Saturn VUE Steering Problems
Owners have filed 286 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Saturn VUE across 9 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (86). The words owners use most often: “steering column” (9% of reports).
- 286steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 10mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 29%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.
- Steering column: mentioned in 26 of 286 complaints (9%)
- Key ignition: mentioned in 19 of 286 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 220 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 286 complaints, 10 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 5 an injury.
Saturn VUE steering complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
Model years: 2009
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
Model years: 2008, 2009
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> .
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get…
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…
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the dashboard on the passengerâs side. The contact stated that the abnormal grinding sound was also…
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000…
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Saturn VUEs have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 286 owner complaints about steering 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 steering?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Saturn VUE?
The most frequent phrase is “steering column”, in 26 of 286 complaints, followed by “key ignition” (19).
Other Saturn VUE problems
- Electrical System problems (683)
- Power Train problems (649)
- Air Bags problems (307)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (148)
- Engine problems (143)
- Suspension problems (129)
See all Saturn VUE problems.