2002 Saturn Vue problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (16) · Engine And Engine Cooling (14) · Engine (10)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Saturn Vue model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
131 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Electrical System:ignition 2014-08-08 · campaign 14V490000 · 202,155 vehicles
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occup
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14506. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manu
Service bulletins (485)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Unknown Or Other 2025-03-28 · 23-NA-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on onstar module 2g sunset information.
Unknown Or Other 2025-02-20 · PIP5358D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. technician will need to
Electrical System 2024-10-25 · PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the tire pressure monitor, active fuel injector tester, multi media tester, pico scope, gr8 starting/charging tester and vehicle data recorder tools, giving website address and ste
Unknown Or Other 2024-09-12 · PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the heater-vent-air conditioning blows warm air. before calling general motors technical assistance center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and ven
Unknown Or Other 2024-09-12 · PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the heater-vent-air conditioning blows warm air. before calling general motors technical assistance center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and ven
Showing the 6 most recent of 485 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-02-23 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 107,257 mi“car power shuts down while driving, unable to start again in any traffic or road conditions to move car to a safe area. full loss of power unexpected, vehicle simply stops running. this vehicle was purchased 'used' from a private seller i suspect was well aware of the situation but didn't expose it. $2300 spent so far with no findings as to why…”
2020-06-05 · Fuel/Propulsion System“air intake throttle is faulty. making the engine run rough and causing other problems such as excessive fuel consumption. *tr…”
2020-06-02 · Unknown Or Other“the ignition is fault. the key can be removed when vehicle is in on position. *tr…”
2020-01-06 · Electrical System · 120,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. while driving 30 mph, several dashboard warning indicators illuminated, including the battery warning indicator. simultaneously, the power steering seized operation temporarily and caused the vehicle to swerve. also, while traveling up an incline, the battery warning indicator flashed and then turned off when…”
2018-09-13 · Structure“2002 saturn vue. consumer is seeking reimbursement for vehicle amount. consumer states that the frame was broken and rusted making vehicle unsafe to drive. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle was located at an impound yard. the consumer was informed the vehicle was not able to be repaired. *js…”
2017-04-03 · Engine · 151,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. while driving approximately 40 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise underneath the hood of the vehicle. the temperature warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to overheat. the contact stopped to check the engine and noticed that the anti-freeze contained oil. the vehicle was taken to a deal…”
2017-01-03 · Engine · 130,000 mi“while driving at highway speeds, vehicle stalled,and would not restart. vehicle coasted to lane off traffic. vehicle would not move. family of four in vehicle. had a police officer shut down lane of traffic. very very dangerous. diagnosis: timing chain. *tr…”
2016-09-30 · Unknown Or Other · 155,000 mi“started the car, turned around in my driveway and started pulling out onto the road, vehicle just stalled and refused to start again, engine cracks and turns over but wont start. thank god there wasnt any traffic or i would have been t boned. i was able to push the vehicle back offf the road. vehicle still wont start…”
2016-07-01 · Engine · 146,000 mi“my car seized up while going down the road i could barely turn or push on the brakes! thankfully i had just left work so i was only doing 10 mph. i took it to a mechanic whom said the timing chain went out, and that with that type of motor a v6 that it most likely bent the valves and id have to get a new engine!!! im curious if this happens often…”
2016-01-20 · Electrical System · 85,000 mi“i had several problems with my ignition switch since buying this vehicle as new, so the switch was replaced on dec 2008 at the dealership, which i paid for. i brought this vehicle to a gm dealer per the recall in 2015 and was told all is good, so i could claim reimbursement for the 2008 repair. to date, after filling in the required forms and sub…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.