2003 Saturn Vue Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Saturn Vue, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Transmission21625.8%
- Electrical12514.9%
- Powertrain (other)9911.8%
- Engine8810.5%
- Suspension485.7%
- Steering455.4%
- Airbags414.9%
- Fuel system313.7%
- Driver assistance242.9%
- Body & structure232.7%
- Brakes212.5%
- Visibility202.4%
- Interior & seats172.0%
- Other / unspecified151.8%
- Exterior lighting91.1%
- Tires & wheels81.0%
- Heating & air conditioning40.5%
- Seat belts30.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARS FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PLACE PROPERLY. ALSO, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE AIR BAG COMPONENTS WERE WORKING UP TO STANDARDS AND WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE RELATED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PAM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND REVERSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN UPDATED 5/11/2015 *JS
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V490000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair; however, the new ignition keys provided under the remedy failed to start the vehicle. The contact had to use the old key to start the vehicle. Additionally, the battery was replaced twice because the vehicle failed to turn off, causing the battery to drain. The vehicle needed to be jump-started. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that she was disabled and had returned the license plates to the DMV. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
October 12, 2020 IG Burton stated the recall was complete, given original keys. I went to Willis Chevrolet & Buick recall was completed on April 15, 2022, new keys were issued.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact purchased a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that two days after purchasing the used vehicle, the vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the gas tank location. A service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while pulling to the side of the road, a bystander alerted the contact that there was a fuel leak. The contact and the other passengers of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started at the gas tank location and extended to the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle was significantly burned. The contact could not confirm that a fire department report was filed. There was no property damage. Neither the contact nor the other passengers of the vehicle sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by the registered owner. The contact could not confirm whether the vehicle was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Knocking/grinding noise from under vehicle and shift problems. Taken to automotive service provider for diagnostic and they're evaluation revealed internal fail in the cvt vti transmission.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
SATURN VUE 2003 HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. HAS STALLED DOING 80 MPH ON HWY HAS STALLED DOING 25-30 IN TOWN. SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON, POWER IS LOST TO ENGINE AND WHEN SECURITY LIGHT GOES OFF, THEN THE ENGINE WILL START AGAIN.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH OF MY REAR TIRES ARE LEANING IN AND LOOKS LIKE THE CAMBER BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF AND COULD REALLY CAUSE A BAD ACCIDENT EVEN DEATH IF I DIDN'T SEE IT. I TRAVEL 1800MI A WEEK AND JUST HAD A BLOW OUT BECAUSE TIRES WORE SO BAD AND THEY ARE ONLY A YEAR OLD.
IN OCTOBER 2016 MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. AS HE TURNED A CORNER IN THE CITY HE HEARD A CRACK AND THE VEHICLE STEERED INTO A CURB. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS NOR OTHER VEHICLES NEAR BY. HE WAS ABLE TO GINGERLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME (1 MILE). DURING A TEST DRIVE, IT WAS APPARENT THE VEHICLE HAD A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE WITH THE SUSPENSION. INVESTIGATION INDICATED ALL BALL JOINTS, SWAY BARS AND EQUIVALENT WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. AFTER TAKING IT INTO A SUSPENSION SHOP THEY ADVISED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SUB FRAME RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE UNSTABLE STEERING. THEY NOTED THE PASSENGER SIDE IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT ROAD WORTHY. LIKEWISE WITH THE AMOUNT OF RUST UNDER NEITHER REPLACING THE SUB FRAME WAS NOT RECOMMENDED. RESEARCHING THIS CONDITION ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE IN CERTAIN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES. UP UNTIL THIS SUMMER I USED TO DRIVE THIS DOWN THE INTERSTATE DAILY. I'M THANKFUL I STOPPED AND LIKEWISE THAT MY SON WAS NOT ON AN OPEN ROAD. THE CONSUMERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS CONDITION AND ALL MECHANIC SHOPS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATING FOR THIS PREMATURE FRAME FAILURE. INJURY ACCIDENTS WILL BE A GUARANTEE AT HIGHER SPEEDS.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT THAT TRACTION CONTROL IS DISABLED. THE LIGHT COMES ON BRIEFLY WHEN I TAKE SHARP LEFT TURNS. THE WHEEL-SPEED SENSORS, WIRES, CONNECTORS, CONTROL MODULE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OCCASIONALLY CONK WITH INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. THIS HAS CAUSE MY REDUCE POWER WHEN I DRIVE IT, USING MORE GAS.
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT, MAKING STEERING VERY, VERY DIFFICULT. IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN IN COOLER WEATHER AND USUALLY TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND PARKING FOR A LITTLE WHILE CORRECTS THE PROBLEM. TRIED TO CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID, WAS TOLD IT IS AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL. BRAKE FAILURE. MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN OFF A FREEWAY EXIT RAMP. I TRIED TO BRAKE AND PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD JUST HAD ROTORS AND PADS PUT ON THE VEHICLE THAT DAY. I STRUCK TWO VEHICLES AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I STRUCK MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY LEFT KNEE ON THE DASHBOARD.
THE HORN WAS SOUNDING ALL THE TIME WAS INTERMITTENT NOW ON ALL THE TIME , HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSE
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact purchased a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that two days after purchasing the used vehicle, the vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the gas tank location. A service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while pulling to the side of the road, a bystander alerted the contact that there was a fuel leak. The contact and the other passengers of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started at the gas tank location and extended to the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle was significantly burned. The contact could not confirm that a fire department report was filed. There was no property damage. Neither the contact nor the other passengers of the vehicle sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by the registered owner. The contact could not confirm whether the vehicle was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
While driving the engine lights kept coming on, so we decided to get it checked by a mechanic and he told us that we have a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor and that the IMRC actuator valve is not working at all.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON REDUCED POWER WHILE DRIVING ALL GAS AND SPEED GAUGES ARE ALL TURNED TO THE RIGHT CAR DOSENT MOVE WHEN CUT ON NO POWER STEERING WHEEL GETS HARD UNABLE TO TURN OR STEER THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 3 MONTHS NOW
DROVE MY CAR TO A FRIEND'S AND WHEN I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD.OR BACKWARDS AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF ON COMING TRAFFIC.COULDNT CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID THERE ISN'T A DIP STICK.SO LUCKY I HAD SOMEONE WITH ME TO PUSH IT BACK TO MY FRIENDS.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT END FRAME RAILS LEFT AND RIGHT RUSTED OUT BY THE ENGINE CRADLE ATTACHMENT POINTS TO RAILS, BOTH RAILS MUST BE REPLACED PART # 15842675 , 10367494, PART ARE N.L.A. !!. TRIED TO FIGHT THE RUST FOR FEW YEARS ALREADY, NO LUCK, IT TOOK ONLY 4 YEARS SINCE FIRST SIGN OF RUST, MILAGE - 115K, GARAGED ALL THE TIME,
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE INTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NO LONGER OPEN FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WHILE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,900.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT THAT TRACTION CONTROL IS DISABLED. THE LIGHT COMES ON BRIEFLY WHEN I TAKE SHARP LEFT TURNS. THE WHEEL-SPEED SENSORS, WIRES, CONNECTORS, CONTROL MODULE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OCCASIONALLY CONK WITH INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. THIS HAS CAUSE MY REDUCE POWER WHEN I DRIVE IT, USING MORE GAS.
TAKATA RECALL. BRAKE FAILURE. MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN OFF A FREEWAY EXIT RAMP. I TRIED TO BRAKE AND PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD JUST HAD ROTORS AND PADS PUT ON THE VEHICLE THAT DAY. I STRUCK TWO VEHICLES AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I STRUCK MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY LEFT KNEE ON THE DASHBOARD.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN MY HORN FUSE IN MY HORN IS NON STOP BLARING ALSO MY FRONT WIPERS FUSE IN GOOD AND MY WIPES ARE NOT WORKING
OCCASIONALLY THERE HAS BEEN A LINE OF SMOKE COMING FROM MY STEERING COLUMN WHEN I START THE CAR. NOW MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT TURN OFF UNLESS I REMOVE THE FUSE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A FIRE AND WILL BE GETTING IT FIXED, HOWEVER I HAVE READ OF OTHER SATURN OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. SO I KNOW MINE IS NOT THE ONLY CAR OUT THERE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISON ON 3 12 2019. THE DRIVER SEAT TRACK BROKE UPON COLLISION CAUSING ME AND THE SEAT TO BE SENT FORWARD INTO THE DASH CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. THE LEVER THAT MOVES THE SEAT DISCONNECTED AND THE WHOLE MECHANISM CAME TOWARD THE DASH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ELECTRONIC LOCK AND UNLOCK FUNCTIONS FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE KEY TO ENTER THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND WAS TO CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT THAT TRACTION CONTROL IS DISABLED. THE LIGHT COMES ON BRIEFLY WHEN I TAKE SHARP LEFT TURNS. THE WHEEL-SPEED SENSORS, WIRES, CONNECTORS, CONTROL MODULE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OCCASIONALLY CONK WITH INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. THIS HAS CAUSE MY REDUCE POWER WHEN I DRIVE IT, USING MORE GAS.
2003 SATURN VUE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND MORE THE DATE OF SALE: 12/05/2008. THE LOAN OFFICER CLAIMS STATES EVERYTHING WAS OK WITH THE VUE BEFORE PURCHASE PER HER REVIEW. HOWEVER THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, REAR HUB BEARING, NOISE COMING FROM LEFT SIDE BEGINNING JAN 14, 2009- TO CURRENT. WE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND RETURN TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING REPORT: BRAKES MAKING NOISE ALL THE TIME AND BURNING SMELL FROM VENTS. SATURN DEALERSHIP IN CONCORD REPAIR: FRONT BRAKE ROTOR REFINISHING AND THE TEACH COMMENTS: UNABLE TO VERIFY ANY SMELLS THIS VISIT. A/C DRAIN NOT RESTRICTED. CALLED GM IN DETROIT, MI (NO HELP) AND THEY ARE AWARE THAT THE VUE WAS RETURN BECAUSE OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS; MY DAUGHTER MET THE LADY WHO PURCHASES THE VUE 2003 AT A FOSTER CARE MEETING IN CONCORD IN 2009, SHE ASK ABOUT THE RACK THAT WAS ON TOP OF VUE 3/24/2009: FILED A CLAIM WITH BBB AUTO LINE PROGRAM: CLAIM THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON 7/31/06. I PURCHASE THE VUE IN 2008. --WHAT DOES THAT MEAN. ON MARCH 21, 2012 CHECKED THE TRANSMISSION WITH TRANSMISSION CENTER IN OUR AREA: ADVICE COULD NOT CONFIRM TRANS SLIPPAGE, IT NEEDS REAR HUB BEARING. WE REPLACE THE HUB BEARING, BUT THE NOISE AND SLIPPAGE CONTINUED. THAT SUMMER (JUNE 2012) I TRAVELED TO OAKLAND WITH THE DEBUTANTES (5 YOUNG LADIES INCLUDING MY GRANDDAUGHTER TO EAT) IN ROUTE IN TRAFFIC THE VUE BEGIN TO LOSE ITS POWER AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. CAR'S GOING AROUND US-IT WAS CRAZY AND NICE MEN CAN AND PUSH THE VUE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TODAY SUNDAY JULY 8, 2013 AND AT 1:50PM PST.--SPOKE WITH THE SALES CONSULTANT WHO PROMISES TO HAVE THE OWNER CALL ME BACK. HE DID AND ASKS HOW I CAN HELP YOU. I EXPLAINED ONCE AGAIN THE PROBLEM AND HE SAID" SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED A NEW CAR". I DISCONNECTED THE CALLED...VERY DISRESPECTFULLY--NOT FUNNY. I'VE CHECK THE INTERNET AND CALLED OTHER TRANSMISSION CENTER: COST RANGE $3,999.00. PLEASE HELP ME RETRIEVE SOME OR ALL OF MY MONEY BACK. RESPECTFULLY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
IT STARTED AFTER TURNING ON MY HEADLIGHTS. I WAS DRIVING HOME AND SEEN AND SMELLED LIKE HE SMOKE, IT WAS COMING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH THE WIRES WERE BURNING. I TURNED OFF CAR AND CALLED MY BOYFRIEND. HE UNCLAMPED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CHECKED, THE WIRES WERE BURNED. ONCE I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN MY DASH LIGHTS WERE NOT ON NOR THE TAIL LIGHTS BUT THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED, HAZARD LIGHTS AND BLINKERS ALL WORKED. SO I DROVE HOME WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND MY BOYFRIEND FOLLOWING BEHIND ME. HAD ALL FUSES CHECKED, REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH, TAIL LIGHT WIRING HARNESS AND THE FUSE BOX, STILL NO DASH LIGHTS NOR TAIL LIGHTS. I DID CALL YOUR COMPANY FOR HELP AND WAS TOLD BY THE AGENT THAT HE COULD NOT HELP. I DID RECENTLY FOUND OUT ABOUT SOME KIND OF RECALL. THE INFORMATION I FOUND IS BELOW. RECALL 05V245000 ELECTRICAL & LIGHTS, OCTOBER 17, 2005 ORIGINAL RECALL FROM THE NHTSA MODEL YEAR(S): 2001, 2002, 2003 MANUFACTURER'S REPORT DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2005 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V245000 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE05010 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 291,652
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED AS SO FAR HAVE LOST POWER STEERING, GAUGES SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, AND HAVE BEEN LOCKED IN CAR AFTER PARKING AND COULDN'T EVEN USE MANUAL LOCKS, CAR TURNS ITSELF ON WHEN REBOOTING COMPUTER WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. .LIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF, AND LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING.CAR WOULD NOT START FOR OVER AN HOUR AFTER PUTTING IN PARK.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS, THE BRAKES 2X IN 2 YEARS, GONE THROUGH 2 SETS OF TIRES AND NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN. *TR
I OWN A SET OF RECALL TIRES TOYO NOONE LET ME KNOW THEY WHERE RECALLED BUT THE BACK TIRE WENT OUT FIRST AND KNOW THE FRONT TIRE IS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE CANT DRIVE THE CAR MY WIFE LIKE TO GOT HURT THE FIRST TIME THE INSIDEBELT HAS GONE OUT ON 2 TIRES ALREADY WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO FIX MY PROBLEM. *TR
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 SATURN VUE FAILED TO START. *KB THE VEHICLE MADE SQUEAKING NOISES WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT TURN, IN ADDITION TO VARIOUS OTHER RUMBLINGS. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ROTORS, BEARINGS AND TRANSMISSION. A SPECIAL WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE ORDERED AS WELL AS A SPECIAL SIDE COVER AND HARDWARE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. THE COOLANT SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. THE REAR WIPERS WOULD STICK. THE GAS GAUGE WOULD ONLY READ 3/4 FULL. THE AIR CONDITION STOPPED WORKING AND THE HOT AND COLD KNOB DID NOT GO ALL THE TO COOL. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED WHICH WAS THE REASON THE VEHICLE WASN'T STARTING. THE TRANSFER CASE SEAL WAS REPLACED. *JB
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO HAVE RECALL WORK DONE ON 2003 SATURN VUE, DUE TO PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TS THE CONSUMER ALSO ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS WITH THE A/C FAILING TO WORK PROPERLY, MOLDING PEELING AWAY FROM THE STRUCTURE AND THE REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSING WHICH CAUSED THE ROLL OVER. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE PARKED, THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT IN THE REAR SEAT WAS LOCKED AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE SEAT BELT FRAME BECAME DETACHED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT FAILED AND HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,570 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,590. UPDATED 10/13/10. *LJ THE COSNUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE MADE BY A PRIVATE PARTY AND PAID FOR AT HER EXPENSE. UPDATED 10/19/10*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .