I purchased my 2003 awd v6 vue new from the same dealership that I take it to for repairs. Since I have owned it, I have reported several times that the vehicle "stalls" while accelerating. Usually around 40 MPH. The RPM's rev up (to the red) and the car goes nowhere, like it has suddenly shifted into neutral. This happens while accelerating after a stop. Needless to say, I have had several incidents where I was almost rear-ended. I feel the dealership is trying to resolve the problem, but have been unable to get it to repeat. We are now looking at having one of the service tech drive it for a week or two to see if they can get it to occur. It happens to me at least 3-6 times a month, but intermittently. I do not have a vti transmission. I have two other problems with my vue that have been unable to be fixed; the first is the steering/alignment. If I hold the steering wheel straight on, the car goes to the left. The dealership will fix the alignment, and within 2 days it off again. I have to steer to the right to keep the vehicle straight. It has never been involved in a wreck and I can see no reason for the alignment to go off so quickly. Secondly, the car makes a loud popping sound when idling if the A/C or heater is on. The dealership says this is normal. It just doesn't seem right. The vents also blow air when the system is off. My vue has 46,001 miles. I stand behind the vehicle and my dealership. I just wish they could figure out what is causing it to rev out the way it does. It is quite alarming when it happens.
2003 Saturn Vue transmission complaints
Page 10 of 12: complaints 251 to 280 of 316, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have a 2003 saturn vue awd v6 VIN [xxx]. When I had bought this vehicle there was a popping sound in the front drive-train while turning at any speed. I was about to purchase another vue from a used car dealership, but upon reading the car facts report it was a 'factory buy back' for an un-fixed popping sound in the front end subsequently I did not purchase this vehicle. The other day I was out fishing down a dirt road I had passed my favorite spot. So, I had to make a 3 point turn on the uneven road, I turned the wheel all the way to the left and the front left tire went into a pot hole, I put it into reverse giving it gas while turning the wheel to the right and heard a sound pop!-cruuunch! After a quick field inspection it looked like the cv boot came loose and lost all the grease . So I drove it real slow back home and after taking the tire off I saw that there was metal shavings, bearings, pieces ect. On the front left axle. Saturn told me they would take care of it through the warranty an I am still awaiting the return of my vehicle. It is to my belief that this is an often occuring problem. Should this happen to someone who did not realize the seriousness of the problem death could result from hard braking or evasive manuvering with this existing condition to the axle. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
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.
After having my (brand new) 2003 saturn vue for 4 months, it stopped in the middle of an intersection on my way to work. The car was towed and the transmission was replaced by saturn. After that, I have had other instances of poor performance by the vehicle, which, again was related to the transmission. Each time, saturn either replaced or repaired the part(s) that were causing the problems. I just recently had a problem with the way the car was driving and I took it in to find out that I had yet another transmission problem as well as a malfunctioning rear suspension, which I found out had been recalled. All parts were either repaired or replaced.
2003 satun vue transmisson failure it stop right in front saturn show room
I have been having continual all wheel drive issues with my 2003 saturn vue. It has been stuck in both sand and snow of moderate depth and been unable to drive out under it's power. I have had it to the dealer a number of times and now I am told that the problem is in fact a "safety feature". The feature nearly resulted in a serious collision with a snow plow when my vehicle became stuck in only 4" of snow. I am being told by other vue owners that they have experienced similar problems associated with both the transmission and rear differential bearings. I bought an all wheel drive vehicle and paid extra for this feature. I am now saddled with vehicle that does not perform as advertised and has already caused a near disaster. I have reported my problem to saturn and the dealer. A formal file has been started. No repair has been made since satrun claims this to be a "safety feature" per the service manager at the frederick saturn dealership. It is not safe and will result in additional problems.
When consumer stop for red light, then step on accelerator, car hesitates then lurches forward abruptly. *bf while driving 65 MPH the consumer heard a humming noise and the vehicle suddenly decreased in speed to around 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who reprogrammed the software. Three weeks after the vehicle was purchased the transmission had to be replaced. Now the replacement transmission is having problems.
2003 vue, purchased new 9/03- 4 cyclinder vti transmission failed on 4 occassions, car would lose power while driving. Occured between 6-04 and 9-04 - very unsafe pulling out into traffic. Happened on 4 occassions, once car lost power totally - had to be towed. Dealer fixed a different problem 3 different times, problem remained, traded car in 9-04.
Vehicle would decelerate while driving from a stop postion, and transmission would make a grinding noise. Dealer was notified.
When the consumer applied gas pedal, the vehicle did not move. The transmission was replaced.
The 2003 saturn vue ,,,has a fron end suspension ...that had not been recalld for the front end of my saturn had inumerus parts replaced ...not only one time but more than 5 times, each part was replaced ... Saturn dont help ,,,neither my attorney general office . Please look on customer surveys site and you will see tha a lot of people have the same poblem .....that one day will cause a fatality...... Also my axle just broken on the hayway ,,,my car only have 38.000 miles.
From the beginning of the warranty transmission has continued to make horribly loud and annoying grinding and whirring sounds that continue to get worse and worse. I have had the transmission in 8 times and the problem remains. When attempting to evoke the lemon law, both corporate and the dealer were extremely belligerant and uncooperative--denying that any problem existed. This is despite the fact that the transmission problem was so severe that saturn stopped production on the vue with cti transmission and has made the decision not to continue to use it after this year's model end. Immediatgely upon evoking the lemon law, not only did corporate refuse to honor it, but orporate told the local dealership not to have anything to do with fixing my car without their approval.
While driving in new fallen snow the vehicle stopped while attempting to go up a small grade. The vehicle transmission would not to engage in reverse. The consumer was not able to control the vehicle when it began to slide from left to right. The consumer contacted the dealer who indicated that the problem was the transmission module. The hood release was not working because the hood release cable was stretched and bent *ak
Second complaint: attempting to leave work, at busy intersection attempted to pull into intersection. Vue hesitated, dropped all power, RPM's stuck at about 4000 again, had accelerator pushed to the floor and it acted like it was stalling and would barely move. Did this for approximately 20 seconds before it finally started accelerating again. Luckily other drivers came to a stop and avoided hitting me. The saturn vue with vti is a danger ! The only fix saturn has for it is to flush the transmission, recalibrate and add transmission additive. This only helps for about a week or so and it starts again. I can not park in gravel, dirt or grass because the transmission will shut down and it will not go in drive. I can not park on anything more than a 4% incline or the transmission will shut down and it will not move in drive. These vehicles need recalled as they pose a serious safety hazard on the highway. My daughter and I have narrowly escaped accidents 3 times in this vehicle !
'03 saturn vue 4 vti purchased 6/03. Soon after, failed to go in drive at work. Would go in reverse but not move in drive. Saturn garage (less than a mile from my employer) & service manager & a tech. Came & drove in reverse until finally went in drive. Took to garage. They flushed the transmission & top off fluids. Took vehicle home & later leaving work, car was stuck & would not go in drive. It did not move & front wheels did not turn. Coworkers pushed me until it started to move sluggish in drive. It sputtered down the road to the garage. Each time I tried to accelerate from a stop the car would hesitate, almost stall for several seconds & rmp's stuck at 4000. They flushed the transmission, recalibrated & added transmission additive. I took the car home & while I was pulling into the busiest intersection in north central wv it failed to accelerate, RPM's stuck at 4000 & sputtered thru the intersection at 10 MPH, other vehicles had to brake hard to avoid a rear end collision. I was scared & daughter was crying in the back as other drivers blew horns & gave obscene gestures. Back to garage the next morning. Transmission flushed, recalibrated, additive added. 7/18/04 on a busy highway in pa (interstate 279) during heavy traffic,tried to accelerate, RPM's stuck at 4000, slowed to 50mph & other vehicles slammed on brakes behind me. Had accelerater to floor & it sputtered for 1mile at 50mph. Pumped accelerator several times, finally came out of 4000rpm & started to regain speed. I had to pull off the road to regain composure before continuing on. 8/10/04, I have another appt. To have transmission looked at. I am afraid to drive this car. Contacted saturn & georgia mcconville of customer assistance center contacted the local service dept. She advised in her reply "we need to give ron (service manager) the opportunity to address any issues you are currently having. Certainly if this visit does not address the concern please do not hesitate to contact us."
Problems with transmission on 2003 saturn vue. *mr the consumer was backing out of the driveway onto he main road and the vehicle died in the street. Two days later the consumer found that the vehicle needed a transmission. Six weeks later the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. There were no warning lights when the transmission died. *sc
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.
While driving on the highway vehicle commenced to lose power from 50 MPH to less then 5 MPH. Vehicle was tow to the dealer, who informed consumer that the problem was due to transmission sensor sticking, which overheated the transmission fluid. Dealer replaced the valve body and the transmission fluid.
2003 vue awd vti 4-cyl transmission failed at 10,229 miles, dealership repaired. Transmission makes metallic rubbing noise whenever car is driven for more than 10 minuets. Only happens once car is warm. Dealership looked at it and said they added special fluids which took care of problem for 8,000 miles. Noise is back.
My 2003 saturn vue loses power suddenly with no warning. A "reduced power" warning light goes on and "service engine soon" warning goes on at the same time. Suddenly you have no power. It has happened to me on the freeway and it is really frightening and dangerous. I'm afraid it's going to cause an accident. The car has been in the shop 4 times for this same problem and it's still doing the same thing. Also, the "trachion control" will go on when it shouldn't and you lose control of the car.
When accelerating from a stopped position, the vehicle loses power and stalls for a few seconds before power is restored and the vehicle accelerates. This failure has almost caused several rear end collisions. The dealership test drove the vehicle but was unable to identify the problem but performed the repairs in the tsb 03-07-300-051 twice. The problem still exist. Now, the dealership is indicating that the entire transmission may have to be replaced.
While driving 45 MPH transmission slipped while shifting from second to third gear. Also, there was hesitation, and the RPM's went up. Dealer replaced a sensor on the transmission, but problem recurred. *ak
Normal drive about 45 MPH on 4 lane highway. With no notice the transmission seemed to disengage. We had power and stepping on the gas made plenty of reve but we were not going anywhere. Luckily the car had enough momentum to get to the side of the road. No accidents today, but if I had been on my way to work using the washington dc capital beltway we may not have been so lucky.
I recently purchased a 2003 saturn vue. Unfortunately shortly there after I heard about problems with their ctv or vti automatic transmissions. This transmission developed by honda uses a drive belt through pulleys for its operation. If this belt fails the transmission will not function at all, because the drive system stops.obviously this is a very serious safety issue if the belt snaps your car comes to a complete stop.whether city or higheway driving its a dangerous thing. Its unsettling and at this point I feel unsafe driving the car. Saturn was concerned enough to halt production of this transmission until it was remedied.saturn has extended the warranty on this transmission which is a nice gesture but the fact is I know longer feel safe driving this vehicle with my children in it and I think if they have found away to fix this problem and it was serious enough for them to stop production till they found it, well then this situation demands a recalll so everyone can benefit all 82,000 of us and not have to worry about there vehicles coming to a dead stop while on the highway.this problem which has been reported in the ny times and ny newsday as I will show you the newsday story. Ny newsday april 30, 2004 saturn transmission fix general motors says it has fixed problems with the continuously variable transmission it uses in the saturn ion and vue and is offering an extended warranty to ease buyers' fears -- from three years/36,000 miles to five years/75,000 miles. Gm yanked the fuel-saving gearbox from production in january because of durability problems with the steel belt inside the gearbox that connects to pulleys. Installation of the CVT resumed in march on the ion coupe and should resume in may with the vue SUV. The new warranty covers all CVT-equipped saturns produced since the summer of 2002, a total of about 82,000.
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.
As I was driving on the highway, my vehicle drifted onto the grassy shoulder. Without hitting my brakes, I steered back onto the road. The rear end of my vehicle fish-tailed slightly. As this was happening, the driver's back wheel bent underneath the vehicle causing it to roll over, passenger side first, onto the side of the highway. During the roll-over, none of my airbags deployed, both driver- side tires blew, both axles bent, the tops of the passenger-side doors crumpled, the passenger-side windows shattered, and the roof crumpled like a crushed aluminum can. I received numerous injuries, including neck/back/shoulder strains, broken ribs and damage to my right knee and ankle.
Twice (july/2003 and april/2004) my saturn vue vti transmission has failed. In april, the transmission failed in highway driving. Was moving along about 55 MPH in moderate state highway traffic and the transmission started grinding and vehicle lost all power. Was not able to recover any power. In 2003, I was able to drop the shifter into a lower gear (I) which increased power to the point where I could control vehicle. Saturn's solution is to extend warranty but I have real concerns.
Continuous problems with vti transmission. Experience a number of different problems, the most noteworthy is an intermittent hesitation, usually when pulling out into traffic. Has nearly caused several accidents. Saturn dealership doesn't know what to do with it, saturn corporate line is no help.
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