Have taken car to dealer more than once for following items: (1) ignition does not release when key removed. The first time all they did was make a new key, today (feb 16, 2006) they changed a spring on the 1st "level". Problem still exists intermittent, after I left dealer. First reported apx sept 2005. (2) major skidding on slight grades when sudden braking. Dealers maint fluffed it off each time saying nothing wrong. Problem since 2004. (3) when shifting down from drive to park intermittent sticking at reverse position, very subtle but definitely not normal. Problem just started (jan 2006). Date listed under "incident date" was just to be able to input into computer. There are 3 different issues from different dates and yrs. All are apx.
2003 Saturn Vue electrical complaints
Page 5 of 5: complaints 101 to 124 of 124, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2003 saturn vue hood release cable and windshield wiper motor was replaced. *ts the rear differential was replaced (warranty). While repairing the rear differential the technician noticed that the prompt shaft center bearing was broken (warranty). There was noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The technician determined that the transaxle. The technician updated the TCM and added CVT additive (warranty). The check engine light illuminated on the dash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the oxygen sensor was faulty (warranty). The air bag and horn were also replaced.
The horn in my 2003 saturn vue malfunctioned. When taken to the local saturn dealer for repair, they replaced several components ($400) and ultimately told me they had to replace the computer module that governed the horn ($700). They also told me that this module governed the airbags. However, the airbag warning light was not lit because the computer module had failed. A horn part shorted out and resulted in my son driving a car with no airbags and no warning of that.
Consumer states: took in vehicle on 5 separate times for transmission, whining noise was heard, almost like the engine was overheating. Was on highway, and no matter how much gas consumer gave it vehicle wouldn't move. When giving it more gas the engine would rev but still wouldn't go. Before problems with transmission, at a separate time, something with the computer went wrong. It completely shut down. Such as gas gauge showed empty tank and speedometer went to zero.*ak when at a stop idle seems to drop and when accelerating from stop, vehicle hestiates and lurches. Transaxle speed sensor replaced. Transmission control module reprogramed due to whining noise. Hood won't open. Hood cable readjusted. Driver and passenger washer nozzle missing and replaced. Steering wheel making noise. Shaft boot greased. Service engine soon (ses) light on. Oxygen sensor was contaminated and replaced.
Problems with transmission equipment on 2003 saturn vue.***no answer required***.*mr three weeks after the vehicle was purchased the consumer was notified of a transmission related recall on the vehicle. Four months later the transmission failed without warning in traffic. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced (vti transmission). The manufacturer is aware of the problems with the vti transmission but instead of replacing the with a different type of transmission they extended the warranty. The starter and rear wiper motor was replaced. Both fuel senders failed resulting in inaccurate fuel readings. The liftgate became stuck when opened.
Upon pressing down fairly hard on my vehicle's horn it honked in a normal fashion and stopped upon when I removed my hand, but then it continued to honk on its own on an intermittent basis. At the same time, the service vehicle warning light went on. I was unable to stop this condition until the fuse was removed.
I have 2 saturns, a 2001 sc2 and a 2003 vue. A few months ago, the battery on the sc2 went dead -- this was the 2nd battery since the vehicle was newly purchased. So now the sc2 is on its 3rd battery since taken off the saturn showroom. The vue was also purchased new and today the entire electrical system was dead. This vehicle is already on its 2nd battery so (it appears) that will need replacement as well. There appears to be a major electrical fault with saturn vehicles that they refuse to admit. Otherwise, why would 2 saturns (different models) go through a total of 5 (60-month) batteries in less than 5 years. I respectfully request that this company be investigated regarding this problem to determine why these problems exist. In the case of my sc2, saturn (initially) refused to pay for the replacement stating that it was not covered under their extended warranty. It was only after I told them that had I purchased directly from AC delco the warranty would be honored and that they -- in their contract with delco -- refused the warranty services delco offered. They apparently knew of the electrical problems with their vehicles and wanted to fleece customers rather than pay delco extra for the warranty agreements.
The padding on the horn was so thick that it was hard to blow, and when finding it under the covering, the consumer had to strike it with force. The dealer stated that the manufacturer would have to change the design. *ak *tc blowing the horn required an excessive amount of pressure to be applied at a precise location. *sc
The horn sounded lower when the engine was running, sometimes when the vehicle was off, it did not work at all. The horn has been replaced three times. The dealers solution was to try removing a horn from another vehicle on the lot, however most of the horns were defective.
Turn signal failed. The consumer replaced the bulbs but within a week they burned out again. *ak the consumer then complained to the delaer who replaced the resistor and bulbs.
First my engine blew because saturn did not put oil back into my vue during a routine oil change next my control computer in the vue had to be replaced because it did not work. Now my transmission cover needs replaced. I also hear about potential problems with the rear end suspension now. I bought a new vue for its reliability and it is not reliable all on saturns fault.
I have had several problems with my 2003 vue. First, the vti transmission seems to hesitate and or slip when accelerating. This has happened on several occasions at different speeds, it comes and goes. It also seems louder that it should be with clicking noises, especially when cold. I took the car to the dealer to make sure everything was ok, I was told there was nothing wrong. Second, the horn is very hard to use, my wife does not like to drive it because she does mostly city driving and needs a horn. It's not broken, just very difficult to use and I think a potential hazard. Finally there are many other sqeaks and rattles that drive me crazy. The headliner around the sunroof on the drivers side rattles a lot. Also the rear trunk/liftgate squeeks and after closer examination I saw that the inside plastic was coming apart from the rear trunk/liftgate. I pushed it back together, but I think it loosens everytime I close the trunk/liftgate. Nothing has been done to the vehicle concerning these problems.
I have had my 2003 vue for about 1 1/2 years. In that time I have had an unexplainable rattle in the head liner, design flaw in the sunroof/moonroof, gas guage sensor replaced, thermostat replaced, slipping transmission, "flame outs" when trying to start the engine resulting in flooding, "jumping" to the right at acceleration from a stop, heat blowing out of the vents during the summer when the fan is shut off and temp is on cold, and this week a dazzling display of indicator lights and guages and dash lights randomly turning on and off with the eventual loss of power steering. And I thought my transmission issues with my tahoe were bad? We purchased the vue for our daughter to drive when she turns 16. I feel that this car will not be safe for her to drive. I am very concerned with stories I am hearing about the airbags failing, ABS failing, steering failing. This could be fatal for an inexperienced driver.
Air conditioner compressor failed without warning at 42,000 miles.
The horn on my 2003 saturn vue is impossible to find in an emergency. Unless you press with you thumb exactly on the horn symbol, it will not blow. The dealer and I both tried by hitting the spot with our fist. Sometime it blows and sometimes it did not. Everytime it blew when you press exactly on the horn symbol with your thumb. I was told this was normal. In an emergency, finding that exact place on the sterling wheel is difficult. I have had at least 4 incidents where an accident almost occurred because I could not find the horn.
Horn failed to engage when the botton was depressed. Dealership indicated that this was a common problem.
I have taken my 2003 saturn vue in 8 times for high idle (1000 RPM) in neutral, ses light on, and engine cooling fan going on. The dealer stopped attempting to fix the problem on visit 6 (when they let my car sit at the dealership for 13 days with 1 diagnosis attempt). Another dealer has looked at the car for the last two visits. Saturn says they cannot find anything wrong. Yet I have found a saturn service bulletin on the federal safety agency website. The high idle is a safety issue because it affects my shifting. An independent ase certified mechanic has stated that the high idle and engine fan running will eventually damage the fan, engine mounts and catalytic converter. Of course, my gas mileage is compromised as well as my safety. The service bulletin pertains to the ses light, code p0171 fuel trim system lean.
Horn is hard to activate on the steering wheel. It needs to be softer or easier to sound horn.
While driving the vehicles check engine light illuminated and then the vehicle lost all power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two occasions but those repairs did not correct the problem. It wasn't until the third attempt the the dealer changed the electrical harness. The consumer is not satisfied with the performance of this vehicle or the saturn dealer. *mr *scc
There is an electrical issue in the lighting system on this car. When the headlights are turned on (not the daytime running lights) the turn signal/headlight control stalk will get hot to the touch in about 20 minutes. I contacted saturn via email and they told me to take it to my dealer. That's all well and good but saturn of rochester (new york) is a joke.
Misc electrical problems, car won't start, service engine soon light on, service soon light on, speedometer to zero, tachometer to zero, cruise control wouldn't work. This happened on 4 different occasions.
I purchased a 2003 vue on 12/02 there was a recall in 03/03 the problem was fixed, but lead to other problems. (1) the check engine light would not go out took it in 2 times. (2) the car was lurching when coming to a stop. (3) the car did not get enough gas when taking off. (4) there is a knocking sound when I turn a corner. (5) the car had to be towed in just 1 day after picking it up for other problems because it would not start.
Consumer states vehicle has broken down 3x in the last 5 days. Dealer has confirmed that the "bcm", the main brain/computer of the vehicle is failing. Ts
Due to the horn design, on the steering wheel airbag, at night it is almost impossible to activate the horn.
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