Owners have filed 433 complaints
about the 2006 Saturn VUE with NHTSA between 2006 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the Saturn VUE. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 32
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frontal
1423.0%
Body
1321.3%
Ignition
1016.4%
Switch
914.8%
Door
58.2%
Driveline
46.6%
Automatic Transmission
46.6%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
23.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
61.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
175.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
195.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5716.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6418.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6017.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
9628.1%
150,000+ miles
236.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2006peak 18Dec 2025
Recalls on the 2006 Saturn VUE
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200807778,583 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) resistor may crack. If water and road salt enters the crack, it could corrode the resistor. This could result in a loss of DRL illumination, and therefore, vehicles may be less visible to other motorists and pedestrians during daylight hours, possibly resulting in a crash causing personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the resistor until 7 years or 112,000 km from date vehicle was originally placed into service.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Craig, AKCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed under the 50 MPH speed limit, the vehicle slid on a patch of black ice; the contact was able to correct the vehicle. The contact stated that there was snow on the ground. Soon afterwards, the vehicle slid on another patch of black; the vehicle slid across the road and hit the embankment head-on. The vehicle went up the embankment and down to the ditch below, where the vehicle landed on the driver's side, where it came to a stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. Afterwards, the contact and the contact's daughter stopped by the clinic. The contact suffered minor injuries to the chest caused by the seat belt. The contact had bruises across the chest. The contact's daughter was in the front passenger seat, and her head hit the windshield. The daughter sustained a bump on the head, which turned out to be a mild concussion, and some bruises. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The insurance company was notified of the accident. The contact was unsure if the insurance company had declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11705678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Des Moines, IACrash
STEERING
My power steering went out
NHTSA complaint #11460485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCresson, PAFire
AIR BAGS
WHILE I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR WAITING FOR MY DAUGHTER TO GET OUT OF WORK, THE CAR WAS RUNNING, WHEN THERE WAS SMOKE POURING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THE SMOKE DISSIPATED. THIS WAS 2 DAYS AGO AND NOW MY WIPERS DO NOT WORK. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE AIR BAG WIRES HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED OUT THE WIPERS.
NHTSA complaint #10980062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCresson, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR WAITING FOR MY DAUGHTER TO GET OUT OF WORK, THE CAR WAS RUNNING, WHEN THERE WAS SMOKE POURING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THE SMOKE DISSIPATED. THIS WAS 2 DAYS AGO AND NOW MY WIPERS DO NOT WORK. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE AIR BAG WIRES HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED OUT THE WIPERS.
NHTSA complaint #10980062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCresson, PAFire
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WHILE I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR WAITING FOR MY DAUGHTER TO GET OUT OF WORK, THE CAR WAS RUNNING, WHEN THERE WAS SMOKE POURING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THE SMOKE DISSIPATED. THIS WAS 2 DAYS AGO AND NOW MY WIPERS DO NOT WORK. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE AIR BAG WIRES HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED OUT THE WIPERS.
NHTSA complaint #10980062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,614 milesCaldwell, IDCrash
SEATS
SITTING IN TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT IN DRIVE WITH BRAKES APPLIED NOT MOVING,1989 CHEVY PICK UP TRUCK ,HIT MY BACK BUMPER,THE LIGHT ON MY DASH INDICATED THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED,AND A LIGHT ON MY DASH SAID PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF,THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.TOOK MY CAR TO THE NEAREST CHEVROLET DEALER KENDALL OF NAMPA IDAHO,THEY SAID CODE# BOO92 5256 CAME UP AND THEY SAID THE HEATING ELEMENT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT WENT OUT (NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT , AND I NEVER USE THE HEATED SEATS ) THE DEALER SAID THE HEATED SEATS ARE CONNECTED TO MY AIR BAGS AND MY AIR BAGS CAN'T BE TURNED ON UNTIL THE HEAT ELEMENT FOR THE SEAT IS REPAIRED. I THOUGHT THAT A FEDERAL LAW WAS PASSED IN THE EARLY 1990'S THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS TO BE ON IT'S OWN CIRCUIT SO IT CAN NOT BE TURNED OFF BY ANY OTHER CIRCUITS? I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS TRUE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2006 BRAND NEW ,AND I FEEL THE CHEVROLET CORPORATION SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. PLEASE RESPOND AS FAST AS YOU CAN BECAUSE I HAVE ONLY ONE CAR, AND THE GUY THAT HIT ME HIS INSURANCE IS LOOKING INTO IT .THANK GOD I WASN'T HURT OR THE GUY THAT HIT ME,THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER FOR ME. HAVE A GOOD DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10968489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Craig, AKCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed under the 50 MPH speed limit, the vehicle slid on a patch of black ice; the contact was able to correct the vehicle. The contact stated that there was snow on the ground. Soon afterwards, the vehicle slid on another patch of black; the vehicle slid across the road and hit the embankment head-on. The vehicle went up the embankment and down to the ditch below, where the vehicle landed on the driver's side, where it came to a stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. Afterwards, the contact and the contact's daughter stopped by the clinic. The contact suffered minor injuries to the chest caused by the seat belt. The contact had bruises across the chest. The contact's daughter was in the front passenger seat, and her head hit the windshield. The daughter sustained a bump on the head, which turned out to be a mild concussion, and some bruises. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The insurance company was notified of the accident. The contact was unsure if the insurance company had declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11705678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,973 milesHuntingdon Valley, PA
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #11611523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,973 milesHuntingdon Valley, PA
ENGINE
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 complaint #11611523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,097 milesPetaluma, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 43,097.
NHTSA complaint #11543867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dahlonega, GA
STEERING
The key can be removed from the vehicle while being driven. Also the ignition doesn't "click" off when vehicle is parked and key is removed causing the battery to drain. There have been several recalls for this issue but not with the 2006 year model. This is a dangerous problem and there are very limited resources to get it resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11500710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dahlonega, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The key can be removed from the vehicle while being driven. Also the ignition doesn't "click" off when vehicle is parked and key is removed causing the battery to drain. There have been several recalls for this issue but not with the 2006 year model. This is a dangerous problem and there are very limited resources to get it resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11500710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield, NH
STEERING
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 complaint #11461547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11461547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield, NH
ENGINE
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 complaint #11461547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Des Moines, IACrash
STEERING
My power steering went out
NHTSA complaint #11460485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, MI
POWER TRAIN
My car is very rusted out,underneath the body and no one will work on my car because they feel it's a hazard to drive and work on. I went to an iron works shop and mechanic said it's a common problem with Saturn Vue's,I took it back to where I bought it because they knew it before I bought it . All they wanted to do was put me ina sports car,my car is a hazard to drive it plus I have 1 more year to pay for it. Seems like something could be done about this
NHTSA complaint #11442648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, MI
STEERING
My car is very rusted out,underneath the body and no one will work on my car because they feel it's a hazard to drive and work on. I went to an iron works shop and mechanic said it's a common problem with Saturn Vue's,I took it back to where I bought it because they knew it before I bought it . All they wanted to do was put me ina sports car,my car is a hazard to drive it plus I have 1 more year to pay for it. Seems like something could be done about this
NHTSA complaint #11442648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, MI
SUSPENSION
My car is very rusted out,underneath the body and no one will work on my car because they feel it's a hazard to drive and work on. I went to an iron works shop and mechanic said it's a common problem with Saturn Vue's,I took it back to where I bought it because they knew it before I bought it . All they wanted to do was put me ina sports car,my car is a hazard to drive it plus I have 1 more year to pay for it. Seems like something could be done about this
NHTSA complaint #11442648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Stability Bar / Stabilizer Bar broke on the passenger side. Upon going to the salvage yard we found in almost all the same vehicles were broke in the same area on the same passenger side.
NHTSA complaint #11430452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
SUSPENSION
Stability Bar / Stabilizer Bar broke on the passenger side. Upon going to the salvage yard we found in almost all the same vehicles were broke in the same area on the same passenger side.
NHTSA complaint #11430452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middleburg, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Key keep getting stuck in Ignition switch and hard to take the key out the switch.
NHTSA complaint #11427365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeview, IL
STEERING
The ignition was locked and key wouldn't go in, to get it to unstick I put key in as far as it would go and noticed I could start it without the key being fully inserted. This happened a few times before but this was the first time I realized I didn't need the key to be in the ignition to start nor does it need to be in the ignition to drive. I was able to reproduce problem in driveway. I made a video but think only photos can be uploaded
NHTSA complaint #11417849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 281,599 milesMonroe, NC
STEERING
THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON AND IT'S HARD TO STEER I LOSE POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #11325644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 281,599 milesMonroe, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON AND IT'S HARD TO STEER I LOSE POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #11325644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 281,599 milesMonroe, NC
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON AND IT'S HARD TO STEER I LOSE POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #11325644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 314,000 milesShreveport, LA
STEERING
WHEN MAKING A TURN (ANY DIRECTION) OR JUST TURNING STEERING WHEEL THE CAR WILL CUT OFF AND LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN. THIS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAY WHILE IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11324689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesFairview, OR
ENGINE
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 complaint #11270914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,921 milesPort Saint Lucie, FL
WHEELS
WHILE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND IN THE MIDDLE LANE ON I-95 DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I NOTICED A SLIGHT SHAKE IN THE STEERING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 SECONDS BEFORE MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL TOWARDS THE LEFT AND RIGHT WITH TRACTOR TRAILERS ON BOTH SIDES OF ME. I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH AND THE BRAKE AND PLACED MY VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SLOW MY VEHICLE DOWN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11258515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,921 milesPort Saint Lucie, FL
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND IN THE MIDDLE LANE ON I-95 DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I NOTICED A SLIGHT SHAKE IN THE STEERING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 SECONDS BEFORE MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL TOWARDS THE LEFT AND RIGHT WITH TRACTOR TRAILERS ON BOTH SIDES OF ME. I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH AND THE BRAKE AND PLACED MY VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SLOW MY VEHICLE DOWN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11258515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH
AIR BAGS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AFFECTED . SOME DASH PANEL LIGHTS NOT WORKING & AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON
NHTSA complaint #11245588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.