2003 Saturn Vue: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Feb 26, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · 110,000 miles · FL · 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.

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Electrical, Visibility · 150,000 miles · WI

Occasionally there has been a line of smoke coming from my steering column when I start the car. Now my windshield wipers will not turn off unless I remove the fuse. I am concerned about a fire and will be getting it fixed, however I have read of other saturn owners having this same problem. So I know mine is not the only car out there to have this problem.

Filed Jul 7, 2013 · Transmission · CA

2003 saturn vue transmission problems and more the date of sale: 12/05/2008. The loan officer claims states everything was ok with the vue before purchase per her review. However the transmission is slipping, rear hub bearing, noise coming from left side beginning jan 14, 2009- to current. We reported to the dealership and return to service department with the following report: brakes making noise all the time and burning smell from vents. Saturn dealership in concord repair: front brake rotor refinishing and the teach comments: unable to verify any smells this visit. A/c drain not restricted. Called gm in detroit, mi (no help) and they are aware that the vue was return because of the same complaints; my daughter met the lady who purchases the vue 2003 at a foster care meeting in concord in 2009, she ask about the rack that was on top of vue 3/24/2009: filed a claim with bbb auto line program: claim the warranty expired on 7/31/06. I purchase the vue in 2008. --what does that mean. On march 21, 2012 checked the transmission with transmission center in our area: advice could not confirm trans slippage, it needs rear hub bearing. We replace the hub bearing, but the noise and slippage continued. That summer (june 2012) I traveled to oakland with the debutantes (5 young ladies including my granddaughter to eat) in route in traffic the vue begin to lose its power and came to a complete stop. Car's going around us-it was crazy and nice men can and push the vue to the side of the road. Called the dealership today sunday july 8, 2013 and at 1:50pm pst.--spoke with the sales consultant who promises to have the owner call me back. He did and asks how I can help you. I explained once again the problem and he said" sounds like you need a new car". I disconnected the called...very disrespectfully--not funny. I've check the internet and called other transmission center: cost range $3,999.00. Please help me retrieve some or all of my money back. Respectfully [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informatio

Filed May 8, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 166,000 miles · AR · crash

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]. The vehicle was a mitsubishi mirage license plate 551 rkz and drivers license number [xxx]. The officers name was [xxx]. I received the letter from the insurance company progressive stating that he did not have insurance. The following day after the accident on the way home my service engine light, oil light and several other lights flashed. There was a loud popping noise and black smoke came pouring out and everything shut down. I have since noticed there is a recall for this same thing but was told it is not for my specific VIN number. I am arguing with the insurance company because they refuse to repair the engine part which they said was not due to the accident. I think the impact from the wreck knocked the oil filler cap off because when the geico adjusters had the car they could not find it. I found the oil filler cap down in the front between the front of the engine and front of the car. Oil was all over the engine and seized from what the geico adjusters said. I am placing a complaint with the insurance commissioner on geico for not picking me up for road side assistance, taking to long to repair the bumper, not knowing what they are doing taking so long to be able to repair the car. They tried charging me a $500 deductible when I had uninsured and underinsured motorists and several other issues with them. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 23, 2011 · Electrical · 99,072 miles · WV · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving approximate 25 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound under the hood immediately followed by the eruption of flames. The contact stopped the vehicle and had complications opening the door because the vehicle had lost all electrical power. The contact was eventually able to open the door and exit the vehicle. The police and fire department reported to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to tow station and was declared as destroyed. The cause of the fire was undetermined. The approximate failure mileage was 99,072.

Filed May 14, 2010 · Transmission · CT

The transmission was replaced last fall due to a problem that saturn was already aware of. The vehicle had been rolling back when stopped just like a standard. On 5/6/10, the vehicle started rolling back again, the windshield wipers started acting funny, and the service engine light came on. On 5/12/10, the vehicle was being driven, when the operator noticed a smell like burning plastic and saw smoke coming from the steering column. She pulled into a large parking lot, parked, turned off the vehicle, and called her sister-in-law, who advised her to call the fire department. The engine company responded, and, using a thermal imager, found the signal light / head light switch to be approximately 350 degrees. There was a small bubble of melted plastic and the insulation on some of the wires was melted. The part number found on the component was abd29790608 22679804.

Filed Nov 23, 2009 · Seats · 170,000 miles · NJ · fire

My 2003 saturn vue drivers sat caught fire while I was driving it, I smelt a burning smell, stopped to look under the hood all looked good to me,I continued driving and the car then began to fill up with smoke naturally I got out of the vehicle immediately and realized it was the seat I was sitting in.

Filed Jul 29, 2009 · Electrical, Transmission · 104,000 miles · WI

Major transmission problems as well as ignition problems. Recently have smoke coming out of my steering wheel when car is started.

Filed Mar 10, 2009 · Transmission · CA

2003 saturn vue had a partially melted transmission drive shaft boot. *nj the consumer stated when his wife attempted to start the vehicle, it would not turn over. A few minutes later, there as a loud explosion from under the hood. The consumer ran out and discovered smoke coming from under the vehicle. After several tries of trying to get the vehicle to start, it finally started but it would shut off. On the eighth try, the consumer was able to keep the vehicle running by pumping the accelerator. The vehicle would not maintain a steady RPM. The vehicle had no power brakes and the RPM continued to move from 2000 to 3000 and when the consumer stopped the vehicle, it did not idle. The brakes finally became active and the RPM was steady. The consumer stated the problem that caused the damaged had not been diagnosed. The consumer had another mishap with the vehicle. The consumer's wife smelled something electrical and then the service engine light illuminated. There was difficulty starting the vehicle. The next day, when the consumer attempted to start the vehicle, it didn't start and again it backfired with a loud pop. The consumer put his hand under the right bottom side near the catalytic converter and there was black grease on the underside. The consumer stated there seems to be a problem with having a rubber boot with grease next to the catalytic converter and unprotected without a shield.

Filed Nov 13, 2007 · Electrical, Fuel system · MN

This car is a piece of crap. I cannot even sell it because people whomever look at it says it runs horribly. The truck doesn't accelerate properly, the gas tank float doesn't always work, there's a problem with the key getting stuck in the ignition when you attempt to start the car (if you can get it in it doesn't always turn), it makes grinding sounds when it turns, the cd player scratches your cd's, there are burning smells for no reason .... On and on and on. Don't know why there has never been a recall on this vehicle. I can't afford to fix everything that goes on with it. If anyone is interested in a class action suit please email me at.