Page 2 of 6 · complaints 51–100 of 276

2004 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 2004 record →

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Jun 24, 2015TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY FAILED SUDDENLY AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER A COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 16, 2015250,000 milesFL

PARKED BY CAR WHEN RETURNED TO MY CAR IT WOULD NT CRANK SO WE CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THERE WASNT ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE KEY IGNISION SWITCH

Power Train
Filed Apr 3, 2015177,987 milesNM

3.5 L HONDA WITH HONDA MDRA 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC. 78930B HONDA TRANSMISSION LUBE CORRECTION KIT (6 CYLINDER MODELS) AND VALVE UPDATE FOR TRANSMISSION IS NOT KNOWN TO SATURN/GM. VALVES FAILED, OVERHEATED TRANSMISSION ON I20, BURNED UP TORQUE CONVERTER, LOST 4TH & 5TH GEAR, TEMP LIGHT CAME ON, REVVED FROM 2000 RPM TO 4000 RPM AND LOSS OF POWER/SURGING. GOT OFF INTERSTATE BEFORE SEMI HIT ME. TRANSMISSION SHOP STATED RECALL / UPDATE / SERVICE BULLETIN FOR NEW SELF CLEANING LUBE/COOLING VALVES AND VALE BODY UPDATE FOR SMOTHER SHIFTING. WHEN IGNITION RECALL DONE GM SHOWED NOTHING ABOUT HONDA MDRA TRANSMISSION ALSO GM RECALL DEPARTMENT UNAWARE SATURN USED HONDA POWER TRAIN. HONDA IS AWARE OF PROBLEM BUT GM WASN'T. GM VIN SO HONDA CAN'T PULL UP ANY INFO. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2015100,200 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,200.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 20, 201568,000 milesRI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 201570,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASTER KEY WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION AND THAT THE FOB FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE MASTER KEY AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SECOND MASTER KEY WAS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION WITH NO WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE VEHICLE SECURED DUE TO THE FAILURE AND THEN HAVE VALET KEY USED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO REMOVE THE MASTER KEY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYED LIT AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT FOR THE INTERNAL FEATURE TO TURN THE LIGHTS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN FURTHER INSPECTED THAT THE BUTTON WAS GETTING STUCK CAUSING THE LIGHT TO STAY LIT. THE MECHANIC PROVIDED AN INTERIM FIX OF PLACING A SMALL PIECE OF BEHIND THE BUTTON TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 14, 201575,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY RELEASED OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 14, 201575,000 milesMI

THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING. WENT ON RECALL WEBSITE AND SEEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED. VEHICLES OF THIS SAME YEAR HAVE A RECALL ON THEM BUT USING THE VIN NUMBER IT SAYS THIS VEHICLE HAS NO RECALL. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 14, 2015160,000 milesIL

I HAVE A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE CAR IS ON AND IN MOTION WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE. GM IS STATING THAT THE CAR IS NOT UNDER RECALL BECAUSE THE VIN ISN'T ON THE LIST AND THE CAR WAS BUILT AT A DIFFERENT PLANT. IT IS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AS WHAT THE RECALL IS FOR. WHY WON'T THEY FIX IT? *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 6, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2014131,000 milesMI

I CAN PULL MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE IT IS RUNNING. I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE AN ACTIVE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS DOING THE SAME THING AS THE SATURN VUES THEY ARE RECALLING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 9, 2014100,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE ON POSITION WHEN THE IGNITION KEY BECAME DISENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 7, 2014194,000 milesKS

THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IN THE MORNING TO MOVE IT A SHORT DISTANCE. UPON ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE LATER IN THE MORNING, IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO START THE ENGINE. IT ATTEMPTED TO TURN OVER AND MADE SOME MUFFLED NOISES AND THEN WOULD ONLY CRANK WITH NO SIGN OF FIRING. UPON RESEARCHING THE ISSUE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A TIMING FAILURE WAS LIKELY. ONCE THE TIMING COVER WAS OPENED IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC CHAIN GUIDE HAD BROKEN INTO FOUR PIECES. ADDITIONAL DAMAGE INCLUDED A PARTIALLY SHEARED OILER NOZZLE, STRIPPED BOLT HOLES FOR BOTH LOWER AND UPPER ATTACHMENT POINTS FOR THE PLASTIC CHAIN GUIDE, BENT INTAKE VALVES ON EVERY CYLINDER AND DINGS ON THE INTAKE SIDE OF THE PISTONS. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO FITTED WITH THE OLD STYLE TENSIONER (FLAT BOLT HEAD STYLE) AND THE ORIGINAL TIMING CHAIN OILER. THE TIMING CHAIN WAS EVALUATED AGAINST A NEW CHAIN AND WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE STRETCHED THE LENGTH OF ONE LINK. THE HEAD WAS PULLED AND SENT FOR REPAIR WHERE THE VALVE DAMAGE WAS EXPOSED; IN ADDITION THREE VALVE GUIDES WERE CRACKED AND THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT ABRADED AREA ON ONE OF THE CAM RACES. THE HEAD WAS DETERMINED TO BE A LOSS AND A NEW HEAD WAS PURCHASED. THERE APPEARS TO BE MINOR DAMAGE TO THE PISTON TOPS, AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY BEING EVALUATED. SO FAR THIS INCIDENT HAS COST APPROXIMATELY $1000 IN PARTS AND DIY LABOR. IT HAS CAUSED ME TO MISS OVER TWO WEEKS OF WORK ($600-$800) AS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR WHO RELIES ON THIS VEHICLE. GIVEN THE

Power Train
Filed Dec 5, 201473,000 milesNY

AFTER I GOT OUT OF WORK I GOT IN THE CAR HAD SOME TROUBLE GETTING IT INTO REVERSE GOT IT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AND DROVE HOME. NOW THE CAR WONT GO INTO REVERSE ANY MORE, IT GOES IN TO DRIVE BUT NO REVERSE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 5, 2014105,000 milesIL

I VISITED THE DEALER ON THAT DATE BECAUSE MY CAR HAS FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH (SOMETIMES KEY DON'T TURN AND THE KEY CAN GO OUT EASILY IN ANY POSITION) AND I HEAR THE NEWS FOR THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE WITH DATE 8/7/2014. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE RECALL IN GM WEB PAGE, EXACTLY HAPPEN TO ME EVERY TIME I CHECK FOR THIS RECALL AT GM WEB PAGE. I'M WORRY AN ACCIDENT WITH THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH WILL OCCUR AT ANY TIME. I HAVE THE PRINTED COPY FROM THE DEALER AT THAT TIME. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 4, 201496,000 milesIN

KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION IRRESPECTIVE OF IGNITION POSITION. (INCLUDING WHILE IN "RUN" POSITION). VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL YET MY CONDITION EXISTS AND I AM PRIMARILY CONCERNED THAT AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY PROPERLY IN A CRASH. FIRST INCIDENT APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS AGO. THANK YOU. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 1, 201492,825 milesMA

AT 7:10PM, AFTER DARK, I WAS DRIVING HOME THROUGH THE INTERSECTION OF SPRING HILL ROAD AND MARINER ROAD IN TISBURY, MASSACHUSETTS. WHEN I PULLED THE STEM ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO TURN ON MY HIGH BEAMS, THE LOW BEAMS AND RUNNING LIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE HIGH BEAMS DID NOT COME ON. I HAD NO ILLUMINATION WHATSOEVER. I HAVE CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS AND DICK BEARD CHEVROLET, THE DEALER WHICH PERFORMED A COMPLETE SERVICE ON NOVEMBER 13, 2014. NEITHER HAS RESPONDED. *JS

Electrical System
Filed Nov 25, 2014105,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WITHOUT IT BEING IN THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND BELIEVED THAT IT WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 12/22/14*LJ THE CONSUMER INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. UPDATED 01/07/15

EngineCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 24, 201474,000 milesKS

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME IN MY 2004 SATURN VUE WHEN A BUCK JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I STOMPED ON THE BRAKES, HOWEVER, I ENDED UP HITTING THE BUCK (DEER) THAT THEN RAN AWAY. MY ENTIRE FRONT IN WAS SMASHED IN, THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, THE SEAT BELTS DIDN'T LOCK WHEN I STOMPED ON THE BREAKS. MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE BOTH IN THE FRONT SEATS AND WE BOTH WENT FORWARD MESSING UP BOTH OF OUR NECKS AND BACKS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 17, 2014200,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE KEY RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 5, 2014IL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT SECURED IN THE IGNITION AND WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED WHILE IN THE ON POSITION. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 4, 201430,000 milesCO

INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISON ON HIGHWAY AND AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS AGO THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THERE IS ALSO A SCRAPING NOISE COMING OUT OF STEERING COULMN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM. NO RECALL NOTICE EVER SENT OUT BY GM. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 31, 2014NC

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Suspension
Filed Oct 29, 2014127,000 milesMA

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BROKE AND SLANTED INWARD TOWARD GHE VEHICLE. SHE WAS LUCKY SHE WAS NOT KILLED. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE REAR SUBFRAME FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS IN DECENT CONDITION WITH LITTLE TO NO COROSION. THERE WAS NO OUTSIDE CAUSE TO THIS PREMATURE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND GM REFUSE TO ASSIST IN ANY REPAIRS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS I HAVE FOUND THERE WAS AN ACTUAL DEARH INCIDENT DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE. I HAVE A STRONG CONCERN THIS COULD HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 28, 2014150,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD EJECT FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, WHILE PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL AWAY INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 26, 201450,000 milesIL

THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN ACCESSORY OR RUN SETTINGS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I HAVE EXITED THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEYS IN HAND, THINKING IT WAS OFF WHEN IN FACT IT WAS STILL RUNNING BECAUSE THE IGNITION HAD NOT FULLY MOVED TO THE OFF POSITION. KEY IS VERY LOOSE WHEN INSERTED IN THE IGNITION AND I FEAR THAT IT WILL COME OUT ON IT'S OWN THROUGH VIBRATION. PRIMARY KEY IS WORN DOWN AND DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME PROFILE OF THE SECOND KEY PROVIDED AT NEW DELIVERY BUT RARELY USED. THE SECOND KEY CAN ALSO BE REMOVED WHILE RUNNING. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IGNITION RECALL IT FALLS OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURE DATES. WHEN I PRESENTED THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO WAIT FOR GM TO CONTACT ME AND A STANDARD (PAID) REPAIR WAS NOT POSSIBLE BECAUSE THEY NEEDED THE PARTS THEY HAD TO FIX RECALLED VEHICLES. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 24, 20144,000 milesNJ

I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICE UNDER THE IGNITION RECALL FOR THE SATURN VUE 2004 BUT HAVE BEEN REJECTED BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE RECALL. HOWEVER, MY VUE MEETS ALL OF THE CRITERIA NOTED IN THE RECALL AND I DEMONSTRATED MY CONCERNS TO AT THE SERVICE MANAGER AT A LOCAL GM SERVICE STATION. I HAVE CONTACT GM BY E MAIL, LETTER AND BY PHONE AND THEY HAVE BEEN OF LITTLE USE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BIG DEAL IS EITHER IT IS A RECALL OR IT IS NOT. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 24, 201492,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER BECAME STUCK IN THIRD GEAR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE PAST 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 16, 201498,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING, THE KEY WOULD RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 14, 201498,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 8, 2014103,204 milesRI

DRIVING AT A VERY SLOW RATE OF SPEED, CAR STARTED VIBRATING SO VIOLENTLY, I WAS AFRAID THAT A WHEEL WAS COMING OFF. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, THEN RESTARTED IT. IT WAS FINE. THE NEXT DAY, IT WAS DRIVEN ALL DAY WITH NO ISSUES, EXCEPT THAT MY DIRECTIONALS KEPT GOING OFF AND WOULD NOT WORK, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WOULD START WORKING, ESPECIALLY IF I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND STARTED IT BACK UP. THAT AFTERNOON, HOWEVER, THE VIBRATING STARTED AGAIN. I DROVE THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO A MECHANIC, WHO TOLD ME THAT NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE COMPUTER. HE SAID THAT HE PUNCHED MY VEHICLES INFORMATION INTO THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND FOUND THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION. HE TESTED THIS ON MY VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT YOU COULD INDEED PULL THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING AND IN GEAR. HE CALLED ME AND TOLD THIS TO ME. I INFORMED HIM THAT A FEW TIMES MY KEYS HAD FALLEN OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, OR ON THE STREETS, WHEREVER. IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN THAT WAY. I HADN'T REALIZED THIS WAS NOT INTENTIONAL. HE THEN INFORMED ME THAT ALTHOUGH THE YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF MY CAR WERE ON THE RECALL, AND THE FACT THAT MY CAR INDEED POSSESSED THE FAULTY IGNITION, THAT MY VIN WAS NOT LISTED AS BEING INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HE SUGGESTED I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR IN THE PAST, HERB CHAMBERS OF WARWICK. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF THE ABOVE TO BE TRUE, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT MY VIN IS N

Electrical System
Filed Oct 6, 2014127,000 milesCA

IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE SWITCH IN THE RUN POSITION. VEHICLE WAS MADE IN MAY 2004 WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V490000 (GM RECALL # 14506). *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 6, 2014103,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS LEANED INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 2, 2014170,854 milesMN

I NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE ON MY 2004 SATURN VUE WAS AT AN ANGLE. I WENT AND LOOKED AND I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BAD BUSHING. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS ALL BROKEN. AS I GOT LOOKING ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THAT GM KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND DID NOTHING UNLESS YOU COMPLAINED AND BROUGHT IN IN TO THE DEALER. WELL SATURN IS NO LONGER AND I'M STUCK WITH FIXING THIS PART AND GM WILL DO NOTHING. I COULD HAVE LOST MY WIFE AND ALL MY FAMILY. THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS AND THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 16, 201497,000 milesOH

I WAS ABLE TO PULL OUT THE KEY FROM MY 2004 SATURN VUE WITHOUT THE IGNITION BEING IN THE OFF POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. I CHECKED THE GM WEBSITE WITH THE VIN NUMBER AND IT CAME BACK THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING RECALLED, ALTHOUGH IT HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE OTHER SATURN VUE VEHICLES THAT ARE UNDER RECALL. THANKS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 201480,500 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH, THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THERE WAS ONLY ONE OTHER KEY ON THE KEY RING AT THE TIME I WAS DRIVING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE SUV AND RESTART IT TO CONTINUE. THIS IS SAME IGNITION SAFETY DEFECT AS IN THE OTHER SATURNS I HAVE READ ABOUT. I LOST STEERING AND BRAKING CAPABILITIES. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 26, 201413,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO TURN ON AFTER KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 25, 2014138,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL BROKE, MAKING STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. IT FELT AS IF WE WERE GOING TO FLIP, I SLOWLY MOVED OVER AND LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO STOP BEFORE A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT OCCURRED. ONCE WE STOPPED WE GOT OUT TO FIND THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE TILTED INWARD AND UNDRIVABLE. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE SHOP WE FOUND THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND FRAME BROKE AS WELL AS THE CONTROL ARMS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES AND IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE FOR ANYONE TO BE DRIVING A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS AGAIN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILIES. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 22, 201486,000 milesTX

WITH ALL THE CONCERNS WITH IGNITION KEYS FALLING OUT WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING I CHECKED OUR VECHILE AND FOUND OUT THAT OUR 2004 SATURN VUE HAS THAT PROBLEM. I WOULD SAY AT THIS POINT IT LOOKS LIKE ALL VUE'S NEED TO BE INSPECTED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 21, 201485,000 milesCO

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE TURN SIGNALS STOP OPERATING AS WELL AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE IGNITION NEEDS TO BE TURNED OFF, CAR RESTED THEN WILL OPERATE NORMALLY FOR A WHILE WHEN TURNED BACK ON. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Aug 13, 201485,987 milesMD

I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY AUTO REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE OF THE RECENT ONSET OF AN UNUSUAL RUMBLING SOUND WHEN DECELERATING. AFTER A TEST DRIVE AND INSPECTION THE MECHANIC WROTE THESE COMMENTS ON THE REPAIR INVOICE. "DETERMINED FRONT FRAME RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING EXTREME MOVEMENT OF ENGINE CRADLE AND ENGINE ASSEMBLY. UNIBODY IS RUSTED OUT. THIS VEHICLE IS PROBABLY TOTALED AND THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE NHTSA. CAUTION: THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE STREET IMMEDIATELY." BOTH THE MECHANIC AND MYSELF FEEL THAT THIS SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPEDED TO A TEN YEAR OLD CAR WITH LESS THAN 86,000 MILES THAT HAS BEEN PRPERLY MAINTAINED. THE MECHANIC ALSO PHOTOGRAPHED THE DAMAGE. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 13, 201489,000 milesMI

I HAD AN ACCIDENT AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, I WAS INJURED MY FACE NOSE & NECK, ALSO MY KEY COMES OUT OF IGNITION WHILE VEHICLE IS ON *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Aug 13, 2014120,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START UNTIL REPEATED ATTEMPTS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 8, 2014150,000 milesWI

WE CAN REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OR MOVING. I DID SEE ON 8/8/2014 THAT OUR YEAR WAS INVOLVED IN A NEW RECALL BY GM DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED OUR LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SHOWED NO RECALL AND CALLED GM/SATURN TO QUESTION IT AS WELL. EVEN AFTER TELLING THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM GM THAT OUR VEHICLE HAD THE SAME TROUBLE THAT WAS LISTED IN THE RECALL AND FIT THE MODEL YEAR LISTED THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD ONLY UPDATE OUR INFORMATION AND WOULD CONTACT US IF IT DOES BECOME PART OF THE RECALL. THE KEY DOES COME OUT JUST AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 6, 2014AR

1ST INSIDENT WAS DRIVING DOWN BUSY BULIVARD AND THE VEHICLE QUIT AND COSTED TO A STOP THERE WAS NO STEERING. WE HAD TO GET A RIDE HOME AND PAY TOWING. 2ND INSIDENT WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A HILL IN ALABAMA JUST FINISHED THE LAST CURVE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED NO STEERING NO ABILITY TO GET OFF ROAD AND COASTED TO A STOP IN A PARKING LOT. WE WERE STRANDED ON OUT TRIP TO SEE MY GRAND KIDS. WE HAD TO GET A TOW TO A MERCURY DEALER BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER MADE. WE HAD TO GET A MOTEL AND A RIDE FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP AS IT WOULD TAKE A WEEK TO GET FIXED. GM WAS ORDERED BY THE COURT TO PAY 100% FOR THIS PART AND FOR ME IT FAILED TWICE THE SECOND TIME ALMOST TAKING OUR LIVES. I'VE TRIED FOR OVER TWO YEARS NOW TO GET SOME JUSTICE! EACH TIME I WAS FORCED TO PAY 1/2 THE REPAIRS THAT IS 2400.00 EACH TIME! LET ALONE GETTING LETTERS OF THIS RECALL TAKING THE LETTERS TO THE DEALER AND BEING TOLD IN FINE. I WANT AT THE VERY LEAST WHAT THE COURT ORDER THEM TO PAY AND THAT IS 100% OF THIS PART THAT STOPPED WORKING TWICE. 4800.00 AND IF I COULD GET MY MOTEL AND TOWING I WOULD BE GRATEFUL. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jul 29, 2014140,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Steering › ColumnFire
Filed Jul 23, 2014104,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE APPEARED NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Power TrainCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 9, 2014OH

VEHICLE WAS GOING THRU AN INTERSECTION AND THE TRANSMISSION QUIT. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 30, 201488,000 milesTX

I TRIED TO RESTART MY ENGINE. ALTHOUGH IT TURNED OVER, IT WOULDN'T START. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, AND HE CONCLUDED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SHORTAGE IN THE SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED A FUSE TO BE BLOWN. HE REPLACED THE FUSE, AND MY CAR STILL DIDN'T START. AFTER THAT, HE USED HIS DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE, AND SAW THAT I NEEDED A NEW IGNITION SWITCH, WHICH IS WHY IT DIDN'T START. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jun 23, 201434,595 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,595.

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 2004 Saturn Vue → · Every Vue year → · How the figures are calculated →