2004 Saturn VUE

● Typical for this model

2004 Saturn VUE
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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

2004: 276 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 34%

34% of complaints: power train — 93 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231105

VEHICLE WAS GOING THRU AN INTERSECTION AND THE TRANSMISSION QUIT. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20140709

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 30%

30% of complaints: electrical system — 82 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250924

SUSPENSION 12%

12% of complaints: suspension — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASH INJURY

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MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2004 SATURN VUE ON MONDAY, JULY 26, HE APPARENTLY HIT A PATCH OF GRAVEL WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040728

I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 14, 2004 WHILE IN MY 2004 SATURN VUE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040727

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY

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I WAS DRIVING FROM PROVIDENCE RI TO ATHENS OH. I WAS IN WEST VIRGINIA AROUND MORGANTOWN, DRIVING FROM 68 WEST TO 79 SOUTH RAMP, AND I WAS DRIVING IN THE RANGE OF SPEED LIMITS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180711

WHEN DRIVING AT 35 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AT A STOP SIGN. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO T-BONE THE OTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040607

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE APPEARED NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140723

Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20031215 — equipment

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L V6 (L66) ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THA

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.

Campaign 03V519000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20040722 — PE (closed 20041101)

REAR SUSPENSION TOE CONTROL LINK

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