Owners filed 276 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.
When it fails
07845678,456 milesMedian miles at failure
237 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System
48
0
1
0
Power Train
37
4
0
7
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
35
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
12
0
0
0
Suspension › Rear
12
3
0
2
Electrical System › Ignition
11
0
0
0
Suspension
10
0
0
0
Air Bags
10
5
0
4
Engine and Engine Cooling
7
0
0
0
Engine
6
1
0
2
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.
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.
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.