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)
Saturn Vue engine failure problems
50 of the 2,351 owner complaints about the Saturn Vue describe engine failure, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 50
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,000
- typical mileage
- 98,000
By model year
Often reported together
Steering lock-up 10Won't start 5Check engine light 5Stalling 4Loss of power 4Transmission failure 3Jerking 2Fire or smoke 2
What owners say
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn VUE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ignition key fell out of the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the key failed to fit back in the ignition switch. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving 30 MPH, several dashboard warning indicators illuminated, including the battery warning indicator. Simultaneously, the power steering seized operation temporarily and caused the vehicle to swerve. Also, while traveling up an incline, the battery warning indicator flashed and then turned off when driving on leveled ground. A fax was sent to the vice president of safety at general motors in regards to the failure; however, there was no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
My vue went out of control, after I slammed on the brakes, it took off like a rocket , going faster and faster up to 90 miles per hour, it would not stop and would not slow down, I threw it into neutral, after 1 min the engine died, and I coasted for a few min
For the last year, while driving at low speeds, and while stopped with the engine running, the engine will shut off. It won't restart for a few minutes, sometimes it will restart on first try. The electrical system (I'm guessing) makes a lot of clicking noises-from the engine and inside the car-dashboard lights will flicker, electric door and window lights on driver side door will flicker, airbags, hazards, radio lights will all flicker, and windows won't go up or down, or will slightly, door locks won't operate, etc. Electrical issues started the same night I purchased it sept. 2017 when the electrical system went haywire and the engine died and all the electrical light flickered. The dealer had it hooked up to a battery charger the next day and the battery died. In attempts to start the vehicle, we open and shut doors, try to use electrical functions (windows, door locks etc.), and that seems to help, as after a few minutes it will start, seemingly from opening and closing doors and the hatchback. The doors will not lock via the door lock/unlock button on the key fob. When doors are locked and alarm is set via keyfob (lights will flash and alarm noise will give noise to confirm it), however, the doors will open by just pulling on the handle, and alarm will go off. The steering has a leak that leaks out all the fluid in a day or two, as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 saturn vue. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to phil smith chevrolet (located at 1640 n state rd 7, lauderhill, fl 33313, (954) 372-2576) where it was diagnosed that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn vue. While operating the vehicle, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact also stated that steering wheel fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn vue. While pulling out of a parking lot, the steering wheel jerked and seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering motor and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact called milton ruben superstore at (888) 516-3797 (3512 washington rd, augusta, ga 30907) where the technician recommended a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to pay for the vehicle to be towed to the dealer, but would not cover the cost of the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 131,102.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. While reversing the vehicle, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (south pointe chevrolet, 9146 s. Memorial drive, tulsa ok, 74133) stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. While attempting to turn the key in the ignition, the key failed to turn. Additionally, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and seized completely at one point. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. A dealer was not contacted. The contact spoke to an independent mechanic who stated that they would inspect the vehicle later and the contact could potentially need a new steering wheel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Saturn Vue engine failure
Which Saturn Vue years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (12 complaints), 2008 (12 complaints) and 2003 (8 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Saturn Vue?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,000 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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