Model year record

2008 Saturn Vue recalls & problems

The 2008 Saturn Vue has 3 safety recalls and 406 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (120 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints406filed by owners

Crashes · fires16 · 11reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths14 · 0reported in complaints

2008 Saturn Vue in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Latches/locks/linkagesJun 25, 2009

Doors › Latch

Recall 09V23300044,451 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: GM IS RECALLING 44,451 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH BODY COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK OR BIND. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.
Risk: DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES WITH CHROME DOOR HANDLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

SteeringSep 17, 2008

Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

Recall 08V47000042,408 vehicles

Problem: GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
Risk: THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT AND CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Power trainMay 5, 2008

Automatic transmission

Recall 08V20000026 vehicles

Problem: GM IS RECALLING 26 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6T70 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION CASE SIDE BORE THAT HOLDS THE PARK PAWL PIVOT PIN MAY HAVE A CASTING POROSITY. THIS CONDITION, COUPLED WITH NORMAL OPERATING STRESSES, COULD LEAD TO FAILURE, ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK' POSITION.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN ITS PATH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

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

2008 Saturn VUE 4-DR w/SAB (Later Release)

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	15.9%

2008 Saturn VUE 4-DR w/SAB (Early Release)

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	15.9%

2008 Saturn Vue NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2008 Saturn Vue NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole 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

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Vue FWD

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Vue FWD

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Vue AWD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Vue AWD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Vue AWD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/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; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift	120	3	1	0	73,233 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Instrument cluster/panel	88	3	5	6	87,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid; Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections	88	1	2	1	96,000 mi
Unknown or other	44	4	1	7	115,000 mi
Engine	38	2	6	3	89,212 mi
Air bagsSide/window	25	5	0	3	80,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	18	2	0	3	76,300 mi
Service brakes	18	0	1	0	101,500 mi
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core; Windshield wiper/washer	15	0	0	1	52,421 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	15	1	1	1	92,612 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)	15	0	0	0	90,115 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system	13	0	2	0	15,000 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

EngineFire
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didnât smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to open the door it wouldnât open I then I climb over and get out the back door I go into the business…
Apr 24, 2026
Engine
the transmission will not shift out of first gear
May 30, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the dashboard on the passengerâs side. The contact stated that the abnormal grinding sound was also heard while the gear shifter was in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was power steering fluid leaking from the vehicle. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The contact stated…
Jun 10, 2024
Power train
Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM
Dec 30, 2024
Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 173,445.
Nov 20, 2024 · 173,445 miles
EngineCrash3 injuries
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
Aug 1, 2024
Power train
2008 Saturn vue AWD. Steering wheel is very difficult to turn while driving. There is a lot of resistance. No leaking fluid visible and no visible loss of fluid levels. Transmission was torn down/repaired in 2017 for metal bits present at 95,000 (approximate) miles. It is currently at 107,600 miles. Transmission gets stuck in lower gear and rpms Rev up without the vehicle gaining acceleration. The tear down/rebuild was due to bad 3 5 wave plate also and seems to be replicating the issue again. Check engine light comes on amd goes off intermittently and cannot get issue to replicate at the mechanics. Key has also gotten stuck in the barrel. Took almost 2 hours to try numerous ways to get it…
Sep 2, 2024
Power train
When you drive the car the transmission fails. less than 48 hours ago I just bought this 2008 Saturn vue certified pre owned and Iâve been reading a lot of reviewâs about the specific model of car and a lot of other people that have had this car has had the same common experience I will attach a screenshot of what Iâm talking about down below I seriously think someone should look into this issue because not only do I think this vehicle isnât mechanically safe to be sold and driven on the road but the majority of the community that has owned one of these cars would agree to what I have to say
Feb 7, 2024

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

OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES STICK UNLATCHEDClosedLed to recall 09V233000
BY LETTER DATED JUNE 23, 2009, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 09V233) TO REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES CAN STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE AGENCY OPENED ITS INVESTIGATION BASED ON TWO COMPLAINTS OF DOOR LATCH FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE DOOR TO OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.THE AGENCY ALSO RECEIVED EARLY WARNING (EWR) REPORTS ON THIS ISSUE.CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES HAVE PAINTED BODY-COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES THAT MAY STICK OR BIND.IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN OCCUPANT FALLING PARTLY OR FULLY OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.BASED ON…
PE09016 · opened Mar 10, 2009 · closed Jul 2, 2009