NHTSA — Electrical System: Ignition: Switch Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,644 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2003 Saturn Vue Owner Comments

problem #5

Aug 212014

Vue

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. While driving various speeds, the key inadvertently ejected from the ignition switch and it began to smoke. The failure occurred several times. An independent mechanic stated that the ignition switch was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

- Amarillo , TX, USA

problem #4

Mar 102008

Vue 6-cyl

  • miles
Ignition locks up and cannot turn to start car. Can loosen up by wiggling steering wheel, gear shift or key. Has been happening for years but complaints were ignored. Now hearing about GM's ignition recall. I'm very concerned.

- Lynden, WA, USA

problem #3

Dec 102007

Vue 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. When the key was placed in the ignition, the key would not turn until several minutes later. The dealer stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 43,000 and current mileage was 43,300.

- Hollywood , FL, USA

problem #2

Dec 202007

Vue 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,420 miles
Saturn 2003 Vue with vti transmission was purchased new in 10/02. At 76,000 miles when accelerating to get on highway, the RPM's were roaring and the speedometer was dropping. Pulled on shoulder and was able to drive car at 30 mph a few miles to the Saturn creve coeur dealer, who met us getting out of the car, and told us he could not even look at our car to go somewhere else! drove sides streets 30 mph to South county Saturn dealer where purchased. After test driving they stated they thought the range switch was bad. No longer under extended warranty it would cost $452 to replace. After read about others complaints on this site, and having never heard of a range switch I am leary of spending the $452 only to have them tell me the next time it happens that the transmission will need to be replaced. Recently had problems with ignition sticking when turning the key. They told me it was some switch then too and the next day it did the same thing. Then I was told that I needed a whole new ignition after they held the key and ground it down! I do not trust them. Car has not had a problems the past few days. I will never buy another Saturn!

- Affton, MO, USA

problem #1

Aug 072007

Vue 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,800 miles
Ignition switch/control "locks" when exiting the vehicle, and then is extremely difficult to unlock, while attempting to start the car.... Vue is 4 years old, with 33,000 miles... vehicle has done this since the first day I owned it. Complained to dealership a year ago, during routine maintenance check, and was told that I must be yanking the steering wheel to the left into "lock" position while getting out of the car! seriouly, if it was that difficult to turn the key in the ignition while starting it, do they think I would deliberately do this? ignition switch/control completely failed 8/7. had to called aaa twice for help; first time the tow truck driver banged on the key while it was in the ignition and it unlocked...said he sees this all of the time and that the control was probably going out. I called dealership and made an appt. To take it in, to be checked. Second time, same day @10 pm....again aaa driver had to bang on the key, to get it unlocked...immediately drove it to the dealership and left it in their driveway to service in the morning. Awaiting call on cost of repairs.. more than likely out of warranty now. My Saturn L300 sedan, did the same thing.....traded it for the Vue when my lease was up. A co-worker says his ion does it, and his daughter's older model L200 has always done this....

- Overland Park , KS, USA

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