2003 Saturn VUE

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2003 Saturn VUE
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

2003: 620 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2002	167
2003	620
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.

POWER TRAIN 52%

52% of complaints: power train — 321 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20250226

Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21%

21% of complaints: electrical system — 131 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and ignition.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20120508

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, 20260714

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 63 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

CRASH FIRE

SUSPENSION 8%

8% of complaints: suspension — 50 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASH INJURY

STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20031017

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 620

I 20040722 — PE (closed 20041101)

REAR SUSPENSION TOE CONTROL LINK

I 20060124 — PE (closed 20060606)

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE

R 20141020 — electrical system

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

2003 Saturn VUE — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for power train issues (321 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (131 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (63 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 14V490000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2002 ▲ 2005

WORST YEARS

◆ 2008 ● 2006 ● 2007

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.