659 of the
3,274 complaints filed about the Saturn VUE
are about the transmission —
20% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
659
Complaints
20%
Share of all complaints
20
Crashes
4
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.
NHTSA complaint #11553676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I have only 68,329 miles. My transmission lost reverse. When first driving it will only go up to 10 mph and over time the maximum speed is 30 to 40 mph. Even if it gets to this speed it hesitates. The car is a danger and not drive able. I took the car to a GM dealer requesting a Policy Evaluation according to the Service Bulletin Warranty. The evaluation showed GM will not help me with any repairs or replacement of transmission. A car should not have a major component fail like a transmission especially with such low mileage. It is expected to have maintenance and repairs on a vehicle. What is not expected or normal servicing is transmission repair or replacement. It was estimated from the GM dealerships Policy Evaluation it will cost $5,500 to replace the transmission. My car is in great shape other than the transmission failure. I love my car and anticipated to have this car many years. This is an unaffordable repair and essentially makes this a throw away car. I feel extremely disappointed in GM's decision to not remedy this major problem.
NHTSA complaint #11525489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knocking/grinding noise from under vehicle and shift problems. Taken to automotive service provider for diagnostic and they're evaluation revealed internal fail in the cvt vti transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11417855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO THE DASH. WHEN I AM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL GETS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WILL TURN OFF THE RADIO. THIS WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THEN WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF I WILL BE UNABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OR TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I WILL HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AND THE ALTERNATOR TWICE AND THIS HELPED FOR 2 MONTHS THEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I ALSO REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSORS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE TAKEN TO 3 MECHANICS BUT THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, I WILL TRY TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND THEN JUST TAP ON THE BRAIN COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE BATTERY AND SOMETIMES THIS WORKS. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED MORE THAN I CARE TO ADMIT. WHILE DRIVING IF THE ISSUES ARE REALLY BAD AND IF I HAVE TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE I WILL TRY TO USE CRUISE CONTROLL BUT IT WILL NOT ENGAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11385133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 122,000 AND IS IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION, YET THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BADLY. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS OFTEN THE CASE FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR AFTER 120,000 MILES. WE BROUGHT IT INTO OUR LOCAL GM DEALER/SHOP AND THEY TOLD US IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION, WHICH RANGES FROM REBUILT AT $2500 AND NEW FOR OVER $4000. THIS SEEMS VERY WRONG CONSIDERING KBB SAYS IT BOOKS FOR $4500?
NHTSA complaint #11366159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.