Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle pulled left and was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 122,896.
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. …
The brackets welded to the frame of the vehicle holding the steering knuckle/subframe together was designed in a very poor way. This design issue causes the vehicle to collect excess moisture in a way that is difficult if not impossible to drain, resulting in eventual rust build up in this area of the vehicle at an increased rate. Additionally, this section of the frame did not use thick enough steel, resulting in this bracket rusting off much quicker than the age of this vehicle should allow. This resulted in the engine dropping about an inch and a half, damage to the suspension, gasket and valve cover leaks, damaged wheel hubs, and general inoperability of the vehicle due to unsafe conditions created. It's unsafe driving condition has been confirmed by the lead mechanics at our GM Dealership, and is currently undergoing inspection by GEICO for a possible total loss claim. …
Driving along at highway speeds had to avoid hitting a vehicle after being cut off. This resulted in using greater than usual brake forceat that moment, heard pop noise which came from rear of vehicle then vehicle veered to right at the same instant steering wheel started to move clockwise and counter clockwise rapidly. Had to bring vehicle under 35 MPH to get steering under control (almost lost control into cement barrier) when trying to accelerate back to speed limit vehicle vibrated violently for almost 2 miles until I was able to get off highway. When braking on off ramp vehicle veered to right ! Later that day had vehicle checked and tech found rear subframe bolt had lost its head (literally) appeared to be badly rusted below depth of subframe.. …
My car is very rusted out,underneath the body and no one will work on my car because they feel it's a hazard to drive and work on. I went to an iron works shop and mechanic said it's a common problem with Saturn Vue's,I took it back to where I bought it because they knew it before I bought it . All they wanted to do was put me ina sports car,my car is a hazard to drive it plus I have 1 more year to pay for it. Seems like something could be done about this
While drive southbound in the middle lane on I-95 during morning rush hour traffic. I noticed a slight shake in the steering for approximately 2 seconds before my vehicle started to fishtail towards the left and right with tractor trailers on both sides of me. I pushed in the clutch and the brake and placed my vehicle in neutral to slow my vehicle down while attempting to move over to the right shoulder of the road.
Manual transmission on 2005 Saturn Vue 4 cyl failed at about 50,000 miles. Lost the clutch pedal and could not shift the car at all. Occurred while driving on the expressway. Got it to the dealer for repair and they knew exactly what the problem was. Slave unit failed, which also caused the clutch to be replaced. Paid about $1800.00 for the repaid and Saturn would not acknowledge that they have transmission problems with their cars. Doing some research on the internet I found that there is a long history of transmission failures and suspension failures on the cars. I am not experiencing more transmission issues and suspension problems. I feel that Saturn/GM is aware of defective parts in their cars and refuse to make the proper repairs needed.
2005 Saturn Vue feels like it is going to tip over when taking sharp turns. This is particularly noticeable when driving at high rates of speed but within the posted speed limits such as leaving the interstate freeways on to adjoining on ramps/off ramps which tend to have various curves in the road. The car feels scary when this happens and requires a complete reduction of speed by the driver with all other nearby cars and SUV's passing by with no visible similar handling problem. I would not be surprised if this problem has contributed or played a role in accidents.
NHTSA investigations
Rear suspension toe control link
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of rear suspension failure in the subject vehicles during certain severe driving maneuvers.the investigation was prompted by NHTSA-conducted ncap dynamic rollover test incidents involving my 2004 Saturn vue vehicles and one consumer complaint that alleged when recovering from a road edge departure, the left-rear…
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Vue years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (48), 2004 (33), 2006 (13), 2002 (10) and 2007 (10) model years. Suspension complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Saturn Vue suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (40 mentions), followed by the front (17).
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.