10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
80,765 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.

2004 Saturn Vue drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2004 Saturn Vue Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #24

Feb 192014

Vue 4-cyl

  • 99,485 miles

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

Transmission totally destroyed as per towing company. As many claimants before this is a well known problem of this year car. I think a class action settlement was reached with General Motors.

- Cocoa Beach, FL, USA

problem #23

Feb 092014

Vue 4-cyl

  • 145,192 miles
The transmission for my Saturn Vue (2004) was replaced in 2010 when my vehicle had 77637 miles. The transmission was replaced in 2010 after receiving a letter from Saturn notifying of issue with intelligence (vti) transmission and my vehicle experiencing issues. My now second transmission is having the same problems the first transmission had. The mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle has said that it is not normal for a vehicle to have the same transmission issue and I know my family and friends have not experience this type of issue with their vehicles. This leads me to believe that this is not normal and that the issue with the intelligence (vti) transmission has not been resolved. I am asking for GMC to cover the cost to replace the new defected transmission for my vehicle. I would like for this issue to be escalated. My experience with GMC product and customer services I receive from jay has left me very disappointed and dissatisfied with GMC. I would like to know if there is anyone who can help me fight this issue with GMC.

- Azusa, CA, USA

problem #22

Jun 162013

Vue

  • miles
2004 Saturn Vue. Consumer writes in regards to transmission failure.

- Iowa City, IA, USA

problem #21

Jul 222013

Vue

  • 114,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate and began slipping out of gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the transmission was slipping and would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

- Garnet Valley, PA, USA

problem #20

Jun 072013

Vue

  • 140,000 miles
We bought a 2004 Saturn Vue IN2007. In 2010 we started having trouble with the transmission. We were told that there was a class action suit because we had a vti transmission. We paid 50/50 to have the transmission changed. Now 40 000 miles later the transmission is gone again. GM knew this was a faulty transmission. The only compensation we were offered is $4,000 toward a new GM car!

- Westbrook, ME, USA

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problem #19

Feb 062008

Vue 4-cyl

  • 92,374 miles
Check engine light went on and at the same time a visible loss in acceleration was noticed at all times when taken off. Also a whining noise was heard coming from the engine compartment idling and when moving. Taken in to the dealership, a slipping transmission was diagnosed and it was replaced for another (different number) original GM transmission part number, cooler flushed, tcm calibrated. A charge for $ 5324 was paid for the replacement, no extended warranty was available any longer, although forced to buy when the vehicle was purchased.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #18

Dec 272011

Vue 4-cyl

  • 78,456 miles

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

Started having transmission problems about a month ago. I went online to find that the transmission I have is a known problem for Saturn. I called Saturn and they informed me that nothing could be done for me. I then called GM and they informed me that they would pay half of the trans cost or give me 5000 for new GM vehicle. That's not an option cause this car is paid off and don't want car payments at this time. My issue is if Saturn or GM knows about this problem why aren't they doing anything about it and what do I need to do to get this solved and get a new transmission in my vehicle. My vehicle only has 78*** miles on it I should not have to be worrying about this so soon. Thank you for your time and help.

- Winter Springs, FL, USA

problem #17

Mar 032011

Vue 4-cyl

  • 20 miles
To start with it started shuttering when it would shift in the lower gears. As time went on it got where it didn't want to shift out of first and second gear. However one morning I was on my way to a doctors appointment, I stopped filled up with gas and get some coffee and as I returned for my destination I pulled out of the store and was waiting on it to shift and something popped and I had to get off the road because it lost all power.I have since been told that there is no transmissions to be found because there is so many problems with the same vehicle and the same part ! so how many complaints does it take for a recall to be investigated? I'm broke and cant afford to put any more money into a vehicle still paying for and on a fixed income.

- Rutherfordton, NC, USA

problem #16

May 172011

Vue

  • 142,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact was driving 30 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The instrument panel lights illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who performed a diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was located at the transmission, which would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and denied any assistance with repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 142,000.

- Port Orange , FL, USA

problem #15

May 112011

Vue 4-cyl

  • 142,000 miles
The transmission is faulty, and costs more to repair than the price of the entire vehicle.

- Port Orange, FL, USA

problem #14

Oct 012011

Vue 6-cyl

  • 138,000 miles

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

At slower speeds when cold the 2004 AWD V6 Saturn Vue vehicle changed rpms (200-300rpm) with a steady pedal and load. The symptoms appeared to get better after driving for 15-20min. My repair shop first thought an eternal valve and then transmission software programming.

- Pinckney, MI, USA

problem #13

Mar 042011

Vue

  • 44,550 miles
My 2004 Saturn Vue AWD, equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission (engine/transmission supplied to GM by Honda) has 44,550 original miles on the odometer when I recently experienced a transmission vibration or shaking motion (judder or shudder) while driving at speeds between 20 and 45 mph. GM has issued customer satisfaction program recall 10285 - V2386 in February 2001 for this exact same problem but it only covers 2005, 2006 and 2007 Vues. The recall reprograms the powertrain control module to correct the problem. The exact same engine/transmission is used in the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 Vues yet GM has chosen to ignore 2004 Vue owners with the problem. I have written to GM's customer & relationship services but their only reply is "your VIN is not covered". someone needs to force GM to acknowledge the 2004 Saturn Vue with the Honda supplied engine/auto transmission has this problem and make them reprogram the 2004 powertrain control module as they have done with the other model years.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #12

Feb 282009

Vue

  • 125,000 miles
My vehicle has a shudder / vibration in the front end while speeding up between the speeds of 20-45mph. It occurs multiple times per day. I purchased the vehicle used so I cannot be for sure when it started but it has done it ever since I bought the vehicle.

- Sterling, KS, USA

problem #11

Jul 312009

Vue 4-cyl

  • miles
2004 Saturn Vue. Consumer states failure of transmission the consumer was driving the vehicle at the time of the failure. However, the vehicle belongs to her aunt.

- Ocean, NJ, USA

problem #10

Jun 242007

Vue

  • 90,000 miles
I have a 2004 Saturn Vue that came out of park with no keys in the ignition and my 4yr old son fell out of vehicle and was ran over. We are able to take the key out of the ignition without it being in the "off position" and put the vehicle in neutral, reverse, and drive without applying my foot on the brake. The vehicle has not been repaired and is parked on the advice of my attorneys. The key was removed from the accessory position with the shifter in park. Being in the accessory position allowed the shifter to be moved from park without an application of the brake pedal. *smch

- Antwerp, OH, USA

problem #9

Oct 012008

Vue 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
My 2004 Saturn V6 Saturn Vue has started a shudder/growling noise in the drive train that's prevalent in the 20 -25, 30-35mph, 40 -45mph and now at 50-50mph. Or when moderately acceleration or coasting. The vehicle had about 100K miles on it now but started around 70K. I purchased the car at 68,500K miles. The frequency of occurrence is difficult to predict but seems to be happening as often as those specific conditions (mph/coasting) present - does not happen when accelerating quickly. I have taken my car to numerous shops engine repair, transmission, and other well names repair places. All of them tell me my car is fine, but the last shop which did the transmission check on computer said the engine had over 1,000 miss fires. I called to Saturn and there tech said " U don't have to explain no more" it is the torque converter and I have replaced many." If this is such a well occurring problem why isn't Saturn paying for these repairs. My concern now is when it rains and the car stutters I lose all wheel traction going up heels and on turns. I feel like I have no control. I have read online and found may issues that are the same I believe Saturn needs to fix these manufacturing issues and not leave them on the consumer. I spent $10,000 on my Saturn and just finished college I do not have $4,5000 to spend on a car that is only worth $9,000 -$7,000 blue book.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #8

Apr 252009

Vue 4-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
A 2004 Saturn Vue with a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder motor with automatic transmission. After a replacement of the vti transmission under the class action lawsuit a severe rattle and vibration under the hood was detected. Upon returning to the dealer for diagnoses, the problem was found to be the timing chain. The dealership says that it is impossible for the 2 problems to be related. I had no problem before the transmission. They are refusing to take care of the problem with the timing chain. I have found there is a recall on the L series car with the same engine for a defect in the timing chain. I have also found there have been many other timing chain issues with the Vue that has the same motor. The dealership fails to recognize that there is a defect with this vehicle. The vehicle has 94,000 miles on it.

- Fishers, IN, USA

problem #7

Apr 102009

Vue 4-cyl

  • 145,100 miles
I have a 2004 Saturn Vue 4 cylinder AWD with a vti transmission. I don't have the VIN on me, it is with the car at the lot right now. I have now had three transmissions just up and die on me. The first time it died, I lost reverse and got it to the dealer before drive went out. The second one went out on me at 3 am and I managed to milk it to safety. This last one I went to go from a stop sign, got going just enough to get me into traffic and it died. I avoided an accident, however I have read a lot of these stories online. This last transmission only has about 30,000 miles on it. The first was serviced at 50,000 and died at 60,000 and the second was serviced at 50,000 and died a week or 2 later.

- Medford, OR, USA

problem #6

Apr 042008

Vue

  • 15,000 miles
1. brakes. I have had the front brakes and rotors replaced/cut down on this car on the average of about every 20K. I consider this abnormal wear and before you respond with driving conditions, and my other Saturn sl needed brakes on the average of 60K with the same driving conditions. When I questioned soe they told me that it was my driving habits, but as of the recent events, I have begun to question their diagnosis of any problems related to my car. 2. transmission shifting/wobble/shimmy/vibration. I have complained since new that this transmission has shifted rough, and I was told working as designed. Nobody has been able to find anything wrong yet this problem still exists. 3. tire wear related to recall. I had to request that my vehicle have the recall performed on it. Yet, after doing research and watching my tires wear. Sometimes in less that 15K something I would consider prematurely, even for performance tires, and reading several owner sites my wear is indicative of a service not being performed. 4. wheel bearing wear. I have had to have my front wheel bearings replaced 2X in the last 30K. The first occurrence was at 72K when the first replacement was made, and the 2nd was at 99K it was during the 72K service I complained my rotors warping(since I had 2 sets replaced/cut previously) and I was told it was just worn tires and they would not even consider the brake issue, until I purchased new tires. I purchased new tires and the wobbly sound was louder than now that there was new tires on the vehicle. So then recommended replacing the rotors, when I asked about brake pads they told me it was unnecessary. Seemingly illogical, since you had to remove the brake pads anyway, and tired of arguing I did not push the issue, as I needed my car, and loaner availability seemed to dry up since I was out so far out of the factory warranty.

- Glendale Heights , IL, USA

problem #5

May 192005

Vue 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles
Owner of 2004 Saturn ati tranny 4 cyl Vue, 3 transmissions failures, 35K, 79K, 130K. Saturn replaced only one, paid for one and then gave the vehicle away to the purple heart group. Is there a car class action lawsuit I can file with?

- Pearland, TX, USA

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