| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2008 Saturn VUE repairs by problem area
Engine (25%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)
Brakes and Traction Control (5%)
Suspension and Steering (16%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)
Other (10%)
Chart based on 441 repairs.
2008 Saturn VUE engine repair cost distribution
$2500+ (3%)
$1000 - $2499 (7%)
$500 - $999 (13%)
$100 - $499 (25%)
< $100 (52%)
Chart based on 92 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2008 Saturn VUE
Engine not specified
| 10000 mi | VEHICLE DRIVEN FOR 10K MILES. NO OIL CHANGE LIGHT CAME ON. ADVISED BY DEALER THEY WOULD FIX "REFLASH" AND PERFORM OIL CHANGE. ADVISED OF 3K OIL CHANGE INTERVAL DESPITE MANUFAC RECOMMENDATIONS TO WAIT FOR LIGHT. |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| US $260 | Emissions purge solenoid and valve were replaced. |
| 1500 mi | Ignition switch wouldn't release key. I had to leave the key in for 3 days until I could get in to have it replaced. |
| 112000 mi US $400 |
Engine mounts |
| 54000 mi US $100 |
Engine Misfire - Failed #5 Coil Pack - replaced under warranty |
| 62000 mi | emission, said there was TSI on it and they reset it. P0449 code, high resistance in the evap vent valve. |
| 42000 mi | Leaky heater cooler / core. symtoms are foggy windshield and sweet smell when heater is active. Requested assistance from manufacturer due to "out of warranty" due to mileage. comped a rental also |
| 87700 mi US $1200 |
Timing Chain worn (engine light) purge solenoid stuck (replaced purge solenoid STED system |
| 133000 mi US $332 |
Check engine light was on; replaced purge valve |
| 2000 mi | Remote start inoperative due to bad sensor causing engine light to come on. |
| 37000 mi | difficult to ignite |
| 44000 mi | replaced a failed transmission mount |
| 60000 mi US $660 |
reseal engine cover |
| 91000 mi US $500 |
EVAP purge solenoid |
| 99000 mi US $400 |
sparks, ignition coils |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 81800 mi US $500 |
Emissions: Two problems were discovered. First was a failed gas cap the other was a cracked EVAP cansiter. |
| 91000 mi US $200 |
The left bank (front)valve cover cracked resulting in a steady oil leak. |
| 24000 mi | Check engine, stabilitrak, anti-lock brake warning lights came on, engine misfiring. Dealer found that Camshaft was out of tolerance. Replaced head, camshaft, gaskets, fluids in accordance with service bulletin. |
| 10000 mi | Fuel pressure started dropping to zero psi immediately after turning off engine. Then, wouldn't start on first turn of key. Fuel pump was replaced twice before they gave up. |
| 32000 mi | Antifreeze odor when operating the heater. |
| 33000 mi | Heater core developed a leak and had to be replaced. |
| 24000 mi | Check engine light came on, and they replaced a part to correct it. Covered under warranty. |
| 7000 mi | Key could not be removed from ignition switch. The ignition lock cylinder was replaced (had to be ordered, hence the 4 days). I did get a loaner car to use. |
| 11000 mi | Will crank but won't start on first attempt after vehicle has sat for a while after driving, and still warm. Operates normal after car cools down (like overnight). |
| 12000 mi | A return trip due to car not starting on first attempt when vehicle and outside temps are warm. They replaced a fuel regulator and no changes. Problem still exists. |
| 14000 mi | Car wouldn't start normally on first attempt. Fuel pump wouldn't hold pressure. Fuel pump replaced. |
| 47150 mi US $600 |
Front wheel speed sensor failed, replaced under warranty. Rear wheel ESP/ABS sensor replaced under warranty(second time). |
| 95500 mi | Internal modules were losing communication w/ each other causing engine codes and lots of dashboard warning lights. Car would drive like it had bad gas after this happened each time until the engine was restarted, but that didn't always help |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic FWD
| 60000 mi US $1200 |
Replaced leaking radiator |
| 47300 mi US $1000 |
heater core replacement |
| 63000 mi | dealer diagnostic indicated that timing chain needed replacement 2K ...got 2nd opinion from independent mechanic. no timing chain issue needed oil change only. dealer tried to rip us off |
| 75300 mi US $800 |
Serpentine belt was showing signs of wear - replaced it while we replaced the alternator while we were in there. Was a parts only deal. |
| 30000 mi US $1244 |
To Long to List: Lots of leaks and replacements of gaskets, seals, spark plugs and 14 things that needed replacement. |
| 42500 mi | gas cap wouldn't seat. dash light on. |
| 21000 mi | Blown cylinder head, cracked piston ring. |
| 29000 mi | Minor engine oil leak. Replaced seal, but problem persists. |
| 100000 mi US $40 |
emission purge solenoid inop; replaced. |
| 52700 mi C $2500 |
Pressure release valve/solenoid replaced. Couldnt pump fuel into the vehicle and had a fault code too. |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic AWD
| 7000 mi | CO2 sensor malfunctioned. |
| 9000 mi US $28500 |
Check engine light triggered by bad emission sensor. Repaired emission sensor. 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! |
| 59000 mi US $400 |
engine light on, emission control operating out of range, replace EVAP recalibrate ECM |
| 11000 mi | 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. |
| 23000 mi | Faulty heater core. |
| 102000 mi US $1300 |
Emissions sensor; also installed new brake pads all the way 'round |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
222-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD
| 42964 mi | oil pan gasket replaced front crank seal replaced both cylinder head gaskets replaced |
| 43864 mi | Replace head gaskets, front seal and oil pan seal |
| 46500 mi | oil pan seal leak, oil pan seal replaced |
| 47760 mi C $756 |
Leaking radiator replaced |
| 111600 mi C $3500 |
crankshaft sensor failed. had to be replaced. |
| 18000 mi | car does not start properly, cranks but does not start, after key is released and returns from "start" engine continues to crank on its own, then must turn key 2nd time to get it to start, dealer says it is known fuel pump issue, no repair! |
| 20000 mi | Front crankshaft oil seal began leaking oil and was replaced as per TSB from manufacturer. |
| 106199 mi US $10 |
Replaced Oil Flange Gasket located by oil filter. |
| 105400 mi C $400 |
One spark plug failed causing an engine misfire when accelerating |
| 114700 mi | Quite a fluke with the car on a highway trip. I was driving about 100 km/h on a major highway when the dashboard lights for anti-skid came on and the car started to slow down and pressing the gas pedal wasn't doing anything. The car came to a full stop in about 10 seconds, brakes seized. It was not a pleasant situation on that highway as there were cars right behind me travelling at over 100 km/h. I could have been hit hard from behind due to this... I shut the car off, tried to pull the battery leads off but did not have the tools with me. In about 5-10 minutes I attempted to restart the car and succeeded at it - everything seemed to be functioning normally... I still had to drive over 200 km on a mountain highway and we made it to the destination safely without any additional issues. I later heard that others had a similar issue with the vehicle and pointed at a camshaft sensor as the culprit. Although the problem sorted itself, this is a major intrinsic defect, which can put an owner at a substantial risk when travelling on a highway. The manufacturer should never have designed the sensor that way. If I saw a specific light come up on a dashboard, it should have been enough in this situation. Thus, buyer beware - cheap, flimsy american vehicles are garbage and it just shows how low they are willing to go in order to save some money for their bottom lines. |
| 31000 mi | Transmission slip returned Check engine light on. The replaced a speed sensor. |
| 27900 mi | Front main seal leaking |
| 65920 mi C $400 |
Backfire in plug #5. Had to replace spark plugs even though it is recommended replacing them at 150,000 km. |
| 76740 mi C $80 |
Oil sensor was replaced |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
172-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD
| 20000 mi | Message on dash indicated engine problem, with message "check hybrid battery". Recall on hybrid batteries due to corrosion. Batteries back ordered. While waiting, hybrid batteries shorted entire electrical, car had to be towed in. Dead. |
| 91100 mi US $200 |
Hybrid system error/Stabilitrak error/check engine light was popping up during long distance driving. Local mechanic replaced camshaft parts. |
| 110000 mi US $200 |
Engine oil leaking thru crankshaft seal. Visited several independent shop since it requires special tools. |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 111000 mi US $1300 |
Replaced thermostat |
| 116000 mi US $50 |
Replaced thermostat |
| 85760 mi | Emissions. Check engine light. Item replaced but the light returned. Into shop next Wedn to revisit issue. |
| 86800 mi | Same issue as reported in October 2015 |
| 87420 mi C $125 |
Replaced purge valve |
| 96100 mi C $200 |
R&R intake valve timing control solenoid |
| 104780 mi C $870 |
Exhaust system |
| 57300 mi US $359 |
The check engine light has been on for about 3 months. When I took it for repair the mechanics could not find a problem. They told me I could take it to the dealer, but I haven't because I have not had any problems. The light is still on |
| 5580 mi | Rear right speed sensor harness had corroded,needed to be replaced |
| 64151 mi C $350 |
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, DIAGNOSTICS, REPLACE INTAKE CAM POSITION ACTUATOR SOLONOID |
| 74400 mi C $298 |
check engine light on. replaced Exhaust cam position actuator solonoid |
| 15000 mi | key gets stuck in ignition upon turning engine off. Trip to dealer was unsuccessful, as dealer could not replicate problem. problem still persists intermittently. |
| 4000 mi | Updated software in TCM (Transmission Control Module) & BCM (Body Control Module) to effect repair against a TSB helping transmission to shift less when cruise engaged. |
| 5000 mi | Transmission required re-flash of software, previous software flash was causing transmission to hang for extended period in 3rd gear and rendering manual mode unavailable by forcing transmission to stay in 4th gear, unable to change with - button. Technician forgot to reset oil life monitoring system when completing required recall issued by GM to fix the light that was supposed to illuminate when oil life low. |
| 54000 mi US $575 |
Replace cam position sensor and evaporative emmissions sensor. |
| 90000 mi US $60 |
Exhuast camshaft position sensor turned on Check Engine light. |
| 40000 mi | Replaced intake and exhaust solenoids. |
| 2000 mi | Check engine light on - evap systems leak. |
| 4000 mi | Code P0442. Replaced Evap Canister and problem was solved. |
| 16000 mi | 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. |
| 136000 mi US $235 |
Oil pan rtv (no gasket) began leaking oil. Mechanic dropped oil pan and resealed |
| 5000 mi | 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. |
| 6000 mi | After vehicle was remote started the heating and cooling system fan and temperature could not be adjusted. Computer needed to be re-programmed. |
| 21000 mi | Engine light came on. Determine a engine misfire set off the engine light. However still had to bring it in to get the light reset. what a pain. |
| 15000 mi | trans TSB 08-06-04-036 and OLM recall |
| 30000 mi | Radiator may burst (TSB) - radiator hose altered |
| 37000 mi US $40 |
Intake valve sensor. Reason it wa replaced was the "check engine " light came on. |
| 7000 mi | Codes P2101 Throttle Position Performance,P1516 Throttle Actuator Control Performance found. Found internal short in ECM (electronic control module). They replaced and programed ECM. Powertrain Control Module Replacement. |
| 102000 mi US $577 |
Replaced catalytic converter |
| 182500 mi US $795 |
Exhaust system replaced from the engine back. Required manufacturer's parts. |
| 203000 mi US $788 |
catalytic converter |
| 211000 mi US $50 |
Leak at bypass pipe o-rings. Replaced O rings and thermostat gasket. |
| 220000 mi US $436 |
O2 sensor, plus a broken manifold bolt. |
| 46000 mi US $216 |
Re-wired for sensors in dash. Sensors OK. |
| 67000 mi US $175 |
Defective intake solenoid valve. Replaced. |
| 93400 mi US $925 |
install transmission mount |
| 141000 mi US $350 |
Radiator rotted out |
| 141000 mi US $300 |
Cracked exhaust manifold |
| 50500 mi US $350 |
Transmission error codes existed. Local shop indicated bring to dealer. Dealer diagnosed and found ignition switch issue causing transmission code erros. Ignition Switch was replaced (not under warranty). |
| 48000 mi US $260 |
check engine light on--failed local inspection--emission system had malfunctioned--new parts required--code not yet read by computer--need to drive it more they say and will be best read once gas level is half full |
| 102800 mi US $40 |
I received an MIL Code of P0010. Research indicated the probable cause to the the Camshaft Position Sensor Actuator Solenoid (akaOil Control Valve) on the intake side. This sits right on top of the head of the engine. Easy to replace. |
| 28000 mi | shutter on 1-2 shift compass keeps losing calibration |
2008 Saturn VUE 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 1000 mi | Reflash BCM per mailing. |
See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Saturn models.
