2003 Saturn Vue: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 620 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (45% of complaints); the 2002 and 2004 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · 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 620 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“2003 Saturn Vue ignition switch. The switch was replaced under a recall with a switch that has the same defect; the key can be removed while the vehicle is in operation. The dealers refuse to replace it saying the car had the recall completed. They do not acknowledge the replacement has the same problem as the original. I feel they are required to do a second replacement under the recall if it the same problem -- a dangerous one at that. AI shows a number of the replacement key switches were defective like the originals. Can you help me?”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2025
“While driving the engine lights kept coming on, so we decided to get it checked by a mechanic and he told us that we have a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor and that the IMRC actuator valve is not working at all.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2022
“October 12, 2020 IG Burton stated the recall was complete, given original keys. I went to Willis Chevrolet & Buick recall was completed on April 15, 2022, new keys were issued.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“Knocking/grinding noise from under vehicle and shift problems. Taken to automotive service provider for diagnostic and they're evaluation revealed internal fail in the cvt vti transmission.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2021
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2021
“My dashboard warning light that traction control is disabled. The light comes on briefly when I take sharp left turns. The wheel-speed sensors, wires, connectors, control module and other components occasionally conk with intermittent problems. This has cause my reduce power when I drive it, using more gas.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2020
“While driving the vehicle, the power steering suddenly goes out, making steering very, very difficult. It happens more often in cooler weather and usually turning vehicle off and parking for a little while corrects the problem. Tried to check power steering fluid, was told it is an electric system.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact stated that the vehicle operated in the forward gears but, failed to shift into reverse. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2019
“Takata recall security light comes on reduced power while driving all gas and speed gauges are all turned to the right car dosent move when cut on no power steering wheel gets hard unable to turn or steer this has been going on for 3 months now”Owner report · Steering · May 2019
“Gm after bankruptcy: gm's transaxle (cvt m75) in this vehicle is known by all owners to fail. This unit failed to provide forward momentum and left the vehicle stranded high heavy traffic in portland, or year april 2019. Multiple calls to gm found that service providers couldnt even id the proper trans axle that goes in this vehicle so we could get a replacement. We believe gm is in process of a new "class action suite" to repair damages to the second owners. Is, this true - let us know if you know - please thx. This trans axle was built damaged.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 29 of these complaints and injuries in 27 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2003 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 2003 Saturn Vue reliable?
NHTSA has 620 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Saturn Vue. The most complained-about area is power train (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Saturn Vue problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Saturn Vue have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. 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.