Saturn VUE Engine Problems and Repair Histories
Saturn VUE Engine problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Saturn VUE
Saturn VUE Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
172-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 42000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2011 | 42000 | 0 | Fan Belt tension pulley replaced after braking off, Fan belt replaced |
2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 40000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 68000 | 0 | replacement of intake camshaft position actuator control solenoid |
| Jan | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn VUE in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 2000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 18000 | 0 | reprogrammed cluster on dash that controls auto door locks; lites on, etc. This had been a GM TSB as other GM cars have been affected. They gave me a loaner car, work was completed in 2 hrs. Working great. |
| Jul | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic AWD
| Saturn VUE in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 7000 | 28500 | Emissions sensor bad, replaced. Mechanic then encountered MANY computer problems. Wiring appreas the issue. Tear down of vehicle required. A week in the shop before traded it in for a newer of the same (newer in the production line). SOLD! |
| Saturn VUE in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 6000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 11000 | 0 | Accelerator position sensor corroded. First trip computer reset. Second trip sensor replaced and some part of body molding resealed to prevent moisture from reaching the sensor. |
| Oct | 2008 | 23000 | 0 | Faulty heater core. |
| Dec | 2012 | 102000 | 1300 | Emissions sensor; also installed new brake pads all the way 'round |
| May | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 2000 | 0 | Check engine light on - evap systems leak. |
| Apr | 2008 | 4000 | 0 | Code P0442. Replaced Evap Canister and problem was solved. |
| Sep | 2008 | 16000 | 0 | The oil life monitor indicator light never lit. Engine downshifted too much on even the slightest incline when cruise control was used. The caused the vehicle to speed up dramatically. A TSB specifying a software update for the TCM resolved the problem. |
| Mar | 2013 | 116000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn VUE in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 5000 | 0 | While engine is running, there is a loud rattle coming from engine on passenger side. The vehicle has been in and out of the shop 2 other times to attempt repair. The techs can hear the noise and see what is rattling, but cannot repair it. Was told the... Another trip to dealership to diagnose rattling noise while engine is running. The techs are trying to determine best way to repair. The problem was not repaired as person was still not available to work on vehicle. |
| Jan | 2008 | 6000 | 0 | After vehicle was remote started the heating and cooling system fan and temperature could not be adjusted. Computer needed to be re-programmed. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Saturn VUE 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Saturn VUE in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2007 | 1000 | 0 | Reflash BCM per mailing. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
248-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2007 | 3000 | 0 | Check Engine Light - displaying history of possible loose gas cap. |
| Mar | 2008 | 8000 | 0 | Check engine light - displaying history of possible loose gas cap. Turned out to be a loose hose. |
| Apr | 2009 | 21000 | 37 | 'Evap Fuel Sys' fault code - replaced gas cap. |
| May | 2013 | 66000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
170-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 14000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2007 | 15000 | 0 | Sensor and hood latch After last engine software upgrade, I can run at high speed on highway for a while, then come off the expressway and Hybrid engine dies instead of just going to 'idle' stop. Mechanic was unable to recreate the problem but it has happened to me at least 6 |
| Mar | 2008 | 19000 | 0 | Campaign notification on 2 problems. One involves the battery system on the hybrid not charging properly. To repair they went over the entire charging system making some modifications and updated software. All done under warranty but takes 2 days at shop. |
| Jul | 2010 | 39000 | 272 | Car would not start. Car battery seemed to be the problem because after sitting for a while, it would start but Battery light was on. Alternator replaced, car battery and 3 hybrid batteries replaced. |
| Dec | 2010 | 43000 | 250 | Check Engine light was on. Cylinder two was misfiring. Martin Cadillac said 5 days to get parts. I expressed my displeasure since 2 previous trips took over 10 day to get parts. Ignition coil, spark plugs replaced using non GM parts. |
| Aug | 2012 | 52500 | 366 | Replaced the ignition key hole. It was jamming like so many other Saturns. |
| Mar | 2013 | 55000 | 125 | Ignition key lockset jammed and had to be entirely replaced. |
| Saturn VUE in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 10000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 11000 | 0 | Hybrid battery was leaking and as a result the hybrid system had become erratic. gas gauge malfunctioned. Sensor replaced. Could have been malicious fuel siphoning- problem corrected. |
| Apr | 2011 | 54000 | 440 | Belt tensioner and fan belt. Tensioner was loosing ground but could have gone many more miles. Belt replaced as an efficiency -but was not worn. |
| Mar | 2013 | 86000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn VUE in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 3000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 11300 | 0 | Replaced hybrid battery due to leakage. |
| Jan | 2008 | 12000 | 0 | Hybrid battery failed and was replaced. Delay due to holiday and need to order replacement battery. Dealer provided rental while vehicle was in the shop. |
| Aug | 2010 | 41000 | 0 | Replaced hybrid battery due to leakage |
| Jan | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 3000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2007 | 4000 | 0 | ignition was catching making it difficult to turn the key in the ingnition to start vehicle. Parts were in house. I came the next day and problem was fixed in approx. 4 hours. No charge to me, under factory warranty. |
| Apr | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 41540 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2008 | 47740 | 0 | Lingering check engine light after startup. Mechanic reported 4 misfire codes. Problem was present when vehicle was picked up. |
| Mar | 2009 | 51460 | 0 | Cross over gasket was leaking coolant and was replaced under extended warranty. |
| Dec | 2010 | 70680 | 180 | Flange pipe required reattachment. |
| Jul | 2011 | 73160 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn VUE in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 19220 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2008 | 35960 | 0 | Engine pinging and knocking (dealer heard nothing of course and did not attempt any repair). |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn VUE in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 99000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 101300 | 89 | Trans software reflash to lower shift points |
| Jun | 2012 | 160000 | 500 | Timing belt replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn VUE in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 29760 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 29760 | 0 | Ignition cylinder taken apart and lubricated due to the cylinder binding(Hard to start vehicle). EVAP Canister replaced due to small leak. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| Saturn VUE in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 80000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2009 | 81000 | 100 | Replaced oil flow control sensor. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 46000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 55000 | 157 | Exhaust Gasket between catalytic converter & intermidiate pipe blown out. Gasket replaced ($24 parts & $125 labor) |
| Feb | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn VUE in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 19000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 32000 | 185 | Failure code for EVAP sensor. Sensor replaced. |
| Mar | 2011 | 45000 | 0 | Customer satisfaction TSB for transmission surge issue. Dealer reprogrammed computer to solve drivability problem. |
| Mar | 2013 | 65000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn VUE in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 50220 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 52080 | 100 | Gasket between engine and transmission leaking oil. Dealership cleaned area and added dye to confirm problem. Parts ordered for future repair. Gasket between engine and transmission replaced. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| Saturn VUE in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 58000 | 92 | Check engine light on at idle after warm up. Pressure checked and light reset. Couldn't find a problem |
| Aug | 2010 | 76000 | 5200 | radiator replaced due to leak of transmission cooler that is inside the radiator |
| Apr | 2012 | 102000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 108000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 109000 | 12500 | Idling roughly, injection system needed to be cleaned |
| Apr | 2011 | 159000 | 49 | emissions problem according to the code. |
| Mar | 2013 | 209000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| Saturn VUE in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 39000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 40000 | 0 | The problem was the Torque Converter and Transmission Control Module originally believe to be transmission control module so it was flash updated |
| Mar | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saturn VUE in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2008 | 46000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2008 | 47000 | 0 | Car failed emission inspection for leaking fuel cap. Saturn admitted there was a recall for similar problems. Cap replaced at no charge, |
| Mar | 2013 | 90000 | 840 | Serpentine belt needed replacement due to multiple cracks extending 1/4 of its width. |
2004 Saturn VUE 4-door
6-cylinder automatic AWD
| Saturn VUE in New Mexico, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 51000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2008 | 52000 | 0 | Hi-pressure fuel sensor failed |
| May | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saturn VUE 4-door
4-cylinder automatic AWD
| Saturn VUE in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2007 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2007 | 37000 | 0 | Lunged forward when at a stop sign. Acel pedal error but deal unable to pin point issue. Vehicle returned to dealer as lemon and purchased new vehicle - NOT a GM - Toyota!! |
2004 Saturn VUE 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Saturn VUE in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2007 | 23000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2007 | 27000 | 0 | Car would bog down a few times after start up. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
181-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn VUE in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 99000 | 0 | Car kept stalling, computer reported errors, car wouldn't start any more. |
| Jun | 2010 | 134000 | 300 | Thermostat sticking open |
| May | 2011 | 146000 | 280 | Car misfiring badly. Coil Pack replaced |
| Sep | 2012 | 172000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
181-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| Saturn VUE in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 102000 | 535 | Plastic engine cooling fan broke off a large piece. Had to replace whole unit. |
| Nov | 2008 | 107000 | 50 | Dashboard Light "Service Engine Soon" came on. After having AutoZone check codes, determined I needed a new Fuel Cap. |
| Dec | 2008 | 112000 | 274 | Two Emission Sensors failed. Caused CHECK ENGINE SOON light to come on. Would not pass NY state inspection without this light being out. |
| Mar | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT AWD
| Saturn VUE in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 46500 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 47120 | 180 | Catalytic converter shot and injectors clogged. Muffler also rusted out, but I went after market for that. |
| Jun | 2008 | 47740 | 100 | Replaced muffler. reported a knocking sound but it was not present for the techs, could have been from the faulty muffler. |
| Apr | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saturn VUE in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 44000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2008 | 44500 | 0 | Fuel injectors replaced; valves adjusted/replaced; throttle control system repaired. No charge under dealer warranty. |
| May | 2008 | 45000 | 0 | Ignition, throttle body. |
| Dec | 2008 | 49000 | 50 | New thermostat, fixed coolant leak. |
| Feb | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saturn VUE 4-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| Saturn VUE in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 78000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2008 | 78000 | 2500 | Known VUE problem of the timing chain tensioner breaking - which it did - causing timing chain to shatter valves and metal through the pistons requiring new engine. |
| Jun | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2002 Saturn VUE
Engine not specified
| Saturn VUE in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 142000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 146000 | 1000 | the head gasket went and we got rid of the car. We were very upset in that we had put over $3,000 into the car in less than 2 years. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2002 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
181-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| Saturn VUE in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 170000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 175300 | 110 | Flex pipe installed in 2009 failed, replaced. |
| Feb | 2012 | 196000 | 0 | Clogged manifold catalytic converter, $1500 |
| Saturn VUE in Oklahoma, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 221 | Crank Sensor - Vehicle would die randomly, and would usually restart immediately or after a few minutes. | |
| Jan | 2011 | 136300 | 517 | Valve cover gaskets leaking oil. A TSB was also done on the PC Valve where freezing in the line can preventing the PCV to operate causing oil to be blown out. Since it started leaking more when it got cold, that was likely the issue. |
| May | 2012 | 147000 | 400 | Oil leak valve cover gaskets and pan gasket. |
| Sep | 2012 | 150000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn VUE in Aguascalientes, Mexico | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 80600 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 90480 | 0 | Engine died suddenly and would not start back up again. No strange noises before stopping. Battery OK, starter motor OK |
| Dec | 2012 | 96720 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn VUE in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 159960 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 175460 | 25 | Bearing failure in accessory drive - Replaced pulley on accessory drive belt tensioner. |
| Mar | 2013 | 187240 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert Saturn VUE Repair Advice
What People Are Saying about Problems with the Saturn VUE
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