripped and burned a hole in the driver leather seat. What a stinky mess! Thank god it was put out quick enough and didn't catch the whole vehicle on fire! Obviously this isn't an isolated problem based on my google search. I've reported this problem to GM customer service. They said no open recalls on this vehicle. However, I suspect GM is aware of this problem.
Now this is like the 5th time I think I have wrote a letter to this company and no one has answered me I've had problems with my car being parked on a hill and it rolls backwards when no one's inside of it and other little things thats on the Saturn recall but my car is not on the list. But now I'm having a problem with my back door not shutting when I shut it it opens unexpectently. In the words of car talk it's called 1. Transmission case porosity at park pawl 2. Outside door handle sticks/bind. Also the interior lights on the trans stick is out, my warning dash boards light come in for no reason 1st it was oil light which I received an oil change a month ago and now it's the check engine light, car alarm goes off when the back door acts up. Now I hope to here from someone soon. I might go to the news cause I need help and you people not helping so that might make u move faster. …
I have replaced my headlights 4 times(both sides) and wire harness keeps melting. I have made a complaint before and received no response. I have now purchased the wire harness and I hope this will not burn also. 2. The car jumps when shifting in reverse which indicates the parking pawl. This has been an issue for over a year now and no response returned. 3. Water is leaking into my car. The front and backseat floors are soaked. Looks like the seal around the firewall is not sealing properly. I saw multiple people have the same issue on the 2008-2010 Saturn Vue. Why isn't there a recall? This could cause a major electrical issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, a puff of smoke and an abnormal odor emitted from the steering wheel without warning. In addition, the high beam indicator flashed on and off independently. The contact also stated that on another occasion, the high beam and low beam headlights operated independently and failed to shut off as the vehicle was off. The contact was able to shut off the lights by starting the vehicle and then shutting it off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,007.
On 1-19-2015 I started my car (after it had been sitting for 2 days/it was very cold) and the exterior lights, interior lights, dashboard, radio, blinker signals, all began flashing. It would stop for a second and start again, during this time the car seemed like it was going to conk out, but didn't. This went on for about 5 minutes. When I pressed the gas pedal the flashing would go faster. Also the seat controls and door locks would not work. After about 5 minutes it stopped and the car was fine. That same thing has happened roughly 4-5 more times, lasting 5-10 minutes each time. The car has only stopped running 1 time (luckily in front of home) and started fine the next day. Took video and went to local mechanic. They checked the battery and alternator (both fine-no $ charge), also checked recalls for car (nothing). Told me to go to dealership or electrical mechanic. …
I have an 05 Saturn Vue. I am having problems with the headlights switching to the daytime running lights when I am driving at night. My dash goes completely black with the only lights coming from the dash being the green headlight that indicates the daytime lights are on and the light from the odometer. When this happens I also lose my taillights making it dangerous. This has been going on for months and I have had no resolution to this from the dealer. They claim they have to see it happen in order for them to fix it. There is no pattern to when this will occur as it comes and goes intermittently.
1) purchased 2005 Saturn relay van; 2) all lights on vehicle are variable. This is at all times. It is distracting while driving at dark periods. Lights vary light output, not maintaining steady output. Saturn has acknowledged that all relays have this problem, and stated to mechanic that the alternator must be replaced. Supposed to be available 1-14,2005. 3) dealer continues to anticipate replacement alternator, but since 1-3-05, we are still waiting, with no resolve.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Vue years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (13), 2008 (11), 2003 (9), 2004 (8) and 2009 (6) model years. Headlight complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Saturn Vue headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Saturn Vue model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Saturn Vue headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (8 mentions), followed by the hazard flashing warning lights › switch (2).
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.