Page 7 of 13 · complaints 301–350 of 622

2003 Saturn Vue complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →

Power Train
Filed Jul 28, 200984,000 milesMI

I BOUGHT A USED 2003 SATURN VUE TWO MONTHS AGO, AND SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. THE MAJOR PROBLEM WITH IT KNOW IS THE TRANSMISSION (AUTOMATIC VTI). WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY TWO DAYS AGO, THE CAR WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 65 MPH, WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN, THE RPMS RED LINED AT 7000. AFTER THAT I DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE CAR ONTO THE SHOULDER, BUT IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ALSO WHEN STOPPING THE CAR, THE ENGINE STARTS TO RUMBLE AND SHAKE, THEN WHEN ACCELERATING AGAIN THE ENGINE REVS UP BUT NO MOVEMENT. AFTER ABOUT FIVE TO TEN SECONDS THE CAR CATCHES GEAR AND IT FEELS LIKE I'VE BEEN IN A REAR END COLLISION WHEN IT DOES. THREE DAYS AGO THE CAR DID THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHILE I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN (IT STOPPED AND JUST REVVED THE ENGINE), I WAS ALMOST HIT BY AN ONCOMING CAR BUT THEY MANAGED TO SWERVE OUT OF THE WAY TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE VUE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AND I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD A NEW TRANSMISSION SO I AM STUCK WITH A DEAD VEHICLE WHICH I JUST PURCHASED TWO MONTHS AGO. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 23, 200962,000 milesCO

MY 2003 SATURN VUE HAD THE TRANSMISSION DIE COMPLETELY AT 62,000 MILES AND 6 YEARS OLD. WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF A VACATION AND IT DIES 2 MINUTES BEFORE WE ENTERED THE INTERSTATE IN SEATTLE, WA. THERE WAS NO WARNING, OTHER THAN SATURN TELLING US 5 YEARS AGO THAT THE TRANSMISSION MAY LOSE POWER ON OCCASION BUT IT IS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 22, 200980,100 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS FAIL; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE MASTER CONTROL PANEL WAS FAILING. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE PART IS CURRENTLY ON BACKORDER WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,100. UPDATED 08/27/09 *BF UPDATED 08/31/09.*JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 17, 200910,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED MY NEW 2003 SATURN VUE FROM YORK PA SATURN (SUTLIFF GROUP) AND THEY HAVE PATCHED UP MY 2003 VUE BY REPLACING VALVES, SENSORS ETC. ON THE VTI TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLES 5 OR 6 DIFFERENT TIMES, WHICH THEY WELL KNOW WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I STILL EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION FAILURE DURING EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING OR TIMES OF TRAFFIC STOP SITUATIONS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE 10,000 MILE POINT ON UNTIL THIS TIME. DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO HIGHER GEAR , STILL MAKES GRINDING NOISES WHILE TURNING AND ACCELERATING AND OTHERWISE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. TRANSMISSION WAS LOOKED AT BY DEALER 5 TIMES AVOIDING THE ISSUE OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS HAVE INVOKED ME TO START A MAJOR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE SATURN CORP. ! ALL I ASK IS FOR SATURN TO REPLACE MY FAULTY DRIVE TRAIN (ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION) FREE OF ALL LABOR AND PARTS WITH THE NEW TYPE DRIVE TRAIN THAT IS IN THE NEW 2008-09 VUE OR REPLACE WITH A NEW VEHICLE!!! ITS THAT SIMPLE SATURN! AND UNTIL THIS HAPPENS THIS TRANSMITTAL WILL CONTINUE ON TO WEBSITES, PUBLIC POSTS, FLYERS, IN FRONT OF SATURN DEALERS ETC. ETC... PS. I HAVE POSTED THIS WARNING ON EVERY NEW CAR BUYERS SITE JUST TO WARN PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF THE FAILED RESPONSIBILITY OF SATURN AND GM. ALSO I HAVE COPIED JUST ABOUT EVERY PERSON AND BUSINESS THAT HAS EXPOSURE TO INTERSECTIONS SHOPPING MALLS ETC. SO TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS, WORKING COLLEAGUES, ETC. GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT SATURN. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 22, 200982,067 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE POWERTRAIN FUSE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THERE WERE NO AUTHORIZED DEALERS IN THE AREA FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,067.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 16, 2009170,050 milesTN

MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING TODAY AND ABOUT AN HOUR LATER I STARTED TO LOOSE POWER AND WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ONLY I DISCOVERED THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION: MODULE ON THE 2003 SATURN VUE AWD 6CYCL. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 15, 2009102,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE STILL MANAGED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT IT BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 102,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 7, 200980,000 milesVA

I HAD DRIVEN MY 2003 SATURN VUE TO WORK THE PREVIOUS NIGHT WITH NO PROBLEMS. UPON DRIVING IT THE NEXT MORNING, IN BUSY TRAFFIC, IT WOULD NOT TRANSFER OUT OF FIRST GEAR EASILY. I PRACTICALLY HAD TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO EVEN GET IT UP TO 30 MPH. I HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED BUT HAVE HAD QUOTES IF IT IS THE TRANSMISSION AND IT IS TOTALLY RIDICULOUS THAT WE AS CONSUMERS HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR SOMEONE'S BAD JUDGMENT ON TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS WHERE THE COMPLAINTS ARE NUMEROUS ON THE SATURN TRANSMISSIONS AND NOW AS CONSUMERS WE ARE UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE NOW THAT GM HAS FILED BANKRUPTCY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD OF BEEN ADDRESSED BEFORE BANKRUPTCY BEFORE NOT ONLY ARE THE CONSUMER'S WALLETS EMPTY BUT THE RISK INCREASES FOR OUR SAFETY AS WELL AS OTHERS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 28, 200989,405 milesNY

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN VUE AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT ON MAY 5 WENT TO THE SHOP TO BE REPAIRED ON MAY 20 GOT VEHICLE BACK ON THE 23 AND ON MAY 25 THE TRANSMISSION WENT AGAIN TOOK IT BACK TO SATURN OF ALBANY N.Y. AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER PICKED IT UP ON MAY 27 GOT ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY FROM SATURN TRIED TO CROSS A 4 LANE INTERSECTION AND VEHICLE WOULD BARELY MOVE DUE TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN IT IS A GOOD THING THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed May 28, 2009120,000 milesIL

AIR BAG AND SERVICE LIGHT ON. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER ONLY TO FIND OUT THE AIR BAG MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST $750.00 TO REPAIR. TALKED TO LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP THEY SAID THEY THOUGHT THERE WAS A LAW THAT MANUFACTURERS HAVE TO CORRECT A SAFETY ISSUE FOR UP TO 10 YEARS AFTER CAR IS MANUFACTURED AT NO CHARGE TO CONSUMER. CALLED DEALER THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS OF COURSE. STUCK WITH PROBLEM AND CONCERNED. *TR

Power Train
Filed May 26, 200955,000 milesMI

FAILURE OF THE VTI TRANSMISSION ON THE 2002 - 2005 SATURN VUE. I WAS NOTIFIED BY A FELLOW VUE OWNER THAT THEY ARE HAVING SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY TRANSMISSION SINCE PURCHASE AND HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT I AGAIN BROUGHT IT TO MY DEALERS ATTENTION AT 55,000 MILES. UPON RESEARCH I FIND THAT THE NOISE MY CAR IS NOW MAKING IS PROBABLY NOT THE WHEEL BEARINGS BUT THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed May 23, 200936,000 milesTX

TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND AT APROX. 30-35 MPH ENTER BUSY URBAN INTERSECTION WHEN A CAR TRAVELING WEST BOUND RAN A RED LIGHT. I COLLIDED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON (T-BONED). CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE COMPLETE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I SUFFERED BRUISING AND SORENESS FROM THE IMPACT. MY VEHICLE THE SATURN VUE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 13, 2009105,000 milesSC

I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 2003 SATURN VUE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JUNE OF 2008 BECAUSE I KNEW SATURN HAD A GOOD REPUTATION AND MADE VERY RELIABLE AND SAFE CARS. ON MAY 10, 2009 MY HUSBAND, MYSELF, AND OUR 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WERE LEAVING A GAS STATION PARKING LOT. MY HUSBAND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND PULLED OUT INTO THE ROAD TO BEGIN OUR TRIP HOME. AS HE PULLED OUT INTO THE ROAD AND PRESSED THE GAS THE CAR'S RPMS REVVED UP BUT THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. WE CHECKED TO SEE IF ONE OF US HAD ACCIDENTALLY HIT IT INTO NEUTRAL, BUT IT WAS IN FACT IN DRIVE. WE HAD ENOUGH FORCE TO COAST BACK INTO ANOTHER ENTRANCE OF THE GAS STATION PARKING LOT AND GET OUT OF THE ROAD BEFORE BEING HIT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL (NOT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE). WE HAD IT TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. THEY SENT IT TO A LOCAL SATURN DEALER. THE SATURN DEALER CONTACTED US AND SAID INDEED THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. SATURN GAVE US A QUOTE FOR REPAIRS WHICH WE CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY. WE WERE TOLD WE WOULD ALSO GET A DISCOUNT AS THIS VTI TRANSMISSION WAS NOW THE CAUSE OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. EVEN IF WE COULD AFFORD IT, THE FAULTY VTI TRANSMISSION CAN ONLY BE REPLACED WITH ANOTHER FAULTY VTI TRANSMISSION WHICH COULD GO OUT AT ANY TIME WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. FORTUNATELY WHEN OUR TRANSMISSION DID GO OUT WE WERE SAFE. HOWEVER WE HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND ARE EXPECTING OUR SECOND CHILD IN A FEW WEEKS AND IT IS ABSOLUTELY UNSAFE FOR US TO PUT OURSELVES, AND ESPECIALLY NOT OUR CHILDREN, IN SUCH A SITUATION

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 8, 200941,500 milesNY

SERPENTINE BELT WAS SHREDDED, WHEN THE BEARING ON THE IDLER SEIZED. V6-AWD. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 7, 200989,250 milesNY

FIRST I HAD TO REPLACE THREE OF FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2006 FOUR MONTHS AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE. THEN JUST TWO MONTHS AGO A SWAY BAR LINK BROKE AND BROKE A STRUT SO I HAD TO REPLACE THEM. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A 2003 SATURN VUE IN MY DRIVEWAY STILL PAYING FOR IT WITH A BAD TRANSMISSION. EVERYTHING WAS GOING GOOD AFTER THE STRUTS I THOUGHT I HAD IT ALL FIXED BUT THEN MY GIRLFRIEND WENT TO LEAVE THE DRIVEWAY AND THERE IS NO REVERSE IN THE VEHICLE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 7, 200975,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH 55,000 MILES. AT 75,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN IN RIGHT GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SATURN DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE, WHICH INCLUDED A 18,000 MILE/ONE YEAR WARRANTY. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED UPHILL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT AFTER A FEW MINUTES, SHE RELEASED THE PEDAL AND ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE BACK INTO A DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE AUTO BODY SHOP. THE MECHANIC SEARCHED FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WILL INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE WITH THE SAME WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE AUTO BODY SHOP BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 6, 2009137,000 milesNV

2003 SATURN VUE W/ VTI PURCHASED JULY 30, 2003. REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION TO DEALER ON 12/14/05. DEALER REPLACED ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION AT THAT TIME. MILEAGE WAS 59,721 AT TIME TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. ON 5/1/09 WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE STARTED TO SHUDDER AND JERK AS IF NOT GETTING POWER. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. WHEN I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR BACK INTO GEAR, IT WOULD NO LONGER ENGAGE THE DRIVE OR REAR GEARS. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED AND CHECKED OUT, I HAVE BEEN ADVISED MUST GET A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS CURRENT TRANSMISSION ONLY HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 4, 200976,909 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SLIP INTO GEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE DEALER SHOULD PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,909 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,900.

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed May 3, 200993,000 milesOK

THERE WAS NO WARNING JUST TOOK OFF FROM MY HOUSE IN 2003 SATURN VUE AND WHEN I WENT TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO LET GO. IT WON'T GO OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND GEARSHIFT JUST MOVES FREELY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Apr 27, 200984,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO OR DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 21, 200913,000 milesMI

OWN A 2003 SATURN VUE AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WE TOOK IT IN FOR A RECALL IN 2005 AND THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED IT. A YEAR LATER WE HAD TO TAKE IT BACK IN TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM FIXED AND PAID FOR IT SINCE IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. CURRENTLY WE ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VUE DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM THE TRANS IS COMPLETELY OUT AND SATURN WILL NOT REPLACE IT, INSTEAD THEY WANT $9000 TO REPAIR THE TRANS. THE ONLY SYMPATHY WE GET IS "OH 2003 VUES HAVE BAD TRANS IN THEM". SO WE ARE NOW STUCK WITH A CAR THAT DOES NOT RUN IN OUR DRIVEWAY WONDERING WHAT TO DO WITH IT. EVERY AUTO SHOP WE TAKE IT TO DOES NOT WANT TO FIX IT BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF TRANS THAT IT IS OR THEY TELL US WE HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT IS "DEALER TRADEMARKED" FOR THE PARTS. I USED TO LOVE SATURN AND TELL EVERYONE THEY WERE THE BEST AND I WILL ALWAYS OWN AND BUY SATURN PRODUCTS. SINCE ALL THE PROBLEMS AND THE LACK OF HELP FROM SATURN I NO LONGER TALK THEM UP ,BUT TELL EVERYONE I KNOW TO NEVER BUY SATURN BECAUSE YOU WILL GET JUNK AND THEY WILL NOT HELP YOU IN ANYWAY. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 20, 200910,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED MY NEW 2003 SATURN VUE FROM YORK PA SATURN (SUTLIFF GROUP) AND THEY HAVE PATCHED UP MY 2003 VUE BY REPLACING VALVES, SENSORS ETC. ON THE VTI TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLES 5 OR 6 DIFFERENT TIMES, WHICH THEY WELL KNOW WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I STILL EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION FAILURE DURING EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING OR TIMES OF TRAFFIC STOP SITUATIONS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE 10,000 MILE POINT ON UNTIL THIS TIME. DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO HIGHER GEAR , STILL MAKES GRINDING NOISES WHILE TURNING AND ACCELERATING AND OTHERWISE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. TRANSMISSION WAS LOOKED AT BY DEALER 5 TIMES AVOIDING THE ISSUE OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS HAVE INVOKED ME TO START A MAJOR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE SATURN CORP. SATURN IS NOW BEING DECIDED IN THE COURT SYSTEM (CAS) THE FINAL DECISION SHOULD BE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS SO KEEP CHECKING BACK ON THIS AND OTHER SITES THAT ATTRACT LEMON VEHICLES! ALL I ASK IS FOR GM/SATURN TO REPLACE MY FAULTY DRIVE TRAIN (ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION) FREE OF ALL LABOR AND PARTS WITH THE NEW TYPE DRIVE TRAIN THAT IS IN THE NEW 2007-08 VUE OR REPLACE WITH A NEW VEHICLE!!! ITS THAT SIMPLE SATURN! AND UNTIL THIS HAPPENS THIS TRANSMITTAL WILL CONTINUE ON TO WEBSITES, PUBLIC POSTS, FLYERS, IN FRONT OF SATURN DEALERS ETC. ETC... PS. I HAVE COPIED JUST ABOUT EVERY PERSON AND BUSINESS THAT HAS EXPOSURE TO INTERSECTIONS SHOPPING MALLS ETC. SO TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS, WORKING COLLEAGUES, ETC. GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT GM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 14, 2009NV

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE COMPLAINT THAT I FILED YESTERDAY (# 10265132). I AM THE GUY WHO LIVES IN LAS VEGAS. I GOT MY CAR BACK FROM SATURN LAST THURSDAY WITH A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION IN IT. WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AND WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE THAT WAS NEVER PRESENT BEFORE SO I TOLD SATURN TO TAKE IT BACK AND FIX IT AGAIN. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO HEAR THE SOUND AND GAVE THE CAR BACK TO ME THE NEXT DAY (FRIDAY 04/10/09). I DROVE THE CAR HOME (ABOUT 4 MILES) AND DID NOT DRIVE IT UNTIL I WENT TO WORK ON MONDAY (04/13/09). WORK IS 15 MILES AWAY. WHEN I LEFT WORK I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT WITH MY CAR IN DRIVE AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE ONLY! WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD LIKE AS IF I WERE TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I WAS INCHES FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE TEMP WENT DEAD COLD. THEN I PUT IT BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE TEMP WHEN BACK TO WHERE IT WAS BEFORE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE MORE BEFORE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I GOT ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR DID NOT FEEL RIGHT (VERY SLUGGISH). I HAD TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL ABOUT 3/4 OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR FOR THE CAR TO MOVE MORE THAN JUST A LITTLE. THE ENGINE NOISE WAS BACK EVEN LOUDER THAN BEFORE. I MADE IT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE CLOSED FOR THE DAY SO I LEFT MY CAR OVER NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE DROPPED ME OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP. I NEEDED TO PULL MY CAR INTO THE SERVICE BAY SO I STARTED MY CAR BUT JUST TURNING THE KEY BUT NOT PRES

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 13, 2009NV

I OWN A 2003 SATURN VUE THAT I BOUGHT NEW FROM THE DEALER IN OCTOBER OF 2002. I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALER LAST FRIDAY WITH THE 3RD TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN THE CAR IN THE LAST 1 1/2 YEARS. THIS IS DUE TO THE ISSUE THAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN REPORTING WITH THE VTI TRANSMISSIONS. SINCE THE CAR IS ON IT'S 4TH TRANSMISSION (I AM COUNTING THE ONE THAT CAME WITH IT WHEN I GOT IT NEW) I AM CONCERNED THAT I WILL BE OUT OF LUCK WHEN MY MILEAGE REACHES 100,000 MILES. SATURN SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER ANY ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION AFTER 100,000 MILES EVEN THOUGH I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. I WAS LEFT STRANDED THE 1ST TIME, MY WIFE AND 3 KIDS WERE STRANDED THE 2ND TIME (WE LIVE IN LAS VEGAS AND THIS WAS IN THE SUMMER WHEN IT WAS ABOUT 115 DEGREES). THE LAST TIME (THIS LAST WEEK) THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON CAME ON AND I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE I BROKE DOWN. YOU CAN IMAGE HOW HAPPY I WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE REASON FOR THE SERVICE LIGHT WAS MY TRANSMISSION! I AM HONESTLY VERY EASY ON THIS CAR, I HAVE NEVER FLOORED IT OR DRIVEN AT REALLY HIGH RPM'S. I WANT THIS ON RECORD SO THAT WHEN THE DAY COMES (AND I BELIEVE THAT IT WILL) WHEN SATURN COMPLETELY TURNS IT BACK ON ME AND I HAVE TO SUE THEM IN ORDER TO GET MY CAR FIXED THAT I AM A GOOD CAR OWNER (AS I AM SURE MOST OF YOU ARE) WHO TOOK REALLY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND ONLY HAD IT SERVICED AT THE DEALER. SATURN SHOULD MAKE THIS RIGHT AND FIX THESE TRANSMISSIONS. WHY AM I NOW ON MY 4TH TRANSMISSION? WHY

Equipment
Filed Apr 12, 2009NM

ERHDERAERHSERHSERHSTRHERHERHHHGERGADRGRDH ER H RH AER HAE RH ER H ERH ER H ERH ER. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 9, 200975,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS LISTED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE THAT WERE SIMILAR TO HER FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 75,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 9, 2009SC

THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS A 2003 SATURN VUE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH 53,048 MILES ON IT, SO I AGREED TO BUY IT IN "AS IS" CONDITION. I GOT THE VEHICLE ON DEC. 31ST 2007, AND I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. I FELT A WEIRD SHAKE THAT REMINDED ME OF WHEN A BATTERY WAS DYING. ON HILLS THE TRUCK WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS, AND KICK HARD WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS. IT WOULD JUST RANDOMLY JERK, AND IT DID THIS ALL THROUGHOUT MY OWNERSHIP. THE TRUCK WAS SERVICED REGULARLY, AND MECHANICS NEVER SAW A PROBLEM. FINALLY, ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, THE TRUCK ENCOUNTERED MAJOR PROBLEMS. THE TRUCK DECIDED THAT IT WAS NO LONGER GOING TO ACCELERATE, IT WAS A FIGHT TO MOVE FORWARD. THE RPMS STAYED BETWEEN 1-3 EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. THE TRANSMISSION IS UNIQUE, AND IS SAID TO HAVE LESS PARTS. IT IS SAID TO BE BAD BECAUSE THE TRUCK IS TOO HEAVY FOR THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS A MINIMUM OF 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR. THEY SAY THAT THE PROBLEM WILL REOCCUR. THE REPAIRS ARE FREQUENT AND COSTLY AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Mar 31, 200941,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WOULD CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL CAP. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL NOZZLE SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY OR PREMATURELY WHILE FILLING THE VEHICLE AND/OR SES LAMP WITH DTC P0446 EVAP VENT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SET. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $1,000 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO TSB NUMBER 10017570. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 17, 200951,050 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT FOUND A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE FOR THE 2002 MODELS, BUT NOT THE 2003 VUE. SHE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SATURN SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE STEERING COULD FAIL AT ANY MOMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,358 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,050. UPDATED 4/14/09 *CN UPDATED 04/17/09. *JB

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed Mar 10, 2009CA

2003 SATURN VUE HAD A PARTIALLY MELTED TRANSMISSION DRIVE SHAFT BOOT. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THERE AS A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER RAN OUT AND DISCOVERED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES OF TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START, IT FINALLY STARTED BUT IT WOULD SHUT OFF. ON THE EIGHTH TRY, THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE RUNNING BY PUMPING THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MAINTAIN A STEADY RPM. THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER BRAKES AND THE RPM CONTINUED TO MOVE FROM 2000 TO 3000 AND WHEN THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE, IT DID NOT IDLE. THE BRAKES FINALLY BECAME ACTIVE AND THE RPM WAS STEADY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE DAMAGED HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE CONSUMER HAD ANOTHER MISHAP WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER'S WIFE SMELLED SOMETHING ELECTRICAL AND THEN THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY, WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT DIDN'T START AND AGAIN IT BACKFIRED WITH A LOUD POP. THE CONSUMER PUT HIS HAND UNDER THE RIGHT BOTTOM SIDE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THERE WAS BLACK GREASE ON THE UNDERSIDE. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH HAVING A RUBBER BOOT WITH GREASE NEXT TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND UNPROTECTED WITHOUT A SHIELD. *JB

Power Train
Filed Mar 4, 200910,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED MY NEW 2003 SATURN VUE FROM YORK PA SATURN (SUTLIFF GROUP) AND THEY HAVE PATCHED UP MY 2003 VUE BY REPLACING VALVES, SENSORS ETC. ON THE VTI TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLES 5 OR 6 DIFFERENT TIMES, WHICH THEY WELL KNOW WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I STILL EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION FAILURE DURING EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING OR TIMES OF TRAFFIC STOP SITUATIONS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE 10,000 MILE POINT ON UNTIL THIS TIME. DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO HIGHER GEAR , STILL MAKES GRINDING NOISES WHILE TURNING AND ACCELERATING AND OTHERWISE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. TRANSMISSION WAS LOOKED AT BY DEALER 5 TIMES AVOIDING THE ISSUE OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS HAVE INVOKED ME TO START A MAJOR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE SATURN CORP. SATURN IS NOW BEING DECIDED IN THE COURT SYSTEM (CAS) THE FINAL DECISION SHOULD BE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS SO KEEP CHECKING BACK ON THIS AND OTHER SITES THAT ATTRACT LEMON VEHICLES! ALL I ASK IS FOR GM/SATURN TO REPLACE MY FAULTY DRIVE TRAIN (ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION) FREE OF ALL LABOR AND PARTS WITH THE NEW TYPE DRIVE TRAIN THAT IS IN THE NEW 2007-08 VUE OR REPLACE WITH A NEW VEHICLE!!! ITS THAT SIMPLE SATURN! AND UNTIL THIS HAPPENS THIS TRANSMITTAL WILL CONTINUE ON TO WEBSITES, PUBLIC POSTS, FLYERS, IN FRONT OF SATURN DEALERS ETC. ETC... PS. I HAVE COPIED JUST ABOUT EVERY PERSON AND BUSINESS THAT HAS EXPOSURE TO INTERSECTIONS SHOPPING MALLS ETC. SO TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS, WORKING COLLEAGUES, ETC. GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT GM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 18, 200910,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED MY NEW 2003 SATURN VUE FROM YORK PA SATURN (SUTLIFF GROUP) AND THEY HAVE PATCHED UP MY 2003 VUE BY REPLACING VALVES, SENSORS ETC. ON THE VTI TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE 4 OR 5 DIFFERENT TIMES, WHICH THEY WELL KNOW WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I STILL EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION FAILURE DURING EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING OR TIMES OF TRAFFIC JAM SITUATIONS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE 10,000 MILE POINT TRANSMISSION WAS LOOKED AT BY DEALER 5 TIMES AVOIDING THE ISSUE OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS HAVE INVOKED ME TO START A MAJOR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE SATURN CORP. GM/SATURN NEEDS TO HAVE A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION - CONSUMERS CAN'T AFFORD ALL OF THESE REPAIRS FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A FAULTY TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED! NOTE TO EVERY OWNER OF THESE SATURN VUES? A DECISION ON THE EXISTING CLASS ACTION SUIT WILL BE MADE NEXT MONTH! AT THE VERY LEAST OWNERS MAY GET A FEW DOLLARS BACK FOR ALL THE HASSLE WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH. I AM CONTINUING MY QUEST TO HAVE GM REIMBURSE ME IN FULL FOR THE COST OF MY VEHICLE (NEW COST) OR A 2009 VUE TO REPLACE MINE. I SUGGEST ALL OTHER CONSUMERS OF THE FAULTY 02-03 VUE AND HAVE THESE SAME PROBLEMS TO TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS, WORKING COLLEAGUES, ETC. GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT GM / SATURN GM WONDERS WHY THEY ARE IN THE SITUATION THEY ARE IN FINANCIALLY NOW WELL THIS IS JUST PART OF THE REASON FOR THERE DOWNFALL! *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 11, 200957,000 milesTX

VEHICLE LOST TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS AT 57K MILES, DUE TO POOR OIL FLOW AT LOW RPMS DESPITE REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE. COST TO REPAIR IS $1400.00, SATURN WILL NOT RECALL OR COVER COSTS TO REPAIR ENGINE. AND SAYS THERE ARE NO 'KNOWN ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL' YET THE L-SERIES WHICH HAS THE SAME 2.2L ENGINE HAS RECALLS OUT FOR TIMING CHAIN ISSUES. AND IN THE NEW PARTS PURCHASED FOR REPAIR SATURN HAS INCLUDED UPGRADED OILERS TO INCREASE OIL FLOW TO FAILED COMPONENTS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 5, 200998,000 milesCO

2003 SATURN VUE. AT 80,000 MILES TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND HAD TO GET IT REPLACED. AT 98000 MILES 8 MONTHS LATER NOTICED SPUTTERING AND TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD AT FIRST IT WAS THE IGNITION COIL AND THE SPARK PLUGS AND MODULES NEEDED REPLACED FOR 682 DOLLARS. 4 HOURS LATER THEY CALLED AND SAID THEY FIXED IT AND IT IS NOT FIXED I NOW HAVE A BAD #1 CYLINDER AND HAVE TO GET THE WHOLE ENGINE REPLACED FOR 5400 DOLLARS. AWAITING CALL BACK FROM SATURN CORPORATE TO SEE IF THEY ARE GOING TO HELP. IT IS PRETTY SAD THAT A 5 YEAR OLD CAN NEEDS BOTH THE TRANNY BUILT AND A NEW ENGINE BEFORE 100,000 MILES. SHOULD OF KEPT MY HONDA CIVIC WITH 230,000 MILES. IT RUNS BETTER. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 9, 200895,000 milesVA

I HAVE BOUGHT A 2003 SATURN VUE FROM EBAY ON JULY THE 3RD, 2008 AND WAS DELIVERED TO ME ON THE 21ST OF JULY, WHEN I RECEIVED THE VEHICLE IT HAD A GRINDING NOISE, I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THAT WAS UNTIL IT BROKE DOWN, THE VEHICLE HAD NO WARNING OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAD A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT AND STATED IT WAS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE VEHICLE VIN # 2.2 LITER WITH A CVT-I TRANSMISSION WHICH CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED BY THE MANUFACTURER CAN NOT BE REBUILT WITH AN OUTRAGEOUS PRICE THE VEHICLE HAS 95,000 MILES ON WHICH NO LONGER HAS WARRANTY. AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHICH NO SIGN OF PRIOR PROBLEM STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING AND GRINDING NOISE AS THE VEHICLE WAS STRUGGLING UPON THE HILL, I PULLED OVER TO SAFETY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD PRIOR TO THE STOP. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. SOMEONE HELPED ME PUSH IT TO THE SIDE AND STATED THERE MAY BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH IT. I GOT IT TOWED TO AAMCO WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRM THAT THIS TRANSMISSION WAS HARD TO FIND ONLY THROUGH ITS MANUFACTURER AND THE COST OF $4,000.00. NOW, I AM UNEMPLOYED, SINGLE MOTHER HOW COULD SOMETHING LIKE THIS BE POSSIBLE TO TOP IT OFF AN ADDITIONAL $2500.00 SERVICE CHARGE THAT VEHICLE IS A PIECE OF TRASH I NEED HELP. THE WARRANTY IS ONLY TO 75K MILES ON IT. PLEASE HELP ME GET SOME TYPE OF SATISFACTION TO A RUNNING VEHICLE TO HELP ME FIND A JOB. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Dec 4, 200810,000 milesND

IGNITION PROBLEMS. LOCKS UP. IGNITION WAS REPLACED AT LEAST 2X AND WORKED ON A FEW TIMES. LOCK FINALLY DISCONNECTED. COST $ *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 1, 2008120,000 milesMA

NO WARNING. ONE DAY THE CAR JUST STOPPED TURNING OVER. WHEN WE TOOK IT TOO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD US THAT THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE, THE ENGINE WAS DESTROYED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 23, 200895,000 milesTX

SATURN VUE 2003 TRANSMISSION CVT TRANSAXLE 2.2 MOTOR TRANS. QUIT WITH NO WARNING LUCK BEING I WAS NOT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS YEAR PLEASE HELP! *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 17, 2008100,800 milesAL

TRANSMISSION/AXLE FAILED SUDDENLY. DRIVING AT 65MPH ON INTERSTATE AT NIGHT WHEN CAR SUDDENLY QUIT MOVING AS IF IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN BUT CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. COASTED TO A STOP ON INTERSTATE AFTER NEARLY GETTING HIT SEVERAL TIMES. STATE TROOPER CAME BY AND CAR WAS TOWED AWAY. I HAD 4 YEAR CHILD IN CAR AND OUR SAFETY, AND OTHERS, WAS IN DOUBT BECAUSE OF THIS SUDDEN FAILURE. SATURN SAID TRANSAXLE WAS BAD AND REPAIR IS OVER $5000! BUT CANNOT GET A NEW ONE OR PARTS SINCE GM HAS QUIT MAKING THE TRANSAXLE! THIS IS SAME MODEL THAT HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON TRANSAXLE BECAUSE OF NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON TRANSAXLE THAT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF. SATURN WILL NOT REPAIR OR ANYTHING BECAUSE CAR IS OVER 6 YEARS OLD. SAME CAR THAT HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON REAR WHEEL BEARINGS THAT I HAD REPLACED THAT SATURN WOULDN'T REPAIR. ALSO NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES OF SOMETHING WITH THE REAR AXLE OR ANY NOTICES AFTER I PURCHASED CAR NEW. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAY AND GM WON'T REPAIR IT BECAUSE THE TRANSAXLE IS DEFECTIVE. CAR IS A 2003 SATURN VUE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 21, 200873,298 milesNY

THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE WITH NO ISSUES FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS. MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS DRIVING ME TO WORK ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 19TH WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE REAR SEAT OF THE CAR. WE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, WHEN SHE HIT THE GAS TO GO ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE CAR TRAVELED ABOUT 30 FEET WITHOUT A PROBLEM, THEN WITH NO WARNING THE CAR STOPPED AND THE ENGINE REVVED, WE WERE ALMOST REAR ENDED BY THE LINE OF CARS BEHIND US. AND ME AND MY FAMILY WERE LEFT SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION DURING RUSH HOUR. I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND PUSH IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I FEEL THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO SATURN DEALERSHIP, THEY ARE WILLING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REBUILT UNIT WITH THE VTI. I AM CONCERNED THAT THESE TRANSMISSION ARE SO UNRELIABLE THAT THE NEXT TIME THIS ISSUE HAPPENS MY FAMILY OR MYSELF MAY BE HURT. *TR

Equipment
Filed Oct 14, 200870,000 milesTX

I OWN A 2003 SATURN VUE AND THE IGNITION KEEPS LOCKING UP ON ME. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO WORK IS TO GIGGLE THE KEY. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR. NOW THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION AT ALL AND THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED AND REPAIRED. MY FATHER HAS THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HE HAD IT FIXED AND IT HAS STARTED ALL OVER. SATURN SHOULD STOP PUTTING FAULTY PARTS IN ALL OF THEIR AUTOS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 23, 200810,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED MY NEW 2003 SATURN VUE FROM YORK PA SATURN (SUTLIFF GROUP) AND THEY HAVE PATCHED UP MY 2003 VUE BY REPLACING VALVES, SENSORS ETC. ON THE VTI TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLES 4 OR 5 DIFFERENT TIMES, WHICH THEY WELL KNOW WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I STILL EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION FAILURE DURING EXTENDED PERIODS OF DRIVING OR TIMES OF TRAFFIC JAM SITUATIONS. I HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM THE 10,000 MILE POINT ON UNTIL THIS TIME. DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO HIGHER GEAR , STILL MAKES GRINDING NOISES WHILE TURNING AND ACCELERATING AND OTHERWISE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. TRANSMISSION WAS LOOKED AT BY DEALER 5 TIMES AVOIDING THE ISSUE OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS HAVE INVOKED ME TO START A MAJOR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE SATURN CORP. SATURN NEEDS TO HAVE A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION - CONSUMERS CAN'T AFFORD ALL OF THESE REPAIRS FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A FAULTY TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED! NEXT STEP IS CLASS ACTION SUIT BY OWNERS!!!! ALL I ASK IS FOR GM/SATURN TO REPLACE MY FAULTY DRIVE TRAIN (ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION) FREE OF ALL LABOR AND PARTS WITH THE NEW TYPE DRIVE TRAIN THAT IS IN THE NEW 2007-08 VUE !!! ITS THAT SIMPLE SATURN! AND UNTIL THIS HAPPENS THIS TRANSMITTAL WILL CONTINUE ON TO WEBSITES, PUBLIC POSTS, FLYERS, IN FRONT OF SATURN DEALERS ETC. ETC... PS. I HAVE COPIED THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY, THE GOVERNMENT RECALL BUREAU, ASTM, AND OTHER SITES TO LET THEM KNOW OF THIS HAZARD/SAFETY PROBLEM. I SUGGEST ALL OTHER CONSUMERS OF THE FAU

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionCrash
Filed Sep 18, 200864,000 milesTN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-35 MPH, ALL FOUR WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE LOCKED IN PLACE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT AND LANDED SIDEWAYS IN THE CENTER OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING THEM THE VEHICLE AND PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT HAS NOT YET TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE SHE IS UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING IT AGAIN WITH HER CHILDREN ON BOARD. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 13, 200865,000 milesTX

LETTER EMAILED TO SATURN CORPORATION, 09/13/2008 DEAR SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE, RE: 2003 SATURN VUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND DECREASED POWER LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER CONTACTING THE LOCAL SATURN, IT WAS SUGGESTED TO HAVE MY VUE TOWED. SO, I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST SATURN DEALERSHIP, CAVENDAR, IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. TODAY, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, A DEALERSHIP REPRESENTATIVE CALLED ME THAT THEY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 TO CONTACT SOMEONE AT SATURN IN REGARD TO A POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. AFTER READING SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION USED IN THE 2003 SATURN VUE, DOES THE SATURN CORPORATION / GENERAL MOTORS HAVE A RECALL TO REPAIR THESE TRANSMISSIONS. MY CAR IS AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES. I BOUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF THIS NEW CAR PURCHASE IN 2003. THE WARRANTY ONLY LASTED FOR A TOTAL OF 5 YEARS OR 75,000 MILES. THE FIVE YEARS ENDED IN APPROXIMATELY MARCH OF 2008. AFTER READING SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION USED IN THE 2003 SATURN VUE, DOES THE SATURN CORPORATION / GENERAL MOTORS HAVE A RECALL TO REPAIR THESE TRANSMISSIONS? I HOPE THAT SATURN REALLY DOES CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. SINCERELY, STEVEN WEIDNER, SATURN VUE OWNER, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS SEPTEMBER 13, 2008. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2008106,000 milesAL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE REDUCED POWER LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AT HALF POWER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 106,000. UPDATED 10/07/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED T HE SAME PROBLEM THAT OTHER SATURN MODELS HAD AND THEY WERE RECALLED FOR AN IGNITION MODULE PROBLEM. UPDATED 10/08/08. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 3, 200884,000 milesPA

PURCHASED 2003 SATURN VUE 12 MONTHS AGO. 4 MONTHS AFTER OWNING IT, THE MILEAGE EXCEEDED THE 83,000 MILE WARRANTY AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION WENT OUT LEAVING ME STRANDED ON A BACK ROAD IN FLORIDA, BY MYSELF. IM A TRAVEL NURSE, I WAS OUT OF STATE AT THE TIME. IT COST ME 150.00 TO TOW IT AND 250.00 FOR SATURN TO LOOK AT IT, THEY WANTED 6000.00 TO FIX IT. A SMALL DEALERSHIP FIXED THE VTI TRANSMISSION IN IT AND IT LASTED ANOTHER 12000 MILES. IT IS AGAIN BROKE DOWN. I OWE 10000 ON THE CAR AND SATURN WONT RECALL THE VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THEY HAVE LEFT 1000S OF CUSTOMERS OUT. I HAVE WORKED ALL MY LIFE TO MAINTAIN MY CREDIT NOW THANKS TO SATURN IT WILL BE RUINED. YET THEY HAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND THEY CANT HELP US OUT. THANKS SATURN. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 27, 200886,263 milesMD

3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AS I WENT UP A HILL. AFTER A FEW HOURS OF SITTING IT WORKED AGAIN SO I TOOK IT TO A DEALER. I HAD PURCHASED A POWERTRAIN WARRANTY SO REPAIRS WERE COVERED, BUT THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. THIS OCCURRED AT ABOUT 55,000 MILES. NOW ABOUT A YEAR LATER AT 86,000 MILES AND JUST OVER THE WARRANTY LIMITS, THE TRANSMISSION HAS TROUBLE ENGAGING WHEN I PUT IT INTO DRIVE. I HAVE SINCE DONE SOME SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON YET THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. *TR

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Aug 23, 200863,000 milesCA

THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHEN HAND WASHING THE CAR! MILD CALIFORNIA WEATHER, NORMAL HOSE TEMPERATURE. WINDSHIELD FRACTURED OUTWARD FROM UNDER EDGE AT THE TOP CENTER. THERE WERE NO CHIPS OR CRACKS PRIOR. DEALER SAYS THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER GLASS. WE THOUGHT GETTING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DID JUST THAT, EXTENDED THE NORMAL WARRANTY. NOW WE HAVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT IS TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX! *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 23, 2008250 milesCA

CLUTCH CHATTERS WHEN IN REVERSE. IT DID THIS FROM DAY ONE. WE HAVE NOT HAD IT FIXED DUE TO NO DEALER CLOSE TO MONTEREY CA. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 22, 200847,000 milesCO

2003 SATURN VUE, PURCHASED 11/2002. NOW STARTING TO STALL PERIODICALLY WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, ONLY 48,000 MILES AND TERRIBLY NOISY, GRINDING SOUND WHEN SLOWING AND STARTING. HAD KEPT LETTER FROM SATURN DATED 3/2004 EXTENDING WARRANTY FOR FAULTY VTI TRANSMISSION, ONLY GOOD FOR 5YEARS AFTER PURCHASE OR 75,000 MILES. AFTER VIEWING ALL OF THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET WHERE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE FAILED BETWEEN 50-60,000 MILES. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. I'M UNFORTUNATELY OUTSIDE OF MY 5 YEAR PERIOD FOR ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRS. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2003 Saturn Vue → · Every Vue year → · How the figures are calculated →