The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was inoperable while attempting to reverse. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
The worst 2009 Saturn Vue problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering38
- Electrical35
- Transmission14
- Airbags10
- Brakes10
- Engine10
- Driver assistance9
- Body8
- Lights6
- Acceleration5
- Visibility4
- Tires3
- Suspension2
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Saturn Vue
Power steering loss 10Loss of power 7Check engine light 6ABS 5Stalling 5
Recalls 2
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling 2,149 my 2009 saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing. This could cause the tie rod to separate from the knuckle.
- Risk
- Although steering control of the vehicle could be maintained after a tie rod separation by the unaffected wheel on smooth roads or during light braking, with more significant suspension or braking inputs, the affected wheel could turn out and skid. If a vehicle built with two incorrect steering knuckles had both tie rods separate at the same time, steering control of the vehicle would be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on december 8, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Recall number 08V616000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling 42,408 my 2008-2009 saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump may loosen. If this were to occur, there may be a power steering fluid leak.
- Risk
- The fluid could contact hot exhaust components resulting in a possible engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump. If there are no signs of a fluid leak, dealers will tighten the nut. If a fluid leak is present, dealer will tighten the nut and check the fluid level. The recall began on september 26, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Recall number 08V470000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Saturn Vue 1,019
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
2009 Saturn Vue fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl Hybrid | FWD | 25 | 32 | 28 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl Hybrid | FWD | 27 | 30 | 28 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 19 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 23 | 18 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 23 | 18 |
What 2009 Saturn Vue owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Stalls stops, with Engine power reduced, stabilitrak off. After turning or braking. Engine light with down arrow. Accident probability. DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF ON HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY RD!
Vehicle has lost power steering. Difficult to steer especially in reverse and sometimes in turning left. If wheels are not completely straight, you have turn with all the strength you can muster. Reluctant to turn left unless you have twice as much time as you should need to avoid an accident.
I have only 68,329 miles. My transmission lost reverse. When first driving it will only go up to 10 mph and over time the maximum speed is 30 to 40 mph. Even if it gets to this speed it hesitates. The car is a danger and not drive able. I took the car to a GM dealer requesting a Policy Evaluation according to the Service Bulletin Warranty. The evaluation showed GM will not help me with any repairs or replacement of transmission. A car should not have a major component fail like a transmission especially with such low mileage. It is expected to have maintenance and repairs on a vehicle. What is not expected or normal servicing is transmission repair or replacement. It was estimated from the GM dealerships Policy Evaluation it will cost $5,500 to replace the transmission. My car is in great shape other than the transmission failure. I love my car and anticipated to have this car many years. This is an unaffordable repair and essentially makes this a throw away car. I feel extremely disappointed in GM's decision to not remedy this major problem.
For the third time since purchasing my car in 2009 I am having problems removing the key from the ignition cylinder. On 11/16/17 the floor shifter was replaced. On 09/11/20 another one was replaced. On 10/07/22 having problems again removing the key. Will take car in for service again.
The power steering goes out especially at lower speeds are from take off ,it takes every thing you have to turn wheel it has almost caused me two accidents, fluid level is fine, makes no unusual noise steering just goes out making it very dangerous to turn to the right are left & very difficult to turn from a complete stop .No one has figured the problem out & its my only vehicle there is definitely a Manufacture problem with the steering in this vehicle
Vehicle is a Saturn Vue XE, 3.5 liter AWD, ~84,000 miles. Problem Statement: Extensive corrosion of the subframe located at the midpoint of the vehicle on the driver and passenger sides. This is NOT surface rust - the frame corrosion has resulted in sections of the frame rotting through, severely compromising the structural integrity of the frame and safety of the vehicle. I have documented at least 6 formal complaints for the same problem from various websites, including some with front end and engine mounts cross members literally rotting away. My vehicle is only 12 years old and has only 7000 miles average miles per year but will not pass a safety inspection in Massachusetts due to the extensive rust through. the federal safety agency has several corrosion related service bulletins documented involving several General Motors vehicle models but they only call out surface corrosion. the federal safety agency needs to investigate FRAME RUST THROUGH on Saturn Vue and other GM vehicles as OWNERS ARE HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO REALIZE THE LOOMING SAFETY HAZARD if they have no other reason to inspect underneath the vehicle.
the car stable trak light comes on for service then the power steering service light comes and I lose power steering and power of my car this happened at 60mph on the highway, shut the car off for 5 mins and everything went back to normal then it happened again proceeded to do the same thing and it went back to normail
While I am driving I have had intermittent incidents that cannot be replicated. "stabilitrak" warning light has not turned off. I have lost control of my vehicle while driving twice but was able to pull over after a few seconds. The vehicle will lose power to the dash. When I am turning the steering wheel gets very hard to turn and will turn off the radio. This will cause the car to loose power while driving. Then when I turn the car off I will be unable to get the key out or turn the vehicle on. I will have to restart the vehicle. I have replaced the battery twice and the alternator twice and this helped for 2 months then the problem persisted. I also replaced the wheel sensors to no avail. I have taken to 3 mechanics but they cannot replicate the issue. When the vehicle is in park, I will try to turn the vehicle on and then just tap on the brain compartment above the battery and sometimes this works. I have been left stranded more than I care to admit. While driving if the issues are really bad and if I have to drive long distance I will try to use cruise controll but it will not engage.
The vehicle has only 122,000 and is in good physical condition, yet the transmission is slipping badly. After doing some investigation, we found out that this is often the case for this model and year after 120,000 miles. We brought it into our local gm dealer/shop and they told us it needs a new transmission, which ranges from rebuilt at $2500 and new for over $4000. This seems very wrong considering kbb says it books for $4500?
Compare the 2009 Saturn Vue
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Questions about the 2009 Saturn Vue
Is the 2009 Saturn Vue reliable?
Owners have filed 118 complaints about the 2009 Saturn Vue, fewer than a typical Vue model year.
What is the 2009 Saturn Vue year score?
The 2009 Saturn Vue scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Saturn Vue: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Saturn Vue?
Steering, with 38 complaints, typically around 88,700 miles. Next is electrical (35).
How many recalls does the 2009 Saturn Vue have?
2 recalls, covering steering.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Saturn Vue steering?
Yes, 2 recalls: 08V616000, 08V470000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Saturn Vue have bad steering?
The Saturn Vue model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (86 complaints), 2003 (45 complaints) and 2009 (38 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Saturn Vue get?
Official estimates for the 2009 Saturn Vue range from 18 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 25 city and 32 highway.
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