Owners have filed 575 complaints
about the 2008 Saturn VUE with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 70
Against the median year of the Saturn VUE. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 55
10.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 31
18% 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.
Automatic Transmission
1131.4%
Body
1028.6%
Power Steering Fluid
38.6%
Ignition
38.6%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
25.7%
Side/Window
25.7%
Heater Core
25.7%
Latch
25.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
204.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
296.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
153.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5712.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
8919.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
8919.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
10623.0%
150,000+ miles
5612.1%
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 2007peak 26Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Saturn VUE
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE09016Opened 10 Mar 2009Closed 2 Jul 2009LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES STICK UNLATCHED
BY LETTER DATED JUNE 23, 2009, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 09V233) TO REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES CAN STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE AGENCY OPENED ITS INVESTIGATION BASED ON TWO COMPLAINTS OF DOOR LATCH FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE DOOR TO OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.THE AGENCY ALSO RECEIVED EARLY WARNING (EWR) REPORTS ON THIS ISSUE.CERTAIN MODEL YE...
Recalls on the 2008 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.
United States — NHTSA
09V233000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
GM IS RECALLING 44,451 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH BODY COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK OR BIND. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.
Risk: DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
08V470000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
Risk: THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
08V200000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
GM IS RECALLING 26 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6T70 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION CASE SIDE BORE THAT HOLDS THE PARK PAWL PIVOT PIN MAY HAVE A CASTING POROSITY. THIS CONDITION, COUPLED WITH NORMAL OPERATING STRESSES, COULD LEAD TO FAILURE, ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK' POSITION.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN ITS PATH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20091933,026 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the outside door handles may stick or bind. If this were to occur, the door may not latch when closed. Driving with an unlatched door could result in an unbelted occupant falling out of the vehicle. Correction: Dealers will replace the outside door handles.
Recall 20083392,626 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump may loosen which could create a power steering fluid leak. If fluid leaks onto hot exhaust components, it could result in an engine compartment fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect and tighten the nut securing the power steering line, and check the fluid level.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Arlington, TXFire
STEERING
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
NHTSA complaint #11733687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
NHTSA complaint #11733687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXFire
ENGINE
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
NHTSA complaint #11733687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash3 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
NHTSA complaint #11612712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
NHTSA complaint #11612712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash3 injured
ENGINE
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
NHTSA complaint #11612712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Arlington, TXFire
STEERING
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
NHTSA complaint #11733687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
NHTSA complaint #11733687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXFire
ENGINE
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldn’t open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business parking lot at this point it’s engulfed in black smoke and then it starts burning.
NHTSA complaint #11733687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MI
ENGINE
the transmission will not shift out of first gear
NHTSA complaint #11663992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TX
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the dashboard on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the abnormal grinding sound was also heard while the gear shifter was in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was power steering fluid leaking from the vehicle. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The contact stated that the power steering fluid leaked out entirely after driving for a short distance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid was leaking. The contact stated that a clamp was added and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11637489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bruce TWP, MI
POWER TRAIN
Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM
NHTSA complaint #11633260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bruce TWP, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM
NHTSA complaint #11633260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,445 milesWilliams, IN
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 173,445.
NHTSA complaint #11626603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash3 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
NHTSA complaint #11612712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
NHTSA complaint #11612712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash3 injured
ENGINE
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
NHTSA complaint #11612712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
POWER TRAIN
2008 Saturn vue AWD. Steering wheel is very difficult to turn while driving. There is a lot of resistance. No leaking fluid visible and no visible loss of fluid levels. Transmission was torn down/repaired in 2017 for metal bits present at 95,000 (approximate) miles. It is currently at 107,600 miles. Transmission gets stuck in lower gear and rpms Rev up without the vehicle gaining acceleration. The tear down/rebuild was due to bad 3 5 wave plate also and seems to be replicating the issue again. Check engine light comes on amd goes off intermittently and cannot get issue to replicate at the mechanics. Key has also gotten stuck in the barrel. Took almost 2 hours to try numerous ways to get it to release-also had to unlock manually on the door handle, none of the lights inside worked and when it was able to get started it was very slow and deliberate. Battery appeared to be dead but after jump starting and taking to have it checked, battery was found to be fine. These are serious concerns regarding the vehicle as 1 or all could cause serious damage to the driver and others on the road. It happened again today with the high rpms and low gear/not shifting to next gear.
NHTSA complaint #11612064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
STEERING
2008 Saturn vue AWD. Steering wheel is very difficult to turn while driving. There is a lot of resistance. No leaking fluid visible and no visible loss of fluid levels. Transmission was torn down/repaired in 2017 for metal bits present at 95,000 (approximate) miles. It is currently at 107,600 miles. Transmission gets stuck in lower gear and rpms Rev up without the vehicle gaining acceleration. The tear down/rebuild was due to bad 3 5 wave plate also and seems to be replicating the issue again. Check engine light comes on amd goes off intermittently and cannot get issue to replicate at the mechanics. Key has also gotten stuck in the barrel. Took almost 2 hours to try numerous ways to get it to release-also had to unlock manually on the door handle, none of the lights inside worked and when it was able to get started it was very slow and deliberate. Battery appeared to be dead but after jump starting and taking to have it checked, battery was found to be fine. These are serious concerns regarding the vehicle as 1 or all could cause serious damage to the driver and others on the road. It happened again today with the high rpms and low gear/not shifting to next gear.
NHTSA complaint #11612064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2008 Saturn vue AWD. Steering wheel is very difficult to turn while driving. There is a lot of resistance. No leaking fluid visible and no visible loss of fluid levels. Transmission was torn down/repaired in 2017 for metal bits present at 95,000 (approximate) miles. It is currently at 107,600 miles. Transmission gets stuck in lower gear and rpms Rev up without the vehicle gaining acceleration. The tear down/rebuild was due to bad 3 5 wave plate also and seems to be replicating the issue again. Check engine light comes on amd goes off intermittently and cannot get issue to replicate at the mechanics. Key has also gotten stuck in the barrel. Took almost 2 hours to try numerous ways to get it to release-also had to unlock manually on the door handle, none of the lights inside worked and when it was able to get started it was very slow and deliberate. Battery appeared to be dead but after jump starting and taking to have it checked, battery was found to be fine. These are serious concerns regarding the vehicle as 1 or all could cause serious damage to the driver and others on the road. It happened again today with the high rpms and low gear/not shifting to next gear.
NHTSA complaint #11612064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux City, IA
POWER TRAIN
When you drive the car the transmission fails. less than 48 hours ago I just bought this 2008 Saturn vue certified pre owned and I’ve been reading a lot of review’s about the specific model of car and a lot of other people that have had this car has had the same common experience I will attach a screenshot of what I’m talking about down below I seriously think someone should look into this issue because not only do I think this vehicle isn’t mechanically safe to be sold and driven on the road but the majority of the community that has owned one of these cars would agree to what I have to say
NHTSA complaint #11570450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux City, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When you drive the car the transmission fails. less than 48 hours ago I just bought this 2008 Saturn vue certified pre owned and I’ve been reading a lot of review’s about the specific model of car and a lot of other people that have had this car has had the same common experience I will attach a screenshot of what I’m talking about down below I seriously think someone should look into this issue because not only do I think this vehicle isn’t mechanically safe to be sold and driven on the road but the majority of the community that has owned one of these cars would agree to what I have to say
NHTSA complaint #11570450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manitou Springs, CO
SEAT BELTS
Vehicle seatbelt is fraying on driver side. Tried to cut off the fray, but realized it continues fraying everytime I use the belt. Have called multiple gm dealers as well as the 800 number for GM. From their info and checking websites, the parts for the seatbelts for this model vehicle have been discontinued. this includes the 2008-10 saturn vue and the 2010-2015 chevy captiva (which is the same car). I am shocked that I have to purchase replacement seatbelts from a junkyard or other used method. Seatbelts are something that I should have ability to replace new. Once GM dealer seemed concern and related that they thought that GM had to replace new ones. Another autoshop stated that this was a recall-type problem on some GM vehicles - but mine does not show this sort of thing. First noticed around 9/11/2023. Bought vehicle on 9/9/2023. Thought it was dog or cat hair until I educated myself online and realized the belt is slowly disintegrating.
NHTSA complaint #11545083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, AR
POWER TRAIN
When driving transmission power train having difficult time changing gears
NHTSA complaint #11542114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesRiverview, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that there was oil leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #11526529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield, IN
POWER TRAIN
I have had the vehicle for 1 week and it has been running good. I parked it yesterday when I went to go to work today the vehicle would not shift gears while going down the road. It has really high RPM’s and will not shift out of first gear.
NHTSA complaint #11514695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesHaworth, OK
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was no power steering fluid. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The contact stated that the power steering fluid would leak entirely after an hour drive. Additionally, the contact stated that the leak was more significant while the vehicle was parked. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11508614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesHaworth, OK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was no power steering fluid. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The contact stated that the power steering fluid would leak entirely after an hour drive. Additionally, the contact stated that the leak was more significant while the vehicle was parked. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11508614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marengo, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame rusted out beyond repair and vehicle only has 131081 miles on it car is pretty well taken care of oil changed regularly and tires rotated new brakes all the way around. This should be a safety recall from gm even though it may be 14 years old the way this car was taken care of should be taken into consideration
NHTSA complaint #11475567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Linnlinn, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger door handle fell off. Also frame is rusting out
NHTSA complaint #11472005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ramsey, MN
ENGINE
Sweet smell coming from vents, suspect there is a coolant leak in the heater core, only 98000 miles and the heater core is failing.
NHTSA complaint #11447965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.