2005 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
- 170
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
None on file
None on file
42% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 170 complaints
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.
Electrical system
42% · 72 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Dashboard fire. The vehicle was stationary for two and half hours before it was noticed the dashboard was on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-03
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn VUE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ignition key fell out of the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
Power train
18% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Steering
12% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing column and hydraulic power assist system.
Air bags
9% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Takata recall my family and I were in a roll over accident on August 20TH 2019 our airbags did not deploy at impact.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-10
Was driving to work and we had a lite snow the night before. I hit a slick spot on highway and lost control of the car and hit a telephone poll.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-02
Also filed under Structure
Front end of 2007 Saturn VUE awd hit rear end of 2005 Dodge 1500 on his tow hitch. Impact speed estimated at 20MPH. Whole front end was crushed inward in a v-shape because of the tow hitch.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-09
Engine
5% · 9 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Saturn VUE — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 72 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 21 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Saturn VUE reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Saturn VUE is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saturn VUE?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Saturn VUE have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.