120 of the 575 complaints about the 2008 Saturn VUE are about the transmission — 21% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 73,233 miles.
120
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
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.
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.
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.
POWER TRAIN
When driving transmission power train having difficult time changing gears
NHTSA complaint #11542114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
POWER TRAIN
Just backed out of my driveway and drove 2 blocks down my street. Stopped at the stop sign and the car wouldn't move. It was still running, however it wouldn't move. The car coming up behind me didn't notice my flashers and had to slam on his brakes which caused him to be rear ended. Everyone was ok. Car was pushed back to my driveway and there it sits. Tried to start it and it still won't go anywhere. The check engine light is on, but it was not on before it stopped, or while being pushed back. I can't afford to have it towed anywhere right now to be checked out. The used dealership I bought the car from gave me an obd scanner. Transmission codes P0700 and P2723 came up.
NHTSA complaint #11443694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the transmission felt like it was slipping while driving at various speeds. The transmission failed to shift gears or lock into the desired gear. The contact had not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11428538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
My 2008 Saturn vue Engine size 3600cc, 6 cylinders has been feeling like the transmission is slipping when you get up to a certain speed and this could be very harmful to other drivers that are driving.. Sometimes the car won't go into park or reverse and I feel that since there are 3 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THAT THE GM PLACE SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THIS Because someone could get hurt really badly if the transmission locks up while going down the road.
NHTSA complaint #11427977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
IT IS HARD TO TURN WHEN IT SIT IDLE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL ONLY LOOSENES UP WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL, WITCH MAKES IT HARD TO PARK OR TURN WHEN AT A GREEN LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND WHEN I REVERSE OR NEED TO GO FORWARD AND TURN A LITTLE BIT IN SMALL SPACES TO ADJUST THE PLACEMENT OF WHICH MY VEHICLE IS IN ITS TO DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN ORDER TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL YOU HAVE TO PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE IN MOTION FOR THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE WITHOUT HAVING TO USE SO MUCH STRENGTH TO FORCE IT TO TURN.
NHTSA complaint #11407346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I WAS ON A STRAIGHT STREET PARKED AND MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON MY GIRLFRIEND CAME OUTSIDE I GO TO PULL AWAY I OUT THE CAR IN RESERVE AND WENT NO WHERE I TURNED HER OFF FOR A COUPLE MINS. AND TRIED AGAIN IT WORKED BUT I HAD THE PEDDLE TO FLOOR ONLY GOING LIKE 2MPH BACKING UP. FINALLY I GOT OUT OUT HER IN DRIVE AND AGAIN WE WAS NOT MOVING I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN A LOT I TURNED HER OFF SAT FOR 10-15 MINUTES TURNED BACK ON SHE WAS OKAY TILL I GOT HOME AND TRIED TO PARK I WAS 15 MINS AWAY FROM HOME. SO I GOT MY OBD READER THING TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND IT POPPED UP SOMETHING WITH MY TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #11397583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
WITHOUT ANY WARNING IN FORWARD GEAR THE CAR WOULD NOT GO .I WOULD GO INTO GEAR ON THE LEVER BUT WOULD ONLY MOVE A LITTLE. IT MADE THE MOTOR SEEMED FINE. I WAS ON FLAT GROUND I MY DRIVEWAY
NHTSA complaint #11386377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
MY CAR STEERING GOES IN AND OUT LOUD WHINING NOISE LIKE I'M GONNA LOSE CONTROL GOT RAN AND PINION REPLACED AND POWER STEERING PUMP SO WHAT CAN STILL BE THE PROBLEM ALSO JUST REPLACE CONTROL MODULE FOR TRANSMISSION AND NOW LIGHT JUST CAME BACK ON 3 MONTHS AFTER GETTING FIXED SAME CODE P0700
NHTSA complaint #11361220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT 5 MPH, SHE HAD PLACED HER GEAR SHIFTER INTO DRIVE, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REVERSE WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HIT HER COWORKERS VEHICLE AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE INTO A PARK SPACE AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE SERVICED, DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11354981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
PUT IT IN GEAR , GOES ABOUT 6FT AND THEN STOPS AND WON'T GO ANY FURTHER
NHTSA complaint #11353549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN 45-50 MPH AT ABOUT 1500-2000 RPMS THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID IT WAS USING THE MANUAL MODE. IT WAS ONLY HAPPENING AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS WARMED UP TOO BY THE END OF MY 200 MILE DRIVE TODAY IT WAS SLIPPING BAD AND IT HAS FLUID I TOPPED IT OFF THIS MORNING HOPING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT IT WAS NOT AND I CONSISTENTLY CHECKED IT THROUGHOUT THE DRIVE AND IT DID NOT GO DOWN OR LOSE FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #11342863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES(BOTH SIDES) AND WIRE HARNESS KEEPS MELTING. I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT BEFORE AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. I HAVE NOW PURCHASED THE WIRE HARNESS AND I HOPE THIS WILL NOT BURN ALSO. 2. THE CAR JUMPS WHEN SHIFTING IN REVERSE WHICH INDICATES THE PARKING PAWL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW AND NO RESPONSE RETURNED. 3. WATER IS LEAKING INTO MY CAR. THE FRONT AND BACKSEAT FLOORS ARE SOAKED. LOOKS LIKE THE SEAL AROUND THE FIREWALL IS NOT SEALING PROPERLY. I SAW MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 2008-2010 SATURN VUE. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL? THIS COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11321338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR UNLESS THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED
NHTSA complaint #11321255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT A 2008 SATURN VUE USED AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A VIBRATION. HAD IT CHECKED BY 4 MECHANICS INCLUDING A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO CONCLUDED IT WAS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I NOTICED A RECALL ON THE 2007 MODEL BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2007 AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NO RECALL. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION IT VIBRATES MAINLY WHEN PICKING UP SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #11300415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION JUST UP AND STOPS WORKING. THE CAR MUST BE TURNED OFF, WAIT 10-15 MINUTES AND IT WILL CONTINUE AGAIN, UP UNTIL IT STOPS WORKING AGAIN. IT HAPPENS UNDER POWER OR CRUISING. IT HAPPENS WHENEVER & WHEREVER IT WANTS.
NHTSA complaint #11291775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SMOKE WAS VISIBLE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WEBSMART CHEVROLET (5049 WEST RIDGE RD, SPENCERPORT, NY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11290362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
BOTH HEADLIGHT WIRING MELTED. REPLACED BOTH SIDE HEADLIGHTS AND AFTER 2 YEARS THE WIRE HARNESS MELTED AGAIN THE PARKING PAWL GETS STUCK OFTEN. WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE THE PARKING PAWL GETS STUCK. THEN IT WILL EVENTUALLY GO INTO REVERSE BUT THE CAR JERKS AND MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE. THE LIGHT ISSUE I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS NOW. THE PARKING PAWL ISSUE HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR OVER A YEAR NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11266537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I JUST BOUGHT AN 08 SATURN VUE V6 XR WITH THE 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC 94K MILES AND I’VE BEEN READING A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 3-5 WAVE PLATES I WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WON’T SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHEN THE CAR IS WARM. I EXPERIENCED THE FIRST SIGNS OF IT THE DAY I BOUGHT IT AND TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS JUST THE SENSOR BUT AFTER I GOT IT BACK I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE SHOP SAID THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH IS A 3-4K JOB. GM DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT ALTHOUGH MANY MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT LEAVES PEOPLE LIKE ME STUCK WITH NO SOLUTION AS I HAD JUST SPENT ALL MY MONEY BUYING THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11266124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
SINCE WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS MESSING UP. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AFTER IT IS PUT IN GEAR. ONCE PUT IN GEAR AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED THERE IS LAG BETWEEN THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE RPM INCREASING AND THE GEARS ENGAGING AND THE CAR TAKING OFF. THE VEHICLE ALSO ROLLS BACKWARDS A WORRYING AMOUNT WHEN IT IS PLACED IN PARK. ALSO WHEN YOU GO TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DOESN'T WAN TO GO OUT OF THE LOW GEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED NOT ONCE OR TWICE THIS IS CONSISTENT. WE HAVE KEPT IT MAINTAINED SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. THE MOST RECENT WAS JUST 2 DAYS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #11180400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO MOVE PARTIALLY AND STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE ANY FURTHER IN THE REVERSE POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 30 MPH. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11149630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE ROLLS WHILE IN PARK.
NHTSA complaint #11102697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
WAS DRIVING AND TRANSMISSION STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. HAS BEEN STICKING IN FIRST GEAR. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS CODE PO700 AND PO752. THE FIRST IS TRANSMISSION CONTROLLER AND THE LATER ONE IS SHIFT SOLENOID STUCK. TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN THE WAVE PLATE BREAKS. I AM DISABLED AND NOW WITHOUT A VEHICLE. I LOVED THE CAR. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP ME FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #11100801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 20 MPH AND IT STUCK IN FIRST GEAR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WON'T SHIFT GEARS. I AM NOW WITHOUT A CAR. ITS CODE PO700 AND PO752. THE FIRST IS TRANSMISSION CONTROLLER AND THE LATER IS SHIFT SOLENOID. TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN WAVE PLATE BREAKS. CAR IS PAID FOR AND I LIKE IT. CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. I AM DISABLED NOW WITHOUT WHEELS AND NO WAY TO FIX IT. IS IT A RECALL? CAN THE AGENCY HELP FIX IT?
NHTSA complaint #11100805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER (FIKE CHEVROLET, 213 MAIN STREET, MASONTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA 15461) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8-416-234-5315. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11096983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE WON'T SHIFT GEARS ONE I GET TO THIRD. WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF WAVE PLATE SPECIAL WARRANTY AND NOW I'M 4000 MILES PAST ACCEPTED MILES. GM SUGGESTS THAT I WAIT UNTIL FULL RECALL IS FORCED ON THEM. PLEASE HELP
NHTSA complaint #11063316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
OVER THE PAST YEAR AND HALF I'VE HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. HEAD LIGHTS DIMMING AND FLASHING AT VERY HIGH INTERVALS ALMOST LIKE A DIM STROBE. RADIO NOT TURNING ON. INTERIOR LIGHTS NOT COMING ON. ODOMETER LIGHT DIMS. RANDOM DINGING NOISE. TURN SIGNAL NOT ALWAYS WORKING OR WORKING SPORADICALLY. FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT ALWAYS COMING ON AND WHEN THEY DO IT'S SPORADIC. REAR WINDSHIELD NOT COMING ON BUT WILL AFTER AN ENGINE RESTART. KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. HAZARD LIGHTS NOT WORKING WHEN ENGINE IS OFF. ALL THIS HAS HAPPENED SLOWLY OVER THE LAST YEAR AND HALF. I'VE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AND HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND AN ISSUE. EVERYONE WITH THESE PROBLEMS WILL TELL YOU THAT A MECHANIC CAN'T RUN A TEST FOR THE PROBLEM IF IT'S NOT HAPPENING AT THAT TIME. WE ALSO ALL KNOW TOO WELL THESE PROBLEMS COME AND GO VERY QUICKLY AND SOMETIMES TEMPORARILY FIX THEMSELVES WITH JUST AN ENGINE RESTART, DRIVING OVER A BUMP (WHICH ALSO BRINGS ON THE ISSUES) OR SHAKING THE WIRE HARNESS ON TOP OF THE BATTERY. SO TAKING IT TO A SHOP TO RUN A TEST IS ALMOST MEANINGLESS UNLESS TOWED AND EVEN THEN IT'S NOT 100% CHANCE YOU'RE GOING TO GET A CODE(S) TO READ. THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE PROBLEMS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE. THE BIG OCCURRENCE CAME WHEN I WAS JUST TWO MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD FROM WHERE I LIVE, I HAD THE VUE NOT START UP OR EVEN TURN OVER AND THE KEY WAS LOCKED IN THE IGNITION. I OPENED UP THE HOOD, TAPPED ONCE ON THE BLACK BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY AND THE VUE STARTED DINGING AND WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I THEN DROVE TO MY HOUSE AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF ON ME AND RESTARTED TWICE WITHIN THAT TWO MIN DRIVE. I LOST TOTAL POWER AND VERY LIMITED CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP AND COMPLAINED ABOUT HUNDREDS OF TIMES ON THE INTERNET AND HAS YET TO BE INVESTIGATED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ELECTRICAL ISSUE. -11.4.17
NHTSA complaint #11043306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.