Owners have filed 417 complaints
about the 2007 Saturn VUE with NHTSA between 2006 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 51
Against the median year of the Saturn VUE. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 50
9.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 27
16% 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.
Ignition
1230.8%
Switch
615.4%
Wiring
512.8%
Sensor/Control Module
410.3%
Body
410.3%
Engine
37.7%
Frontal
37.7%
Cables
25.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
92.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
185.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
195.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4412.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6619.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6719.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
8424.3%
150,000+ miles
3811.0%
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.
Nov 2006peak 27Apr 2024
Recalls on the 2007 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.
Recall 200635659 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the electrical connections from the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) to the roof-mounted side impact airbags and the safety belt pretensioner are reversed. In frontal impacts, the safety belt pretensioner will not deploy, potentially increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the SDM and reprogram the Body Control Module (BCM). Note: GM has mailed written notification and contacted by phone every affected owner.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bloomington, IL1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving and pulled up to get some gas and put my car in park it just stop and turned off and I haven’t been able to get it back on. Went and saw a mechanic and he said it was the timing chain on the car it only had 97,000 miles on it and it would shake while I’m in ideal
NHTSA complaint #11584265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IL1 injured
ENGINE
I was driving and pulled up to get some gas and put my car in park it just stop and turned off and I haven’t been able to get it back on. Went and saw a mechanic and he said it was the timing chain on the car it only had 97,000 miles on it and it would shake while I’m in ideal
NHTSA complaint #11584265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IL1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving and pulled up to get some gas and put my car in park it just stop and turned off and I haven’t been able to get it back on. Went and saw a mechanic and he said it was the timing chain on the car it only had 97,000 miles on it and it would shake while I’m in ideal
NHTSA complaint #11584265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
POWER TRAIN
I was driving on the highway, on the way to the beach with my family and our pup! We heard a pop and thought maybe it was the tire but the engine began smoking. I pulled the vehicle over as safely as possible. I popped the hood and there was a fire. Everyone evacuated the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. I was the last to get out of the vehicle. Within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. We stood there and watched the only vehicle we have completely burn up. I cried and I watched my kids cry. What was supposed to be a beach day for us to distress and relax turned into us almost losing our lives on the highway. We are thankful for the state trooper, the fire department, and the paramedics who all arrived on scene and kept my family safe. Im thankful our lives weren’t lost. However we still faced a life or death situation today.
NHTSA complaint #11536826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on the highway, on the way to the beach with my family and our pup! We heard a pop and thought maybe it was the tire but the engine began smoking. I pulled the vehicle over as safely as possible. I popped the hood and there was a fire. Everyone evacuated the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. I was the last to get out of the vehicle. Within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. We stood there and watched the only vehicle we have completely burn up. I cried and I watched my kids cry. What was supposed to be a beach day for us to distress and relax turned into us almost losing our lives on the highway. We are thankful for the state trooper, the fire department, and the paramedics who all arrived on scene and kept my family safe. Im thankful our lives weren’t lost. However we still faced a life or death situation today.
NHTSA complaint #11536826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
ENGINE
I was driving on the highway, on the way to the beach with my family and our pup! We heard a pop and thought maybe it was the tire but the engine began smoking. I pulled the vehicle over as safely as possible. I popped the hood and there was a fire. Everyone evacuated the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. I was the last to get out of the vehicle. Within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. We stood there and watched the only vehicle we have completely burn up. I cried and I watched my kids cry. What was supposed to be a beach day for us to distress and relax turned into us almost losing our lives on the highway. We are thankful for the state trooper, the fire department, and the paramedics who all arrived on scene and kept my family safe. Im thankful our lives weren’t lost. However we still faced a life or death situation today.
NHTSA complaint #11536826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 66,000 milesColumbus, OH
ENGINE
[Wednesday 4:11 PM] Rosales, Denise CTR (NHTSA) The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to engage in hybrid mode the morning after being purchased. In addition, the vehicle failed to start and maintain battery power. The vehicle was towed to 2 different independent mechanics and 1 independent mechanic who came to the residence where it was diagnosed that the vehicle did not have hybrid functions possibly due to the battery failing to maintain power. The contact stated the battery was replaced however the failures remained present. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #11585902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IL1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving and pulled up to get some gas and put my car in park it just stop and turned off and I haven’t been able to get it back on. Went and saw a mechanic and he said it was the timing chain on the car it only had 97,000 miles on it and it would shake while I’m in ideal
NHTSA complaint #11584265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IL1 injured
ENGINE
I was driving and pulled up to get some gas and put my car in park it just stop and turned off and I haven’t been able to get it back on. Went and saw a mechanic and he said it was the timing chain on the car it only had 97,000 miles on it and it would shake while I’m in ideal
NHTSA complaint #11584265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IL1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving and pulled up to get some gas and put my car in park it just stop and turned off and I haven’t been able to get it back on. Went and saw a mechanic and he said it was the timing chain on the car it only had 97,000 miles on it and it would shake while I’m in ideal
NHTSA complaint #11584265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
POWER TRAIN
I was driving on the highway, on the way to the beach with my family and our pup! We heard a pop and thought maybe it was the tire but the engine began smoking. I pulled the vehicle over as safely as possible. I popped the hood and there was a fire. Everyone evacuated the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. I was the last to get out of the vehicle. Within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. We stood there and watched the only vehicle we have completely burn up. I cried and I watched my kids cry. What was supposed to be a beach day for us to distress and relax turned into us almost losing our lives on the highway. We are thankful for the state trooper, the fire department, and the paramedics who all arrived on scene and kept my family safe. Im thankful our lives weren’t lost. However we still faced a life or death situation today.
NHTSA complaint #11536826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on the highway, on the way to the beach with my family and our pup! We heard a pop and thought maybe it was the tire but the engine began smoking. I pulled the vehicle over as safely as possible. I popped the hood and there was a fire. Everyone evacuated the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. I was the last to get out of the vehicle. Within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. We stood there and watched the only vehicle we have completely burn up. I cried and I watched my kids cry. What was supposed to be a beach day for us to distress and relax turned into us almost losing our lives on the highway. We are thankful for the state trooper, the fire department, and the paramedics who all arrived on scene and kept my family safe. Im thankful our lives weren’t lost. However we still faced a life or death situation today.
NHTSA complaint #11536826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
ENGINE
I was driving on the highway, on the way to the beach with my family and our pup! We heard a pop and thought maybe it was the tire but the engine began smoking. I pulled the vehicle over as safely as possible. I popped the hood and there was a fire. Everyone evacuated the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. I was the last to get out of the vehicle. Within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. We stood there and watched the only vehicle we have completely burn up. I cried and I watched my kids cry. What was supposed to be a beach day for us to distress and relax turned into us almost losing our lives on the highway. We are thankful for the state trooper, the fire department, and the paramedics who all arrived on scene and kept my family safe. Im thankful our lives weren’t lost. However we still faced a life or death situation today.
NHTSA complaint #11536826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laytonville, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Key is easily removable when in on position. Also difficult to turn from lock position.
NHTSA complaint #11530939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mooresville, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The brackets welded to the frame of the vehicle holding the steering knuckle/subframe together was designed in a very poor way. This design issue causes the vehicle to collect excess moisture in a way that is difficult if not impossible to drain, resulting in eventual rust build up in this area of the vehicle at an increased rate. Additionally, this section of the frame did not use thick enough steel, resulting in this bracket rusting off much quicker than the age of this vehicle should allow. This resulted in the engine dropping about an inch and a half, damage to the suspension, gasket and valve cover leaks, damaged wheel hubs, and general inoperability of the vehicle due to unsafe conditions created. It's unsafe driving condition has been confirmed by the lead mechanics at our GM Dealership, and is currently undergoing inspection by GEICO for a possible total loss claim. No indications were given other than excessive wear on the wheel hubs shortly before the engine dropped and the corner of the frame rusted/broke off. We live in a salt state yes, but the poor design of this frame is to blame and should be recalled for total replacement by the manufacturers due to the incredible safety risk that this poses to the public.
NHTSA complaint #11501729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mooresville, IN
SUSPENSION
The brackets welded to the frame of the vehicle holding the steering knuckle/subframe together was designed in a very poor way. This design issue causes the vehicle to collect excess moisture in a way that is difficult if not impossible to drain, resulting in eventual rust build up in this area of the vehicle at an increased rate. Additionally, this section of the frame did not use thick enough steel, resulting in this bracket rusting off much quicker than the age of this vehicle should allow. This resulted in the engine dropping about an inch and a half, damage to the suspension, gasket and valve cover leaks, damaged wheel hubs, and general inoperability of the vehicle due to unsafe conditions created. It's unsafe driving condition has been confirmed by the lead mechanics at our GM Dealership, and is currently undergoing inspection by GEICO for a possible total loss claim. No indications were given other than excessive wear on the wheel hubs shortly before the engine dropped and the corner of the frame rusted/broke off. We live in a salt state yes, but the poor design of this frame is to blame and should be recalled for total replacement by the manufacturers due to the incredible safety risk that this poses to the public.
NHTSA complaint #11501729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,100 milesCrane, MOCrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2007 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle went around a right-hand corner and skidded. The vehicle then crashed into an embankment, and it stopped in a ditch. No air bags were deployed upon impact. The contact was transported by ambulance to the hospital as a precaution but did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,100.
NHTSA complaint #11440794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,495 milesSalisbury, MD
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for a state inspection, the contact was told that the front engine cradle mounts were severely corroded. The contact was also informed that the corrosion was so severe that the part could not be replaced. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 204,495.
NHTSA complaint #11437464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesArlington, TX
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG INDICATOR COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN READ BY A READER DURING AN INSPECTION SYSTEM DID NOT POST A ERROR ABOUT AIR BAG ISSUE. AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON AND INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON AND GOES OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11415770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesArlington, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR BAG INDICATOR COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN READ BY A READER DURING AN INSPECTION SYSTEM DID NOT POST A ERROR ABOUT AIR BAG ISSUE. AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON AND INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON AND GOES OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11415770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'M GETTING CODES P0171 AND P2138, AIR BAG NOT WORKING CODE ON..
NHTSA complaint #11389677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'M GETTING CODES P0171 AND P2138, AIR BAG NOT WORKING CODE ON..
NHTSA complaint #11389677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ENGINE
I'M GETTING CODES P0171 AND P2138, AIR BAG NOT WORKING CODE ON..
NHTSA complaint #11389677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,509 milesClovis, CA
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING THIS EVENING ON A CITY STREET WHEN MY SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER AMD DRIVER AIRBAGS HOWEVER DID NOT. WHEN MY SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IT STARTLED ME AND I HIT A CURB MESSING UP MY ALIGNMENT. THIS WAS INCREDIBLY UNEXPECTED AND COULD'VE BEEN A LOT WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #11383453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesArlington, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KEY EVERY NOW AND WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER. FINALLY IT JUST DIDNT COME OUT. NO MONEY TO BUY NEW KEY...HAD TO RECOVER KEY AND IN ATTEMPTING TO DO SO THE IGNTION CYLINDER WAS GREATLY DAMAGED. NOW CAR STARTS BUT IMMEDIATELY SHUTS OFF WHILE SECURITY LIGHT STEADY FLASHES. ITS MY ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION...IT WAS CAUSE NOW ITS JUST SITTING THERE NEEDING A WHOLE IGNITION CYLINDER AND SWITCH MAYBE .
NHTSA complaint #11340064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65 MPH AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING,BRAKES. GOT REALLY TIGHT CAR BARELY WANTED TO,STOP TRANSMISSIKN WAS OVERHEATING AT THE SAME TIME CAR WASNT PASSING SECOND GEAR EVERYTHING HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE.
NHTSA complaint #11325866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65 MPH AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING,BRAKES. GOT REALLY TIGHT CAR BARELY WANTED TO,STOP TRANSMISSIKN WAS OVERHEATING AT THE SAME TIME CAR WASNT PASSING SECOND GEAR EVERYTHING HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE.
NHTSA complaint #11325866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65 MPH AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING,BRAKES. GOT REALLY TIGHT CAR BARELY WANTED TO,STOP TRANSMISSIKN WAS OVERHEATING AT THE SAME TIME CAR WASNT PASSING SECOND GEAR EVERYTHING HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE.
NHTSA complaint #11325866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,974 milesAppleton, WI
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING TAKING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT TURN FURTHER, I DRIVE INTO THE OTHER LANE. I THEN DECIDED TO GET INTO A PARKING LOT, SECONDS LATER THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN AND I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE.
NHTSA complaint #11325623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesNecomerstown, OH
POWER TRAIN
MAY HAVE A TORQUE CONVERTER CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN A TRANSMISSIONS VIBRATIONS OR SHAKING MOTION (JUDDER) WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 25 TO 45 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #11306398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,200 milesWestland, MI
STEERING
DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND FREEWAY, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND RADIO GO OUT AND I LOOSE POWER STEERING, THIS IS AN ONGOING AND SPORADIC PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE THE BOTH BATTERY CABLES, I REPLACE THEM BUT CONTINUE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM, I BELIEVE IT IS AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM, BUT THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VIN NUMBER
NHTSA complaint #11280521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.