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2003 Saturn Vue fuel system problems

33 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 35,774.

owner complaints
33
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
35,774
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Delivery
    3
  • Storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
    2
  • Storage: fuel gauge system
    2
  • Storage
    1
  • Fuel injection system: fuel rail
    1
  • Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    1
  • Delivery: fuel pump
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Saturn Vue fuel system problems in other years

2002200320042005200620072008

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Saturn Vue fuel system

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fuel smell 7Fuel gauge 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Saturn Vue owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

This is more information related to Complaint 11761129: After online researching of other '03 2.2L Saturn Vue-owners stalling experiences, it appears that this vehicle has a long history of others like me: an unsafe, unpredictable stalling problem which carries no warnings or logging of error codes to trace the TRUE ORIGIN of problem. (How much did others spend on repairs that appeared to fix the problem by elapsing time enough for the problem to return to normal without the "repair"?) I stress that when all is working fine, the driver feels secure because there's no sign of a problem or trace left of the problem. The vehicle did run for years-at-a-time in a stable, reliable fashion. Once the stalling episodes pass, it felt OK to continue driving for years because everything is fine again. Looking back at the times when the stalling occurred, I was always lucky enough to recover and continue driving normally and trustfully for years before the next occurrence. Now I wonder what could have happened if the stall occurred while in more split-second decision, critical situations. I feel really stuck right now because I'm older with an undrivable vehicle. Please advise

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

Car stalled while driving in traffic XXX. Engine died. Warning lights ON. Restarted. Stalled 3 more times in traffic but luckily had space to pull off & engine restarted. Made it into my garage. Restarted, Check Engine Light was ON, but went OFF after time. Car would NOT move in gear. Retried several times. Presently (XXX) will crank but WON'T start. Battery good. Looking for anything else obvious. (Had similar problem after buying in 2006 on at least 4 different dates, but restarted after EITHER: left overnight or after battery disconnect/reset: No Check Engine Light after relearning cycles. Successfully passed all emission tests since ownership.) I have about 34,000 miles on odometer. Have had NO other memorable problems except stalling problems. After first stalling years ago, a Saturn dealer on [XXX] replaced VTi transmission fluid & "reprogrammed" the ECM. I have no receipts or records now & that dealer is long gone. Please advise. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Aug 23, 2022 · Fuel system · SC

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.

Filed Oct 3, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · NC

My keys come out of the ignition , I keep having electrical failures and my pipes keep messing up

Filed Apr 5, 2017 · Fuel system · AL

I own a saturn vue 2003 and topped the tank with gas only to witness a fuel odor and a leak under the tank area. The day before yesterday monday the 3rd of april I visited dewey barber in gardendale alabama after research and inquired about special coverage 12191, fuel odor and ground spotting. I further explained to them that when I accelerate there's a hesitation as if the flow of gas is altered. They looked up my VIN and discovered a recall of the key ignition cylinder and ordered the switch and key which would be in at 7:30am tuesday. They wrote it up on a form and passed it on. 2-hours later they said the special coverage 12191 wasn't for my car and that it didn't appear under my VIN. They also concluded that my key was so worn that a copy couldn't be made, another key is ordered from the manufacturer. So I was told to call back wednesday to see if the keys arrived. Who do I get to fix these problems concerning the fuel odor from the gas leak????? There is a disturbance of fuel flow to the engine that needs to be repaired!!!!!!!

Filed Dec 18, 2015 · Fuel system · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact stated that fuel failed to go into the fuel tank after refueling the vehicle and continued to pour out randomly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 16, 2015 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and then accelerated to 70 MPH independently. In addition, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 50,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact stated that there was a strong gasoline fuel odor coming from inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that there was fuel leaking and that the fuel gauge failed to read the accurate fuel levels. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and the service engine warning light would illuminate intermittently. In addition, the contact stated that the key could be removed while in the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · TX

My key sometimes won't go into igniton and once it does, it sometimes falls out while I am driving or the car loses power while I'm driving. Is this problem a part of the gm recalls for 2003 saturns ??

Questions about the 2003 Saturn Vue fuel system

Does the 2003 Saturn Vue have fuel system problems?

Owners have filed 33 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Saturn Vue, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Saturn Vue fuel system problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 35,774 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Saturn Vue fuel system?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Saturn Vue have the most fuel system problems?

The Saturn Vue model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2003 (33 complaints), 2007 (20 complaints) and 2006 (12 complaints).

Other 2003 Saturn Vue problems

Transmission 316Electrical 124Engine 90Suspension 48Steering 45Airbags 41Body 23Acceleration 21Brakes 21Visibility 20Locks 13Lights 9Tires 6Wheels 6Driver assistance 3Seat belts 3Seats 2

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