2008 Saturn Vue hybrid problems
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Common 2008 Saturn Vue hybrid problems
The 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. One of the most prevalent issues is related to the transmission system. Owners have reported problems with difficulty shifting gears, complete transmission failure, and issues with the fuel pump causing the engine to stall. These issues can be quite serious and may require costly repairs.
Another common problem with the 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid is related to the power steering system. A recall was issued for the 2008 and 2009 Saturn Vue due to a malfunction with the power steering, which could lead to a fluid leak and potentially cause a fire in the engine. Owners of these vehicles are advised to contact Saturn or the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline to have their power-steering line inspected and tightened if necessary.
The 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid has also been reported to have issues with the electrical system. One owner reported that the "Service Hybrid System" message appeared on the dashboard, along with the engine and battery lights, and the charge/discharge gauge was not moving. These issues can be quite serious and may require costly repairs.
In addition to these specific issues, the 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid has been reported to have overall reliability issues. According to RepairPal, the 2008 Vue has some troubling reliability issues that could require costly repairs and maintenance, and it scored only two out of five in reliability from J.D. Power.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended that potential buyers of the 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid have the vehicle inspected by a reputable mechanic before purchasing. It is also recommended that owners of these vehicles stay up-to-date with recall information and have any necessary repairs performed as soon as possible.
How many miles can a Saturn Vue hybrid last?
The Vue can easily go over 100,000 miles without any complications, and some drivers have even reported that their Vue lasted them over 250,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Is Saturn Vue a good car?
Saturn Vue Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Which Saturn Vue has transmission problems?
The 1st generation Vue (2002—2007) has 214 owner complaints, mostly about transmission problems.
Does the 2008 Saturn Vue have a Honda engine?
Saturn's small sporty utility ditches the Honda engine for something from the corporate candy bin. It was a dirty little secret that Saturn tried to hide, but the press just couldn't let it go. The last generation Saturn Vue Red Line's 250 hp came courtesy of a Honda V-6.
2008 Saturn Vue hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Vue hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
- Air bags problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Saturn Vue hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Saturn Vue hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Saturn Vue hybrid.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-29
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z78S
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: MY 2008 SATURN VUE HYBRID STARTED HAVING HUGE PROBLEMS. FIRST THE AIR CONDITIONER STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR THEN THE STABILITITRAK AND SERVICE HYBRID SYSTEM; LOSS POWER WARNING CAME ON ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. MY 2008 SATURN VUE HYBRID WOULD POWER DOWN TO 50% BEFORE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. SOMETIMES IT RESTARTS THEN SHUTS DOWN AGAIN. IT DID THIS OFF AND ON FOR ABOUT A FEW WEEKS. SOMETIMES VEHICLE REFUSED TO START AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN KEY IT SEEMED LIKE WAS STUCK INSIDE MAKING IT HARD TO TURN OR REMOVE IT. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BATTERY AND EVEN HYBRID BATTERY AND IT WAS FINE FOR SOME TIME. HOWEVER TODAY 10/14/14 IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF BROOKLYN QUEENS EXPRESSWAY (BUSY HIGHWAY) IN NEW YORK CITY THE AUTOMOBILE STARTED TO STALL AT 45 MPH AND THE STABILITITRAK AND SERVICE HYBRID SYSTEM, LOSS POWER WARNING CAME ON ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN SUDDENLY ENGINE SHUT DOWN. FORTUNATELY NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND CARS BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO MANEUVER WHILE I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT OVER TO CURBSIDE. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF MY CAR STALLED AT THE CROSSROADS? I WAS HAVING MY WIFE AND (XXX) YEARS OLD CHILD IN THE CAR TRAVELING WITH ME. THEY STARTED TO HAVE A PANIC ATTACK BECAUSE IT SEEMED WE ARE GOING TO CRASH AND DIE. I CALLED TOWING COMPANY TO TOW US TO SAFETY. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR SINCE. PLEASE HELP AND ASSIST TO PUSH GM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALL THE ISSUE IN ORDER TO AVOID MORE SERIOUS CASUALTIES. *TRPARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-15
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z78S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE CAR IT WOULD ONLY MOVE IN REVERSE. IT WAS PUSHED TO A LOCAL GM DEALER AND THE SERVICE CENTER CONCLUDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE RECALL OF 2008 SATURN VUES FOR THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ISSUED ON 5/6/2008 WAS NOT MENTIONED BY THE DEALER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 7/2008 AND WAS NOT SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED BY THE OWNER. THE "MY GM" WEBSITE FOR GM VEHICLE OWNERS DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE VEHICLE VIN WHEN IT IS ENTERED, AND THUS PROVIDES NO INFORMATION ON RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE VIN IS RECOGNIZED AS VALID ON THIS SITE, INDICATING THAT THE VIN IS CONTAINED IN STATE RECORDS. *TR
STEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-22
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z28S
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: FIRST OFF I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE FROM THE BEGINNING. BASICALLY MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PULLS BACK AND THEN ALL THE LIGHTS START TO GO OFF. ELEC STABILITY CONTROL, AIR BAGS, THE STEERING SORT OF LOCKS UP AND I HAVE STALLED ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES RE: THIS ISSUE AND IT NEVER SEEMS TO GET FIXED. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME ISSUE GM IS HAVING WITH THEIR CURRENT RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT ON THE LIST. I HAVE ONLY ONE KEY ON MY KEY CHAIN AND THAT DOES NOT SEEM TO MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE. IT IS A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING NOT KNOWING IF MY CAR WILL WORK TOMORROW. DELILLO CHEVROLET IN HUNTING BEACH, CA HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN TRYING TO DETECT THE PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE BEEN VERY GRACIOUS BUT I NEED THE ISSUE RESOLVED ONCE AND FOR ALL. MY INTENTION IS TO HAND DOWN THIS CAR TO MY 16 YEAR OLD BUT NOT IF THE CURRENT ISSUE PERSISTS. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
- VIN: 3GSC193298S
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG AND INDICATOR LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. DEALERSHIP WAS FINALLY ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG, WHICH THEY STATED WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. STATED THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT THEY WOULD NOT MAKE THE REPAIR UNDER A WARRANTY OR RECALL. *TR
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-01
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z38S
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER STOPPING TO PARK THE IGNITION SWITCH CANNOT BE TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION NOR CAN THE KEY BE REMOVED. THE CAR CANNOT BE TURNED OFF AS THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE "ON" POSITION. VARIOUS METHODS SUCH AS MOVING THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR FROM D TO P, WITH OR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED FAIL TO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED. THE ISSUE OCCURS REGARDLESS OF THE SET OF KEYS USED. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO LEAVE THE CAR IN THAT POSITION AND RETURN TO IT LATER AND IT CORRECTS ITSELF AND ALLOWS THE KEY TO BE TURNED TO OFF AND THEN REMOVED. THIS FORCES ME TO LEAVE THE CAR UNLOCKED WITH THE KEY IN IT WHILE USING THE CAR. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z78S
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD BACK PAIN BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN HIM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND HAD AN INSPECTOR COME OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-25
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z48S
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY MISSING. SEEMS THE COMPRESSOR BUILDS UP TOO MUCH PRESSURE AND BLOWS THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY OFF MAKING THE A/C INOPERABLE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-11
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z68S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE HYBRID. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE STABILITY TRACK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATE THAT THE HYBRID BATTERY WAS LEAKING FLUIDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-01
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z08S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,580. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-07
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z68S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE INTO HYBRID MODE AND SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO TRY AND RESTART ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE WAS ALREADY ON. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT; THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY BACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 21,000. UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPDATED 01/10/11.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-09
- VIN: 3GSCL93Z58S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE HYBRID. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP SIGNAL, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE "ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE WARNING INDICATOR PERMANENT ILLUMINATION BEGAN ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND CONTINUED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. THE ENGINE STALLING FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER PERTAINING TO A MANUFACTURER VOLUNTARY RECALL; RELATED TO THE HYBRID BATTERY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART BEING ON A MASSIVE NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ARRIVAL DATE FOR THE PART. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OF THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE PART TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR AND THE SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Negative 2008 Saturn Vue hybrid car reviews
Positive 2008 Saturn Vue hybrid car reviews
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I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your VUE! It sounds like you're getting some great mileage out of it, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size. Compared to other hybrids on the market, it seems like a really good deal. I hope that GM considers extending this BAS technology to other vehicles in their line in the future.
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Just took delivery 2wks ago..great gas mileage so far and mild hybrid is much more sensible/cost efficient than full hybrids out there. VUE has terrific ride, looks and safety. Test drove RAV4, CRV, Escape and Equinox. Most were nice but VUE was best by far especially green line hybird version! Owned an Escape previously as well as a Corolla and this beats then all.
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Hi there! After several months of research, we decided on the Vue and we couldn't be happier! The vehicle is tight and rides very well - not too soft nor too stiff. The fit and finish are top-notch and the interior layout is incredibly convenient. We even drove the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (under repair) and the Vue handled it like a dream - so smooth! The shifting is also smooth and quick enough for our liking. And let me tell you, the initial gas mileage appears to be just as advertised. Plus, the fold down seats are super easy to operate. We're really loving our Vue so far!
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I'm so glad I chose this vehicle! Although I initially wanted a full hybrid, this mild hybrid is the only US-made option available and it turned out to be a great deal for the money. It has the highest highway mileage available for an SUV, which is amazing if you need a vehicle now. I'm all for the environment and can't wait for the next generation to come out with even better mileage, but for now, this is the perfect choice.
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With the price of fuel never to go back down, I traded my van for better mileage. I used it for extra room for the things that I needed to carry on weekends and such. I was looking for something with room, comfort, and better mileage, and I found it with the Vue-Hybrid. You should definitely try driving one, and I'm sure you will be sold.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Saturn Vue hybrid problems:
2008 Saturn Vue Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jul 22, 2022 ... Transmission failures are the most widespread complaint from owners at around 90,000 miles. The components in the transmission wear out quickly, ...
2008 Saturn Vue Problems and Complaints - 15 Issues
Top 2008 Saturn Vue Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Transmission Fault and/or Check Engine Light With Code P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, ...
2008 Saturn Vue Electrical Problems — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Oct 8, 2017 ... There were 2 problems with the battery connections. 1: The battery connections are of a poor design and do not allow for excessive (adequate) ...
Q&A: 2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid - Common Problems & Solutions
Feb 19, 2015 ... I have a 2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid. It is -3 degrees here and today when I started my car, it started just fine, but then the battery light ...
Saturn VUE Questions - I have a 2008 Saturn Vue. I have recently ...
Jan 21, 2013 ... There is a specific part(3-5-R wave plate) that was made too brittle and will eventually fail, causing shifting issues, chiefly not shifting ...
Other years of Saturn Vue hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2008 Saturn Vue hybrid?
Chadrick Morar 2024-06-28
I love the style and the performance. However, I have been experiencing some discomfort with the seats. As someone who is 5'11'' and weighs 250lbs, I find that the seats are not very accommodating for my body type. Unfortunately, the dealer has informed me that there are no other seats available to switch to, as all Saturns have the same seat with different upholstery. I am currently exploring my options and considering trading it in. After all, what good is performance if you can't enjoy the ride comfortably?