RoadVitals

2006 Saturn Vue Engine Problems

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

Data refreshed

Engine 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.
14
Latest Aug 29, 2024
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.
5%
of 300 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 the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2006 Saturn Vue submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 14 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 engine

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

EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered violently. The contact's daughter lost control of the vehicle and drove off the road before coming to a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,973. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11611523
Incident
Jul 2, 2024
Mileage
89,973 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Apr 20, 2022

ignition gets stuck with key and locks steering wheel, now it wont shut off all the way to left and kills my battery looks like there has been MANY ignition issues and recalls with saturns which this is pretty important to have working to drive and be safe esp as a female in this world ..getting stuck or with a dead battery isnt good $300-400 at a gmc to fix this issue I feel personally this should be considered a recall fix

NHTSA ID
11461547
Incident
Apr 7, 2022
Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2019

ENGINE GOES INTO 'LOW POWER MODE' RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE LIMPING ALONG. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHEN IT GOES INTO THIS MODE NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR IT GOES NO MORE THAN 5MPH. THIS OFTEN OCCURS JUST AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND THE LOW POWER MODE LIGHTS COME ON.

NHTSA ID
11270914
Incident
Sep 10, 2019
Mileage
150,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 29, 2018

DURNING AFTER PURCHASE ... MY SATURN VUE STARTED TURNING OFF DURING DRIVING ... ALSO TURING CORNER NOW TIMING BELT HAS SLIP AWAY COMPLETLY STOP THE CAR FROM RUNING. OR CRAMPING AND STARTING.

NHTSA ID
11065611
Incident
Jan 25, 2018
Mileage
1,523 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 7, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TURNED ON, BUT DID NOT START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE "JUMPED TIME AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE". THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

NHTSA ID
10873102
Incident
Jun 3, 2016
Mileage
74,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Mar 5, 2015

I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A STREET WHEN I HAD TO STOP FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES, THE ENGINE STARTED RACING AND THE RPMS SHOT UP LIKE THE ACCELERATOR HAD STUCK. THE TRUCK STARTED TO LURCH FORWARD AND I HAD TO THROW THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO AVOID BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AT FIRST I HAD THOUGHT THAT MAYBE MY FOOT HAD INADVERTENTLY SLIPPED PARTWAY OFF THE BRAKE ONTO THE ACCELERATOR BECAUSE MY BOOTS WERE WET AND SLIPPERY FROM THE SNOW, OR THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE EXTREME COLD WE WERE EXPERIENCING. I DO NOT BELIEVE EITHER WAS THE CASE BECAUSE IT HAS HAPPENED TWO OTHER TIMES SINCE THEN IN THE SPAN OF THREE WEEKS, AND ALL AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES AND DRIVING CONDITIONS. ONE TIME I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND AS I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE SPED UP AS I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. I HAD TO THROW THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AGAIN TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. AT THAT TIME I WAS PROBABLY DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND THIS OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY 26, 2015. THE THIRD INCIDENT WAS ONCE AGAIN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A ROADWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN LURCHED FORWARD AS I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE RPMS SHOT UP. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MARCH 3, 2015. A CHECK OF THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AND PEDAL SHOWED THE LINKAGE AND PEDAL TO BE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10692289
Incident
Feb 18, 2015
Mileage
116,200 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITH OUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

NHTSA ID
10598748
Incident
Jun 6, 2013
Mileage
84,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2012

2006 SATURN VUE, OWNED SINCE NEW; STARTED VEHICLE 3 DAYS AGO, ENGINE SOUNDED LOUD. WHEN VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, A BROKEN, RUSTY BOLT/STUD WITH A NUT ON IT WAS FOUND ON THE GARAGE FLOOR WITH A FAIR AMOUNT OF RUSTY DEBRIS. I BEGAN INSPECTING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND FOUND THE STUD HAD BROKEN OFF AT A COLLECTION POINT FOR THE TWO-INTO-ONE PIPE BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ON-LINE SEARCH REVEALED MULTIPLE FORUMS WITH PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF SIMILAR ISSUES. I DO NOT LIVE IN AN AREA WITH ABUNDANT ROAD SALT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10442444
Incident
Jan 2, 2012
Mileage
80,202 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 1, 2011

CAR IS 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHILE SHIFTING STICK SHIFT DISENGAGED FROM SHIFT CABLE. UNABLE TO GET CAR BACK IN GEAR. PLASTIC ADJUSTER P/N 15212802 FAILED WHERE IT MOUNTS TO STICK SHIFT. TURNED ON HAZARDS AND ARM WAVING WARNED OTHER DRIVERS OF DIFFICULTY. OTHERS HELPED PUSH CAR OUT OF WAY. DUE TO COMPLETE FAILURE OF PART CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. NO WAY TO PUT CAR IN GEAR. IF HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEED RESULTS WOULD BE POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10433832
Incident
Oct 27, 2011
Mileage
91,271 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2011

2006 SATURN VUE HAS A/C SYSTEM LEAKS IN THE SAME LOCATION OF COMPRESSOR HOSE AND CAUSES IT TO BREAK. THE HOSE WAS REPLACED LAST WEEKEND AT A PEP BOYS LOCATION. I HAD THE SAME MECHANIC LOOK AT AGAIN TODAY AND HE NOTICED THAT THE NEW HOSE IS BROKEN IN THE EXACT SAME LOCATION AS THE PREVIOUS ONE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10418602
Incident
Aug 11, 2011
Mileage
85,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 4, 2011

THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION TO START THE ENGINE AND/OR TO STOP THE ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE KEY WAS WORN OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON A DAILY BASIS SOMETIMES NOT ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO BE TURNED OFF AND AT OTHER TIMES NOT ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO START UP. IF THE VEHICLE STALLS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND CANNOT BE STARTED, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AS WELL AS IF THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE SHUT DOWN IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE.

NHTSA ID
10394939
Incident
May 10, 2010
Mileage
65,000 mi
EngineInterior & seats
Filed Apr 11, 2009

THE 2006 SATURN VUE HAD AN EXHAUST BOLT BROKE WHEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AT SCOTTSDALE SATURN. THE BOLT WAS CONNECTED TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD UP BY THE ENGINE. THEY SAID IT MUST HAVE BROKE OFF BUT I DIDN'T BELIEVE THEM. SO IT WOULD HAVE COST TO MUCH AT THE DEALERSHIP AND TOOK IT SOMEWHERE ELSE TO GET IT FIXED, BUT STILL THINK SATURN SHOULD HAVE FIXED IT FOR FREE. I THINK IT SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE THEY SATURN SAID THE BOLT WAS SO HOT THAT IT BROKE OFF. ALSO THE IGNITION SWITCH STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS NOW AND THE KEYS ARE OK, IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THAT TO. ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH 2006 VUE SATURNS ARE HAVING THE EXHAUST PROBLEMS AND IGNITION PROBLEMS. WHAT COULD YOU PEOPLE DO FOR ALL OF US. PLEASE HELP, THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID
10264992
Incident
Mar 13, 2009
EngineInterior & seatsOther / unspecified
Filed Jul 1, 2008

WE BOUGHT A SATURN VUE IN JUNE OF 2006. 2 MONTHS AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VUE WE HAD TO BRING IT IN FOR EXHAUST AND CONVERTER AND OXIDATION REPLACEMENT. THEN 2 WEEKS LATER WE HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDERS REPLACED WE COULD NOT START OUR TRUCK. THEN IN 07 WE HAD THE CONVERTER AND MANIFOLD REPLACED. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE MANIFOLD WAS TORQUED TO MUCH FROM THE MANUFACTURE. THEN JUNE OF THIS YEAR SAME ISSUE WITH THE EXHAUST AND CONVERTER AGAIN. SAY THE REPLACED A SPRING IN THE CONVERTER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10232919
Incident
Jun 17, 2008
Mileage
5,297 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 14, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE FROM THE MUFFLER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT APPROACHED A STOP AND THE NOISE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THERE WAS A LEAK CAUSING THE NOISE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.

NHTSA ID
10214746
Incident
Jun 14, 2007
Mileage
7,000 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 .