Model year record

2004 Saturn Vue recalls & problems

The 2004 Saturn Vue has 2 safety recalls and 276 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (93 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints276filed by owners

Crashes · fires23 · 5reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths20 · 0reported in complaints

2004 Saturn Vue in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Electrical systemAug 8, 2014

Ignition

Recall 14V490000202,155 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14506. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

EquipmentDec 19, 2003

Other › Labels

Recall 03V5190006,134 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L V6 (L66) ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL RIM SIZE SPECIFICATIONS ON THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE NOT CORRECT. THE PRINTED WHEEL RIM DESIGNATION SPECIFIED A 16-INCH WHEEL WHEN A 17-INCH WHEEL DESIGNATION WAS REQUIRED.
Risk: IF THE WHEEL RIM SIZE IS INCORRECTLY PRINTED ON A TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL, A SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO SOLELY USES THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL FOR SERVICE INFORMATION MAY ATTEMPT TO REPLACE A DAMAGED WHEEL WITH AN INCORRECT WHEEL.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2004 Saturn VUE 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	20.9%

2004 Saturn Vue NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Vue FWD

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Vue FWD

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Vue AWD

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Vue FWD

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Vue AWD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Differential unit	93	5	0	7	85,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Horn	82	2	2	0	85,000 mi
SuspensionRear; Front	34	6	0	2	70,100 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	18	11	0	11	74,000 mi
Unknown or other	17	0	0	0	139,300 mi
SteeringColumn; Hydraulic power assist system	16	2	1	1	102,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	16	0	0	0	81,018 mi
StructureBody; Body › Roof and pillars	11	3	0	2	79,993 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch	9	1	3	2	85,000 mi
Engine	8	1	0	2	154,169 mi
VisibilityGlass, side/rear; Windshield	7	0	0	0	9,249 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	7	2	1	0	25,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound at start up, and it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition switch after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Sep 24, 2025 · 35,000 miles
Unknown or other
The ignition (key) has stopped working again after being recalled a few years ago, and being replaced. The key will not turn and start the car.
Aug 28, 2025
Power trainCrash2 injuries
Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.
Nov 17, 2021
Electrical system
My Father's car key can be taken out of the ignition when it is not in the off position but his specific VIN is not listed as part of the recall.
Jan 20, 2023
Unknown or other
RUSTED FRONT SUBFRAME/ ENGINE CRADLE I CARRIED MY SATURN VUE TO HAVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACED AND MY MASTER-MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE RUSTED SUBFRAME AND BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION. HE SHOWED IT TO ME AND EXPLAINED THE THE DANGER IN OPERATING THIS VEHICLE.
Oct 12, 2020 · 193,500 miles
Electrical system
MY 2004 VUE HAD A RECALL IN 2014 FOR THE IGNITION KEY COULD BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN THE OFF POSITION, I HAD THIS REPAIRED ON 12/11/14. RECENTLY MY IGNITION KEY CAN AGAIN BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN THE OFF POSITION.
Oct 1, 2020 · 107,406 miles
Structure › Body
THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER MANY OF TIMES THE KEY COMING OUT.
Aug 1, 2018 · 160,000 miles
Electrical system
I HAVE ALL READY TAKEN MY SATURN VUE TO THE DEALER IN HEMET CA. ( GOSCH CHEVROLET). THE IGNITION SWITCH BROKE AGAIN A WEEK LATER. I TOOK IT BACK BUT GOSCH WOULD NOT FIX IT AGAIN. THE REASON WAS BECAUSE THE HOUSING HAD DAMAGE AROUND IT. NOW THE REASON FOR THAT WAS BECAUSE I WAS STRANDED 20 MILES FROM NOTHING WHEN THE IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN MY VEHICLE ON, I WAS ALONE FOR 2 DAYS BEFORE I HAD TO MESS WITH IT TO GET IT STARTED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR ME. I'VE MISSED AN AIR FLIGHT. AND 2 JOBS FIRED ME BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET TO WORK. ITS BEEN A DOWNWARD SPIRAL EVER SINCE. SATURN'S ARE GREAT CARS OTHERWISE.
Jan 14, 2018 · 145,790 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

REAR SUSPENSION TOE CONTROL LINKClosed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING CERTAIN SEVERE DRIVING MANEUVERS.THE INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY NHTSA-CONDUCTED NCAP DYNAMIC ROLLOVER TEST INCIDENTS INVOLVING MY 2004 SATURN VUE VEHICLES AND ONE CONSUMER COMPLAINT THAT ALLEGED WHEN RECOVERING FROM A ROAD EDGE DEPARTURE, THE LEFT-REAR WHEEL OF A MY 2003 SATURN VUE ?BENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE,? RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.ODI ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE DURING THE NCAP TESTS WAS THE RESULT OF WHEEL RIM-PAVEMENT CONTACT TRANSMITTING SIGNIFICANT COMPRESSIVE FORCES TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK, THUS CAUSING IT TO BUCKLE.THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED DURING A SEVERE TEST USED TO ASSESS ROLL STABILITY.THE FORCES GENERATED DURING THIS TYPE OF WHEEL-RIM PAVEMENT CONTACT ARE MORE THAN SIX…
PE04052 · opened Jul 22, 2004 · closed Nov 1, 2004