2002 Saturn VUE
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 167 |
| 2003 | 622 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 170 |
| 2006 | 300 |
| 2007 | 286 |
| 2008 | 406 |
| 2009 | 118 |
| 2010 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: electrical system — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE IGNITION IS FAULT. THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN VEHICLE IS IN ON POSITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20200602
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, 20200106
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 32 distinct reports on file, 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, 20020627
15% of complaints: power train — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20030512
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, 20021211
11% of complaints: steering — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and hydraulic power assist system.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
AFTER THE MORNING DRIVE OF 4 MILES, SMOKE START COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE AREA OF THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140520
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, 20140520
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, 20140408
10% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 SHOU
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 NO
Campaign 01V386000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR SUSPENSION TOE CONTROL LINK
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
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.
Campaign 14V490000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Saturn VUE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V386000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V490000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.