2009 Saturn VUE Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other VUE years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 8th of 9 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Saturn VUE. That ranks 8th out of 9 VUE model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (38 complaints, 32%), typically at around 88,895 miles. Complaints mention 8 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 118owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 8complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2009 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 38 | 32% | 88,895 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 35 | 30% | 57,500 | — | — |
| Power Train | 14 | 12% | 80,950 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 10 | 8% | 65,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 9 | 8% | 120,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 8% | 109,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 8 | 7% | 64,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 7 | 6% | 117,500 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | 6% | 87,410 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 4% | 59,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 4% | 106,850 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 3% | 53,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 3 | 3% | 19,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 3 | 3% | 67,955 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 3% | 45,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | 119,000 | — | — |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 1% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1% | 64,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1% | 15,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | 100,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1% | 20,869 | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2009 Saturn VUE recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
Problem: Gm is recalling 2,149 my 2009 saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing. This could cause the tie rod to separate from the knuckle.
Risk: Although steering control of the vehicle could be maintained after a tie rod separation by the unaffected wheel on smooth roads or during light braking, with more significant suspension or braking inputs, the affected wheel could turn out and skid. If a vehicle built with two incorrect steering knuckles had both tie rods separate at the same time, steering control of the vehicle would be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on december 8, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Problem: 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.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump. If there are no signs of a fluid leak, dealers will tighten the nut. If a fluid leak is present, dealer will tighten the nut and check the fluid level. The recall began on september 26, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .
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.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was inoperable while attempting to reverse. The…
Stalls stops, with Engine power reduced, stabilitrak off. After turning or braking. Engine light with down arrow. Accident probability. DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF ON HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY RD!
Vehicle has lost power steering. Difficult to steer especially in reverse and sometimes in turning left. If wheels are not completely straight, you have turn with all the strength you can muster. Reluctant to turn left unless you have twice as much time as you should need to avoid an accident.
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…
For the third time since purchasing my car in 2009 I am having problems removing the key from the ignition cylinder. On 11/16/17 the floor shifter was replaced. On 09/11/20 another one was replaced. On 10/07/22 having problems again removing the key. Will take car in for service again.
Other Saturn VUE years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 VUE | 6 | 0 |
| 2009 | 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 VUE | 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 2009 Saturn VUE?
Owners most often report steering, electrical system, power train problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 38 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Saturn VUE?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2009 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 2009 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.