Door Lock & Latch complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This is a potential life safety issue on the vehicle. This is a new 2008 Saturn Vue rl (red line). After purchase I was reviewing manual on the autolocking door systems. It stated that system could be reprogrammed. The issue is that when vehicle is stopped and placed in park - all 4 doors are automatically unlocked. I wanted to changed this for safety results. First if you either drive up to an atm late at night or park your vehicle in a dark area - once you put vehicle into park - all door are unlocked. This give an opportunity for someone to enter into the vehicle and put you into a possible life safety situation. Another issue is that if you have young children in the vehicle and once again you stop and place the vehicle into park all doors are unlocked - the children can open the door(s) and jump into traffic or a dangerous situation. …
I own a 2008 Saturn Vue and my door latches and handles have failed on numerous occasions. Passenger side handle sticks and can not be opened from either inside or outside. Passengers have had to crawl over the seats to exit. The driver side door latch and handle doesn't fully catch even though it appears to be in a locked position. This door has opened while I was driving. This car has been returned to the dealer service department on several occasions and they have failed to find out the cause. I was told to bring the car in as soon as the problem occurs. I did that last week and they finally diagnosed the problem. Faulty door handles. They informed me that GM has known about faulty door handles for some time even though I have had this problem for months and several trips to the service department.. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact turned the key in the ignition and a fire ignited. The fire department responded and extinguished the flames. In addition, the headlights became dim and the doors on the vehicle were unable to be locked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 79,200.
The door latches are failing intermittently and the doors will not close. We have had to tie the back doors closed with rope to prevent them from opening while driving. I've seen a recall for this on the 2008 models, what about the 2006 models?
Ignition lock failure. Key will not turn to off position. Key locked into ignition cylinder. Key comes out of cylinder but cylinder does not turn to off position and can continues running, solution for now take key out and take out ignition fuse to stop interior electrical from running or disconnect battery. If does not turn to accessory position have to remove fuel fuse and ignition fuse. Cost of repair over $300, from internet reading this is happening on most Saturn Vue and Saturn ion vehicles. This needs to be recalled and isn't, just has a service bulletin which is not covered by warranty and costing lots of people lots of money for a defect that they should have recalled. Please recall!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saturn Vue. The passenger and rear driver-side doors will not open if the doors are unlocked. The vehicle doors are equipped with a key entry lock that open and close them; however, they cannot be opened from the inside or outside of the vehicle with the key. The dealer was contacted and a technician concluded that they would have to break the locks. No repairs were made. However the first time he notified the dealer, he was advised to take the battery out to shut down the power to reset the computer as a temporary remedy. The failure mileage was 60000. The current mileage was 70300.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact was driving 10 MPH on a snow and ice covered road surface when he applied the brakes and the entire instrument panel illuminated. There was a complete loss of the power steering and brakes. The contact engaged the brakes several times before the vehicle stopped. When attempting to exit the front driver side door, the automatic door locks would not release. All of the interior door locks became inoperative. The contact was able to exit the front driver side door by applying excessive force with a hammer to the door lock mechanism. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they informed him that the failure was related to a computerized system malfunction. The technician attempted to repair the vehicle but to no avail. The failure mileage was 172,000.
My complaints are several . All of which have been described in technicakl bulletins. I have had my vehicle back to the dealer no less than 10 times since I ourchased it. Now, I live with the issues because I can't afford to lose additional work , the worst problem is the vibration in the drivetrain at idle (when in drive and the vibration driving at 60-65. In addition, the front drivers door squeeks ( I belive its the insulation) my luggage bolts broke, the seat cushion on the drivers side would not stay attached on the front edge, there is a popping noise when the truck is idling, when you close the rear liftgate, the plastic interior seperates from the door, whe it is cold my steering column make noise.
Related recalls (1)
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
GM is recalling 44,451 my 2008 Saturn vue vehicles with body color outside door handles. The outside door handles May stick or bind. If this were to occur, the door May not latch when closed.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the outside door handles with chrome door handles free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before August 18, 2009. Owner May contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.
NHTSA investigations
Outside door handles stick unlatched
By letter dated June 23, 2009, general motors notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall number 09V233) to replace the outside door handles on certain model year 2008 Saturn vue vehicles. The exterior door handle on certain model year 2008 Saturn vue vehicles can stick in the unlatched position.the door May open while the vehicle is in motion.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Vue years have door lock & latch problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (17), 2003 (13) and 2008 (10) model years. Door Lock & Latch complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Saturn Vue door lock & latch problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-233 (latch, Jun 25, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn Vue door lock & latch problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the doors › latch (14 mentions), followed by the hood › latch (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.