MYRModel Year Report

2002 Saturn VUE

▲ Better than typical
2002 Saturn VUE
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:19.649Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
167
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 167 complaints 2002 167 2003: 622 complaints 2004: 276 complaints 2004 2005: 170 complaints 2006: 300 complaints 2006 2007: 286 complaints 2008: 406 complaints 2008 2009: 118 complaints 2010: 6 complaints 2010
2002: 167 complaints 2002 167 2003: 622 complaints 2003 2004: 276 complaints 2004 2005: 170 complaints 2005 2006: 300 complaints 2006 2007: 286 complaints 2007 2008: 406 complaints 2008 2009: 118 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2010
2002: 167 complaints 2002 167 2003: 622 complaints 2003 2004: 276 complaints 2004 2005: 170 complaints 2005 2006: 300 complaints 2006 2007: 286 complaints 2007 2008: 406 complaints 2008 2009: 118 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2010

2002: 167 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2002167
2003622
2004276
2005170
2006300
2007286
2008406
2009118
20106

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

32% · 53 reports

Most commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The ignition is fault. The key can be removed when vehicle is in on position.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-02

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn VUE. While driving 30 MPH, several dashboard warning indicators illuminated, including the battery warning indicator.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-06

Engine and engine cooling

19% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

Show complaint excerpts

On several occasions while driving, the reduced power light came on and vehicle would automatically shut down, after several attempts vehicle may restart, dealer stated that a sensor was not letting the pedal know that there was gasoline, dealer...

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-27

Power train

15% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While trying to stop by applying the brakes when approaching an intersection, the accelerator would not disengage and caused the vehicle to be unstoppable in that short distance.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-12

I had my 2002 Saturn VUE parked in a neighbor's driveway. Twenty to thirty minutes later, my car popped out of gear, backed up, turned, and rolled off an embankment, landing in between trees and onto shoulders.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-11

Steering

11% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing column and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

After the morning drive of 4 miles, smoke start coming from the steering wheel in the area of the turn signal indicator.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-20

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn VUE. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH smoke was emitted from the steering wheel without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-20

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn VUE. The contact was driving 25-35 MPH when smoke was emitted from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-08

Engine

10% · 16 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2001-12-19Seat belts01V386000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2004-07-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-11-01 Rear suspension toe control link
  3. I
    2006-01-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-06-06 Timing chain failure
  4. R
    2014-10-20Electrical system14V490000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Saturn VUE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 53 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01V386000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 14V490000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Saturn VUE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Saturn VUE is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Saturn VUE?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn VUE have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.