2003 Saturn Vue transmission problems

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 May 20, 2021 · Transmission · TX

Knocking/grinding noise from under vehicle and shift problems. Taken to automotive service provider for diagnostic and they're evaluation revealed internal fail in the cvt vti transmission.

Filed Mar 16, 2020 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact stated that the vehicle operated in the forward gears but, failed to shift into reverse. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed Apr 30, 2019 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · OR

Gm after bankruptcy: gm's transaxle (CVT m75) in this vehicle is known by all owners to fail. This unit failed to provide forward momentum and left the vehicle stranded high heavy traffic in portland, or year april 2019. Multiple calls to gm found that service providers couldnt even id the proper trans axle that goes in this vehicle so we could get a replacement. We believe gm is in process of a new "class action suite" to repair damages to the second owners. Is, this true - let us know if you know - please thx. This trans axle was built damaged.

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Transmission · 134,000 miles · KY

I started my vue to go to work and it sounded normal. As I backed out of my driveway and put it in drive it was good. As I started to speed up the transmission would not go out of 1st gear. I couldn't get it to go any faster than 20 MPH. Had it tested by a mechanic on 4 different machines. No codes! Mechanic said I need a new transmission!

Filed Dec 13, 2017 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · WY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact stated that the vehicle was not operable after it was shifted into drive and reverse. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle operated as intended. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. A dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. *tt updated 9/19/18

Filed Jul 1, 2017 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · PA

So I bought this car from someone on craigslist and was told the car was in great shape and the history report mentioned a possible transmission issues but I was also told the transmission was replaced not too long ago by the owner who had the car before the guy I bought it from. Well after having the car for 2 days, the subframe cracked which was a $700 fix and took me months to come up with the money and my car was not driveable at the time. I got the vue from the shop maybe 2 weeks ago and now the transmission is going. When I put the car in reverse it either doesn't move or gives me a lot of trouble moving. When I pop it into drive it either doesn't move, gives me trouble moving, goes into reverse, or will make a loud noise and jerk aggressively before driving. I took the car to get looked at and was told it had one of the original CVT saturn transmissions and it will need replaced. The problem is the transmission is near impossible to find and cost most than the car is worth and more than I even paid for the car, according to the mechanics I took the car to. Apparently this is a common problem and even caused a lawsuit with saturn and gm. Since the problem is with the type of engine saturn used, I didn't know if I could get it replaced like most of the people in the lawsuit did. I am a broke and struggling college student and other than the transmission this car is in great condition. I am worried I will be driving ti one day and the car will stop working and I'll crash.

Filed May 21, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 188,000 miles · GA

Air bags light on. Speedometer doesn't work. Power steering hard. Gave out while driving auto light gone. Service engine light on. Gas needle not working. Key comes out when car is started. Rpm not working