While driving my son noticed a sound coming from the engine that was not normal. When we stopped I opened the hood and investigated. When idiling it sounded like a chain slapping, at 1000 rpms the sound was like a whir instead of a slap. After listening for a few moments I decided it sounded like the timing chain. The next day my wife brought the vehicle to a chevrolet dealer and they determined that the tensioner had failed and the chain was indeed slapping around, but it had not damaged a valve. I checked on the internet and found that saturn engines, such as mine (2.2l engines), did indeed have a problem with the timing chain. A recall was issued for that engine, but only 2000-2002 model year. Total cost to repair was almost $1400.00
2003 Saturn Vue engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 90, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Timing chain slipped while driving on interstate and caused the engine to be replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact stated she has had the driver side wheel bearing and ignition switch repaired. In addition, the rear differential failed and the engine coolant was leaking into the engine. The windshield wiper sprayer was also defective. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The contact stated she did not feel safe driving the vehicle. There were no further repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.
Timing chain broke on 2003 saturn vue on attempting to start vehicle in the middle of a 3 hour highway trip. No prior warning of failure. Engine valves bent and recommendation of new engine from gm dealer service department.
I purchased a used 2003 saturn vue 2.2l in 2006. In may 2010 with 95,000 miles on it, it started running rough. I was leaving for work one morning and it died as I left my driveway. Called my auto shop and was able to drive it to the shop for diagnosis. The whole way there the "service engine soon" light was flashing. The diagnosis was that 2 cylinders were misfiring and had failed and that meant the ignition control module needed to be replaced. Along with that the spark plugs needed to be replaced because of the damage done by the misfiring. Total cost: $350. Picked up the car and "service engine soon" light came on again and was steady. It happened to be memorial day weekend so I couldn't take my car back in right away. Took it in on the following wednesday, mind you I got it back on friday night. Now it is the downstream o2 sensor, upstream o2 sensor and possibly the catalytic converter. Was advised to definitely replace the downstream o2 sensor, but was told that the upstream o2 sensor and catalytic converter could repair themselves after running a while. After finding a recall on my year, make and model called the saturn customer service and was told my VIN was not included in the recall and because I had purchased it used they would not replace or help me in any way, shape or fashion. With the same exact issue as the recall, I do not understand why my car would not be included.
Tl*-the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact observed when the vehicle was parked, a leakage of fluid underneath the engine area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed that the coolant was mixing with the oil which required a replacement of the head gasket. The manufacturer was notified and advised that the defect could not be repaired under the service warranty. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were 91,000.
My 2003 saturn vue is shutting down without warning or notice even on the expressway. My check engine light came on one day and went out and since then my car will shut off and not start back up. The car will attempt to turn over but not run as if it is not getting any gas. I had to be pushed into a cvs paking lot because I was in the right turning lane. After waiting 15 to 20 minutes later, the car started up, I put the car in drive and it shuts down again. It took me 30 minutes to go 2.5 miles because the car constantly shut down four times. The total time it took me to go 10 miles from my home, to my destination, and back was 3 hours. I took the car to a repair shop and was originally told it was the fuel pump; test revealed this was not the problem but it could be a bad crankshaft sensor, or an engine control module and the approximate cost would be over $600 depending on the problem. A car shutting down while driving is very dangerous for me and to others. I am literally afraid of driving my own car now due to this problem. While researching this problem online it appears this problem is occurring frequently and a recall should be in order.
2003 saturn vue. Consumer states defective transmission. *tgw after three months of purchasing the vehicle from a private seller, the consumer notice the vehicle would slip into a weird gear and the engine would sound as if it were running harder. The issue occurred at random intervals with no noticeable pattern. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that was the way it was supposed to sound, but they would inspected it. When the consumer returned to pick up the vehicle, he noticed the mileage was virtually the same and wondered if they test drove the vehicle. 4-5 weeks later, the consumer received a letter from gm stating the vehicle had a potentially defective vti transmission installed at the factory. The consumer was informed nothing could be done for him based on the mileage. The consumer stated there was a problem before the mileage on the vehicle excluded him. Also, the coolant light illuminated. The dealer found the water pump leaking.
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.
I have a 2003 saturn vue and the transmission went on may 5 went to the shop to be repaired on may 20 got vehicle back on the 23 and on may 25 the transmission went again took it back to saturn of albany n.y. And they told me it was the catalytic converter picked it up on may 27 got about 5 miles away from saturn tried to cross a 4 lane intersection and vehicle would barely move due to transmission problems again it is a good thing there was very little traffic.
Serpentine belt was shredded, when the bearing on the idler seized. V6-awd.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving 65 MPH, the timing chain failed. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel prior to or during the failure. The vehicle was difficult to control, but the contact was able to move it to the side of the road. He took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Vehicle lost timing chain tensioners at 57k miles, due to poor oil flow at low rpms despite regular oil changes and maintenance. Cost to repair is $1400.00, saturn will not recall or cover costs to repair engine. And says there are no 'known issues with this model' yet the l-series which has the same 2.2l engine has recalls out for timing chain issues. And in the new parts purchased for repair saturn has included upgraded oilers to increase oil flow to failed components.
2003 saturn vue. At 80,000 miles transmission went out and had to get it replaced. At 98000 miles 8 months later noticed sputtering and took it to dealership. Was told at first it was the ignition coil and the spark plugs and modules needed replaced for 682 dollars. 4 hours later they called and said they fixed it and it is not fixed I now have a bad #1 cylinder and have to get the whole engine replaced for 5400 dollars. Awaiting call back from saturn corporate to see if they are going to help. It is pretty sad that a 5 year old can needs both the tranny built and a new engine before 100,000 miles. Should of kept my honda civic with 230,000 miles. It runs better.
No warning. One day the car just stopped turning over. When we took it too the dealership they told us that the timing chain broke, the engine was destroyed and would have to be completely replaced.
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.
My 2003 saturn vue's check engine and service soon lights came on and the vehicle loses all power when you start to decelerate. My mechanic could not get any codes to register on his computer, however saturn is telling me it needs a thermostat. I don't believe a faulty thermostat would render my car losing all power.
This has been occurring just about since I've purchased my 2003 manual saturn vue. I drive down the freeway and suddenly the car loses power and the reduced engine power light and service engine soon lights come on. The car very suddenly and dangerously loses power on the freeway, I've had this occur on the 405/5 split where there were no shoulders to pull over to. I have to turn the car engine off and then restart to return to normal highway speeds. I've taken this car in 8 times for this same problem and saturn has not been able to identify the root cause. Each time they attempt to fix it by replacing things, the last time they told me they replaced all electronic wiring. This is a dangerous defect as it only occurs at very high speeds! I know this has affected other vue owners because I have read several blogs where people have complained of similar incidents.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the engine began to rev without warning. While approaching a stop, the vehicle revved very loudly and then lost power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle would not gain speed. He turned the vehicle off for ten minutes and restarted it, but the vehicle would not move. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the repair would cost $6,000. The manufacturer stated that they would attempt to work out a resolution, but have not contacted him back in reference to the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle completely shut down. The vehicle would shake intermittently and stalled on the freeway several times. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The service light would illuminate after the failure. The vehicle had been back and forth from the dealer approximately five times. The dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 114,357 and failure mileage was 112,000.
Purchased my 2003 saturn vue last year with 32,000 miles on it. I bought the best extended warranty available just in case. Well, I took my vehicle to inspection last month and failed for emissions. It wasn't the gas cap. Saturn of freehold, nj ran a diagnostics to find out that it's the thermostat!. You would think this would be covered under the warranty? Well, everything else is covered except the thermostat...sigh. How is it possible for a four year old vehicle with normal mileage blow a thermostat? I'm wondering if this is common amongst the vue's and if maybe there might be a recall coming. Would love to hear from someone.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The vehicle stalled and lost power while driving 75 MPH. There were no warning lights prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and later repaired. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired a second time, but later began making a clicking sound. The contact was informed that the converter was rubbing against another component. After repairing the vehicle for the third time, she smelled exhaust fumes inside the passenger compartment. The VIN, engine size, and purchase date were unknown. The current mileage was 42,500 and failure mileage was 42,000.
Called dealer when the car had 60,000 miles to inquire about replacing timing belt and was told that it did not have to be replaced until 80,000 miles. Car now has 69,000 miles and is being repaired due to a failure in the timing belt and am know being told there may be more damage in the valves due to the failure.
Cv joints were replaced at 22000 now againat 37000 I need to replace them. Front rotors were replaced at 22000 and again at 33000 timing belt at 20000 needed replacement I replaced the main computer controller in aug 2006. This car is a piece of crap and I will never buy a saturn again I bought this brand new off the lot in jan 2003 and have had major things go wrong. I also need to now replace the tires ( dullers) at 37000 because I am hydroplanng all over the place.I had a loud sound from my passenger window that took 2 years to diagnosis and repair and the rear end was recalled and the cooling fan replaced at 24000.
Timing belt needed replacement on 1/28/05.
I went out to start my car. It made a sound like it was a diesel truck engine. I had it towed to saturn in norwood ma on rt 1. It was my timing chain. It was covered under warranty. I am just reporting this now because I saw you were investigating the belts on other saturn's. I read that it hadn't effected the vue but I wanted you to know it does. I am looking up problems with this car because I have had so many. The incident date is estimated. I pick my vue up(again) today from the dealer I will get a print out of the exact date this occurred.
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.
Driving car started to blow oil from the cam cover gasket caused by moisture/water entering engine because of moisture build up in pvc hose. Water in engine froze causing gasket to blow. Total loss of oil in engine. I had my car towed to dealer. They rerouted pvc hose to prevent moisture build up again. Gasket was replaced.
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.
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