2.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,365 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2003 Saturn Vue Owner Comments

problem #14

Apr 012021

Vue

  • 157,233 miles

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

Both of my rear tires are leaning in and looks like the camber bolts have broken off and could really cause a bad accident even death if I didn't see it. I travel 1800mi a week and just had a blow out because tires wore so bad and they are only a year old.

- Cleveland, TN, USA

problem #13

Oct 052016

Vue

  • 154,877 miles
In October 2016 my son was driving home from work. As he turned a corner in the city he heard a crack and the vehicle steered into a curb. Fortunately there were no pedestrians nor other vehicles near by. He was able to gingerly drive the vehicle home (1 mile). During a test drive, it was apparent the vehicle had a significant issue with the suspension. Investigation indicated all ball joints, sway bars and equivalent were in good condition. After taking it into a suspension shop they advised that the driver side front sub frame rusted through causing the unstable steering. They noted the passenger side is almost rusted through and the vehicle is not road worthy. Likewise with the amount of rust under neither replacing the sub frame was not recommended. Researching this condition on the internet it appears to be a common issue in certain regions of the United States. Up until this summer I used to drive this down the interstate daily. I'm thankful I stopped and likewise that my son was not on an open road. The consumers need to know about this condition and all mechanic shops should be investigating for this premature frame failure. Injury accidents will be a guarantee at higher speeds.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #12

Dec 292014

Vue 4-cyl

  • 165,000 miles
My vehicle is under safety recall for ignition and rear lateral links. I ordered parts at cropper's Chevrolet in nogales, AZ on 12/29/2014. The parts are still not in despite my follow up calls. I am having trouble with the ignition and the key gets stuck. They said GM is not sending them the parts in a timely manner. While I was typing this, the parts department of cropper's called back and said they do have the parts and my appointment is scheduled for 8 am on 2/26/2015. Amazing what can happen when you finally start to complain.

- Nogales, AZ, USA

problem #11

Sep 142012

Vue 6-cyl

  • 115,293 miles

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

As I was driving my and it car began to pull to the right and the tires began to squeal. In my mind I thought I thought I needed better tires and a wheel alignment. As I was driving to get the tires and alignment I heard a cracking from underneath the car, this really scared me. At this point the pull to the right was even stronger. I arrive to a tire shop and put tires on thinking this would be better but it was the same so I drove across the street to a mechanic to get a wheel alignment and the mechanic came out and went underneath the car when he came back up he stated that "your subframe and chasis is cracked all the way through, park it immediately for safety reasons, in his 20 years of experience as a mechanic he only saw his twice the first time was in another car that was recalled and mine that should be on recall with the level of danger, especially because I see you have a baby's car seat in your backseat". he also said even an older car should not have a subframe crack like this, and that the motor can fall out while I'm driving and the wheels will collapse. What am I supposed to do I can't even trade it in and it's worth $5500 and the cost would be fananimal to fix. I can't get to work and even child car this is horrible. Please help.this is a defective car and the worst I have ever had.

- Schenectady, NY, USA

problem #10

Jan 162006

Vue 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,707 miles
2003 Saturn Vue. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle transmission issues in March of 2004, the consumer received a letter from Saturn stating there was a problem with vehicles equipped with vti transmissions and it would require repair or replacement. The transmission was replaced at that time by Saturn. However, since then the transmission has been replaced four times. GM informed the consumer, they would charge him half for replacing the transmission. Also, the link bushings were replaced.

- Woodbury, CT, USA

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problem #9

Sep 032012

Vue

  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, a bolt broke off the rear driver side wheel causing the sub frame to crack and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and stated that the lower control arm and the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 83,000. The VIN was not available.

- Sioux City, IA, USA

problem #8

Jan 052012

Vue 4-cyl

  • 102,000 miles

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

While driving 20 mph heard a clunk by the back rear passenger tire, the top of the right rear tire was tilted in. Appeared to have a broken lateral arm which was attached to the frame. If I would have been going any rate of speed this could have been a serious issue. I feel this is a serious safety hazard. I contacted Saturn who took my claim and admitted there was a recall on the lateral arm in 2005. This supposely was taken in to a dealership and fixed. I didn't own this vehicle then. Saturn refuses to be responsible for this issue and said it very likely couldve been a faultly part but since it has been taken care of in 2005 no longer responsible. I feel I could have killed myself, lost control and/or hurt someone else if I would have lost control.

- Dubuque, IA, USA

problem #7

Jul 022010

Vue

  • miles
I have had to replace wheel bearings, the brakes 2X in 2 years, gone through 2 sets of tires and now I have to replace the electric steering column.

- Morrill, ME, USA

problem #6

May 192008

Vue

  • miles
I have had continued suspension problems with my 2003 Saturn Vue AWD V-6. I have gone through several sets of tires with the tires wearing unevenly. I have taken it to the dealership, complaining of loud noise coming from the front end near the tires. They did not find it. I have had the sway bars replaced, and now believe that my front wheel bearing need to be replaced. I have subsequently found many, many complaints on the internet dealing with the same problem, of suspension, wheel bearing failure, and loud noise coming from the vehicles. I have also found multiple cases where owners have had to replace their wheel bearing more than once. I am very concerned about my safety, now that I know that it is not an isolated incident.

- Tehachapi, CA, USA

problem #5

Nov 172003

Vue 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Vue failed to start. The vehicle made squeaking noises when the consumer made a right turn, in addition to various other rumblings. The consumer experienced problems with the rotors, bearings and transmission. A special wheel bearing had to be ordered as well as a special side cover and hardware for the transmission. The coolant switch was defective. The rear wipers would stick. The gas gauge would only read 3/4 full. The air condition stopped working and the hot and cold knob did not go all the to cool. The starter was replaced which was the reason the vehicle wasn't starting. The transfer case seal was replaced.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #4

Apr 012003

Vue 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3 miles

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

: the contact stated there has been ongoing problems with the vehicle since it was purchased. The suspension was unstable which caused the vehicle to sway and transmission caused the vehicle to pull to one side. The sales dealer has inspected the vehicle several times and determined there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The contact was informed by the dealer the 30-day limit on a lemon had expired.

- Birdsboro, PA, USA

problem #3

Jan 162006

Vue 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Vue hood release cable and windshield wiper motor was replaced. The rear differential was replaced (warranty). While repairing the rear differential the technician noticed that the prompt shaft center bearing was broken (warranty). There was noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The technician determined that the transaxle. The technician updated the tcm and added cvt additive (warranty). The check engine light illuminated on the dash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the oxygen sensor was faulty (warranty). The air bag and horn were also replaced.

- Mineola, NY, USA

problem #2

Dec 042002

Vue

  • miles
We have continually had our struts adjusted/and or replaced. We have brought the car in for repair more than 15 times in less than 2 years. We have had the struts replaced at least 4 times and had to have tires replaced due to alignment issues caused by the strut problems. The car was first brought in about 11 days after purchase and almost every month - month and a half since then.

- College Station, TX, USA

problem #1

Mar 092004

Vue 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,000 miles
The car pulls to the right when accelerating. This happens from a stop as well as when at highway speeds. I feel it is very unsafe and could cause an accident.

- Cottage Grove, WI, USA

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