2002 Saturn Vue: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 167 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (25% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car power shuts down while driving, unable to start again in any traffic or road conditions to move car to a safe area. Full loss of power unexpected, vehicle simply stops running. This vehicle was purchased 'used' from a private seller I suspect was well aware of the situation but didn't expose it. $2300 spent so far with no findings as to why the problem occurs. Only an added 30 miles to the odometer since purchase. Present reading is 107,251.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2020
“Air intake throttle is faulty. Making the engine run rough and causing other problems such as excessive fuel consumption. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving 30 mph, several dashboard warning indicators illuminated, including the battery warning indicator. Simultaneously, the power steering seized operation temporarily and caused the vehicle to swerve. Also, while traveling up an incline, the battery warning indicator flashed and then turned off when driving on leveled ground. A fax was sent to the vice president of safety at general motors in regards to the failure; however, there was no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. *js”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“2002 saturn vue. Consumer is seeking reimbursement for vehicle amount. Consumer states that the frame was broken and rusted making vehicle unsafe to drive. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle was located at an impound yard. The consumer was informed the vehicle was not able to be repaired. *js”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise underneath the hood of the vehicle. The temperature warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to overheat. The contact stopped to check the engine and noticed that the anti-freeze contained oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2017
“While driving at highway speeds, vehicle stalled,and would not restart. Vehicle coasted to lane off traffic. Vehicle would not move. Family of four in vehicle. Had a police officer shut down lane of traffic. Very very dangerous. Diagnosis: timing chain. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2017
“Started the car, turned around in my driveway and started pulling out onto the road, vehicle just stalled and refused to start again, engine cracks and turns over but wont start. Thank god there wasnt any traffic or I would have been t boned. I was able to push the vehicle back offf the road. Vehicle still wont start”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2016
“My car seized up while going down the road I could barely turn or push on the brakes! Thankfully I had just left work so I was only doing 10 mph. I took it to a mechanic whom said the timing chain went out, and that with that type of motor a v6 that it most likely bent the valves and id have to get a new engine!!! Im curious if this happens often?????”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2016
“I just bought this car from a used car dealer. Never in my 40 years of driving have I ever "tested" horn operation... Seems I should have as the horn doesnt work. I found and replaced the fuse for the horn and after researching I found that this is a known problem on all 2002 saturn vue vehicles.... Why this isnt a recall issue I have no idea because the horn and air bag work off the same power line and the contact for the horn is the problem horn wise. I took my car to a chevy dealer to get an estimate on the "fix" and it would cost me 1100 bux to replace the faultily designed unit guaranteed to fail with another faultily designed unit guaranteed to fail.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2015
“ABS light remains on; my electrical system is faulty; my blinkers work at will. My fuel line sensor causes my vehicle to shut off after driving a distance. There is a noise when I reverse. My service engine light is now appearing and the wheel locks and hard to turn. Read the manual; vehicle does not require power steering fluid. Must contact a dealer per the manual. Will call today. Fuel line issues september 2015 other issues to date 12/28/2015.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Vue by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Saturn Vue reliable?
NHTSA has 167 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Saturn Vue. The most complained-about area is electrical system (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Saturn Vue problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Saturn Vue have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.