2003 SATURN VUE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

872

Owner Complaints

42 Crashes 16 Fires

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

58

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 SATURN VUE

The 2003 SATURN VUE has received a total of 872 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 58 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (200 complaints), Power Train (88 complaints), and Electrical System (81 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 SATURN VUE

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 2003 SATURN VUE, potentially affecting up to 202,155 vehicles.

Recall 14V490000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 202,155 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

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...

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2003 SATURN VUE

872 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 SATURN VUE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 200 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 88 2 Crashes 1 Fire
Electrical System
Complaints: 81 2 Crashes 5 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 38 1 Crash 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 30 1 Crash 1 Fire
Air Bags
Complaints: 28 7 Crashes 1 Fire 11 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 27 1 Crash 1 Fire
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 20
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 18 6 Crashes 5 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 17 1 Fire
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 15
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 14 2 Fires
Suspension
Complaints: 14
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 13
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 10
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 9 7 Crashes 5 Injuries
Equipment
Complaints: 8
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 7
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 7 1 Crash
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 7
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 6
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 6
Tires
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 5
Structure
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 5
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 5
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 5
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 4
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 4
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 4
Wheels
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 3
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 3
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 2
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 2
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 2
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 2
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstorage
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionfloor Shift Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulichoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesrodrelayconnecting
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhood
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11703898 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
2003 Saturn Vue ignition switch. The switch was replaced under a recall with a switch that has the same defect; the key can be removed while the vehicle is in operation. The dealers refuse to replace it saying the car had the recall completed. They do not acknowledge the replacement has the same problem as the original. I feel they are required to do a second replacement under the recall if it the same problem -- a dangerous one at that. AI shows a number of the replacement key switches were defective like the originals. Can you help me?
#11645047 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 110,000 miles Fire
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. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the gas tank location. A service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while pulling to the side of the road, a bystander alerted the contact that there was a fuel leak. The contact and the other passengers of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started at the gas tank location and extended to the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle was significantly burned. The contact could not confirm that a fire department report was filed. There was no property damage. Neither the contact nor the other passengers of the vehicle sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by the registered owner. The contact could not confirm whether the vehicle was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
#11645047 | POWER TRAIN | | 110,000 miles Fire
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. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the gas tank location. A service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while pulling to the side of the road, a bystander alerted the contact that there was a fuel leak. The contact and the other passengers of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started at the gas tank location and extended to the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle was significantly burned. The contact could not confirm that a fire department report was filed. There was no property damage. Neither the contact nor the other passengers of the vehicle sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot by the registered owner. The contact could not confirm whether the vehicle was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
#11480794 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
While driving the engine lights kept coming on, so we decided to get it checked by a mechanic and he told us that we have a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor and that the IMRC actuator valve is not working at all.
#11461144 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
October 12, 2020 IG Burton stated the recall was complete, given original keys. I went to Willis Chevrolet & Buick recall was completed on April 15, 2022, new keys were issued.

View all Power Trainautomatic Transmission complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2003 SATURN VUE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 SATURN VUE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 SATURN VUE

General Motors, LLC has issued 58 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 SATURN VUE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

14319A — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

14319A - SPECIAL COVERAGE (REVISED MODEL YEAR VEHICLES). SOME 2005-2006 MODEL YEAR (MY) CHEVROLET EQUINOX, 2006 MY PONTIAC TORRENT AND 2002-2007 MY SATURN VUE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE IGNITION KEY MAY BE REMOVED WHEN THE IGNITION IS NOT IN THE “OFF” POSITION. IF THE IGNITION KEY...

070235001 — STEERING

INFORMATION ON SERVICING VEHICLES USING NEW IGNITION START SWITCH HOUSING (IGNITION LOCK MODULE) WITHOUT STEERING COLUMN LOCK. *KB

030845003C — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REDUCED VEHICLE POWER, NO TRANSAXLE DOWN SHIFT, SES LIGHT ON, BUZZ NOISE FROM DOOR SPEAKERS/SPEAKERS INOPERATIVE, HEATER BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE, VARIOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) SET. *TT

040843008 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE-WIPER/WASHER SYSTEMS SCHEMATICS. *SC

040604008 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0135 HO2S HEATER CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE BANK 1 SENSOR 1 AND/OR DTC P0155 HO2S HEATER PERFORMANCE BANK 2 SENSOR 1. *MR THIS BULLETIN REPLACES PREVIOUS 04-06-04-008. *EH

030730052A — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

ENGINE FLARE DURING 2-3 SHIFT, MOST NOTICEABLE DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION. THE CONDITION MAY BE CAUSED BY AERATION OF TRANSAXLE FLUID, RESULTING IN A DELAYED APPLY OF 3RD CLUTCH. CORPORATE BULLETIN NUMBER 03-07-30-052 *MN

030858005 — STRUCTURE:BODY

WIND NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FROM BASE OF DRIVER SIDE (LEFT) A-PILLAR NEAR VIN PLATE AREA. *TT

040417002 — POWER TRAIN

VIBRATION FELT IN SEATBACK OR ARMREST AT VEHICLE SPEEDS BETWEEN 48 TO 89 KM/H (30 TO 55 MPH). *TT

040730032 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

GRIND/RATTLE NOISE FROM TRANSAXLE IN PARK AND NEUTRAL AFTER AN EXTENDED COLD SOAK FOLLOWING CASE COVER REPLACEMENT OR OTHER INTERNAL TRANSAXLE OVERHAUL. *TT

040605009 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING A POP/CLUNK NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ON INITIAL COLD START AND/OR DURING THE WARM-UP DRIVE CYCLE. *TT

Showing 10 of 58 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 SATURN VUE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the SATURN VUE

View all SATURN VUE model years →

Other SATURN Models

View all SATURN models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report