32 of the
873 complaints about the 2003 Saturn VUE are about the
fuel system — 4% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
35,774 miles.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11645047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aiken, SC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11480794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY KEYS COME OUT OF THE IGNITION , I KEEP HAVING ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND MY PIPES KEEP MESSING UP
NHTSA complaint #11265876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I OWN A SATURN VUE 2003 AND TOPPED THE TANK WITH GAS ONLY TO WITNESS A FUEL ODOR AND A LEAK UNDER THE TANK AREA. THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY MONDAY THE 3RD OF APRIL I VISITED DEWEY BARBER IN GARDENDALE ALABAMA AFTER RESEARCH AND INQUIRED ABOUT SPECIAL COVERAGE 12191, FUEL ODOR AND GROUND SPOTTING. I FURTHER EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT WHEN I ACCELERATE THERE'S A HESITATION AS IF THE FLOW OF GAS IS ALTERED. THEY LOOKED UP MY VIN AND DISCOVERED A RECALL OF THE KEY IGNITION CYLINDER AND ORDERED THE SWITCH AND KEY WHICH WOULD BE IN AT 7:30AM TUESDAY. THEY WROTE IT UP ON A FORM AND PASSED IT ON. 2-HOURS LATER THEY SAID THE SPECIAL COVERAGE 12191 WASN'T FOR MY CAR AND THAT IT DIDN'T APPEAR UNDER MY VIN. THEY ALSO CONCLUDED THAT MY KEY WAS SO WORN THAT A COPY COULDN'T BE MADE, ANOTHER KEY IS ORDERED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SO I WAS TOLD TO CALL BACK WEDNESDAY TO SEE IF THE KEYS ARRIVED. WHO DO I GET TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE FUEL ODOR FROM THE GAS LEAK????? THERE IS A DISTURBANCE OF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10970651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waco, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FAILED TO GO INTO THE FUEL TANK AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED TO POUR OUT RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10811101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGahamma, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND THEN ACCELERATED TO 70 MPH INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10673108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMustang, OK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR COMING FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING AND THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO READ THE ACCURATE FUEL LEVELS. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED WHILE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10606476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belton, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY KEY SOMETIMES WON'T GO INTO IGNITON AND ONCE IT DOES, IT SOMETIMES FALLS OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING OR THE CAR LOSES POWER WHILE I'M DRIVING. IS THIS PROBLEM A PART OF THE GM RECALLS FOR 2003 SATURNS ??
NHTSA complaint #10573268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,483 milesCortland, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE HAS STOPPED A FEW TIMES AT A STOP LIGHT, ALSO WHEN SITTING IDLE IT WONT START SOMETIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10569138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I LOST THE ABILITY TO GO FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WILL ONLY GO IN REVERSE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH MY MOTHER AND WENT INTO REVERSE AND WHEN I TRIED TO GO FORWARD THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY REV. AFTER MANY TRIES TO GET IT TO WORK I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION I HAD REPLACED JUST 32000 MILES EARLIER HAD FAILED. THIS IS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 130000 MILES. NOT REALLY SURE SINCE IT HAS BEEN SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY SINCE THIS HAPPENED AND I CAN'T GET IT TO TURN OVER TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE MILEAGE. WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP IT DID IT AGAIN. THEY WERE ABLE TO GET IT IN GEAR SO I COULD GET IT HOME. THERE ARE MANY CONSUMERS HAVING WORSE SAFETY ISSUES. TAKE A LOOK AT EDMUNDS.COM AND LOOK AT THE SATURN BLOG. SOME HAVE HAD THEIRS GO OUT WHILE IN TRAFFIC, WHILE AWAY ON TRIPS, ON HIGHWAYS. ETC.....
NHTSA complaint #10524773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesOceanside, NYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO ACCELERATE ACCOMPANIED WITH A LOUD, HUMMING NOISE. THE HORN SENSOR WAS MELTED, CAUSING THE HORN TO MALFUNCTION AND SOUND CONTINUOUSLY. THE FUEL TANK WAS ALSO FRACTURED, CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND FUMES TO FILL THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE MUFFLER WAS ABNORMALLY LOUD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE WITHOUT WARNING AND MOST FREQUENTLY WHEN ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN. IN ADDITION, THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED. THE HAZARD LIGHT ACTIVATION BUTTON ALSO FRACTURED THEREFORE; THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UTILIZE THE HAZARD LIGHTS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO ALL OF THE FAILURES EXPERIENCED IN THE VEHICLE BUT NEITHER PROVIDED ANY ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #10430665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesBloomsburg, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
LEAK IN 2003 SATURN VUE GAS TANK. I OWN A 2003 SATURN VUE WHICH HAS BEEN DRIVEN ONLY ABOUT 52,000 EASY HIGHWAY MILES. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CRASH, NEVER ABUSED OR OFF-ROADED, IT HAS NEVER BEEN TOWED AND HAS HAD ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE. ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO, THERE WAS A SMELL OF GAS IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG, AND TO FILL IT UP AND SEE WHAT HAPPENED. WE DID THIS, AND THERE WAS A STRONG GAS SMELL IN AND OUT OF THE CAR WITH A SMALL GAS PUDDLE UNDER THE CAR. WE TOOK THIS BACK TO THE MECHANIC, AND THEY FOUND A CRACK IN THE TANK/FILLER NECK. I AM ATTEMPTING TO GET THIS FIXED. I CALLED GM, BUT THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF HELPING WITH THIS PROBLEM. THEY DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN THE FACT THAT THIS IS A LIGHTLY USED VEHICLE, AND THAT A PART FAILED. AS THIS IS NOT A PART THAT BEARS ANY WEIGHT, DOES NOT WEAR OR SEE ANY STRESS OTHER THAN THE GAS, THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON FOR A PLASTIC TANK TO FAIL, UNLESS IT WERE MADE OR DESIGNED POORLY. I WOULD LIKE EVERYONE TO KNOW ABOUT THIS. IT IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. IT COULD EASILY LEAD TO A FIRE OR EXPLOSION. GAS TANKS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC SHOULD NOT FAIL WITHOUT CAUSE UNLESS POORLY DESIGNED OR MANUFACTURED.
NHTSA complaint #10292740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,355 milesNaples, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
OWNER NOTICES SMELL OF FUEL AFTER FILLING GAS TANK AT GAS STATION..... OWNER FOUND GASOLINE PUDDLE FORMING UNDER CAR WHILE CAR WAS SITTING IN HIS DRIVEWAY..... OWNER BROUGHT VEHICLE TO SATURN CAR DEALER......MECHANICS AT DEALERSHIP FOUND GASOLINE TANK LEAKING AT FILLER NECK STUB AND AT SEAM.....SATURN DEALERSHIP REMOVED AND REPLACED GAS TANK, ETC....OWNER ASKED FOR DEFECTIVE GAS TANK BUT DEALERSHIP KEPT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10283353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesChesterton, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2003 SATURN VUE (2.2L) FUEL LINE FAILURE DRIVEN IN NW INDIANA - CORROSION OF LINE UNDER THE PLASTIC SHEATH.THAT ENDED IN PERFORATION AND STEADY DRIP OF FUEL. THIS FUEL LINE CONNECTS THE DOWNSTREAM SIDE OF THE FUEL FILTER TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION RAIL. CORROSION OCCURRED WITHIN 2 FEET OF THE FILTER. 1. GASOLINE ODOR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED IN ONE PLACE FOR AWHILE UP TO 30 DAYS PRIOR TO DISCOVERY. 2. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE A FEW MILES AND PARKING IT, UPON RETURNING TO IT DAMPNESS AND A STEADY DRIP OF GASOLINE WAS SEEN DRIPPING STEADILY. 3. ALL NEW REPLACEMENT LINE WAS ORDERED AND REPLACED. VEHICLE HAS APPROX 30K MILES AND, CURIOUSLY, SHOWS A FAIR AMOUNT OF UNDERCARRIAGE RUST FOR ITS AGE AND MILEAGE. BRAKE LINES ALSO SHOW SOME EXTERNAL RUST. OLD PERFORATED FUEL LINE STILL AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10279539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesRomeoville, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WOULD CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL CAP. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL NOZZLE SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY OR PREMATURELY WHILE FILLING THE VEHICLE AND/OR SES LAMP WITH DTC P0446 EVAP VENT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SET. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $1,000 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO TSB NUMBER 10017570. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #10263762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lino Lakes, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP. I CANNOT EVEN SELL IT BECAUSE PEOPLE WHOMEVER LOOK AT IT SAYS IT RUNS HORRIBLY. THE TRUCK DOESN'T ACCELERATE PROPERLY, THE GAS TANK FLOAT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK, THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THE KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR (IF YOU CAN GET IT IN IT DOESN'T ALWAYS TURN), IT MAKES GRINDING SOUNDS WHEN IT TURNS, THE CD PLAYER SCRATCHES YOUR CD'S, THERE ARE BURNING SMELLS FOR NO REASON .... ON AND ON AND ON. DON'T KNOW WHY THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX EVERYTHING THAT GOES ON WITH IT. IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT PLEASE EMAIL ME AT.
NHTSA complaint #10208817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,774 milesFrederick, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 2003 SATURN VUE IS HAVING FUEL PROBLEMS. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE HE CONTINUES TO SMELL GAS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS TO DRIVE WITH HIS WINDOWS OPEN BECAUSE THE FUMES ARE SO STRONG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS STARTED HAPPENING IN OCTOBER OF 2006, WHEN HE HAD THE FUEL INJECTOR REPLACED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE DAY AFTER THE INJECTOR WAS REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR SEAL WAS NOT REPLACED PROPERLY. THEY REPLACED THE SEAL AT THAT TIME, BUT HE STILL SMELLS GAS WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN HIS VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THE FUMES AND THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH HIS VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 02/27/07.
NHTSA complaint #10178975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 2003 SATURN VUE IS HAVING FUEL PROBLEMS. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE HE CONTINUES TO SMELL GAS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS TO DRIVE WITH HIS WINDOWS OPEN BECAUSE THE FUMES ARE SO STRONG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS STARTED HAPPENING IN OCTOBER OF 2006, WHEN HE HAD THE FUEL INJECTOR REPLACED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE DAY AFTER THE INJECTOR WAS REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR SEAL WAS NOT REPLACED PROPERLY. THEY REPLACED THE SEAL AT THAT TIME, BUT HE STILL SMELLS GAS WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN HIS VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF THE FUMES AND THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH HIS VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 02/27/07.
NHTSA complaint #10178975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesGrabill, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE
WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND SITTING STILL FOR A FEW SECONDS, THERE IS A LOUD THUMPING SOUND (OCCURRING THREE OR FOUR TIMES) FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE (SOUNDS SIMILAR TO A LOOSE FUEL TANK BAFFLE). THE DEALER STATED THEY WEREN'T AWARE OF ANY FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM, THOUGH THEY TRIED A COUPLE OF IDEAS. WHILE I'VE FOUND THIS ON SEVERAL WEBSITES ONLINE, NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW THE CAUSE. EVERYONE SEEMS TO LIVE WITH THE PROBLEM. IT'S DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE AS IT SEEMS INTERMITTANT, BUT HAPPENS ON AVERAGE ONCE PER DAY. BEING THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE EMINATING FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM, I THINK THAT SATURN SHOULD TAKE THIS ISSUE MORE SERIOUSLY, AND MORE THAN LIKELY THIS IS SOMETHING THEY CAN CORRECT BY REPLACING THE FUEL TANK, I FEEL THAT THEY JUST DON'T WANT THAT EXPENSE. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE HORN SWITCH, AS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE IN A PANIC SITUATION, WHICH IS WHAT IT IS DESIGNED TO BE USED IN. LASTLY, I BELEIVE THAT NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE AWD SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES. I'VE DONE MY OWN TESTS AND I HAVE TO SAY I AM SURPRISED ABOUT HOW EASILY IT IS TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IN LIGHT SNOW. WHEN THE REAR COMES ON, IF THE ENGINE IS REVVING HIGH, IT CAN SPIN THE VEHICLE AROUND LIKE A TOP.
NHTSA complaint #10165605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
2003 SATURN VUE FAILED TO START. *KB THE VEHICLE MADE SQUEAKING NOISES WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT TURN, IN ADDITION TO VARIOUS OTHER RUMBLINGS. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ROTORS, BEARINGS AND TRANSMISSION. A SPECIAL WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE ORDERED AS WELL AS A SPECIAL SIDE COVER AND HARDWARE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. THE COOLANT SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. THE REAR WIPERS WOULD STICK. THE GAS GAUGE WOULD ONLY READ 3/4 FULL. THE AIR CONDITION STOPPED WORKING AND THE HOT AND COLD KNOB DID NOT GO ALL THE TO COOL. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED WHICH WAS THE REASON THE VEHICLE WASN'T STARTING. THE TRANSFER CASE SEAL WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10165813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2003 SATURN VUE SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING AT AN INTERSECTION. THOUGHT THAT IT WAS THE FUEL FILTER, WHICH IS ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE DEALERSHIP(IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO GET THERE WHEN THEY ARE OPEN). NOW THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND THE AND THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ARE BOTH READING BAD, AND MY VEHICLE WILL QUIT RUNNING AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10156308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65 milesRingwood, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1) NO PRIOR WARNING LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE 2) I DIDN'T KNOW IT AT THE TIME, BUT THE GAS GAUGE WAS BROKEN CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I HAD TO COAST OVER 2 LANES THANKFULLY NOT GETTING HIT OR CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. HEART BEATING "-THANK GOD I"M ALIVE", II CALL SATURN DESCRIBING THAT MY CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. THEY LOOK UP MY CAR, TELL ME IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THAT I WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE TOW AND REPAIRS. 3)I HAD IT TOWED TO MY REPAIR SHOP, PAID FOR TOW, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FUEL SENSOR AND LABOR TOTALING $750.00.
NHTSA complaint #10151552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT ON 2003 SATURN VUE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR THREE WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED OF A TRANSMISSION RELATED RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. FOUR MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (VTI TRANSMISSION). THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE VTI TRANSMISSION BUT INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. THE STARTER AND REAR WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED. BOTH FUEL SENDERS FAILED RESULTING IN INACCURATE FUEL READINGS. THE LIFTGATE BECAME STUCK WHEN OPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10119004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heyworth, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE KEPT TRACK MY GAS MILEAGE SINCE I BOUGHT MY VUE A YEAR AGO, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN SATISFIED WITH IT. I TOOK IT IN FOR AN ECONOMY TEST 3 MONTHS AGO AND WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS OKAY. SO, I LOGGED MY GAS MILEAGE FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR ANOTHER ECONOMY TEST. EVEN THOUGH I ONLY AVERAGED 20 MPG OVER THE 3 MONTHS (AND I DRIVE MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES), THEY STILL SAY I AM GETTING ADEQUATE GAS MILEAGE (THEY SAID THEY GOT 26 MPG WITH 35 MILES COMBINED HIGHWAY AND CITY). I PLACED A COMPLAINT WITH SATURN CORPORATE AND RECEIVED ONE PHONE CALL STATING THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. ALL I WAS TOLD WAS THAT WIND, COLD WEATHER, DRIVING HABITS AND THE VTI TRANSMISSION ALL PLAY A PART IN THE FUEL ECONOMY. THESE THINGS (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE VTI TRANSMISSION SINCE IT IS NEW) HAVE NEVER CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL ECONOMY IN ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED (INCLUDING ANOTHER SATURN).
NHTSA complaint #10107763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,117 milesPhoenix, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
ON 5/1/04, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SATURN SERVICE BECAUSE THE FUEL GUAGE READ THAT THE TANK WAS 3/4 FULL AFTER VEHICLE WAS FILLED UP. THE SENDING UNITS WERE REPLACED. *AK ON 6/28/04 THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE FUEL GUAGE READ THAT IT WAS ABOUT 1/8 FULL WHEN THERE WAS LESS THAN 1 GALLON OF FUEL IN THE 15 GALLON TANK. SATURN SERVICE CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL GUAGE. ON 9/8/04 DURING RUCH HOUR, I WAS TRAVELLING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY 8 WEEK OLD SON WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS. THE GUAGE READ THAT THERE WAS ALMOST 1/4 TANK OF FUEL LEFT. I WAS STRANDED IN THE FAST LANE DURING RUSH HOUR ON A 106 DEGREE DAY WITH AN 8 WEEK OLD INFANT BECAUSE THE FUEL GUAGE ON MY SATURN VUE DID NOT READ THE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEFT IN THE TANK. TWO HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICERS HAD TO CLOSE THE FREEWAY AND PUSH THE VEHICLE OFF THE FREEWAY. WITHOUT THEIR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ON 9/9/04 SATURN SERVICE CHECKED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL GUAGE AND THE TANK HAD 2.5 GALLONS LEFT OF FUEL. ONLY WHEN A SERVICE TECHNICIAN DROVE THE CAR AND WAS STRANDED WHEN IT RAN OUT OF GAS DID THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TAKE THE CLAIM SERIOUSLY.
NHTSA complaint #10090738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,969 milesRichmond, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1. RECALL TRANSAXLE 2. SAME DAY ---CHECK INGINE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OUT. THEY FIXED IT AND SAME DAY IT CAME ON AGAIN, THEY FIXED IT AGAIN 3. SAME DAY CAR IS LURCHING SHEN COMING TO A STOP. THEY FIXED IT. 4. NEXT WEEK THE CAR IS NOT GETTING ANY GAS WHEN PRESS THE EXCELERATOR. 5. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED IN BECASUE IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL.THEY FIXED IT. 6. SAME DAY AFTER PICK UP HEAR KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURN A CORNER AND THEN RATTLE WHEN INCREASE IN SPEED. THEY SAID THEY DONOT HEAR ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10070208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,500 milesChampaign, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
SEVERAL PROBLEMS - GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING, NUMEROUS RATTLES AND SQUEAKS, WEIRD ENGINE NOISES, THERMOSTAT OUT, MISC WARNING LIGHTS.
NHTSA complaint #10060270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesEast Setauket, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
MY COMPLAINTS ARE SEVERAL . ALL OF WHICH HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED IN TECHNICAKL BULLETINS. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER NO LESS THAN 10 TIMES SINCE I OURCHASED IT. NOW, I LIVE WITH THE ISSUES BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE ADDITIONAL WORK , THE WORST PROBLEM IS THE VIBRATION IN THE DRIVETRAIN AT IDLE (WHEN IN DRIVE AND THE VIBRATION DRIVING AT 60-65. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVERS DOOR SQUEEKS ( I BELIVE ITS THE INSULATION) MY LUGGAGE BOLTS BROKE, THE SEAT CUSHION ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WOULD NOT STAY ATTACHED ON THE FRONT EDGE, THERE IS A POPPING NOISE WHEN THE TRUCK IS IDLING, WHEN YOU CLOSE THE REAR LIFTGATE, THE PLASTIC INTERIOR SEPERATES FROM THE DOOR, WHE IT IS COLD MY STEERING COLUMN MAKE NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #10056888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,016 milesLake Forest, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
I HAVE TAKEN MY 2003 SATURN VUE IN 8 TIMES FOR HIGH IDLE (1000 RPM) IN NEUTRAL, SES LIGHT ON, AND ENGINE COOLING FAN GOING ON. THE DEALER STOPPED ATTEMPTING TO FIX THE PROBLEM ON VISIT 6 (WHEN THEY LET MY CAR SIT AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 13 DAYS WITH 1 DIAGNOSIS ATTEMPT). ANOTHER DEALER HAS LOOKED AT THE CAR FOR THE LAST TWO VISITS. SATURN SAYS THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. YET I HAVE FOUND A SATURN SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THE HIGH IDLE IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT AFFECTS MY SHIFTING. AN INDEPENDENT ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC HAS STATED THAT THE HIGH IDLE AND ENGINE FAN RUNNING WILL EVENTUALLY DAMAGE THE FAN, ENGINE MOUNTS AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. OF COURSE, MY GAS MILEAGE IS COMPROMISED AS WELL AS MY SAFETY. THE SERVICE BULLETIN PERTAINS TO THE SES LIGHT, CODE P0171 FUEL TRIM SYSTEM LEAN.
NHTSA complaint #10050888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northridge, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE NEXT DAY THE CONSUMER NOTICED A FUEL PUDDLE UNDER THE VEHICLE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC NOTICED THE FUEL LINES HAD A HOLE IN THEM AND HAD TO REPLACED THEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10047799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.