2009 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 2009 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
- Steering3823.9%
- Electrical3522.0%
- Powertrain (other)148.8%
- Driver assistance127.5%
- Airbags106.3%
- Brakes106.3%
- Engine106.3%
- Body & structure85.0%
- Exterior lighting53.1%
- Visibility42.5%
- Other / unspecified42.5%
- Tires & wheels31.9%
- Interior & seats21.3%
- Suspension21.3%
- Heating & air conditioning10.6%
- Seat belts10.6%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was inoperable while attempting to reverse. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Vehicle has lost power steering. Difficult to steer especially in reverse and sometimes in turning left. If wheels are not completely straight, you have turn with all the strength you can muster. Reluctant to turn left unless you have twice as much time as you should need to avoid an accident.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO THE DASH. WHEN I AM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL GETS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WILL TURN OFF THE RADIO. THIS WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THEN WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF I WILL BE UNABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OR TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I WILL HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AND THE ALTERNATOR TWICE AND THIS HELPED FOR 2 MONTHS THEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I ALSO REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSORS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE TAKEN TO 3 MECHANICS BUT THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, I WILL TRY TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND THEN JUST TAP ON THE BRAIN COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE BATTERY AND SOMETIMES THIS WORKS. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED MORE THAN I CARE TO ADMIT. WHILE DRIVING IF THE ISSUES ARE REALLY BAD AND IF I HAVE TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE I WILL TRY TO USE CRUISE CONTROLL BUT IT WILL NOT ENGAGE.
TRACTION CONTROL STAYS ON AND TRANSMISSION ENGAGES THEN RELEASE SLIPPING ..ALSO HYBRID SYSTEM NIT WORKING AT ALL NEVER TURN OFF AND ANY STOP LIKE A HYBRID .
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have only 68,329 miles. My transmission lost reverse. When first driving it will only go up to 10 mph and over time the maximum speed is 30 to 40 mph. Even if it gets to this speed it hesitates. The car is a danger and not drive able. I took the car to a GM dealer requesting a Policy Evaluation according to the Service Bulletin Warranty. The evaluation showed GM will not help me with any repairs or replacement of transmission. A car should not have a major component fail like a transmission especially with such low mileage. It is expected to have maintenance and repairs on a vehicle. What is not expected or normal servicing is transmission repair or replacement. It was estimated from the GM dealerships Policy Evaluation it will cost $5,500 to replace the transmission. My car is in great shape other than the transmission failure. I love my car and anticipated to have this car many years. This is an unaffordable repair and essentially makes this a throw away car. I feel extremely disappointed in GM's decision to not remedy this major problem.
WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO THE DASH. WHEN I AM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL GETS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WILL TURN OFF THE RADIO. THIS WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THEN WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF I WILL BE UNABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OR TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I WILL HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AND THE ALTERNATOR TWICE AND THIS HELPED FOR 2 MONTHS THEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I ALSO REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSORS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE TAKEN TO 3 MECHANICS BUT THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, I WILL TRY TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND THEN JUST TAP ON THE BRAIN COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE BATTERY AND SOMETIMES THIS WORKS. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED MORE THAN I CARE TO ADMIT. WHILE DRIVING IF THE ISSUES ARE REALLY BAD AND IF I HAVE TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE I WILL TRY TO USE CRUISE CONTROLL BUT IT WILL NOT ENGAGE.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stalls stops, with Engine power reduced, stabilitrak off. After turning or braking. Engine light with down arrow. Accident probability. DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF ON HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY RD!
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO THE DASH. WHEN I AM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL GETS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WILL TURN OFF THE RADIO. THIS WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THEN WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF I WILL BE UNABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OR TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I WILL HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AND THE ALTERNATOR TWICE AND THIS HELPED FOR 2 MONTHS THEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I ALSO REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSORS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE TAKEN TO 3 MECHANICS BUT THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, I WILL TRY TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND THEN JUST TAP ON THE BRAIN COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE BATTERY AND SOMETIMES THIS WORKS. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED MORE THAN I CARE TO ADMIT. WHILE DRIVING IF THE ISSUES ARE REALLY BAD AND IF I HAVE TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE I WILL TRY TO USE CRUISE CONTROLL BUT IT WILL NOT ENGAGE.
IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S STILL HAVING SOME PROBLEMS DUE TO THE RECALLS..THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT IS ON..
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET GOING UP HILL, THE CAR WAS HAVING A PROBLEM ACCELERATING UP HILL. WHEN GOING DOWNHILL, THE CAR WOULD STOP, AND THE BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP. HAVE TO USE ACCELERATION WHEN GOING DOWNHILL IN ORDER FOR IT TO MOVE. FINALLY WHEN I MADE IT HOME AND PARKED THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE (LIKE SOMETHING WAS SCRAPING AGAINST SOMETHING). AND THEN THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I GOT OUT THE CAR, IT SMELLED LIKE BURNT METAL. WHEN I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM, IT APPEARS THAT A LOT OF SATURN VUE USERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES AND IT APPEARS AS IF THE DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT SURE HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.
' TAMARA RECALL' WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND STICKS AND WHEN RELEASED THE CAR DARTS AWAY AND MAKES IT HARD TO STOP. I HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS AND HAVE RECEIVED TWO TICKETS BECAUSE OF THE BRAKES .
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stalls stops, with Engine power reduced, stabilitrak off. After turning or braking. Engine light with down arrow. Accident probability. DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF ON HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY RD!
DRIVING VEHICLE AROUND 55MPH VEERED OFF ONTO LOOSE GRAVEL. HIT A DRAIN CULVERT FLEW INTO THE AIR, SLAMMED DOWN INTO A DITCH, AND HIT SEVERAL CUT TELEPHONE POLES USED AS LANDSCAPE DECORATIONS WITH NO FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND FILED POLICE REPORTS. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING VEHICLE AROUND 55MPH VEERED OFF ONTO LOOSE GRAVEL. HIT A DRAIN CULVERT FLEW INTO THE AIR, SLAMMED DOWN INTO A DITCH, AND HIT SEVERAL CUT TELEPHONE POLES USED AS LANDSCAPE DECORATIONS WITH NO FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND FILED POLICE REPORTS. *TR
LEFT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK WITH REMOTE OR WITH SWITCH VIA CAR INTERIOR. ADVISED TO REPLACE DOOR ACTUATOR. ONCE THE LEFT SIDE WAS REPAIRED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY THE RIGHT PASSENGER REAR DOOR IS NOW NON OPERATIONAL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. DOOR LOCK FAILURES ARE NOT SAFE. IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT SOMEONE COULD BE EJECTED IF THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK PROPERTY. *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT KEEPS MELTING, CAUSING ME TO LOOSE THE USE OF THAT HEADLIGHT. I HAVE ALREADY REPAIRED THE SITUATION TWICE, NOW I AM SEE THAT OTHER SATURN OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I CALLED GM AND THERE IS NO RECALL? HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE. I HAVE STRUGGLED WITH THIS ISSUE FOR 2 YEARS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, I CAN'T SEE WITH ONE HEADLIGHT. PLEASE HELP
WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD ACCELERATION SLOWED, ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS CAME ON, LOSS FULL POWER STEERING & BRAKE FUNCTIONS, NO TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, FUEL GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY, MESSAGES ON DRIVER AIR BAG, STABILITRAK,TIRE AIR PRESSURE,ABS, EVERYTHING WAS FLASHING. ALL INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE ON, RADIO STOPPED, SUDDEN INCREASED ACCELERATION THEN DECREASED AGAIN. I GOT PULLED OVER TO A PARKING LOT (WHICH WAS VERY HARD WITH BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO FLOOR & STEERING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE), TURNED OFF CAR & REMOVED KEY. STILL HAD ALL (4) OPEN DOOR LIGHTS ON AND ALL THE DOORS WERE SHUT. THEY STAYED ON MORE THAN 5 MINUTES BEFORE FINALLY GOING OFF. I SAT THERE 30 MINUTES BEFORE TRYING TO START THE CAR AGAIN. WHEN I STARTED IT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING AGAIN AS IF IT HAD RESET ITSELF. YESTERDAY AUGUST 31, 2015 WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH OR MORE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS I DRIVE DAILY ON HEAVILY TRAVELED PARKWAYS. DEALERSHIPS CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM WHEN I TAKE IT TO THEM. THEY JUST WANT TO RESET THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. IT JUST OCCURS AGAIN SO THAT IS NOT THE SOLUTION. NEED HELP GETTING THIS RESOLVED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK. WHEN YOU PRESS THE REAR DEFROSTER WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID POURS OUT OF THE VEHICLE. NO DEFROSTING HAPPENS
THE DEFROST BUTTON FLASHES AND DEACTIVATES DURING FREEZING TEMPERATURES PREVENTING THE WINDOWS FROM DEFOGGING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S STILL HAVING SOME PROBLEMS DUE TO THE RECALLS..THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT IS ON..
THE KNOB TO CONTROL THE FRONT SEAT ADJUSTING, KEEPS FALLING OFF. I WAS TOLD ONLY DEALER CAN REPLACE THIS I TOOK IT IN ONCE SAID THEY FIXED IT BUT IT WASN'T
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE SERVICE AIR BAG, ABS, AND TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,955.
BROKEN TIRE BELT. *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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR RETRACTION CLIP FRACTURED AND THE VISOR WOULD NOT PROPERLY RETRACT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE DOME, DOOR, AND GLOVE COMPARTMENT LIGHTS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 08/27/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE BAR THAT RUNS THROUGH THE VISOR BECAME HOT TO TOUCH AND CAUSED THE WIRING THAT RUNS TO THE DOME TO BURN OUT. THIS CAUSED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TO FAIL. THE VISOR WAS REPLACED BUT, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE NOT REPAIRED. UPDATED 09/18/2014 *JS
1. THE INTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IS "CHROME" COVERED AND HAS CAUSED CUTS THAT REQUIRED A 'BUTTERFLY' STITCHING. 2. EVERY TIME I OPEN THE DOOR I GET CUT 3. I HAVE CONTACTED SATURN FOR ALMOST A YEAR TO REPAIR THIS TO NO AVAIL. 1. THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS ARE ON BACKWARDS. IF MY LEFT FRONT TIRE IS GOING FLAT THE SENSORS AND LIGHTS SAY IT'S THE LEFT REAR TIRE. 2. THIS HAPPENS EACH TIME MY TIRE GETS LOW AND I JUST FIGURED OUT THE PROBLEM 3 MONTHS AGO. IT CAUSES ME TO OVER INFLATE THE INCORRECT TIRE AND THE LOW TIRE IS STILL LOW ON AIR. 3. I HAVE CONTACTED SATURN FOR ALMOST A YEAR ABOUT THIS AND THEY HAVE NOT HELPED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stalls stops, with Engine power reduced, stabilitrak off. After turning or braking. Engine light with down arrow. Accident probability. DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF ON HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY RD!
THE SELLING DEALERSHIP LISTS THIS VEHICLES CURRENT CONDITION AS, "SUBURB CONDITION." THE FOLLOWING INSPECTION COMMENTS WERE PROVIDED TO ME WHEN AT THIS DEALERSHIP: A) DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR BROKEN, DOESN'T STAY IN PLACE; B) LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT OUT; C) NO HEAT CONTROL (ALWAYS BLOWING COLD); D) DRIVERS SIDE LUMBAR ADJUSTER BROKEN OFF; E) AIR FILTER DIRTY; F) FRONT AND REAR BRAKES AT 3 MM. RECOMMEND FRONT AND REAR PADS AND ROTORS; G) "SMALL" OIL LEAK NEAR TRANSFER CASE; H) FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS "RATTLE" OVER BUMPS. AN ESTIMATE WAS PROVIDED FOR PARTS AND LABOR COSTS, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE PARTS AND LABOR COSTS FOR FIXING THE HEAT OR THE ENGINE LEAK(S). ALSO, LABOR COSTS WERE NOT PROVIDED FOR REPAIRING THE LUMBAR SUPPORT. THE TOTAL COST FOR THESE REPAIRS IS SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. BASED ON THESE INSPECTION RESULTS, AND MY OWN OBSERVATION (I.E. THE TIRES DOT DATES AND WEAR INDICATE INSTABILITY IN CARS PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY), THE CURRENT CONDITION OF THIS VEHICLE IS NOT "SUBURB."
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
I PURCHASED MY 2009 SATURN VUE XR V6 A YEAR AGO. AFTER DRIVING MY SATURN DURING THE 1ST MONTH I BEGAN TO NOTICE THE A/C WAS BLOWING WARM AIR WHEN I WAS NEEDING TO COOL THE INSIDE OF THE CABINET . WE HAD VERY HOT CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN N.C WITH TEMPERATURES REACHING IN ACCESS OF 100 DEGREES. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO LET THE WINDOWS DOWN TO SURVIVE THE HEAT. I AM ANGRY WITH GM NOW AS THEY ARE APPEARING TO IGNORE THIS PROBLEM WITH NO RECALL IN SIGHT TO DATE. I UNDERSTAND THAT GM HAS REPORTED TO HAVE REPAID AT LEAST 30 PERCENT OF TARP MONEY THEY RECEIVED FROM THE GOVERNMENT BAILOUT AND REPORTED BILLIONS IN PROFIT. GM NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND ADDRESS AND FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SATURN VUE. THE FASTEST AND CHEAPEST FROM OF ADVERTISING IN STILL WORD OF MOUTH. I WILL EXPRESS TO MY FRIENDS , FAMILY AND STRANGERS I MEET WITH MY DISPLEASURE WITH THE GM PRODUCT. THE A/ C PROBLEM WITH MY SATURN VUE OCCURS EVERYTIME I TURN ON THE UNIT. A CABIN SENSOR UNIT WAS REPLACE ONCE TO FIX THE PROBLEM ; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. I AM NOT HAPPY MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR MY SATURN VUE WITH THIS PROBLEM CONTINUING TO EXIST WITH MY A/C. *TR
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
DRIVER'S BELT NO LONGER RETRACTS AFTER DRIVER EXITS THE VEHICLE. *TR
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 .