Saturn VUE Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 649 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Saturn VUE across 8 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (316). The words owners use most often: “vti transmission” (10% of reports).
- 649power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 20mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $7,100typical repair cost reported by owners
- 26%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Vti transmission: mentioned in 63 of 649 complaints (10%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Saturn VUE at $7,100, and half of them between $4,900 and $8,800.
Based on 45 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2006–2023), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 541 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 649 complaints, 20 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 9 an injury.
Saturn VUE power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2008
Problem: Gm is recalling 26 my 2008 saturn vue vehicles equipped with a 6t70 6-speed automatic transmission. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the transmission case side bore that holds the park pawl pivot pin may have a casting porosity. This condition, coupled with normal operating stresses, could lead to failure, eliminating the ability to secure the transmission in 'park' position.
Risk: If this happens while the vehicle is parked on a non-level surface, the vehicle could roll without warning and cause injury to people in its path.
Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 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> .
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
This is more information related to Complaint 11761129: After online researching of other '03 2.2L Saturn Vue-owners stalling experiences, it appears that this vehicle has a long history of others like me: an unsafe, unpredictable stalling problem which carries no warnings or logging of error codes…
Car stalled while driving in traffic XXX. Engine died. Warning lights ON. Restarted. Stalled 3 more times in traffic but luckily had space to pull off & engine restarted. Made it into my garage. Restarted, Check Engine Light was ON, but went OFF after time. Car would NOT move in gear. Retried…
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…
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
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Saturn VUEs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 649 owner complaints about power train for the Saturn VUE. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Saturn VUE power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Saturn VUE?
Owners report a typical cost of $7,100 (half paid between $4,900 and $8,800), from 45 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Saturn VUE?
The most frequent phrase is “vti transmission”, in 63 of 649 complaints.
Other Saturn VUE problems
- Electrical System problems (683)
- Air Bags problems (307)
- Steering problems (286)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (148)
- Engine problems (143)
- Suspension problems (129)
See all Saturn VUE problems.