2004 Saturn Vue

Above average

Owners filed 276 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Saturn Vue years to avoid. Which Saturn Vue years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
78,456 milesMedian miles at failure

237 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Saturn Vue problems

83 of the 276 complaints (30%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System48
010
Power Train · transmission37
407
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission35
000
Unknown or Other12
000
Suspension › Rear12
302
Electrical System › Ignition11
000
Suspension10
000
Air Bags · airbags10
504
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine7
000
Engine6
102

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V490000
Filed Aug 8, 2014202,155 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Risk. If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14506. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Equipment › Other › Labels03V519000
Filed Dec 19, 20036,134 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L V6 (L66) ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL RIM SIZE SPECIFICATIONS ON THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE NOT CORRECT. THE PRINTED WHEEL RIM DESIGNATION SPECIFIED A 16-INCH WHEEL WHEN A 17-INCH WHEEL DESIGNATION WAS REQUIRED.

Risk. IF THE WHEEL RIM SIZE IS INCORRECTLY PRINTED ON A TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL, A SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO SOLELY USES THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL FOR SERVICE INFORMATION MAY ATTEMPT TO REPLACE A DAMAGED WHEEL WITH AN INCORRECT WHEEL.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 24, 202535,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound at start up, and it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition switch after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 28, 2025UT

The ignition (key) has stopped working again after being recalled a few years ago, and being replaced. The key will not turn and start the car.

Power TrainCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 5, 2023NM

Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 20, 2023NY

My Father's car key can be taken out of the ignition when it is not in the off position but his specific VIN is not listed as part of the recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 12, 2020193,500 milesNC

RUSTED FRONT SUBFRAME/ ENGINE CRADLE I CARRIED MY SATURN VUE TO HAVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACED AND MY MASTER-MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE RUSTED SUBFRAME AND BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION. HE SHOWED IT TO ME AND EXPLAINED THE THE DANGER IN OPERATING THIS VEHICLE.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 2, 2020107,406 milesCA

MY 2004 VUE HAD A RECALL IN 2014 FOR THE IGNITION KEY COULD BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN THE OFF POSITION, I HAD THIS REPAIRED ON 12/11/14. RECENTLY MY IGNITION KEY CAN AGAIN BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN THE OFF POSITION.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 31, 2020160,000 milesMA

THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER MANY OF TIMES THE KEY COMING OUT.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 27, 2019145,790 milesNV

I HAVE ALL READY TAKEN MY SATURN VUE TO THE DEALER IN HEMET CA. ( GOSCH CHEVROLET). THE IGNITION SWITCH BROKE AGAIN A WEEK LATER. I TOOK IT BACK BUT GOSCH WOULD NOT FIX IT AGAIN. THE REASON WAS BECAUSE THE HOUSING HAD DAMAGE AROUND IT. NOW THE REASON FOR THAT WAS BECAUSE I WAS STRANDED 20 MILES FROM NOTHING WHEN THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN MY VEHICLE ON, I WAS ALONE FOR 2 DAYS BEFORE I HAD TO MESS WITH IT TO GET IT STARTED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR ME. I'VE MISSED AN AIR FLIGHT. AND 2 JOBS FIRED ME BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET TO WORK. ITS BEEN A DOWNWARD SPIRAL EVER SINCE. SATURN'S ARE GREAT CARS OTHERWISE.

Electrical System
Filed May 16, 2019248,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. VALLEY CHEVROLET (525 HWY 7E, HUTCHINSON, MN) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 248,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 2, 2019VA

THERE WAS A RECALL BACK IN OCTOBER 20TH, 2014 REGARDING AN ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION. WHERE YOU CAN PULL THE KEY OUT WHILE ITS RUNNING. I'VE NEVER GOTTEN A CALL FROM NHTSA REGARDING THE ISSUE. MAY I HAVE IT DONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 3, 2019PA

TAMARA RECALL I GOT A RECALL IN THE MAIL FOR MY 2004 SATURN VUE FOR THE IGNITION I'VE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I GOT IT AND THEY SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT IT BUT DID NOT TELL ME WHEN I BOUGHT IT. AND SAID I HAVE TO TAKE CAR OF IT MYSELF.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Mar 28, 2019250,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN TWICE WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKY AND RATTLING SOUND WHILE BEING TURNED. EXCESSIVE FORCE HAD TO BE USED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE POWER STEERING AND IGNITION FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER ELECTRIC TOOLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

Suspension
Filed Feb 27, 201926,600 milesNJ

GOING 40 MPH MADE A LEFT TURN, MEDIUM LOUD NOISE AND FRONT RIGHT CONTROL ARM TORE IN 2 (BEEN REPLACED AND HAVE PART) AND BACK LEFT TIRE NOW TILTED IN AT TOP ABOUT 1 INCH( STILL TRYING TO GET FIXED ).

Engine
Filed Feb 9, 2019226,980 milesOK

WHILE MY CAR IS RUNNING I CAN'T TAKE MY KEY OUT ALSO WHEN I TURN MY HEATER ON MY CAR WILL JERK ETC

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 1, 2019183,000 milesCA

I JUST BOUT MY 2004 STAURN VUE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER AND HAVE TO REPLACE MY IGNITION FOR THE 2ND TIME IN LESS THEN A MONTH. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEEN THAT THE 2004 SATURN VUE HAVE HAD A RECALL ON THIS SAME PROBLEM. I AM NOT ABLE TO LOCATE MY VEHICLE IN THE REGISTRATION OF THE RECALL SYSTEM. MY IGNITION LOCKS TO WHERE I CAN START THE CAR AND KEY GET STUCK.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 11, 2018160,000 milesRI

I WAS DRIVING FROM PROVIDENCE RI TO ATHENS OH. I WAS IN WEST VIRGINIA AROUND MORGANTOWN, DRIVING FROM 68 WEST TO 79 SOUTH RAMP, AND I WAS DRIVING IN THE RANGE OF SPEED LIMITS. SUDDENLY IN THE RAMP, I FELT CAR IS TURNING UNWANTEDLY TO THE LEFT, AND I TRIED TO BRING IT BACK TO THE ROAD BUT I COULD NOT, AND THE CAR HIT ORTHOGONALLY THE JERSEY BARRIERS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE RAMP. MY AIRBAGS OPENED, ONE OF MY TIRES EXPLODED, AND FRONT OF MY CAR COMPLETELY WRECKED. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE HIT ME FROM SIDE AND BEHIND. I COULD REALLY DIE, I SEE DEATH IN FRONT OF MY EYES WHEN I WAS TURNING WITH THE CAR. I HAD REPLACED MY CONTROL ARM, SHOCKS ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, ALL IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT. BUT THIS CAR WAS TERRIBLY BAD IN THE TURNS AND RAMPS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM DID NOT WORK WELL IN THESE CARS IN COMPARE TO THEIR HEIGHTS, AND ALWAYS YOU HAVE THE CHANCE OF COLLAPSING. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT COLLAPSE. IT HAD HAPPENED A LOT FOR ME THAT I FELT THESE CAR IN NOT STABLE IN RAMPS AND TURNS, BUT I NEVER THOUGHT A DANGEROUS ACCIDENT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME. I ALSO DID NOT HAVE COLLISION INSURANCE, AND I HAD TO SELL MY CAR FOR A 100 $ TO A JUNK YARDS. I AM ALMOST SURE THERE IS SOME PROBLEM WITH THEIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, AND I AM REQUESTING TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE IN THESE CARS.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 10, 2018117,456 milesVA

IGNITION SWITCH-KEY COMES OUT WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. SATURN (GM) ADVISES THAT THIS SUV IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SATURN RECALL FOR IGNITION SWITCH.

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Apr 6, 2018171,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT HAD BURNED OUT AND WAS MELTED AT THE SOCKET. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT THREE TIMES IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 22, 201745,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP OUT OF GEAR,NEED TO SHIFT GEAR SELECTOR INTO NEUTRAL,THEN BACK INTO DRIVE,SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE.WE HAVE AVOIDED SEVERAL SERIOUS INCIDENTS SINCE THIS PROBLEMATIC ISSUE STARTED.VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OUT SEVERAL TIMES AT SATURN OF MODESTO.CA.NOW OUT OF BUSINESS,THERE FIX JUST REPLACE TRANSMISSION $5,000 AT CUSTOMERS FULL EXPENSE.CONTRACTED SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE,THEY ADVISED US TO CONTACT CHASE CHEVROLET STKN.CA AS THEY CAN SERVICE YOUR SATURN VEHICLE.CALLED CHASE CHEVROLET WAS ADVISED THERE SHOP DID NOT HAVE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO SERVICE OUR VEHICLE,DIDN'T HAVE UPDATED COMPUTER SOFTWARE.STILL HAVING SAME ISSUES.

Power Train
Filed Nov 3, 2017120,000 milesVT

MOVING ALONG IN STREET TRAFFIC, STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THEN WENT TO GO FORWARD, TRANSMISSION ONLY WENT FORWARD IN LOW GEAR. TOWED TO REPAIR GARAGE BUT THEY WANT $500 JUST TO LOOK AT IT.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2017162,479 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) ON 9/5/17. THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS REPLACED BY DON NESTER AUTO GROUP (7566 WEST HOUGHTON LAKE DRIVE, HOUGHTON LAKE, MI 48629, PHONE: (989) 422-5126); HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED TWO KEYS WITH THE REPAIR, BUT NEITHER OF THEM UNLOCKED THE VEHICLE DOORS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH REPLACING THE DOOR LOCKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,479.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 27, 2017170,000 milesMA

STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT... WHEN IT GREEN AND TIME TO DRIVE THE GAS MOVED BY THE CAR WAS A COMPLETE STOP AND IT WONT NOT MOVE FOWARD OR BACKWARDS... LEAVING ME AND MY 2 TODDLERS STUCK INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 6, 2017NY

THE KEY FALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR WON'T START SOMETIMES

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 14, 2017158,000 milesKY

THE IGNITION LOCKS AND CAN NOT TURN KEY WITH OUT JERKING AND BEATING THE STERRING WHEEL. YOU CAN'T PUT THE INGITION IN THE OFF POSITION. KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. MY VIN # WAS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL LIST BUT OTHER SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES WERE IN WITH THIS RECALL. I NEED THIS FIXED PLEASE. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 2 YEARS.

Power Train
Filed Jun 10, 201793,800 milesCA

WHEN DRIVING AT AN HIGH SPEED OF 65-70 ON FREEWAY THROUGH MOUNTAIN TERRITORY, SPEED DROPS AND ACCELERATION IS HARD TO GET BACK UP TO SPEED LIMIT. ALSO CAR START SHAKING WHILE ACCELERATING.

Power Train
Filed Mar 15, 201778,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 22, 201796,000 milesFL

"TAKATA RECALL". MY MECHANIC FOUND A FAULTY TAKATA AIRBAG WHILE DIAGNOSING A HORN PROBLEM. MY VIN IS NOT ON THE AIRBAG RECALL LIST OR THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL LIST. ALSO THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS CAUSING SECURITY SYSTEM ISSUES AND CAUSING MY HORN RELAY TO STAY PERMANENTLY IN THE ON POSITION WHICH IS DRAINING MY BATTERY TO NOTHING. HOW DO I GET MY VIN ADDED TO THESE LISTS SO THAT THESE PARTS CAN BE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL?

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 21, 201776,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION, FUEL MILEAGE, AND THE BRAKES BEING WORN OUT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 26, 2016127,776 milesVA

IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN NOT IN THE LOCK POSITION. CAN BE REMOVED WHEN IN ANY POSITION. CAN BE REMOVED WHEN DRIVING OR PARKED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 5, 2016WA

THE IGNITION RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND NOW IT'S DOING THE SAME THING WHERE THE KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT IN THE RUNNING POSITION.

Steering
Filed Sep 7, 2016145,000 milesNJ

INNER, OTTER RODS AND HUB BEARINGS WERE REPLACED IN JULY BY GM OF ENGLEWOOD, NJ. AFTER TWO DAYS I HEARD A METAL RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. I TOOK IT BACK TO GM THEY CHECKED IT AND MY CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A STEERING COLUMN AND QUOTED A $3100.00 FOR REPAIR COST WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD. FOR A SECOND OPINION; I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE STATED THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE. AS WELL AS A PRINT OUT FOR 2002-2004 SATURN VUE MODELS RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE. I CALLED SATURN HEADQUARTERS, THEY CHECKED MY VIN FOR RECALLS AND CLAIM WAS DENIED BECAUSE MY VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY UNDER THIS RECALL BY THE VIN NUMBER. CAN YOU HELP?

Electrical System
Filed Aug 23, 2016155,000 milesVA

I JUST BROUGHT A 2004 SATURN VUE, AND IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET TO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR, AND IF I AM DRIVING 30 MPH OR LOWER IT SHAKES. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE ALREADY AND IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. IT ALSO MAKES A ROUGH GRINDING, AND GROWLING SOUND. IT DOES ALL OF THE ABOVE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS. IT IS ALSO HARD AT TIMES FOR ME TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR , AND THE KEY CAN COME OUT AT ANY TIME.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 22, 2016210,400 milesSC

I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AT WORK, WENT TO STEP OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE I REALIZED THAT MY KEYS WERE IN MY HAND BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED THAT I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 28, 201621,200 milesVA

IGNITION SWITCH ASSY; DEALER CHARGED ME FOR FLASHING IGNITION SYSTEM, VEHICLE STILL WILLNOT START

Power Train
Filed Jun 22, 2016102,000 milesCA

I AM PAYING ON A 2004 SATURN VUE AND AFTER 101,000 MILES I WAS ON MY WAY TO DAYCARE WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHT AND THE CAR TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL NOW IT CONTINUOUSLY SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. 3 MONTHS AFTER BUYING VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED CREAKING AND MAKING LIKE A HONKING SOUND AND WE TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND WERE TURNED AWAY DUE TO IT BEING A PERSONAL PROBLEM. IT ALSO MAKES POPPING NOISES AND SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL WHILE ON FREEWAY AFTER 50 MPH AND WHEN MAKING SOME RIGHT TURNS.

Steering
Filed May 9, 2016100,000 milesNC

I AM ENTERING THIS INFORMATION FOR MY SISTER WHO HAS NO ACCESS TO A COMPUTER: WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN, THE DOORS LOCKED, THE SPEEDOMETER AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STOPPED WORKING. LUCKILY SHE WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STOPPED WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED AT A GM DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE "POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE". I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON-LINE AND WAS SURPRISED AT THE NUMBER OF RELATED INCIDENTS AND I'M RATHER SHOCKED THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS BASICALLY UN-USEABLE AT THIS TIME AS THE PROBLEM HAS RE-OCCURRED ON A MORE FREQUENT BASIS. SHE HAS CONTACTED THE NC AG'S OFFICE AND WAS REDIRECTED TO THE GM RECALL DIVISION, UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS NO ACTIVE CAMPAIGN TO REPAIR THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT.

Structure › Body
Filed May 4, 2016154,000 milesVA

REAR HATCH WON'T OPEN BECAUSE ACTUATOR MECHANISM IS BROKEN. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL YEARS AGO (2013 OR 14?), & THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE HATCH TO FIX IT. YOU HAVE TO CLIMB THRU THE CAR TO GET THE OUT JACK, ETC.

Power Train
Filed May 2, 2016CA

TAKATA RECALL IT STARTING MAKING A WHISTLE NOISE AND IT FEEL THAT IT'S SLIPPING IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE

Steering
Filed Apr 15, 2016131,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000. UPDATED 05/17/16*LJ *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 3, 2016144,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN A STATE ROUTE (THANKFULLY AT LOW SPEED) THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED ON OUR 2004 SATURN VUE. THIS WAS RECALLED AND REPAIRED IN 2004 UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN #04067001. HAD THIS BEEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS, MY WIFE COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 2, 2016135,000 milesNC

IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT SHUT OFF TURNED,KEY AND IT SEEMED TO BIND,UP HAD TO FORCE KEY TO TURN TO OFF POSITIONMAKING THE KEY BREAK OFF I'M THE IGNITION SWITCH ITSELF. BEFORE THIS,HAPPENED KEY HAD BEEN RANDOMLY TURNING TO DIFFERENT POSITIONS WHEN IN MOTION

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 201695,000 milesMI

I RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A TRANSMISSION VIBRATION OR SHAKING MOTION (JUDDER OR SHUDDER) WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 AND 45 MPH. GM HAS ISSUED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM RECALL 10285 - V2386 IN FEBRUARY 2001 FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM BUT IT ONLY COVERS 2005, 2006 AND 2007 VUES. THE RECALL REPROGRAMS THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE EXACT SAME ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IS USED IN THE 2004, 2005, 2006, AND 2007 VUES YET GM HAS CHOSEN TO IGNORE 2004 VUE OWNERS WITH THE PROBLEM. THE 2004 SATURN VUE WITH THE HONDA SUPPLIED ENGINE/AUTO TRANSMISSION HAS THIS PROBLEM AND GM NEEDS TO REPROGRAM THE 2004 POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE AS THEY HAVE DONE WITH THE OTHER MODEL YEARS.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 27, 2015139,300 milesNY

TAMARA RECALL , THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS ON. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CONFIRMED IT BUT WOULD NOT FIX IT OR SEND US ANYWHERE TO GET IT FIXED. OUR ABS WENT THE 3RD WEEK WE HAD THE CAR, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO EVEN LOOK AT IT. THE OTHER RECALL MADE OUR TIRES ONLY HOLD AIR FOR A FEW DAYS AT A TIME.

Suspension
Filed Nov 27, 201541,000 milesNY

BEFORE WE PAID OUR 2ND PAYMENT OUR ABS SYSTEM FAILED. THE FRONT BREAKS WERE CRUNCHING. IT THEN THREW OUT OUR WHEEL BARRINGS, BALLJOINTS AND ROTORS. THEREFORE IT WOULDN'T PASS INSPECTION WHEN IT WAS DUE FOR IT. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE ORIGINAL INSPECTION THERE AND THEY NEVER CHANGED THE BREAKS. WHICH IS AN ILLEGAL PRACTICE. WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS WE RARELY DROVE THE CAR. TILL ONE DAY, LESS THAN HAVING IT UNDER 1 YEAR, IT WOULD NO LONGER START.WE LOST OUT OVER$5,000 ON PAYMENTS AND OUR LARGE DOWN PAYMENT TOO. THEY HAVE BEEN CALLING US EVER SINCE WANTING US TO PAY FOR A CAR THAT WON'T START AND WON'T PASS INSPECTION.

Power Train
Filed Oct 20, 201599,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE JERKED ROUGHLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 14, 2015151,634 milesNY

I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN I HEARD A POP SOUND SO I PULLED OVER ON ANOTHER BLOCK SO I WOULDN'T BE IN TRAFFIC. ONCE I PULLED OVER I CAN SEE MY TIRE LEANING INWARDS. ONCE THE CAR WAS JACKED UP WITH THE CAR JACK WE COULD SEE THAT THE BRACKET BROKE OFF OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM.

Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 201564,000 milesCO

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CITY AVENUE DURING RUSH HOUR, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. NO WARNING, JUST FAILED. SEVERAL GOOD SAMARITANS PUSHED ME ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET ME OFF THE BUSY ROAD. IT DIED WHILE I WAS IN GEAR AND DRIVING. I DID FIND OUT THAT THIS MODEL WAS PART OF A RECALL AND I ENDED UP PAYING 2500 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THEY SAID THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED THAT I DID NOT TAKE IN ON TIME. 5 YEARS LATER, IT'S DOING THE SAME THING. A NEW TRANSMISSION COSTS AROUND 3000. WHAT PART DID THEY PAY? DID THEY EVEN REPLACE IT? 2 YEARS AFTER THAT THE ENGINE QUIT ON A HIGHWAY OFF RAMP WITH LESS THAN 100K MILES. I HAD TO REPLACE THAT. THEN 1 YEAR LATER, THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF 1200. WE GOT A TUNE UP AND OIL CHANGE AS WE WERE HEADED TO BRECKENRIDGE, THE TECH SAID WE WERE LUCKY BECAUSE THE BRAKES WOULD HAVE BEEN USELESS IN MOUNTAIN DRIVING. THAT WAS A SCARY THOUGHT FOR SURE.

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2015163,147 milesMO

I PULLED UP TO A STOP SIGN AND THE ENGINE DIED. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY, I COULD HEAR THE PISTONS IMPACTING THE VALVES. THE TIMING CHAIN SLIPPED AND BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE, IT DESTROYED THE ENGINE. MY MECHANIC HAS OFFERED A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE WITH A WARRANTY FOR $3000+ OR A USED JUNKYARD ENGINE FOR $2000+. THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION BUT WILL MOST LIKELY NEED TO BE SCRAPPED BECAUSE IT'S NOT LOGICAL TO SPEND THAT MUCH MONEY ON A CAR THAT IS ONLY WORTH $1800. ALL OF THIS AFTER I'VE SPENT OVER $1000 REPLACING THE WHOLE SUSPENSION, SHIFT CABLES, BRAKES, AND CALIPERS. THIS ENGINE AND TIMING CHAIN SETUP HAS BEEN USED IN MANY GM VEHICLES AND HAS BEEN RECALLED IN THE SATURN LS. BUT NOT IN ANY OF THE OTHER MODELS WHICH USE THE SAME SETUP. IT'S RIDICULOUS AND THEY SHOULD HAVE ALL BEEN RECALLED.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 30, 2015170,000 milesMI

I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER AND THE KEY WILL FALL OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH WHEN RUNNING DOWN THE ROAD. I REMOVED EVERYTHING BUT THE KEY SO IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THEY CHECKED WITH DEALER TO SEE IF IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE SWITCH RECALL AND THEY SAID NO IT WAS NOT.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Jun 27, 201550,000 milesPA

I WAS GOING TO PARK INTO A PARKING SPACE OF A SHOPPING MALL AND WHEN I WAS GOING TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE VUE, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND SO DID THE IGNITION AND I COULDN'T STEER OR STOP IN TIME BEFORE IT HIT A CONCRETE BASE OF A POLE LIGHT FIXTURE (THAT MOST OF ALL SHOPPING MALLS HAVE THROUGHOUT THEIR LOTS). THE RIGHT, PASSENGER, SIDE TIRE WAS BENT SO BAD THAT IT COULDN'T BE DRIVEN AND HAD TO BE TOWED...IT SMASHED THE FENDER, GRILL, BOTTOM COVERING OF THE ENTIRE FRONT PLASTIC PART ALONG WITH TIRE ROD END, STRUT, STABILIZER BAR, ALIGNMENT, PAINT JOB AND COST...FORTUNATELY, WE HAVE COLLISION ON THIS VEHICLE AND ONLY HAD TO THE FIRST $1,000.00 FOR THE COMPLETE JOB.

Complaints 1-50 of 276, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20106010Routine
2009118231Fatalities reported
20084063110Above average
2007286060Above average
2006300060Above average
2005170030Routine
2004 — this page276250Above average
2003622190Above average
2002167250Routine

Compare every Vue year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 8, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.