MYRModel Year Report

2003 Saturn VUE

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Saturn VUE
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of 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
622
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

52% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 167 complaints 2003: 622 complaints 2003 622 2004: 276 complaints 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 2003: 622 complaints 2003 622 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 2003: 622 complaints 2003 622 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

2003: 622 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.

Power train

52% · 323 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact purchased a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that two days after purchasing the used vehicle, the vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-26

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Car stalled while driving in traffic XXX. Engine died. Warning lights ON. Restarted. Stalled 3 more times in traffic but luckily had space to pull off & engine restarted. Made it into my garage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-31

Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system

Electrical system

21% · 131 reports

Most commonly citing horn and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was rear ended on March 19TH in springdale Arkansas. I was parked at a stop light when a car rear ended me. The driver did not have insurance and his name was [xxx] address on the accident report was[xxx].

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-08

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V490000 (Electrical System).

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 63 reports

Most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

CRASHFIRE

Suspension

8% · 50 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASHINJURY

Steering

7% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing column and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

May 2003, bought 03 Saturn VUE. June 2003: pointed out rattle in steering column. Told the wrong part had been installed, replacement part ordered/installed. *la 7/03, reported same rattling.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-17

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 622 complaints filed for this model year.
  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

2003 Saturn VUE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 323 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 131 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 63 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V490000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 2003 Saturn VUE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Saturn VUE is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Saturn VUE?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Saturn VUE have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-06 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.