2008 Saturn VUE
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 167 |
| 2003 | 619 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 169 |
| 2006 | 300 |
| 2007 | 286 |
| 2008 | 406 |
| 2009 | 118 |
| 2010 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: power train — 108 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I PULLED INTO A STALL AT THE BANK, AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL, JUMPED THE CURB ON TO THE SIDEWALK, AND HIT A POLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140409
21% of complaints: steering — 84 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY20% of complaints: electrical system — 81 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
NHTSA ODI report, 20240905
A/C UNIT WILL STOP BLOWING HOT AIR, THIS WILL FOG UP WINDOWS IN MORNINGS AND ON RAINY DAYS CAUSEING YOU NOT TO SEE AND CRASH NO VISABLE OUT OF WINDSHIELD, CAN NOT SEE..VERY DANGEROUS
NHTSA ODI report, 20190112
9% of complaints: engine — 38 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
NHTSA ODI report, 20240905
I WAS DRIVING DOWN FM 1960 I SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THROUGH THE VENTS. I TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITION; THEN GREY SMOKE START BEING VISIBLE FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140505
6% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
GM IS RECALLING 26 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6T70 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION CASE SIDE BORE THAT HOLDS THE PAR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>H
Campaign 08V200000 — check if this car was fixed
GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL
Campaign 08V470000 — check if this car was fixed
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES STICK UNLATCHED
GM IS RECALLING 44,451 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH BODY COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK OR BIND. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES WITH CHROME DOOR HANDLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT
Campaign 09V233000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Saturn VUE — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (108 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (81 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V200000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V470000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V233000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Saturn VUE reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Saturn VUE is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saturn VUE?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Saturn VUE have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.