10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,483 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Saturn Vue drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2003 Saturn Vue Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #67

Sep 242014

Vue

  • 132,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving home going 35-45 mph and all of a sudden had no power. Managed to safely pull to the side of the road. Tried to turn car back on, put into gear and nothing happened. Had car towed to mechanic and the said I needed a new transmission. Unfortunately he didn't know I had recently purchased this vehicle ( a little over a year ago) and the transmission had been rebuilt. I put on less then 20000 miles on it when this happened.

- Bangor, ME, USA

problem #66

Jan 172014

Vue 6-cyl

  • 110,482 miles
I took the car to a GM dealer for routine service. Service manager said key was worn down and could be removed while not in park. Said a new key needed to be cut and they charged for it. I told the manager I never had a key wear down, and the key was on a ring with other keys, including an older car, and there were no issues with keys wearing down. Manager said there was nothing he could do about it. Sounds related to the ignition recall, so I'm concerned that the service manager was not even aware of it, and still has not contacted me about the recall. If that is not covering up the ignition issue, it is a good example of poor reporting and tracking of the issue.

- Doylestown, PA, USA

problem #65

Apr 012014

Vue

  • 98,652 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the transmission failed. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer of was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,652.

- Alexandria, IN, USA

problem #64

Sep 012014

Vue

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2003 Saturn Vue. Consumer writes in regards to transmission and key problems.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #63

Apr 222014

Vue

  • 148,381 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into drive or reverse intermittently. Also, the vehicle failed to shift out of park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,381.

- Forest Park, GA, USA

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problem #62

Jul 102010

Vue

  • 119,000 miles
Transmission problem: We were driving about 45 miles per hour and transmission started bucking and engine completely shut down -- was not getting any acceleration and would not go. We waited about 10 minutes and restarted the engine and continued on. Since then this problem has been repetitive through today, July 10, 2014.

- Gretna, LA, USA

problem #61

Sep 082012

Vue 6-cyl

  • 67,800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car would hesitate intermittently while driving and would not move forward. Also on September 24, 2012 the car would not start, just crank, eventually it did start and I took it to libertyville Chevrolet, libertyvile, ilinois, for service and they replaced the faulty ignition switch. I believe the scope of the General Motors recall should be expanded to include this make and model. I have notified General Motors and received a case number, [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Vernon Hils, IL, USA

problem #60

Mar 272014

Vue 4-cyl

  • 145,000 miles
Was driving around 45 mph and suddenly the reduced power light came on. Vehicle slowed to a stop. I turned vehicle off and restarted but transmission would not engage. I had the vehicle towed to my home where it has been sitting. I am researching how to get the tcm to communicate with the engine computer. I wrote to GM for assistance regarding the lawsuit with Saturn vehicles and they arrogantly replied back "that they are longer addressing additional communication on this subject." How arrogant!

- Manteno, IL, USA

problem #59

May 072014

Vue

  • 91,000 miles
I bought a 2003 Saturn Vue from auto deals located in baltimore, Maryland. Approximately 3 weeks later the car begin jerking and pulling. I had my six year old daughter in the vehicle. I notified the establishment on May 7-9 without a return call. I brought my car in on 5/12/2014 and had the owner test drive it. He felt the jerking and pulling. I stated I felt unsafe to drive it. The dealership took my vehicle and I have not seen it since 5/12/2014. I had to find my vehicle at jerry's Chevrolet who gave me an invoice for almost $7000 for the transmission having to be replaced. I had the car less than a month. I can't afford to replace this. I would like some help! I am out of my money and a vehicle. Noone is willing to speak with me. It has been a nightmare!

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #58

Apr 222014

Vue

  • miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle jerked violently. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.

- Hope, IN, USA

problem #57

Mar 112014

Vue 4-cyl

  • 63,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The Saturn Vue has a low mileage and the car has transmission problems and this is very alarming, the car will overheat and does not want to drive at all.

- Florissant, MO, USA

problem #56

Jan 112014

Vue 4-cyl

  • 121,221 miles
Los angeles ca. Heading North bound on 5 frwy doing about sixty and car sounded like the transmission slipped into neutral, engine winded up in rpms, the gear was in drive position, with no acceleration I coasted to a stop at bottom of next exit. I was towed to my mechanic and was told the transmission had to be replaced at a cost of over 5500. Dollars. I'm extremely upset and wondered is there anything I can do to recieve any compernsation or assistance to get this repaired? I looked at internet and found there are many unsatified customes with the same experience. Please let me know if there's any way you can help. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #55

Apr 202010

Vue

  • 105,000 miles
I purchased this car in 12/2009 and one day in April 2010, I was driving down the street and all of a sudden, my car didn't want to go anywhere. I have to get a new transmission that cost me $4200 and I even worked for the company where I had bought the car and where I had to have it repaired at. Then in 11/2012, good thing the transmission was still under warranty because I had to have it replaced again. Well I was once again driving down the street and my car did the exact same thing as it did the last 2 times. I had to have it towed to a garage and found out that there's metal chips in my transmission. I contacted the dealership where the first transmission was put in and my warranty expired 4/2013. I contacted GM and everyone I could with no help. I've read several people are having the same exact thing going on with their Vues and heard that GM settle a recall on Vues transmissions. When are you going to do something about this problem and when are we getting reimbursed for our troubles.

- Williamsport, PA, USA

problem #54

Aug 192013

Vue 4-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
Was driving one day, and I noticed that it was running different. When I would come to a stop, then press the gas pedal to accelerate. It would take a while to shift into gear. It ran like that the first day. The next day when leaving my home, it wouldn't shift into gear. It finally moved after trying a few times, then stopped again. I took it to a shop to find out the problem. Turns out that it was the transmission.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #53

Jul 012013

Vue 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Vue. Consumer writes in regards to transmission failure and consumer seeks reimbursement for repairs. The repair shop stated the transmission had disintegrated and it could not be re-built. Ten days after the transmission was replaced, the check engine light illuminated followed by the loss of power light, at which time the vehicle dangerously slowed down to 10 mph. The vehicle was towed back to the repair shop, where they replaced the electronic accelerator pedal unit at their expense, which was a known Saturn factory service bulletin issue. The vehicle was fine for a couple of days, then the problem returned. It was towed back to the repair shop again. The repair shop performed an extensive diagnostics, but they could not find a definitive source. The problem happened again, after retrieving the vehicle. The repair shop had the vehicle towed to another facility. However, they were unable to resolve the issue.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #52

Jul 032013

Vue 4-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
While I was out running errands I was coming up to main intersection on the highway & lost all power. Engine was still running but I had no power at all. It stopped shifting. I was fortunate to be able to pull off the side of road before it came to a complete stop. I was stranded there for an hour before anyone could come get me. I ended up having to have it towed. This is my only means of transportation. I am a single woman in the South with no immediate family in this state. I had no way to get to work for 2 weeks and no income to rent a car. Everything that I have read online, in car forums and on complaint boards say this is a common problem with this vehicle. If so, why hasn't GM had a recall on these transmissions" I had to have a remanufactured transmission installed at a GM dealership that cost me $4200 that I did not have. The vehicle is only worth $3100, at best, at kelly blue book. Is there anything that can be done"

- Gainesville, GA, USA

problem #51

Jul 122012

Vue

  • miles
2003 Saturn Vue transmission problems and more the date of sale: 12/05/2008. The loan officer claims states everything was ok with the Vue before purchase per her review. However the transmission is slipping, rear hub bearing, noise coming from left side beginning Jan 14, 2009- to current. We reported to the dealership and return to service department with the following report: Brakes making noise all the time and burning smell from vents. Saturn dealership in concord repair: Front brake rotor refinishing and the teach comments: Unable to verify any smells this visit. A/C drain not restricted. Called GM in detroit, mi (no help) and they are aware that the Vue was return because of the same complaints; my daughter met the lady who purchases the Vue 2003 at a foster care meeting in concord in 2009, she ask about the rack that was on top of Vue 3/24/2009: Filed a claim with BBB auto line program: Claim the warranty expired on 7/31/06. I purchase the Vue in 2008. --what does that mean. On March 21, 2012 checked the transmission with transmission center in our area: Advice could not confirm trans slippage, it needs rear hub bearing. We replace the hub bearing, but the noise and slippage continued. That summer (June 2012) I traveled to oakland with the debutantes (5 young ladies including my granddaughter to eat) in route in traffic the Vue begin to lose its power and came to a complete stop. Car's going around us-it was crazy and nice men can and push the Vue to the side of the road. Called the dealership today Sunday July 8, 2013 and at 1:50pm pst.--spoke with the sales consultant who promises to have the owner call me back. He did and asks how I can help you. I explained once again the problem and he said" sounds like you need a new car". I disconnected the called...very disrespectfully--not funny. I've check the internet and called other transmission center: Cost range $3,999. Please help me retrieve some or all of my money back. Respectfully [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informatio

- Brentwood, CA, USA

problem #50

May 082012

Vue 4-cyl

  • 76,592 miles
Motor transmission fails to move forward or backwards even though engine starts fine.

- Allentown, PA, USA

problem #49

Jun 152013

Vue 4-cyl

  • miles
Much regret I ever purchased this Saturn Vue 2003, I left my home yesterday was left stranded in the road as the transmission started felt like skipping and when I had to stop for a vehicle coming in the road it wouldn't drive at all! wouldn't go in gear for the drive or reverse!! so someone called a sheriff. I then called a friend who had to come and push vehicle out of road traffic. This transmission was replaced in 2010 it's as if it was never done! this is my only means of transportation for work so needless to say I am out of work yesterday, and today!!! calling Saturn service at 7:30 am sure they are going to jump right on it (sarcasm). The past month the electrical will blink on and off. Then after a while of driving it goes completely out. Until the next drive then the blinking starts. I hope no one has a young new driver attempting to drive these vehicles. They are by no means safe!!! my 16 year old daughter wouldn't have been able to handle what I went through with this vehicle yesterday. It would have put a young female at risk!!! I do not have thousands of dollars to sink into this vehicle I still owe $7,000 on an undriveable vehicle. I am a homeowner with a mortgage and a single parent that work hours have been cut back drastically at work. I didn't know about the lawsuit until now I now understand why when I went to try and trade this vehicle a few months back to no avail makes sense now why no car dealer wanted this vehicle!!! everything makes sense why no one would trade! I have always been able to trade vehicles until now. This is my last GM vehicle. To say the least. I have no family here to help with my problem so I am certainly open for suggestions should someone have any"?" thanks

- Mcleansville, NC, USA

problem #48

May 142013

Vue

  • 99,200 miles
The transmission of this vehicle has caused a class action lawsuit already, but they are still being sold with these horrible transmissions. I bought my 2003 Vue less than two weeks ago and while I was driving around to run errands my transmission would not go in gear in order to drive. It would go in reverse, but not forward.

- Noblesville, IN, USA

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