2003 saturn vue. Computer failure. Internet research done by me show multitudes of complaints about computers failing resulting in loss of power steering and dash components. Door lock failure and shift lever locking up.
2003 Saturn Vue electrical complaints
Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 124, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2003 saturn vue horn failure. I have talked with many other saturn owners online in forums & chatrooms, that all have the same problem I have. The horn will begin to blow on it's own for no reason and eventually fail. I have contacted the local saturn dealer and the cost of the repair is nearly $800-$900. I believe that lack of a horn is a safety issue and should be the manufacturers responsibility if it is a widespread problem with their vehicles.
Ignition module replaced , service engine light stay solid , advice to replace catalytic converter , after 2 months engine coil failed , 2 cylinders failed and cat converter turned cherry red due to excess of fuel burned , fire hazard and road hazard .
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue which was purchased in december 2002. She stated that there were numerous failures with the vehicle. While driving approximately 6 MPH through a brush-less car wash, water entered into the sun roof housing. On a separate occasion, she also smelled oil burning and the dealer replaced the right inner cv joint boot. The hazards lights failed to operate normally and were repaired twice due to repeat failures. When she engaged the hazard switch, it collapsed into the dashboard console. The service engine soon light illuminated and the dealer stated that the thermostat failed and it was replaced. All repairs were made to the vehicle per the warranty. The rear lateral link assembly recall number 04067001 2002-2004 vue rear suspension recall was also replaced. The driver's side window would not close; however, the driver's side switch was replaced. The fuel gauge indicated the improper level of fuel that was in the fuel tank; although, the fuel sending units were replaced. All of the repairs made to the vehicle have failed more than once. The horn would also operate intermittently on its own. The dealer found a shortage in the body control module and replaced the operating design system which forced the mechanic to reprogram the keys to the vehicle. The valve cover gasket failed a second time when the contact smelled oil burning. There were no related recalls for most of the other failed components. The failure mileage was 14,002 and the current mileage was 70,501.
Car misfiring and probably needed new plugs. Was told that I needed an ignition coil pack, ignition control module and that it would more than $700.00. Found this to be a problem with other vehicles that are my same year and make. 2003 saturn vue. Campaign number for the complaint/recall is 03v231000.
Major transmission problems as well as ignition problems. Recently have smoke coming out of my steering wheel when car is started.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving various speeds, all of the instrument panel gauges and daytime running lamps fail; however, the engine continues to operate. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and the technician stated that the master control panel was failing. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired; however, the part is currently on backorder with the manufacturer. The manufacturer will be notified. The vehicle is currently not being driven. The failure and current mileages were 80,100. Updated 08/27/09 *bf updated 08/31/09.
My service engine light was flashing today and about an hour later I started to loose power and when I pressed the gas I heard a loud noise. After doing research only I discovered there is a recall for the electrical system ignition: module on the 2003 saturn vue awd 6cycl.
Ignition problems. Locks up. Ignition was replaced at least 2x and worked on a few times. Lock finally disconnected. Cost $
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving at any speed, the reduced power light illuminated and the vehicle performed at half power. The dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new engine. The contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 106,000. Updated 10/07/08. *lj the consumer stated he experienced t he same problem that other saturn models had and they were recalled for an ignition module problem. Updated 10/08/08.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact attempted to start the engine, but was unsuccessful. He believed that the battery was the cause of the failure. He opened the hood and noticed that the battery terminal had came off, and battery acid leaked all over the driveway. The contact purchased a new exide auto lite battery. The prior one came equipped with the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 55,000. Updated 07/29/08.*lj updated 08/05/08. *jb updated 09/17/08. *lj updated 09/24/08.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact heard a loud beeping noise and the security warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost total electrical power. She contacted a professional mechanic and was informed that the bcm was the cause of the failure. Currently, all the instrument panel gauges are inoperative. She is in the process of having the vehicle inspected. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 109,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and the windshield wipers activated automatically. The interior dome light flashed intermittently, and the vehicle shut completely off and would not restart. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair. They placed her name on a waiting list and informed her that she will be notified when the parts arrived. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 84,000.
On our 2003 saturn vue the locks kept unlocking and locking at random (whether the car was running or not), then it did not respond to the keyless entry. The horn kept going off randomly and could not be stopped. On 05/14/08 we took the vehicle in for diagnostics. We were told the bcm (body control module) needed to be replaced. We were told that a bad bcm could affect other components of the car. I feel that this could be dangerous especially while driving on the highway and the car suddenly stops. I looked the bcm for saturn cars on the internet and there seemed to be several complaints about this being a recurring problem for saturns. I don't understand why this part has not been recalled.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. When the key was placed in the ignition, the key would not turn until several minutes later. The dealer stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 43,000 and current mileage was 43,300.
Saturn 2003 vue with vti transmission was purchased new in 10/02. At 76,000 miles when accelerating to get on highway, the RPM's were roaring and the speedometer was dropping. Pulled on shoulder and was able to drive car at 30 MPH a few miles to the saturn creve coeur dealer, who met us getting out of the car, and told us he could not even look at our car to go somewhere else! Drove sides streets 30 MPH to south county saturn dealer where purchased. After test driving they stated they thought the range switch was bad. No longer under extended warranty it would cost $452 to replace. After read about others complaints on this site, and having never heard of a range switch I am leary of spending the $452 only to have them tell me the next time it happens that the transmission will need to be replaced. Recently had problems with ignition sticking when turning the key. They told me it was some switch then too and the next day it did the same thing. Then I was told that I needed a whole new ignition after they held the key and ground it down! I do not trust them. Car has not had a problems the past few days. I will never buy another saturn!
2003 saturn vue, awd, v6,upon pulling out of intersection, accelerating, automatic transmission not up shifting on accelerating. Loss of power. Engine accels but vehicle movement slows. Transmission does not engage. Dealership states that the computer needs to be "dummied up". Vehicle is not use to a different driver. Can not pull out of intersection fast. Good car for very very slow person.. Not "vti" transmission. Dealership has dummied up computer many times. Seems to help for a while but after a while we are just use to acceleration slow to let the transmission shift before applying additional gas pedal. Rear drive unit grinding on turning. Dealer states that this a known problem and has a "kit" ready with all parts needed to make the repairs in the rear end unit. Price is over $1000.00... I was not reimbursed for any costs. Failure on rear unit occurred at 70,000 miles. Vehicle purchased new and my wife drove, till 75,000 miles. Now I am driving the vue and I would like to accelerate a little more quickly out of some intersection. Spark plug failed at 50,000 miles. They are to last to 100,000 miles. Very expensive repair to replace the spark plug, have to tear off the top end of intake manifold to get to it. Many expensive replacement gaskets had to be replaced and the labor also. I used my personal certified mechanic to save some money. Bad design.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving 10 MPH, the engine vibrated and then misfired. The vehicle decelerated to 1 MPH and the contact was unable to accelerate. The mechanic stated that the ignition control module caused the failure. The mechanic replaced the ignition control module; however, the failure continued. There is a recall for the electrical system: ignition: module (the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v231000) for the 2000-2003 saturn l-series. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included in the recall. The contact felt that her VIN should be included. As of november 15, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 82,000. Updated 01-10-08. *kb the coil pack was replaced which did not correct the problem. Updated 01/08/08
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.
The switch in the airbag module gets stuck and the horn blows continuously and when it wants to; it has failed for me at least 6 times in one day before burning out the horn. Then after a body control module was replaced (not needed) and the horn the following tuesday the horn began to blow out of control again. I have had to disable the horn (a safety feature of a car) to keep from it blowing more.
Ignition switch/control "locks" when exiting the vehicle, and then is extremely difficult to unlock, while attempting to start the car .... Vue is 4 years old, with 33,000 miles... Vehicle has done this since the first day I owned it. Complained to dealership a year ago, during routine maintenance check, and was told that I must be yanking the steering wheel to the left into "lock" position while getting out of the car! Seriouly, if it was that difficult to turn the key in the ignition while starting it, do they think I would deliberately do this? Ignition switch/control completely failed 8/7. Had to called aaa twice for help; first time the tow truck driver banged on the key while it was in the ignition and it unlocked...said he sees this all of the time and that the control was probably going out. I called dealership and made an appt. To take it in, to be checked. Second time, same day @10 pm....again aaa driver had to bang on the key, to get it unlocked...immediately drove it to the dealership and left it in their driveway to service in the morning. Awaiting call on cost of repairs.. More than likely out of warranty now. My saturn l300 sedan, did the same thing .....traded it for the vue when my lease was up. A co-worker says his ion does it, and his daughter's older model l200 has always done this ....
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving 35 MPH, the power steering failed and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle can be driven, but has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact stated the gauges did not function properly. The purchase date and correct VIN were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 27,000. Updated 02/01/08. *lj the consumer stated A/C, horn, windshield wipers, internal lights, and odometer all were inoperable. The consumer stated austin saturn tried to tighten the fuse block bolts, but it was actually worse afterwards. They replaced the bcm for half price. Updated 02/01/08
Failed vti transmission..started on 12/03/03 with 9199 miles. Reduced power light, car would not go when placed in gear, fix-code p0107, map sensor low circuit voltage transmission control system on 6/28/04 with n14807 miles. Wrench lit, saturn allegedly not found on 12-02-04 with 20178 miles not properly shifting,wrench light,fixed. Dtc b2707 into shift lock transmission on 6/30/05 with 27797 miles ses light, not found. On 7/17/06 with 48664 mi.les wont shift gears. Fix total rebuild as per saturn extended warranty. On 11/21/06 4with 8664 miles not shifting , stopped, then went into heavy traffic. Would not go in reverse, fix ed again. On 3/10/07 with 50107 miles stopped in heavy traffic then went. Intermitently shook in heavy traffic when at operating temperatures. As per saturn not found. Also, air bag/horn issues, on 1/31/06 with 38441 miles air bag light was on. .saturn alledged not found on 4/10/06, and on 41040 miles again air bag li, as per saturn dtcb1800472,,dtcb1001, replaced modual assembly.was charged $578.40 .after that horn was going on own , assumed was part of alarm system . Horn burned out, and saturn wanta about $1500 to repair when there iwas a an admitted design flaw. Alarm system was verified by outside source operational, not even sure if air bag will deploy in an accident.
It started with having strange clicking in the turn signals. Then the temp light would come on and the needle would bury itself into the red portion of the dial. We noticed no smell or problems with driving the car and the radiator and coolant resevior checked out to be fine. Next came the oil light on after we had already had the oil changed. Then the air bag light would stay on longer after starting the car. Then as suddenly as things started, everything went back to normal except the turn signals. A few weeks later it began. This time with the horn getting stuck, then the service light coming on and staying on along with the oil light. Then the airbag light started staying on longer and longer. By this time it is winter and I'm hearing strange sounds from the front of the car. One day we notice the horn is no longer working and the front end sound like it's going to fall off. We're afraid to use the heater defroster too much for fear the car may over heat. I take the vehicle in for oil change and diagnotic. It was not bought at a saturn dealer. I am told that the housing for the oil filter is broken and needs replacing. I pay for half of that. I need new links in the front. The horn works. The temp gauge is going into the red. After I explained what was going on with the gauges. It was suggested I take it to a saturn dealer. I went to my local saturn dealer and they replaced the front links. They diagnosed the other problems as: airbag steer wheel contacts collapsed - $800.00, shorted bcm- $449.00, horn shorted- $101.00, fuse blown-$23.60, not including labor. Spoke with saturn corp, they have agreed to pay $500.00 toward repair of airbag as long as we go to the saturn dealer. Presently we're seeking monetary assistance from the selling dealership which has moved over 50 miles away. This case is still pending.
Horn was always hard to honk. I honked the horn and it wouldn't stop. I had to remove the fuse to get it to stop. I took it to saturn and they said it would cost $889 to fix. The horn and airbag are in the same module. I've seen too many complaints about this and I refuse to have to pay to fix a manufacturer defect.
Horn starts blowing when car is parked and off. This has happened 3 times. Dealer says defect in the horn module behind steering wheel air bag. Dealer says this is a common problem but will not fix as a recall. They want to charge me over $750 to fix. I declined.
The horn on my 2003 2wd saturn vue has malfunctioned and is non-operational. One day, while the car was parked and turned off, the horn activated by itself and would not shut off. The horn wound up dying completely and now the horn, relay, fuses, and wiring all need to be replaced. The horn activator is located inside the airbag unit inside the steering wheel unit. The horn activator is covered by a copper protective plate which deforms over time due to the driver having to press exetremely hard on the horn buttons to activate the horn. When the copper plate becomes deformed, the horn activates and is unable to be deactivated unless the main fuse for the horn is pulled. In my car, the fuse was not able to be located and pulled in time, leading to the unit failure. Now I have no horn and the dealership wants to charge $750 to replace the unit. From what I've read on saturn forums on the web, this is a common problem for this make/model/year due to a design defect in the horn unit. Despite the fact that so many people have had this issue (some more than once), gm has refused to issue a recall.
When stopping the vehicle and sitting still for a few seconds, there is a loud thumping sound (occurring three or four times) from the rear of the vehicle (sounds similar to a loose fuel tank baffle). The dealer stated they weren't aware of any fix for this problem, though they tried a couple of ideas. While I've found this on several websites online, nobody seems to know the cause. Everyone seems to live with the problem. It's difficult to diagnose as it seems intermittant, but happens on average once per day. Being that this seems to be eminating from the fuel system, I think that saturn should take this issue more seriously, and more than likely this is something they can correct by replacing the fuel tank, I feel that they just don't want that expense. Also, I would like to take the opportunity to complain about the horn switch, as it is extremely difficult to operate in a panic situation, which is what it is designed to be used in. Lastly, I beleive that the federal safety agency should investigate the awd system on these vehicles. I've done my own tests and I have to say I am surprised about how easily it is to loose control of the vehicle in light snow. When the rear comes on, if the engine is revving high, it can spin the vehicle around like a top.
2003 saturn vue failed to start. *kb the vehicle made squeaking noises when the consumer made a right turn, in addition to various other rumblings. The consumer experienced problems with the rotors, bearings and transmission. A special wheel bearing had to be ordered as well as a special side cover and hardware for the transmission. The coolant switch was defective. The rear wipers would stick. The gas gauge would only read 3/4 full. The air condition stopped working and the hot and cold knob did not go all the to cool. The starter was replaced which was the reason the vehicle wasn't starting. The transfer case seal was replaced.
Computer failed on 2003 saturn vue (4-cyl vti version) causing gauges and system lights to blink and fluctuate uncontrollably. Additionally, door locks were turned on and off repeatedly. I had difficulty exiting the vehicle once at the dealership because of the locks. Incident occurred while driving in on highway at 58 MPH. Mileage of vehicle is 52,600. Dealership replaced computer -- problem was not under warranty.
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