8.0
pretty bad
wheels / hubs problem
Got 2003 Saturn Vue in Feb.2014 I have already put in a new computer in this suv. cost $536. Now wheel hub assembly for another $225. One month later, back in shop for new caliper, rotor, hose and brake pads. All this so far for another $250. When does it stop.
- Michael W., Chatham, VA, US
I have a 2003 VUE 4 cylinder manual transmission. For the most part, the car has been dependable. AT 120K the wheel bearings started to fail. Within a few months, I had to replace all 4, this was back in 2008/9. Recently, the front bearings began to fail at 250,000. No big deal but i would expect replacement bearings to last at least 100k. As of August 12 of 2014, I have replaced the front left wheel bearing 3 times, and now on the fourth set, all within a few months. Seems there is a problem with bearings and not the VUE vehicle as my repair shop has had other GM vehicles with same problems when using same parts supplier. All in all this vehicle has been dependable and inexpensive to maintain. (all of the recent bearings were serviced under warranty) I am also glad I have the manual transmission as opposed to the automatic.
- Mark D., Newmarket, Ontario, canada
When the wheel hub first went bad and was changed it was the original assembly, not bad 10 years (same with clutch). The Vue always starts, gets great gas mileage and is very dependable. It is a manual transmission.
The only complaint I have is that this is the 3rd time in 2 years the front end has needed hubs,ball joints and others. The parts have a lifetime warranty, or should I say since that has now changed to two years. The parts were ordered from GM so they are manufacturer, not cheap and they have repeatedly gone bad and needed replacement. If my husband didn't do the work himself I don't know how much this would have cost us but I'm sure A LOT. I have not had any problems AT ALL with engine and tranny though.
- Jennifer C., West Sunbury, PA, US
This car whirred like a piece of junk from the day we got it. By 43000 miles, it was unbearable. I took it to the dealer, where they said that it needed a hub assembly. A great deal at $800 parts & labor. It sounded much nicer after this repair. At the same time, they rebuilt the transmission. I took the car to Carmax immediately after picking up from dealer and sold it to them. I'm happier in my 94 Jeep Cherokee with 128,000 miles that still has all its original wheel bearings.
- Chuck W., Columbus, OH, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The front bearings in the wheel hubs are horrible, and clearly a design fault that was never corrected by Saturn. This is the 6th time I have replaced the front hubs, and I have owned the car only for 8 years or so! Now I can hear that the rear hubs are starting to make some noise, which is a pity as apart from these bearing issues that just won't go away, this car runs like a dream! But the fact that every 14 months or so I have to change the front hub assembly on both wheels is really starting to piss me off!
- Adrian P., Windsor, ON, Canada