MYRModel Year Report

2003 Saturn VUE

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Saturn VUE
BUILT 2026-08-02

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

Complaints per year, Saturn VUE Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 2002: 167 complaints 2002 2003: 619 complaints 2003 2004: 276 complaints 2004 2005: 169 complaints 2006: 300 complaints 2006 2007: 286 complaints 2008: 406 complaints 2008 2009: 118 complaints 2010: 6 complaints 2010
2003: 619 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2002167
2003619
2004276
2005169
2006300
2007286
2008406
2009118
20106

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 32%

32% of complaints: power train — 200 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 88 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 81 distinct reports on file.

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 38 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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

STEERING 5%

5% of complaints: steering — 30 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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: 619
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 (200 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (88 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (81 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 14V490000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:automatic transmission, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Saturn VUE have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.