2008 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 2008 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
- Powertrain (other)10820.5%
- Electrical8816.7%
- Steering8616.3%
- Engine519.7%
- Driver assistance336.3%
- Airbags254.7%
- Visibility234.4%
- Brakes234.4%
- Body & structure152.8%
- Interior & seats122.3%
- Transmission122.3%
- Fuel system112.1%
- Exterior lighting112.1%
- Suspension91.7%
- Seat belts81.5%
- Other / unspecified81.5%
- Tires & wheels30.6%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM
2008 Saturn vue AWD. Steering wheel is very difficult to turn while driving. There is a lot of resistance. No leaking fluid visible and no visible loss of fluid levels. Transmission was torn down/repaired in 2017 for metal bits present at 95,000 (approximate) miles. It is currently at 107,600 miles. Transmission gets stuck in lower gear and rpms Rev up without the vehicle gaining acceleration. The tear down/rebuild was due to bad 3 5 wave plate also and seems to be replicating the issue again. Check engine light comes on amd goes off intermittently and cannot get issue to replicate at the mechanics. Key has also gotten stuck in the barrel. Took almost 2 hours to try numerous ways to get it to release-also had to unlock manually on the door handle, none of the lights inside worked and when it was able to get started it was very slow and deliberate. Battery appeared to be dead but after jump starting and taking to have it checked, battery was found to be fine. These are serious concerns regarding the vehicle as 1 or all could cause serious damage to the driver and others on the road. It happened again today with the high rpms and low gear/not shifting to next gear.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the dashboard on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the abnormal grinding sound was also heard while the gear shifter was in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was power steering fluid leaking from the vehicle. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The contact stated that the power steering fluid leaked out entirely after driving for a short distance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid was leaking. The contact stated that a clamp was added and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
the transmission will not shift out of first gear
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2008 Saturn vue Engine size 3600cc, 6 cylinders has been feeling like the transmission is slipping when you get up to a certain speed and this could be very harmful to other drivers that are driving.. Sometimes the car won't go into park or reverse and I feel that since there are 3 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THAT THE GM PLACE SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THIS Because someone could get hurt really badly if the transmission locks up while going down the road.
I PUSH GAS PEDAL NO ACCEL THEN IT WOULD TAKE OFF. I HIT A TREE FROM THIS DOING THIS AND SL MM OST GOT HUT BY ANOTHER CAR FROM BEHIND
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
, A PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CONSTANT COME ON WHEN YOU SIT SOMETHING IN THE SEAT I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED TWO TIMES AND IT STILL COMES ON I THINK IT'S A DEFECT IN THAT SYSTEM
MY AIRBAG LIGHT WON'T TURN OFF. MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS WON'T RESET. THE STAIRCASE LIGHT IS ON, THE OIL LIGHT, THE SUSPENSION LIGHT. I'VE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR WHICH NOW HAS 99,972 MILES ON IT.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the passenger's side windshield wiper was inoperable. Upon investigation, the contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with windshield wiper linkage failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the last 8-digits of the VIN were recognized as another make and model vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FLUID WILL NOT SPRAY ONTO THE WINDSHIELD
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVERY TIME I AM DRIVING THE ABS BRAKES WILL START ENGAGING EVEN THOUGH I'M NOT HITTING THE BRAKES. THE ABS AND BOTH TRACTION LIGHTS COME ON. THEY ALSO ENGAGE WHILE I AM TRYING TO STOP EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT ON WET/ICY ROADS. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE FIX FOR THIS. WE HAVE CHECKED AND REPLACED EVERYTHING.
BRAKES LOCKUP WHEN DRIVING. ABS BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. BRAKES LOCKED UP AGAIN AFTER TAKING TO DEALER. PLEASE HELP!! CAR WAS IN MOTION AT NORMAL SPEEDS 55 MPH WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 3 OCCASIONS.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM
I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES(BOTH SIDES) AND WIRE HARNESS KEEPS MELTING. I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT BEFORE AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. I HAVE NOW PURCHASED THE WIRE HARNESS AND I HOPE THIS WILL NOT BURN ALSO. 2. THE CAR JUMPS WHEN SHIFTING IN REVERSE WHICH INDICATES THE PARKING PAWL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW AND NO RESPONSE RETURNED. 3. WATER IS LEAKING INTO MY CAR. THE FRONT AND BACKSEAT FLOORS ARE SOAKED. LOOKS LIKE THE SEAL AROUND THE FIREWALL IS NOT SEALING PROPERLY. I SAW MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 2008-2010 SATURN VUE. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL? THIS COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE HASN'T RETAINED CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ISSUES OUT OF NO WHERE. DRIVER SEAT HAS ISSUES THAT WILL NOT ALLOW FOR THE SEAT TO INCLINE BUT ONLY RECLINE WHICH HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE VEHICLE AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS.
THE RECLINER ON THE SEAT FAILED. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR SHUDDERS & HESITATES WHEN RPM'S RUN BELOW 1 1/2 (1500). INDUCTION & INJECTOR CLEANING, SUGGESTED BY DEALER DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM - AT COST OF $300. DEALER CAN NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM - NO PROBLEMS FOUND WITH 'DIAGNOSTIC SCAN'. *TR
AUTOMATIC 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING INTO OVERDRIVE. ALSO, THE CAR ROLLS WHEN IN "PARK" ON AN INCLINE. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE HASN'T RETAINED CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ISSUES OUT OF NO WHERE. DRIVER SEAT HAS ISSUES THAT WILL NOT ALLOW FOR THE SEAT TO INCLINE BUT ONLY RECLINE WHICH HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE VEHICLE AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS.
WHEN IT SNOWS MY DRIVEWAY IS ON A HILL AND MY CAR IS IN PARK IT ROLLS BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL AND ILL LOOK OUTSIDE TO FIND IT MOVED FROM WERE I LEFT IT. NOW FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS IF I PARK AT THE STORE, SCHOOL,JOB AND GET READY TO GO TRY TO SHIFT THE CAR ON DRIVE WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE TO SHIFT IT I HEAR AND FEEL CLICK SOUND AND CANT MOVE THE GEAR.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES(BOTH SIDES) AND WIRE HARNESS KEEPS MELTING. I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT BEFORE AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. I HAVE NOW PURCHASED THE WIRE HARNESS AND I HOPE THIS WILL NOT BURN ALSO. 2. THE CAR JUMPS WHEN SHIFTING IN REVERSE WHICH INDICATES THE PARKING PAWL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW AND NO RESPONSE RETURNED. 3. WATER IS LEAKING INTO MY CAR. THE FRONT AND BACKSEAT FLOORS ARE SOAKED. LOOKS LIKE THE SEAL AROUND THE FIREWALL IS NOT SEALING PROPERLY. I SAW MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 2008-2010 SATURN VUE. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL? THIS COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR
BOTH HEADLIGHT WIRING MELTED. REPLACED BOTH SIDE HEADLIGHTS AND AFTER 2 YEARS THE WIRE HARNESS MELTED AGAIN THE PARKING PAWL GETS STUCK OFTEN. WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE THE PARKING PAWL GETS STUCK. THEN IT WILL EVENTUALLY GO INTO REVERSE BUT THE CAR JERKS AND MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE. THE LIGHT ISSUE I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS NOW. THE PARKING PAWL ISSUE HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR OVER A YEAR NOW.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle pulled left and was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 122,896.
THE CAR SHAKES/VIBRATES WHEN HITTING 45/50 MPH AND GETS WORSE AT HIGHER SPEED. WHEN I ACCELERATE THE SHAKE IS BAD. FIND IT VIBRATES ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES, DID THE BALANCE AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. REPLACED MOTOR/TRANSMISSION MOUNTS. REPLACED BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS AND STILL THIS CAR SHAKES VERY BADLY. 3 AUTO REPAIR SHOPS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT IS NECESSARY TO REPAIR. MY FAMILY TRAVELS IN THIS CAR AND I NEED ANSWERS. PLEASE ADVISE *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle seatbelt is fraying on driver side. Tried to cut off the fray, but realized it continues fraying everytime I use the belt. Have called multiple gm dealers as well as the 800 number for GM. From their info and checking websites, the parts for the seatbelts for this model vehicle have been discontinued. this includes the 2008-10 saturn vue and the 2010-2015 chevy captiva (which is the same car). I am shocked that I have to purchase replacement seatbelts from a junkyard or other used method. Seatbelts are something that I should have ability to replace new. Once GM dealer seemed concern and related that they thought that GM had to replace new ones. Another autoshop stated that this was a recall-type problem on some GM vehicles - but mine does not show this sort of thing. First noticed around 9/11/2023. Bought vehicle on 9/9/2023. Thought it was dog or cat hair until I educated myself online and realized the belt is slowly disintegrating.
SINCE WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS MESSING UP. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AFTER IT IS PUT IN GEAR. ONCE PUT IN GEAR AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED THERE IS LAG BETWEEN THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE RPM INCREASING AND THE GEARS ENGAGING AND THE CAR TAKING OFF. THE VEHICLE ALSO ROLLS BACKWARDS A WORRYING AMOUNT WHEN IT IS PLACED IN PARK. ALSO WHEN YOU GO TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DOESN'T WAN TO GO OUT OF THE LOW GEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED NOT ONCE OR TWICE THIS IS CONSISTENT. WE HAVE KEPT IT MAINTAINED SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. THE MOST RECENT WAS JUST 2 DAYS AGO.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2008 SATURN VUE THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IM WRITING A COMPLAINT I HAVENT HEARD ANYTHING BACK NO CALL NO LETTER FROM ANYONE AT THE RECALL. BUT MY TRUCK IN THE WINTER IT HAS TROUBLE GOING UP A LOW HILL WHILE DRIVING IT AND WHEN ITS SITTING ON A HILL PARKED ILL LOOK OUTSIDE AND FIND IT SITTING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. WHEN ITS PARKED AND I TRY TO SHIFT THE GEAR TO DRIVE TO GO THE STICK LOCKS UP AND IT WOULDNT MOVE. AND WHEN DRIVING ON A STREET WITH NOT MUCH SNOW I CAN FEEL THE BACK OF THE CAR SLIDE. IF I DONT HEAR ANYTHING BACK I WILL BE GOING TO THE NEWS FOR HELP.
WHEN IT SNOWS MY DRIVEWAY IS ON A HILL AND MY CAR IS IN PARK IT ROLLS BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL AND ILL LOOK OUTSIDE TO FIND IT MOVED FROM WERE I LEFT IT. NOW FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS IF I PARK AT THE STORE, SCHOOL,JOB AND GET READY TO GO TRY TO SHIFT THE CAR ON DRIVE WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE TO SHIFT IT I HEAR AND FEEL CLICK SOUND AND CANT MOVE THE GEAR.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle pulled left and was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 122,896.
PURCHASED IN 2011 FROM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN LOUISVILLE. IT HAD THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT ON. THEY SENT IT TO THE SHOP AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS A SENSOR MALFUNCTION OVER AND OVER. THEN OTHER LIGHTS STARTED COMING ON ALONG WITH THE SLUGGISH FEELING AND AN ANNOYING RATTLING, ROLLING SOUND. DEALER SAID THAT THIS WAS FROM SPARK PLUGS???? I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY WANTED 100.00 FOR DIAGNOSTIC 500 FOR SPARK PLUGS. I DECLINED. THE ROTOR AND STRUTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE CAR WOULD OFTEN TIMES BE RUNNING WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, GAS GONE, NOT TO MENTION DANGEROUS AND BAD FOR THE CAR. TRANSMISSION FAILURE STARTS AND CONTINUES. HAD A CAR ACCIDENT IN DECEMBER 2013. AIRBAGS DID NOT ACTIVATE. DEALERSHIP RECEIVED OVER $5000. AFTER A MONTH THEY SAY IT'S FINISHED BRING ME THE CAR. I GET HOME AND THE KEY WON'T COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE ROCKING AND ROLLING SOUND IN THE STRUTS IS WORSE. THEY SAID THAT IS ALSO A KNOWN ISSUE ALONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND NOT FROM THE ACCIDENT. THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE. THEY FINALLY AGREED TO FIX IGNITION. THIS VEHICLE IS A FAILURE! NO WONDER SATURN IS OUT OF BUSINESS. AS FOR THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THE GM DEALER UNDER PROGRESSIVE INS. THIEVES! I TOOK PICTURES OF MY FILE AND HAVE WHAT THEY ACTUALLY DID FOR THE 5000. HOW MUCH THEY PAID FOR THE PARTS. I ALMOST THREW UP. IT WAS 300% MARK UP ON SOME THINGS. OTHERS WERE CHARGED FOR AND NOT REPLACED. AFTER THIS I LOST ALL FAITH IN TRUSTING DEALERSHIPS ETC. I STILL OWE ON THE CAR. I WILL CONTINUE TO EDUCATE MYSELF ON THE THIEVERY THAT GOES ON IN THE VEHICLE INDUSTRY. I PRAY EVERYDAY THAT KARMA WILL CATCH UP WITH THEM. DON'T BOTHER CONTACTING GM. THEY WILL ACT LIKE THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT AND NEVER GET BACK WITH YOU. *TR
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
2008 SATURN VUE WITH A/C PROBLEMS. A/C WILL BLOW HOT AIR AFTER 10-15 MIN OF DRIVE TIME. WILL NOT COME BACK ON, AND A/C LIGHT FLASHES. A/C SOMETIMES RETURNS AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS, BUT ONLY TO GO OUT AGAIN. HAS BEEN AT GM DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. 1ST TIME THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG, 2ND TIME THEY DID A GAS TEST SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. 3RD TIME I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN A/C WENT OUT, THEY SAW IT WAS NOT WORKING, AND REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT. A/C IS NOW OUT AGAIN 1 WEEK LATER. *TT
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 .