2004 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 2004 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
- Electrical7722.9%
- Powertrain (other)5115.2%
- Transmission4212.5%
- Suspension339.8%
- Engine247.1%
- Airbags185.4%
- Steering164.8%
- Body & structure113.3%
- Other / unspecified103.0%
- Fuel system103.0%
- Brakes103.0%
- Exterior lighting82.4%
- Visibility72.1%
- Driver assistance61.8%
- Interior & seats51.5%
- Seat belts41.2%
- Tires & wheels30.9%
- Heating & air conditioning10.3%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound at start up, and it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition switch after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
My Father's car key can be taken out of the ignition when it is not in the off position but his specific VIN is not listed as part of the recall.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP OUT OF GEAR,NEED TO SHIFT GEAR SELECTOR INTO NEUTRAL,THEN BACK INTO DRIVE,SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE.WE HAVE AVOIDED SEVERAL SERIOUS INCIDENTS SINCE THIS PROBLEMATIC ISSUE STARTED.VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OUT SEVERAL TIMES AT SATURN OF MODESTO.CA.NOW OUT OF BUSINESS,THERE FIX JUST REPLACE TRANSMISSION $5,000 AT CUSTOMERS FULL EXPENSE.CONTRACTED SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE,THEY ADVISED US TO CONTACT CHASE CHEVROLET STKN.CA AS THEY CAN SERVICE YOUR SATURN VEHICLE.CALLED CHASE CHEVROLET WAS ADVISED THERE SHOP DID NOT HAVE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO SERVICE OUR VEHICLE,DIDN'T HAVE UPDATED COMPUTER SOFTWARE.STILL HAVING SAME ISSUES.
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 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 07/06/12 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED SHE RETURNED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, TO FIX THE FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE A FAULTY 02 SENSOR. UPDATED 10/02/12
MY 2004 SATURN VUE IS ON IT'S SECOND TRANSMISSION. AFTER 50,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND I HAD TO GET A NEW ONE. THE MECHANICS DID NOT SEE ANY REASON WHY THE TRANSMISSION WOULD GO OUT. ANOTHER 50,000 MILES MY CAR STARTED MAKING A NOISE ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE MECHANIC DID NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG AND DID NOT SEE A REASON TO INSPECT. ABOUT 20,000 MILES LATER THE NOISE GOT LOUDER AND MY CAR WOULD MOVE BUT WAS NOT PICKING UP SPEED AS I PRESS THE GAS. I HAD TO PARK MY CAR IN A WALMART PARKING LOT AND WAIT FOR A WRECKER TO COME PICK IT UP. THE MECHANIC AT THE YARD WHERE THE WRECKER CAME FROM TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND THEY COULD NOT SEE A REASON WHY. MY CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE AND I DO NOT HAVE 6000 DOLLARS TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound at start up, and it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition switch after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
GOING 40 MPH MADE A LEFT TURN, MEDIUM LOUD NOISE AND FRONT RIGHT CONTROL ARM TORE IN 2 (BEEN REPLACED AND HAVE PART) AND BACK LEFT TIRE NOW TILTED IN AT TOP ABOUT 1 INCH( STILL TRYING TO GET FIXED ).
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 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN TWICE WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKY AND RATTLING SOUND WHILE BEING TURNED. EXCESSIVE FORCE HAD TO BE USED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE POWER STEERING AND IGNITION FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER ELECTRIC TOOLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
WHILE MY CAR IS RUNNING I CAN'T TAKE MY KEY OUT ALSO WHEN I TURN MY HEATER ON MY CAR WILL JERK ETC
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING FROM PROVIDENCE RI TO ATHENS OH. I WAS IN WEST VIRGINIA AROUND MORGANTOWN, DRIVING FROM 68 WEST TO 79 SOUTH RAMP, AND I WAS DRIVING IN THE RANGE OF SPEED LIMITS. SUDDENLY IN THE RAMP, I FELT CAR IS TURNING UNWANTEDLY TO THE LEFT, AND I TRIED TO BRING IT BACK TO THE ROAD BUT I COULD NOT, AND THE CAR HIT ORTHOGONALLY THE JERSEY BARRIERS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE RAMP. MY AIRBAGS OPENED, ONE OF MY TIRES EXPLODED, AND FRONT OF MY CAR COMPLETELY WRECKED. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE HIT ME FROM SIDE AND BEHIND. I COULD REALLY DIE, I SEE DEATH IN FRONT OF MY EYES WHEN I WAS TURNING WITH THE CAR. I HAD REPLACED MY CONTROL ARM, SHOCKS ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, ALL IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT. BUT THIS CAR WAS TERRIBLY BAD IN THE TURNS AND RAMPS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM DID NOT WORK WELL IN THESE CARS IN COMPARE TO THEIR HEIGHTS, AND ALWAYS YOU HAVE THE CHANCE OF COLLAPSING. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT COLLAPSE. IT HAD HAPPENED A LOT FOR ME THAT I FELT THESE CAR IN NOT STABLE IN RAMPS AND TURNS, BUT I NEVER THOUGHT A DANGEROUS ACCIDENT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME. I ALSO DID NOT HAVE COLLISION INSURANCE, AND I HAD TO SELL MY CAR FOR A 100 $ TO A JUNK YARDS. I AM ALMOST SURE THERE IS SOME PROBLEM WITH THEIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, AND I AM REQUESTING TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE IN THESE CARS.
"TAKATA RECALL". MY MECHANIC FOUND A FAULTY TAKATA AIRBAG WHILE DIAGNOSING A HORN PROBLEM. MY VIN IS NOT ON THE AIRBAG RECALL LIST OR THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL LIST. ALSO THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS CAUSING SECURITY SYSTEM ISSUES AND CAUSING MY HORN RELAY TO STAY PERMANENTLY IN THE ON POSITION WHICH IS DRAINING MY BATTERY TO NOTHING. HOW DO I GET MY VIN ADDED TO THESE LISTS SO THAT THESE PARTS CAN BE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL?
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN TWICE WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKY AND RATTLING SOUND WHILE BEING TURNED. EXCESSIVE FORCE HAD TO BE USED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE POWER STEERING AND IGNITION FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER ELECTRIC TOOLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
WHILE MY CAR IS RUNNING I CAN'T TAKE MY KEY OUT ALSO WHEN I TURN MY HEATER ON MY CAR WILL JERK ETC
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER MANY OF TIMES THE KEY COMING OUT.
I WAS DRIVING FROM PROVIDENCE RI TO ATHENS OH. I WAS IN WEST VIRGINIA AROUND MORGANTOWN, DRIVING FROM 68 WEST TO 79 SOUTH RAMP, AND I WAS DRIVING IN THE RANGE OF SPEED LIMITS. SUDDENLY IN THE RAMP, I FELT CAR IS TURNING UNWANTEDLY TO THE LEFT, AND I TRIED TO BRING IT BACK TO THE ROAD BUT I COULD NOT, AND THE CAR HIT ORTHOGONALLY THE JERSEY BARRIERS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE RAMP. MY AIRBAGS OPENED, ONE OF MY TIRES EXPLODED, AND FRONT OF MY CAR COMPLETELY WRECKED. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE HIT ME FROM SIDE AND BEHIND. I COULD REALLY DIE, I SEE DEATH IN FRONT OF MY EYES WHEN I WAS TURNING WITH THE CAR. I HAD REPLACED MY CONTROL ARM, SHOCKS ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, ALL IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT. BUT THIS CAR WAS TERRIBLY BAD IN THE TURNS AND RAMPS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM DID NOT WORK WELL IN THESE CARS IN COMPARE TO THEIR HEIGHTS, AND ALWAYS YOU HAVE THE CHANCE OF COLLAPSING. FORTUNATELY, I DID NOT COLLAPSE. IT HAD HAPPENED A LOT FOR ME THAT I FELT THESE CAR IN NOT STABLE IN RAMPS AND TURNS, BUT I NEVER THOUGHT A DANGEROUS ACCIDENT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME. I ALSO DID NOT HAVE COLLISION INSURANCE, AND I HAD TO SELL MY CAR FOR A 100 $ TO A JUNK YARDS. I AM ALMOST SURE THERE IS SOME PROBLEM WITH THEIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, AND I AM REQUESTING TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE IN THESE CARS.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAMARA RECALL , THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS ON. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CONFIRMED IT BUT WOULD NOT FIX IT OR SEND US ANYWHERE TO GET IT FIXED. OUR ABS WENT THE 3RD WEEK WE HAD THE CAR, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO EVEN LOOK AT IT. THE OTHER RECALL MADE OUR TIRES ONLY HOLD AIR FOR A FEW DAYS AT A TIME.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAMARA RECALL I GOT A RECALL IN THE MAIL FOR MY 2004 SATURN VUE FOR THE IGNITION I'VE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I GOT IT AND THEY SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT IT BUT DID NOT TELL ME WHEN I BOUGHT IT. AND SAID I HAVE TO TAKE CAR OF IT MYSELF.
WHILE MY CAR IS RUNNING I CAN'T TAKE MY KEY OUT ALSO WHEN I TURN MY HEATER ON MY CAR WILL JERK ETC
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION, FUEL MILEAGE, AND THE BRAKES BEING WORN OUT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
TAMARA RECALL , THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS ON. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CONFIRMED IT BUT WOULD NOT FIX IT OR SEND US ANYWHERE TO GET IT FIXED. OUR ABS WENT THE 3RD WEEK WE HAD THE CAR, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO EVEN LOOK AT IT. THE OTHER RECALL MADE OUR TIRES ONLY HOLD AIR FOR A FEW DAYS AT A TIME.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT HAD BURNED OUT AND WAS MELTED AT THE SOCKET. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT THREE TIMES IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL HOUSING WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIPER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 107,353. UPDATED 07/16/14 MA
I HAVE UNFORTUNATELY OWNED MY SATURN 2004 VUE FOR 2 YEARS. THE FIRST 3 MONTHS OF HAVING IT, AFTER HAVING TO REPLACE MY 2003 VUE FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS IT HAD WAS IN THE SHOP THE FIRST 4 MONTHS OF PURCHASE. THE POWER ENGINE FAILURE LIGHT WOULD GO ON AND I WOULD LOSE ALL POWER TO THE CAR. THEY HAD NO IDEA HOW TO FIX IT. THEN THE BACK WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE GAS MILEAGE IS HORRIBLE AND THE WHOLE GAS TANK AND ODOMETER HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WOULD FEEL THE CAR UP WITH GAS AND THE ODOMETER WOULD GO TO FULL AND MOVE BACK UP TO HALF FULL. THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR THROTTLE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS AGAIN. HAVE HAD THE REAL DISPLEASURE OF WORKING WITH A VERY RUDE LADY AT SATURN BY THE NAME OF MARCIA WHO CLEARLY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ONES SAFETY IN THEIR VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO SATURN THE NEWER VEHICLES HAVE HAD THESE PROBLEMS FIXED. HOWEVER, I MUST SAY HAVING BEEN A SATURN OWNER FOR 12 YEARS NOW MY FAITH IN THEIR PRODUCT IS GONE. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND DISENGAGED WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,654 AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/28/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD LOCK THE DOOR UPON REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. UPDATED 06/03/2014 *JS
MY CAR IS HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN WONT KICK INTO DRIVE UNTIL CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ATLEAST 30 MIN THEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 40 IS WHAT I GOT TO THE CAR JUST STOPPED ACCELERATING AND WAS COMING TO A STOP WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A BIG ACCIDENT IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DURING HIGH TRAFFIC TIMES AND WHEN DRIVING IN TOWN I COME TO A FULL STOP AND THE CAR WONT KICK INTO DRIVE AGAIN UNTIL I PUT IT IN LOW AND MOVE UP MANUALLY. THEN IT IS HAVING A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE AXEL OR SOMETHING I WAS DRIVING AT 35 HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE CAR REARED OFF TO THE RIGHT AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN IT WAS LIKE IT LOCKED BACK IN WHEN I STARTED MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL SIDE TO SIDE AND THE T/C LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON NOW AND I WAS TOLD THERE IS A SWITCH TO TURN IT ON OR OFF AND THAT COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING PROBLEM BUT I HAVE FOUND NO SUCH SWITCH. PLEASE HELP ME AND TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THESE ISSUES AS GM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING THEY SHOULD RECALL THIS YRS MODEL COMPLETELY AND PAY THE OWNERS FOR A NEW VEHICLE SINCE THIS IS THERE FAULT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BACK IN MY AUTOMOBILE BECAME DISLODGED WHEN THE OCCUPANT TRIED TO RECLINE THE SEAT. THE OCCUPANT AT THE TIME WAS MY SON WHO WEIGHS ONLY 110 POUNDS. I AM SURPRISED AND CONCERNED BY HIS ABILITY TO CAUSE THIS MUCH DAMAGE TO THE SEAT. I DO NOT FEEL THIS SEAT WOULD BE SAFE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND BECAUSE OF ITS SIMILARITY TO THE DRIVER SEAT, I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THAT ONE. *TR
THE HEATED SEAT WARMER ON OUR 2004 SATURN VUE SHORTED AND BURNED A SMALL DIME SIZED HOLE IN THE SEAT BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT.*CN
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
2004 SATURN VUE, REAR SEAT, MIDDLE, SEATBELT DOESN'T STAY LATCHED. I WAS CARPOOLING SOME KIDS AND IT APPEARED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCHED, BUT WHEN WE CAME TO A QUICK STOP, THE SEATBELT WAS NOT ACTUALLY ENGAGED. IT WAS A FALSE LATCH CONDITION. NOW THERE IS A RECALL ON SATURN OUTLOOKS DUE TO SIMILAR CONDITION. *TR
MY STEERING COLUMN IS GONE OUT TOOK IT IN TO GET IT LOOKED AT. THEN THE SHOP CALLED SATURN AND THEY WHERE TOLD THAT THEY WERE HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. NOW FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS MY SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK THEY KEEP SNAPPING OUT OF THE HOLDER THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHES WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR SEAT BELT ON. AND ALSO WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR PASSENGER DOOR GETTING STUCK AND NOT OPENING. WE HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND A TEENAGER. HELP US PLEASE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. BRAKES. I HAVE HAD THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED/CUT DOWN ON THIS CAR ON THE AVERAGE OF ABOUT EVERY 20K. I CONSIDER THIS ABNORMAL WEAR AND BEFORE YOU RESPOND WITH DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND MY OTHER SATURN SL NEEDED BRAKES ON THE AVERAGE OF 60K WITH THE SAME DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN I QUESTIONED SOE THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS MY DRIVING HABITS, BUT AS OF THE RECENT EVENTS, I HAVE BEGUN TO QUESTION THEIR DIAGNOSIS OF ANY PROBLEMS RELATED TO MY CAR. 2. TRANSMISSION SHIFTING/WOBBLE/SHIMMY/VIBRATION. I HAVE COMPLAINED SINCE NEW THAT THIS TRANSMISSION HAS SHIFTED ROUGH, AND I WAS TOLD WORKING AS DESIGNED. NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG YET THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. 3. TIRE WEAR RELATED TO RECALL. I HAD TO REQUEST THAT MY VEHICLE HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED ON IT. YET, AFTER DOING RESEARCH AND WATCHING MY TIRES WEAR. SOMETIMES IN LESS THAT 15K SOMETHING I WOULD CONSIDER PREMATURELY, EVEN FOR PERFORMANCE TIRES, AND READING SEVERAL OWNER SITES MY WEAR IS INDICATIVE OF A SERVICE NOT BEING PERFORMED. 4. WHEEL BEARING WEAR. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED 2X IN THE LAST 30K. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS AT 72K WHEN THE FIRST REPLACEMENT WAS MADE, AND THE 2ND WAS AT 99K IT WAS DURING THE 72K SERVICE I COMPLAINED MY ROTORS WARPING(SINCE I HAD 2 SETS REPLACED/CUT PREVIOUSLY) AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST WORN TIRES AND THEY WOULD NOT EVEN CONSIDER THE BRAKE ISSUE, UNTIL I PURCHASED NEW TIRES. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AND THE WOBBLY SOUND WAS LOUDER THAN NOW THAT THERE WAS NEW TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. SO THEN RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE ROTORS, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT BRAKE PADS THEY TOLD ME IT WAS UNNECESSARY. SEEMINGLY ILLOGICAL, SINCE YOU HAD TO REMOVE THE BRAKE PADS ANYWAY, AND TIRED OF ARGUING I DID NOT PUSH THE ISSUE, AS I NEEDED MY CAR, AND LOANER AVAILABILITY SEEMED TO DRY UP SINCE I WAS OUT SO FAR OUT OF THE FACTORY WARRANTY. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR EAGLE HP, SIZE 255/35ZR20 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AIR LEAKING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. HE THEN NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE SHOP FOUND CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALLS OF THE TIRE AND REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE CRACKS ON THE OTHER THREE TIRES AS WELL. AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2007, THE TIRE SHOP HAD NOT REPLACED THE TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,800 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,900.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
A/C SYSTEM KEEPS GOING OUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 4/14/2006. DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO LEAK & SYSTEM JUST NEEDED TO BE CHARGED. STOPPED COOLING AGAIN. TOOK IN TO DEALER 5/24/2007. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM - IT JUST NEEDED TO BE RECHARGED AGAIN. I TOLD THEM THAT A/C SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE CHARGED ANNUALLY, ESPECIALLY SINCE VEHICLE WAS 2004 MODEL. QUESTIONED THEM ABOUT THE A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT NHTSA ITEM #10010459 - SAID MY CAR DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH A/C COMPRESSOR. OFFERED TO SPLIT COST OF RECHARGE WITH ME BECAUSE THEY SAID IT COULD NOT BE TURNED IN ON WARRANTY AGAIN. A/C QUIT COOLING AGAIN 9/07/2007. *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 .