2003 Saturn Vue problems
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Common 2003 Saturn Vue problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2003 Saturn Vue, several common problems have been reported:
- Faulty Gas Cap:
- Another common problem reported for the 2003 Saturn Vue is a faulty gas cap. This issue can cause the check engine light to illuminate due to the cap coming loose. While this problem may seem minor compared to transmission issues, it can still lead to inconvenience and potential diagnostic costs.
- Electrical Problems:
- Owners have also reported electrical issues with the 2003 Saturn Vue. These problems can manifest in various ways, including issues with the vehicle's lights, power windows, or other electrical components. Electrical problems can be challenging to diagnose and repair, potentially leading to additional costs for owners.
- Interior Concerns:
- Interior problems have been highlighted by owners of the 2003 Saturn Vue. These issues may include problems with the dashboard, seats, or other interior features. While not as critical as mechanical issues, interior problems can affect the comfort and usability of the vehicle.
- Engine Troubles:
- Engine-related problems have also been reported for the 2003 Saturn Vue. Owners have experienced issues such as engine stalling, loss of power, or unusual noises coming from the engine. Engine problems can be costly to repair and may impact the overall performance of the vehicle.
These common problems reported by owners of the 2003 Saturn Vue highlight a range of issues that can affect the reliability and performance of this vehicle. Addressing these concerns promptly and proactively can help owners maintain the longevity and functionality of their Saturn Vue.
What is the most common problem with the Saturn Vue?
Despite its high reliability rating, the Vue isn't perfect. Its most common problems include transmission issues, engine misfires, and ignition malfunction.
Does 2003 Saturn Vue have Honda engine?
The L81 V6 from the L-Series and five-speed Aisin AF33 automatic transmission were initially offered, but starting in 2004, all six-cylinder Vues were equipped with Honda's 250-horsepower (190 kW) J35A3 engine and a Honda transmission.
Do Saturn Vues have transmission problems?
Best Answer. These transmissions in the v-6 Saturn vue models only( as well as the Saturn outlook, gmc Acadia, Buick enclave, and Chevy traverse) are all prone to transmission failure up until the 2010 model year.
Does a 2003 Saturn Vue have a CVT transmission?
Transmissions include a 5-speed manual, or a new Hydramatic developed continuously variable transmission for the Vue 4-cylinder. The V6 engine is equipped with a new adaptive 5- speed automatic. Vue is GM's first use of a stepless CVT in America, and only its second 5- speed automatic.
2003 Saturn Vue car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Vue problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Saturn Vue vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Saturn Vue
The NHTSA has received 627 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Saturn Vue. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Saturn Vue vehicles.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-03
- VIN: 5GZCZ53B63S
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-15
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D63S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-04
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D43S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-01
- VIN: 5GZCZ23D53S
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-04
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D93S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: WHEN MY HORN FUSE IN MY HORN IS NON STOP BLARING ALSO MY FRONT WIPERS FUSE IN GOOD AND MY WIPES ARE NOT WORKING
STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-12
- VIN: 5GZCZ23D13S
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-05
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D63S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-25
- VIN: 5GZCZ23D83S
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-18
- VIN: 5GZCZ53B23S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: MY KEYS COME OUT OF THE IGNITION , I KEEP HAVING ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND MY PIPES KEEP MESSING UP
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-01
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D23S
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-22
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D93S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-15
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D73S
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: DROVE MY CAR TO A FRIEND'S AND WHEN I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD.OR BACKWARDS AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF ON COMING TRAFFIC.COULDNT CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID THERE ISN'T A DIP STICK.SO LUCKY I HAD SOMEONE WITH ME TO PUSH IT BACK TO MY FRIENDS.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5GZCZ23DX3S
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISON ON 3 12 2019. THE DRIVER SEAT TRACK BROKE UPON COLLISION CAUSING ME AND THE SEAT TO BE SENT FORWARD INTO THE DASH CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. THE LEVER THAT MOVES THE SEAT DISCONNECTED AND THE WHOLE MECHANISM CAME TOWARD THE DASH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-10
- VIN: 5GZCZ53B63S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: IT STARTED AFTER TURNING ON MY HEADLIGHTS. I WAS DRIVING HOME AND SEEN AND SMELLED LIKE HE SMOKE, IT WAS COMING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH THE WIRES WERE BURNING. I TURNED OFF CAR AND CALLED MY BOYFRIEND. HE UNCLAMPED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CHECKED, THE WIRES WERE BURNED. ONCE I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN MY DASH LIGHTS WERE NOT ON NOR THE TAIL LIGHTS BUT THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED, HAZARD LIGHTS AND BLINKERS ALL WORKED. SO I DROVE HOME WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND MY BOYFRIEND FOLLOWING BEHIND ME. HAD ALL FUSES CHECKED, REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH, TAIL LIGHT WIRING HARNESS AND THE FUSE BOX, STILL NO DASH LIGHTS NOR TAIL LIGHTS. I DID CALL YOUR COMPANY FOR HELP AND WAS TOLD BY THE AGENT THAT HE COULD NOT HELP. I DID RECENTLY FOUND OUT ABOUT SOME KIND OF RECALL. THE INFORMATION I FOUND IS BELOW. RECALL 05V245000 ELECTRICAL & LIGHTS, OCTOBER 17, 2005 ORIGINAL RECALL FROM THE NHTSA MODEL YEAR(S): 2001, 2002, 2003 MANUFACTURER'S REPORT DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2005 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V245000 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE05010 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 291,652
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: 5GZCZ53B83S
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY SATURN ACCELERATES ALL BY ITSELF. I'M NOT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL & MY CAR JUST STARTS MOVING AT A HIGH SPEED & JUST GETS FASTER. I HAVE TO HOLD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES & DOWNSHIFT TO SLOW IT DOWN SO I DON'T CRASH INTO SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. WHAT WOULD CAUSE THAT TO HAPPEN. IT JUST STARTED DOING THIS 2 WEEKS AGO & IS STILL DOING IT ! PLEASE GIVE ME ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT'S TO LATE. I HAVE TO DRIVE TO DIALYSIS 3-4 DAYS A WEEK, & IT'S THE ONLY CAR I OWN. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-14
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D43S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I STARTED MY VUE TO GO TO WORK AND IT SOUNDED NORMAL. AS I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND PUT IT IN DRIVE IT WAS GOOD. AS I STARTED TO SPEED UP THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO OUT OF 1ST GEAR. I COULDN'T GET IT TO GO ANY FASTER THAN 20 MPH. HAD IT TESTED BY A MECHANIC ON 4 DIFFERENT MACHINES. NO CODES! MECHANIC SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION!
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-06
- VIN: 5GZCZ63B53S
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-16
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D23S
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING SOMETIMES AND IT'S VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEELS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-03
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D63S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AFTER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000. *TT UPDATED 9/19/18*JB
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-07
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. BRAKE FAILURE. MY BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN OFF A FREEWAY EXIT RAMP. I TRIED TO BRAKE AND PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD JUST HAD ROTORS AND PADS PUT ON THE VEHICLE THAT DAY. I STRUCK TWO VEHICLES AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I STRUCK MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY LEFT KNEE ON THE DASHBOARD.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-01
- VIN: 5GZCZ23D23D
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT END FRAME RAILS LEFT AND RIGHT RUSTED OUT BY THE ENGINE CRADLE ATTACHMENT POINTS TO RAILS, BOTH RAILS MUST BE REPLACED PART # 15842675 , 10367494, PART ARE N.L.A. !!. TRIED TO FIGHT THE RUST FOR FEW YEARS ALREADY, NO LUCK, IT TOOK ONLY 4 YEARS SINCE FIRST SIGN OF RUST, MILAGE - 115K, GARAGED ALL THE TIME,
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-10
- VIN: 5GZCZ23DX3S
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE HORN WAS SOUNDING ALL THE TIME WAS INTERMITTENT NOW ON ALL THE TIME , HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-22
- VIN: 5GZCZ63B43S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY UNTIL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS REMEDIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILL BUCK CHEVROLET WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-19
- VIN: 5GZCZ33D03S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SO I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM SOMEONE ON CRAIGSLIST AND WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS IN GREAT SHAPE AND THE HISTORY REPORT MENTIONED A POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION ISSUES BUT I WAS ALSO TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED NOT TOO LONG AGO BY THE OWNER WHO HAD THE CAR BEFORE THE GUY I BOUGHT IT FROM. WELL AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS, THE SUBFRAME CRACKED WHICH WAS A $700 FIX AND TOOK ME MONTHS TO COME UP WITH THE MONEY AND MY CAR WAS NOT DRIVEABLE AT THE TIME. I GOT THE VUE FROM THE SHOP MAYBE 2 WEEKS AGO AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE IT EITHER DOESN'T MOVE OR GIVES ME A LOT OF TROUBLE MOVING. WHEN I POP IT INTO DRIVE IT EITHER DOESN'T MOVE, GIVES ME TROUBLE MOVING, GOES INTO REVERSE, OR WILL MAKE A LOUD NOISE AND JERK AGGRESSIVELY BEFORE DRIVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO GET LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD IT HAD ONE OF THE ORIGINAL CVT SATURN TRANSMISSIONS AND IT WILL NEED REPLACED. THE PROBLEM IS THE TRANSMISSION IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND AND COST MOST THAN THE CAR IS WORTH AND MORE THAN I EVEN PAID FOR THE CAR, ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS I TOOK THE CAR TO. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND EVEN CAUSED A LAWSUIT WITH SATURN AND GM. SINCE THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE TYPE OF ENGINE SATURN USED, I DIDN'T KNOW IF I COULD GET IT REPLACED LIKE MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE LAWSUIT DID. I AM A BROKE AND STRUGGLING COLLEGE STUDENT AND OTHER THAN THE TRANSMISSION THIS CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION. I AM WORRIED I WILL BE DRIVING TI ONE DAY AND THE CAR WILL STOP WORKING AND I'LL CRASH.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-15
- VIN: 5GZCZ53B63S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I WENT TO A GM DEALERSHIP IN JUNE OF 2016 TO HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED DUE TO THE RECALL. IT'S BEEN EXACTLY A YEAR AND HAVE STARTED HAVING SEVERE ISSUES WITH MY NEW IGNITION SWITCH SUCH AS, THE STEERING WILL LOCKS AND I TRY TO TURN THE KEY AND THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS TO THE POINT THAT I CAN NOT GET IT UNLOCKED. I WAS STRANDED AT A SHOPPING CENTER DUE TO THIS PROBLEM I ATTEMPTED TO GET THE IGNITION SWITCH TO UNLOCK FOR OVER A HALF AN HOUR AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. ALSO MY KEY WHICH WAS BRAND NEW LAST JUNE HAS HAD ALL OF THE SILVER METAL COATING SCRAPED OFF OF IT BY MY IGNITION SWITCH. I NOW HAVE BEEN HAVING TO START MY CAR BEFORE ENTERING THE VEHICLE SO THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT LOCK OTHERWISE IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IT UNLOCKED. CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
2003 Saturn Vue recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Saturn Vue.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- 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.
Negative 2003 Saturn Vue car reviews
Positive 2003 Saturn Vue car reviews
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I feel incredibly fortunate to have owned my 2003 Saturn Vue for so long. It's the base model with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and the leather/heat package, which includes leather topped seats, heated front seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and a leather topped dash area. Although the leather has become a bit worn after all the adventures we've had in it, the dash and back seat have held up surprisingly well. The front seats and steering wheel have cracked and peeled over time, but I admit I wasn't as diligent as I should have been with the leather conditioner. The 'entertainment' package in my car has a tape player, believe it or not, but it also has a CD player. I've never had any issues with the players, and the AM/FM radio is pretty standard. OnStar, Bluetooth, and navigation devices were still just a dream when my car was new. Overall, I absolutely love my car. It has plenty of power to get me where I need to go, and I've taken it on some challenging roads in the Appalachian Mountains without any issues. We once drove it for 27 hours straight on a road trip, only stopping for gas and fast food, and it never let us down. We've exposed it to salt air many times, but it's never shown any damage to the finish or performance. It's only needed minor repairs over the years, although now, at 16 years old, I need to replace the universal joints on the front axle on both sides. I can't express enough how much I love my car. It's been 100% reliable for 16 years of daily driving, safely transporting me and my family from the time we purchased it when we had a preemie newborn with tons of medical equipment to now, when that boy is a big, active teenager with all of his sports gear needing transportation.I totally understand how you feel! It would be great to be able to replace your 2003 Saturn with a new one.
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Always reliable, with no unexpected or unreasonable repairs. Great in snow and ice!
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What a heartwarming story! It's always great to hear about a car that has been reliable and cost-effective. This 2003 Vue was actually the first car my wife bought on her own, and we got it for a great price of $1450. Even though we've only had it for 7 months, it has already clocked up 20,000 miles and it's still going strong. Of course, with 255,000 miles on the clock, it does need a new clutch, but that's to be expected. We recently took it on a trip to the beach and it performed amazingly, getting almost 35 mpg even with 5 people and luggage packed in. In fact, it only cost us $12 to drive there! We actually got rid of our 2012 Sonic because it just wasn't as fuel-efficient as the Vue. Needless to say, we absolutely love our Vue and plan on keeping it for a long time to come.
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As others have mentioned, it's important to do your homework before purchasing one of these cars. Unfortunately, at 130,000 miles, the transmission went out and the cost of repair was around $5,000, which was not affordable. However, it's worth noting that these cars are generally very safe. Last summer, my wife was pushed off the highway by another car and our car went airborne on Interstate 10. Remarkably, the car went 65ft airborne on two wheels and did not flip over. The only damage was a busted air loss from the driver side rear tire. We were very fortunate and grateful.
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I just bought this car three days ago. The day I bought it we received about a foot of snow! Not only was this car unstoppable on snow or ice once the AWD kicked in, but I could go anywhere! No more getting plowed into the driveway! Also, the gas mileage is great and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it heats up and how easily it starts even in the coldness of Iowa winter. I absolutely love this car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Saturn Vue problems:
2003 Saturn Vue Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top 2003 Saturn Vue Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Transmission Fault and/or Check Engine Light With Code P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, ...
Common Saturn Vue Problems: 2003 Saturn Vue 3.0 V6 Engine ...
Jan 31, 2009 ... 2003 Saturn Vue, 3.0 V6 Have had 2 problems with it, a new crankshaft position sensor seemed to fix the engine quitting - Answered by a ...
2003 Saturn VUE Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Dec 19, 2016 ... When it runs fine it's a good car, but mine has seem to have caught every problem that has been reported as a common problem, or one that only a ...
Q&A: Common Issues with 2003 Saturn Vue AWD
Oct 27, 2022 ... I have a 2003 saturn vue awd 3.0l. The biggest problem I have with it I will be driving down the road and it starts - Answered by a verified ...
2003 Saturn Vue : r/cars
Mar 26, 2017 ... Both the VW Jetta and Chevy Malibu I linked too have similar reliability ratings to the Toyota Camry. But since they have lower mileage on them ...
Other years of Saturn Vue
Are you having problems with your 2003 Saturn Vue?
Kim Schoen 2025-08-12
The 2003 Saturn Vue 4 cylinder with a 5 speed manual transmission is a great buy for its quality and price. With 105,000 miles on it, it is still running strong and is a fun car to drive. Although there is room for improvement in terms of stain-free carpets and a quieter ride, overall it is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle. While Saturn customer service could be improved, I have found this car to be worth the investment.
Tyrese Lesch 2025-07-23
Hey there! I wanted to share my experience with the Saturn Vue and its VTi transmission. In my opinion, it's worth considering other options as this car is prone to premature failure. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way after purchasing one in 2003. My transmission had to be replaced at only 43,434 miles, which was covered under warranty. I had even purchased an extra warranty for the Mechanical Failure Service Contract for 6 years/72,000 miles, but it didn't save me from the hassle. Fast forward almost 2 years and only 72,818 miles later, the transmission is failing again after Saturn repaired/replaced it. Just wanted to give you a heads up! Let me know if you have any questions.
Robb Shields 2025-06-05
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car. I've had it since it was new and it's been a great ride. It has over 211,000 miles on it now and I've only had a few issues. The thermostat and computer had some trouble under warranty at around 25,000 miles, but it was taken care of. The water pump went out at about 95,000 miles, but I was able to save some money by changing the timing belt at the same time. The rear right bearing and hub needed to be replaced at around 180,000 miles, but that's not too bad considering how much I've driven it. The only real issue I've had is with the tires. The rear tires tend to wear out quickly and get noisy, but I've found that rotating them every 5000 miles helps a lot. The SUV can be a bit noisy in general, but that's to be expected with most SUVs. It's not the smoothest ride in terms of acceleration or throttle response, but it's been reliable for all 211,000 miles! Right now, I need to replace the front bearing and hub. Thanks for listening!
Isai Stanton 2025-04-15
I made the mistake of purchasing the 2003 model without proper research in 2009. Unfortunately, just 13 months after the one year warranty expired, the transmission failed. The repair cost me a significant amount of money, totaling $5200. Shortly after, the front differential began to fail, and I was quoted a repair cost of $5600. Despite the new transmission, my fuel efficiency dropped from approximately 13 to 6 miles per gallon. If I had not been locked into payments, I would have disposed of this vehicle when the transmission failed. This has been the most regrettable purchase of my adult life. The Saturn/GM dealerships have been unhelpful, as once one problem is fixed, another arises. I strongly advise against purchasing this vehicle.
Javier White 2025-03-21
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my Saturn Vue. I bought it with 123,000 miles on it and I loved it! It drove very well, but unfortunately, the transmission went out on me after 3000 miles. I had bought the 2.2 4 cyl. AWD and I would not recommend that model. The mechanic said it was notorious for having a bad transmission, and they are nearly impossible to find. If you do decide to get a Saturn Vue, I would recommend the V6 version. The engine and transmission were made by Honda and I'm sure it will last you much longer. Let me know if you have any questions!