RoadVitals

2003 Saturn Vue Visibility Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the visibility system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Visibility reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest Jan 12, 2021
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 620 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Saturn Vue submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 20 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming visibility

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalVisibility
Filed Jan 12, 2021

WHEN MY HORN FUSE IN MY HORN IS NON STOP BLARING ALSO MY FRONT WIPERS FUSE IN GOOD AND MY WIPES ARE NOT WORKING

NHTSA ID
11387658
Incident
Jan 4, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Oct 2, 2014

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

NHTSA ID
10640922
Incident
May 5, 2014
Mileage
150,000 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Sep 28, 2011

I HAVE AN 03 SATURN VUE WITH MULTIPLE ISSUES. I SHOULD HAVE COMPLAINED YEARS AGO BUT I AM ONLY NOW SEEING THE BLOGS REGARDING THIS DANGEROUS HIDEOUS VEHICLE. THE BACK WINDOW WIPER BLADES WORK WHENEVER, SPORADICALLY; THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS ARE INOPERABLE MOST OF THE TIME, THE BUTTON THAT TURNS THEM ON IS DEFECTIVE,;THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM- CAUTION LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF;REDUCED POWER LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD SOME CLOSE CALLS IN THIS VEHICLE AND I REALIZED IT SHOULD OF NOT BEEN ALLOWED TO BE ON THE ROAD. IT IS A DISASTER. WHY ARE OUR TAX DOLLARS BAILING OUT COMPANIES LIKE GM WHEN THEY MAKE SUCH DEFECTIVE, DEATH TRAPS AS THIS? SOMETHING IS TRULY WRONG HERE. RUN FROM THE SATURN VUE -HOPEFULLY IT WILL NOT BE ON THE ROAD MUCH LONGER BUT I JUST DON'T WANT TO BE ONE OF ITS CASUALTIES. *TT

NHTSA ID
10427699
Incident
Sep 14, 2009
EnginePowertrain (other)Visibility
Filed Aug 4, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAS HAD THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING AND IGNITION SWITCH REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILED AND THE ENGINE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SPRAYER WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10347233
Incident
Sep 9, 2006
Mileage
53,000 mi
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting+3 more
Filed Jan 8, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER 2002. SHE STATED THAT THERE WERE NUMEROUS FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 6 MPH THROUGH A BRUSH-LESS CAR WASH, WATER ENTERED INTO THE SUN ROOF HOUSING. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, SHE ALSO SMELLED OIL BURNING AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT INNER CV JOINT BOOT. THE HAZARDS LIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AND WERE REPAIRED TWICE DUE TO REPEAT FAILURES. WHEN SHE ENGAGED THE HAZARD SWITCH, IT COLLAPSED INTO THE DASHBOARD CONSOLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT FAILED AND IT WAS REPLACED. ALL REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE PER THE WARRANTY. THE REAR LATERAL LINK ASSEMBLY RECALL NUMBER 04067001 2002-2004 VUE REAR SUSPENSION RECALL WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT CLOSE; HOWEVER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THE IMPROPER LEVEL OF FUEL THAT WAS IN THE FUEL TANK; ALTHOUGH, THE FUEL SENDING UNITS WERE REPLACED. ALL OF THE REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE HAVE FAILED MORE THAN ONCE. THE HORN WOULD ALSO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY ON ITS OWN. THE DEALER FOUND A SHORTAGE IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND REPLACED THE OPERATING DESIGN SYSTEM WHICH FORCED THE MECHANIC TO REPROGRAM THE KEYS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED A SECOND TIME WHEN THE CONTACT SMELLED OIL BURNING. THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR MOST OF THE OTHER FAILED COMPONENTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,002 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,501.

NHTSA ID
10298766
Incident
Mar 6, 2009
Mileage
14,002 mi
Visibility
Filed Aug 23, 2008

THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHEN HAND WASHING THE CAR! MILD CALIFORNIA WEATHER, NORMAL HOSE TEMPERATURE. WINDSHIELD FRACTURED OUTWARD FROM UNDER EDGE AT THE TOP CENTER. THERE WERE NO CHIPS OR CRACKS PRIOR. DEALER SAYS THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER GLASS. WE THOUGHT GETTING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DID JUST THAT, EXTENDED THE NORMAL WARRANTY. NOW WE HAVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT IS TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX! *TR

NHTSA ID
10239456
Incident
Aug 23, 2007
Mileage
63,000 mi
BrakesInterior & seatsPowertrain (other)+1 more
Filed May 10, 2007

2003 VUE CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD A RECALL AND AFTER HAVING IT FIX IT BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER THEN THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED**CC THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, THE BRAKES SQUEALED WHENEVER THE CONSUMER BACKED-UP AND THE REAR WIPER WAS REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10191102
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
BrakesHeating & air conditioningElectrical+5 more
Filed Aug 9, 2006

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

NHTSA ID
10165813
Incident
Nov 17, 2003
BrakesTransmissionVisibility
Filed Jun 14, 2006

WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND THE REAR WIPER MOTOR. THE LATEST FAILURE LEFT ME STRANDED AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE SLAVE CYLINDER FOR THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH FLUID WENT WITH A TOTAL COST OF 1100.00 OUT OF FACTORY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY OF COURSE. COMPANY CLAIMS THIS IS A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10159803
Incident
Jun 1, 2006
Mileage
4,700 mi
AirbagsElectricalEngine+4 more
Filed Feb 7, 2006

2003 SATURN VUE HOOD RELEASE CABLE AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED. *TS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED (WARRANTY). WHILE REPAIRING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE PROMPT SHAFT CENTER BEARING WAS BROKEN (WARRANTY). THERE WAS NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSAXLE. THE TECHNICIAN UPDATED THE TCM AND ADDED CVT ADDITIVE (WARRANTY). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS FAULTY (WARRANTY). THE AIR BAG AND HORN WERE ALSO REPLACED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10149784
Incident
Jan 16, 2006
BrakesSteeringSuspension+1 more
Filed Sep 29, 2005

DT: 2003 SATURN VUE. THE FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS AND TORSION BAR HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING MADE GRINDING SOUNDS AND THE CAR HANDLED DIFFERENTLY. THEY WERE REPLACED ON MARCH 8, 2004, MARCH 3 2005, AND JULY 27, 2005. THE VEHICLE HAS 29,000 MILES ON IT. SATURN TOLD THE CONSUMER TO SEE THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK THE ABS ACTIVATED UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS. THE WIPER SWITCH WAS REPLACED DUE TO A SHORT. THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE LUBRICATED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10134655
Incident
Feb 10, 2004
Mileage
12,000 mi
Body & structureDriver assistanceElectrical+3 more
Filed Jun 10, 2005

CONSUMER STATES: TOOK IN VEHICLE ON 5 SEPARATE TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION, WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD, ALMOST LIKE THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. WAS ON HIGHWAY, AND NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS CONSUMER GAVE IT VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE. WHEN GIVING IT MORE GAS THE ENGINE WOULD REV BUT STILL WOULDN'T GO. BEFORE PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION, AT A SEPARATE TIME, SOMETHING WITH THE COMPUTER WENT WRONG. IT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. SUCH AS GAS GAUGE SHOWED EMPTY TANK AND SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO.*AK WHEN AT A STOP IDLE SEEMS TO DROP AND WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP, VEHICLE HESTIATES AND LURCHES. TRANSAXLE SPEED SENSOR REPLACED. TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMED DUE TO WHINING NOISE. HOOD WON'T OPEN. HOOD CABLE READJUSTED. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WASHER NOZZLE MISSING AND REPLACED. STEERING WHEEL MAKING NOISE. SHAFT BOOT GREASED. SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ON. OXYGEN SENSOR WAS CONTAMINATED AND REPLACED. *TT

NHTSA ID
10120562
Incident
Oct 25, 2003
Mileage
16,358 mi
Driver assistanceEngineInterior & seats+1 more
Filed May 10, 2005

SATURN VUE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHIELD, WINDSHIELD, ACCELERATOR, REAR SUSPENSION, DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS, STRUTS AND BUSHINGS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHIELD WAS REPLACED, THERE WAS NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE IN THE EXHAUST AREA OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE MUFFLER. THE WINDSHIELD RATTLED AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK RESULTING IN SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. *NM

NHTSA ID
10121506
Incident
May 1, 2005
Mileage
40,000 mi
Body & structureElectricalFuel system+2 more
Filed Apr 18, 2005

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT ON 2003 SATURN VUE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR THREE WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED OF A TRANSMISSION RELATED RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. FOUR MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (VTI TRANSMISSION). THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VTI TRANSMISSION BUT INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. THE STARTER AND REAR WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED. BOTH FUEL SENDERS FAILED RESULTING IN INACCURATE FUEL READINGS. THE LIFTGATE BECAME STUCK WHEN OPENED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10119004
Incident
Feb 6, 2003
Visibility
Filed Jan 24, 2005

WINDSHIELD WASHER SYSTEM DOES NOT ADEQUATELY DISPENSE FLUID TO CLEAN WINDSHIELD AND ALLOW FOR SAVE DRIVING. *NM

NHTSA ID
10107783
Incident
Nov 29, 2004
Visibility
Filed Nov 18, 2004

WINDSHIELD WASHER SPRAYER SPRAYED TOO LOW ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. DEALER STATES IT WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE SPRAY TOUCHED ONLY THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD.*AK

NHTSA ID
10101260
Incident
Nov 12, 2002
Body & structureElectricalTransmission+1 more
Filed Jul 27, 2004

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 VUE. FIRST, THE VTI TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO HESITATE AND OR SLIP WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, IT COMES AND GOES. IT ALSO SEEMS LOUDER THAT IT SHOULD BE WITH CLICKING NOISES, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WAS OK, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. SECOND, THE HORN IS VERY HARD TO USE, MY WIFE DOES NOT LIKE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE SHE DOES MOSTLY CITY DRIVING AND NEEDS A HORN. IT'S NOT BROKEN, JUST VERY DIFFICULT TO USE AND I THINK A POTENTIAL HAZARD. FINALLY THERE ARE MANY OTHER SQEAKS AND RATTLES THAT DRIVE ME CRAZY. THE HEADLINER AROUND THE SUNROOF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE RATTLES A LOT. ALSO THE REAR TRUNK/LIFTGATE SQUEEKS AND AFTER CLOSER EXAMINATION I SAW THAT THE INSIDE PLASTIC WAS COMING APART FROM THE REAR TRUNK/LIFTGATE. I PUSHED IT BACK TOGETHER, BUT I THINK IT LOOSENS EVERYTIME I CLOSE THE TRUNK/LIFTGATE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO THE VEHICLE CONCERNING THESE PROBLEMS. *AL

NHTSA ID
10082803
Incident
Jul 27, 2004
Visibility
Filed Apr 8, 2004

THE WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLE DISC POPS OUT OF ITS NOZZLE ASSEBLY MAKING THE WINDSHIELD FLUID SPRAY PUR OUT RATHER THAN PROPERLY SPRAY THE WINDSHIELD INORDER TO PROPERLY CLEAR THE VIEWING AREA. EPECIALLY NEEDED DURING WINTER SEASON OF SALT/SLUSH SPRAY FROM FORWARD VEHICLE ON ROAD/HWY OPERATION. (BASICALLY THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOUR VEHICLES TIRES SPRAYS SALT/SLUSH SPRAY UP ON YOUR WINDSHIEL, AND WITHOUT THE WINDSHIELD SPRAYER WORKING CORRECTLY YOU CAN'T SEE THE ROAD.*AK

NHTSA ID
10065757
Incident
Jan 29, 2004
Mileage
50,193 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 18, 2004

WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID NOZZLE DISLODGED FROM HOLDER, ELIMINATING ABILITY TO SPRAY FLUID FOR CLEANING WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING. THIS PREVENTS HAVING CLEAR VISION WHILE DRIVING UNLESS DRIVER STOPS FREQUENTLY TO GET OUT AND CLEAN WINDSHIELD. POTENTIAL HAZARD CONDITION.*AK

NHTSA ID
10058394
Incident
Feb 13, 2004
Mileage
9,350 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 22, 2004

2003 SATURN VUE - THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR CRACKED FROM EXPOSURE TO SNOW/ICE. THIS SPLIT MAKES VIEWING OUT THE BACK DIFFICULT AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE MIRROR CRACKED WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED OR MOVED. THIS IS ALSO DOCUMENTED AT A SATURN OWNERS FORUM SATURNFANS.COM UNDER THE VUE FORUM. THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER SO THIS MUST BE OCCURING A LOT. I DON'T KNOW IF SATURN IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE.

NHTSA ID
10054642
Incident
Dec 6, 2003
Mileage
15,000 mi

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .