2008 Saturn Vue: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Steering · TX

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the dashboard on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the abnormal grinding sound was also heard while the gear shifter was in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was power steering fluid leaking from the vehicle. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The contact stated that the power steering fluid leaked out entirely after driving for a short distance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid was leaking. The contact stated that a clamp was added and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Steering · 173,445 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 173,445.

Filed Feb 22, 2023 · Steering · 170,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was no power steering fluid. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The contact stated that the power steering fluid would leak entirely after an hour drive. Additionally, the contact stated that the leak was more significant while the vehicle was parked. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Sep 28, 2020 · Engine, Steering · 134,000 miles · CA

While driving on the freeway the car would beep 3 time while lights flash on the dash. I would lose power steering and the engine would shut off. ... Usually would start back up if I waited long enough. This has happened to me quite a few times. I have been also on a street going 35 miles an hour and same thing would happen. The last time I tried to drive it I put my keys in and cant get them out. .

Filed May 11, 2017 · Steering · 131,713 miles · IN

Lost all power steering was sitting for about 4 hrs. Started to move and no power steering checked fuse it is ok.

Filed Feb 17, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 56,178 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn vue. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle shook and lost power. The check engine, traction control, and anti lock brake system indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled into a parking space and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who replaced and reprogrammed the ECM. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure recurred after one and half years. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the transmission solenoid control circuit and reprogrammed the transmission module. The failure mileage was 56,178.

Filed Oct 29, 2015 · Steering · TX

While driving to work (downtown) my steering suddenly went out on my 2008 saturn vue xe. I pulled over, parked and turned off the car. When I restarted it and started driving everything was fine. Then about 100 ft down the road it went out again and I lost all power to my steering wheel. I pulled over again and turned off the car. This time I lost all power to the car and the key became stuck in the ignition. I sat for 5 or 10 minutes then tried again. This time the car started up and the power steering light was off. I tried driving again but had barely pulled away from the curb when the steering went out again. I was extremely lucky to be in the city and have the ability to get to a side street as controlling and turning the wheel became very difficult.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Electrical · 109,677 miles · SC

Initial problems (may 2011) were power down while driving, losing power while driving, ABS and traction dash lights went on and off while driving, onstar attempted to connect by itself even when the vehicle was shut off, draining the vue battery. In dec 2012, while parked with radio on, an extremely loud noise was emitted through the radio speakers. Shortly, the ignition and the entire electrical system shut down (door locks, dash lights,...). The vue was picked up by gm dealer. Extensive testing over a week or more finally indicated that the battery for onstar (under right passenger seat) failed. The vehicle communication interface module battery (vcim) was replaced. The vue has not had this problem since, although some sensors had to be replaced. This was an extremely difficult problem to diagnose, and is potentially a lethal defect with the vcim. All traditional tests failed to pick up the problem. Astute techs at gm finally did.

Filed Apr 24, 2014 · Steering · 116,401 miles · MI

While driving vehicle on the expressway, the power steering locked up like car had stalled momentarily then regained power. Startled I decided to exit freeway and while making a right hand turn it locked solid again and I heard like a actuator motor make a buzzing sound. This made me very nervous because I lost power twice. I called onstar right away to report incident . This was extremely dangerous. I have driven thousands of cars in my lifetime as I was a former g.m. Dealer but I never have experienced anything like this . I am very concerned someone could be injured severely if this problem occurs in this car or others like it.

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Steering · 85,000 miles · ME

During slushy or rainy conditions, car loses power steering momentarily. Issue occurs sporadically under these conditions. Gm dealership could not find any mechanical issues with the power steering pump or steering mechanism. Same dealership advised that the power steering pump on this model is located in such a way that during wet driving conditions the drive belt to the pump can get wet and slip, causing a momentary loss of power steering.

Filed Mar 11, 2011 · Electrical, Visibility · PA

When I'd use the windshield wipers, I lose all power to the drivers side headlight and the blinker would not work,all while the fluid is running out the back windshield wiper connection. I had the vue in for the same issue 4 times and was told this was a warranty issue at the beginning and when they finally fixed the grounding box and replaced the so called lifetime headlamp, I was charged 364.00. Not warranty covered. This started at around 36,000. Gm screwed us saturn owners big time.

Filed Jan 25, 2011 · Steering · 40,159 miles · MO

Currently my 2008 saturn vue is having issues with the power steering repeatedly going out in the vehicle. I will lose power steering for up to 10-30 seconds, primarily at low speeds. It is occurring about 5-8 times per week. The vehicle has been taken to a dealership for repair 5 times. The steering gear has been replaced, the hydraulic power steering has been replaced and including the rack and pinion and the power steering pump has been replaced. The vehicle still continues to lose power steering.