2004 Saturn Vue: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 276 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (30% of complaints); the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2025
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2025
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2021
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2020
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn vue. While operating the vehicle, the key came out of the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Valley chevrolet (525 hwy 7e, hutchinson, mn) and the manufacturer were notified and stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v490000 (electrical system); however, the part was not available. The failure mileage was 248,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn vue. While the contact's daughter was driving the vehicle, the key fell out of the ignition. The failure occurred more than twice while driving. In addition, the steering wheel made an abnormal squeaky and rattling sound while being turned. Excessive force had to be used to turn the steering wheel. Also, the check engine indicator was illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the power steering and ignition failures were not diagnosed because they did not have the proper electric tools. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 250,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“Tamara recall I got a recall in the mail for my 2004 saturn vue for the ignition I've called the dealership where I got it and they said they knew about it but did not tell me when I bought it. And said I have to take car of it myself.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2019
“Going 40 mph made a left turn, medium loud noise and front right control arm tore in 2 (been replaced and have part) and back left tire now tilted in at top about 1 inch( still trying to get fixed ).”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 23 of these complaints and injuries in 20 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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 2004 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 2004 Saturn Vue reliable?
NHTSA has 276 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Saturn Vue. The most complained-about area is power train (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Saturn Vue problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 84,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Saturn Vue have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. 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.