Saturn Vue Complaints (2003)

622 consumer complaints on file.

#11761762September 2, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is more information related to Complaint 11761129: After online researching of other '03 2.2L Saturn Vue-owners stalling experiences, it appears that this vehicle has a long history of others like me: an unsafe, unpredictable stalling problem which carries no warnings or logging of error codes to trace the TRUE ORIGIN of problem. (How much did others spend on repairs that appeared to fix the problem by elapsing time enough for the problem to return to normal without the "repair"?) I stress that when all is working fine, the driver feels secure because there's no sign of a problem or trace left of the problem. The vehicle did run for years-at-a-time in a stable, reliable fashion. Once the stalling episodes pass, it felt OK to continue driving for years because everything is fine again. Looking back at the times when the stalling occurred, I was always lucky enough to recover and continue driving normally and trustfully for years before the next occurrence. Now I wonder what could have happened if the stall occurred while in more split-second decision, critical situations. I feel really stuck right now because I'm older with an undrivable vehicle. Please advise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761129August 31, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Car stalled while driving in traffic XXX. Engine died. Warning lights ON. Restarted. Stalled 3 more times in traffic but luckily had space to pull off & engine restarted. Made it into my garage. Restarted, Check Engine Light was ON, but went OFF after time. Car would NOT move in gear. Retried several times. Presently (XXX) will crank but WON'T start. Battery good. Looking for anything else obvious. (Had similar problem after buying in 2006 on at least 4 different dates, but restarted after EITHER: left overnight or after battery disconnect/reset: No Check Engine Light after relearning cycles. Successfully passed all emission tests since ownership.) I have about 34,000 miles on odometer. Have had NO other memorable problems except stalling problems. After first stalling years ago, a Saturn dealer on [XXX] replaced VTi transmission fluid & "reprogrammed" the ECM. I have no receipts or records now & that dealer is long gone. Please advise. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750294July 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V490000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair; however, the new ignition keys provided under the remedy failed to start the vehicle. The contact had to use the old key to start the vehicle. Additionally, the battery was replaced twice because the vehicle failed to turn off, causing the battery to drain. The vehicle needed to be jump-started. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that she was disabled and had returned the license plates to the DMV. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703898December 9, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2003 Saturn Vue ignition switch. The switch was replaced under a recall with a switch that has the same defect; the key can be removed while the vehicle is in operation. The dealers refuse to replace it saying the car had the recall completed. They do not acknowledge the replacement has the same problem as the original. I feel they are required to do a second replacement under the recall if it the same problem -- a dangerous one at that. AI shows a number of the replacement key switches were defective like the originals. Can you help me?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645047February 26, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact purchased a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that two days after purchasing the used vehicle, the vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the gas tank location. A service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while pulling to the side of the road, a bystander alerted the contact that there was a fuel leak. The contact and the other passengers of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started at the gas tank location and extended to the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle was significantly burned. The contact could not confirm that a fire department report was filed. There was no property damage. Neither the contact nor the other passengers of the vehicle sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by the registered owner. The contact could not confirm whether the vehicle was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11480794August 23, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving the engine lights kept coming on, so we decided to get it checked by a mechanic and he told us that we have a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor and that the IMRC actuator valve is not working at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461144April 18, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
October 12, 2020 IG Burton stated the recall was complete, given original keys. I went to Willis Chevrolet & Buick recall was completed on April 15, 2022, new keys were issued.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11417855May 20, 2021
POWER TRAIN
Knocking/grinding noise from under vehicle and shift problems. Taken to automotive service provider for diagnostic and they're evaluation revealed internal fail in the cvt vti transmission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11413751April 25, 2021
SUSPENSION
BOTH OF MY REAR TIRES ARE LEANING IN AND LOOKS LIKE THE CAMBER BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF AND COULD REALLY CAUSE A BAD ACCIDENT EVEN DEATH IF I DIDN'T SEE IT. I TRAVEL 1800MI A WEEK AND JUST HAD A BLOW OUT BECAUSE TIRES WORE SO BAD AND THEY ARE ONLY A YEAR OLD.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11387658January 12, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
WHEN MY HORN FUSE IN MY HORN IS NON STOP BLARING ALSO MY FRONT WIPERS FUSE IN GOOD AND MY WIPES ARE NOT WORKING
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11364312October 14, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, WHEELS
MY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT THAT TRACTION CONTROL IS DISABLED. THE LIGHT COMES ON BRIEFLY WHEN I TAKE SHARP LEFT TURNS. THE WHEEL-SPEED SENSORS, WIRES, CONNECTORS, CONTROL MODULE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OCCASIONALLY CONK WITH INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. THIS HAS CAUSE MY REDUCE POWER WHEN I DRIVE IT, USING MORE GAS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11318278March 16, 2020
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED IN THE FORWARD GEARS BUT, FAILED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11282260November 25, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT, MAKING STEERING VERY, VERY DIFFICULT. IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN IN COOLER WEATHER AND USUALLY TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND PARKING FOR A LITTLE WHILE CORRECTS THE PROBLEM. TRIED TO CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID, WAS TOLD IT IS AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11265876October 3, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY KEYS COME OUT OF THE IGNITION , I KEEP HAVING ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND MY PIPES KEEP MESSING UP
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11230221July 8, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING
TAKATA RECALL SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON REDUCED POWER WHILE DRIVING ALL GAS AND SPEED GAUGES ARE ALL TURNED TO THE RIGHT CAR DOSENT MOVE WHEN CUT ON NO POWER STEERING WHEEL GETS HARD UNABLE TO TURN OR STEER THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 3 MONTHS NOW
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11204895April 30, 2019
POWER TRAIN
GM AFTER BANKRUPTCY: GM'S TRANSAXLE (CVT M75) IN THIS VEHICLE IS KNOWN BY ALL OWNERS TO FAIL. THIS UNIT FAILED TO PROVIDE FORWARD MOMENTUM AND LEFT THE VEHICLE STRANDED HIGH HEAVY TRAFFIC IN PORTLAND, OR YEAR APRIL 2019. MULTIPLE CALLS TO GM FOUND THAT SERVICE PROVIDERS COULDNT EVEN ID THE PROPER TRANS AXLE THAT GOES IN THIS VEHICLE SO WE COULD GET A REPLACEMENT. WE BELIEVE GM IS IN PROCESS OF A NEW "CLASS ACTION SUITE" TO REPAIR DAMAGES TO THE SECOND OWNERS. IS, THIS TRUE - LET US KNOW IF YOU KNOW - PLEASE THX. THIS TRANS AXLE WAS BUILT DAMAGED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11193762April 4, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DROVE MY CAR TO A FRIEND'S AND WHEN I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD.OR BACKWARDS AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF ON COMING TRAFFIC.COULDNT CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID THERE ISN'T A DIP STICK.SO LUCKY I HAD SOMEONE WITH ME TO PUSH IT BACK TO MY FRIENDS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11193166April 1, 2019
SEATS
I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISON ON 3 12 2019. THE DRIVER SEAT TRACK BROKE UPON COLLISION CAUSING ME AND THE SEAT TO BE SENT FORWARD INTO THE DASH CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. THE LEVER THAT MOVES THE SEAT DISCONNECTED AND THE WHOLE MECHANISM CAME TOWARD THE DASH
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11184864March 7, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
IT STARTED AFTER TURNING ON MY HEADLIGHTS. I WAS DRIVING HOME AND SEEN AND SMELLED LIKE HE SMOKE, IT WAS COMING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH THE WIRES WERE BURNING. I TURNED OFF CAR AND CALLED MY BOYFRIEND. HE UNCLAMPED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CHECKED, THE WIRES WERE BURNED. ONCE I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN MY DASH LIGHTS WERE NOT ON NOR THE TAIL LIGHTS BUT THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED, HAZARD LIGHTS AND BLINKERS ALL WORKED. SO I DROVE HOME WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND MY BOYFRIEND FOLLOWING BEHIND ME. HAD ALL FUSES CHECKED, REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH, TAIL LIGHT WIRING HARNESS AND THE FUSE BOX, STILL NO DASH LIGHTS NOR TAIL LIGHTS. I DID CALL YOUR COMPANY FOR HELP AND WAS TOLD BY THE AGENT THAT HE COULD NOT HELP. I DID RECENTLY FOUND OUT ABOUT SOME KIND OF RECALL. THE INFORMATION I FOUND IS BELOW. RECALL 05V245000 ELECTRICAL & LIGHTS, OCTOBER 17, 2005 ORIGINAL RECALL FROM THE NHTSA MODEL YEAR(S): 2001, 2002, 2003 MANUFACTURER'S REPORT DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2005 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V245000 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE05010 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 291,652
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11170272January 16, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY SATURN ACCELERATES ALL BY ITSELF. I'M NOT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL & MY CAR JUST STARTS MOVING AT A HIGH SPEED & JUST GETS FASTER. I HAVE TO HOLD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES & DOWNSHIFT TO SLOW IT DOWN SO I DON'T CRASH INTO SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. WHAT WOULD CAUSE THAT TO HAPPEN. IT JUST STARTED DOING THIS 2 WEEKS AGO & IS STILL DOING IT ! PLEASE GIVE ME ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT'S TO LATE. I HAVE TO DRIVE TO DIALYSIS 3-4 DAYS A WEEK, & IT'S THE ONLY CAR I OWN. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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