2002 Saturn VUE Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other VUE years
- Fewer complaints than other years 7th of 9 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Saturn VUE. That ranks 7th out of 9 VUE model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (52 complaints, 31%), typically at around 86,500 miles. Complaints mention 13 crashes, 5 fires, 7 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 167owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 13complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2002 Saturn VUE problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System problems | 52 | 31% | 86,500 | “ignition switch” (19%) | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 31 | 19% | 71,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 24 | 14% | 56,300 | — | — |
| Steering | 18 | 11% | 95,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 16 | 10% | 107,257 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 15 | 9% | 54,450 | — | — |
| Suspension | 10 | 6% | 82,500 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 4% | 106,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 4 | 2% | 52,253 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 4 | 2% | 107,257 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 2% | 79,551 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 2% | 64,800 | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 2% | 96,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | 2% | 129,500 | — | — |
| Visibility | 4 | 2% | 33,200 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 2% | 73,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 1% | 99,500 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 1% | 52,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 1% | 106,000 | — | — |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1% | 6,628 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1% | 19,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | 5,542 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | 92,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2002 Saturn VUE recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Electrical system:ignition
Problem: 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 occupant or pedestrian injuries.
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 manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Seat belts:front:anchorage
Problem: Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some vehicles were produced with rear outer seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were incorrectly installed.
Risk: If these bolts were incorrectly installed, they would not withstand the load requirements of the standard. If an anchorage failed in a crash, the occupant would not be properly restrained and could have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear shoulder guide anchor bolts. Owner notification began december 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Timing chain failure (PE06006) — opened Jan 24, 2006, closed Jun 6, 2006.
- Rear suspension toe control link (PE04052) — opened Jul 22, 2004, closed Nov 1, 2004.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Air intake throttle is faulty. Making the engine run rough and causing other problems such as excessive fuel consumption. *tr
The ignition is fault. The key can be removed when vehicle is in on position. *tr
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…
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
Other Saturn VUE years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 VUE | 6 | 0 |
| 2009 VUE | 118 | 2 |
| 2008 VUE | 406 | 3 |
| 2007 VUE | 286 | 0 |
| 2006 VUE | 300 | 0 |
| 2005 VUE | 170 | 0 |
| 2004 VUE | 276 | 2 |
| 2003 VUE | 622 | 1 |
| 2002 | 167 | 2 |
See all Saturn VUE problems by year, every Saturn model, or the VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Saturn VUE?
Owners most often report electrical system, engine and engine cooling, power train problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 52 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Saturn VUE?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2002 Saturn VUE a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other VUE model years, the 2002 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.