VehicleVerdict

2002 Saturn Vue problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Saturn Vue sits mid-pack among Vue years: 220 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 361, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 56 reports (26% of the total).

220

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Vue years?

Vue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted872 complaints2002: 220 complaints2003: 872 complaints2004: 360 complaints2005: 215 complaints2006: 433 complaints2007: 417 complaints2008: 575 complaints2009: 171 complaints2010: 9 complaints
Vue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vue years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Saturn Vue problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5625%
Engine5023%
Transmission2511%
Steering188%
Airbags157%
Suspension105%
Fuel System94%
Other73%
Speed Control63%
Brakes63%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Body & Structure42%
Lighting31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Latches & Locks21%
Driver Assistance10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2002 Saturn Vue have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V490000Electrical SystemAugust 8, 2014 · 202,155 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence

If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14506. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

01V386000Seat BeltsDecember 18, 2001 · 327 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.

Consequence

IF THESE BOLTS WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, THEY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. IF AN ANCHORAGE FAILED IN A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 19, 2014 · fire

“MY CAR SEIZED UP WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD I COULD BARELY TURN OR PUSH ON THE BRAKES! THANKFULLY I HAD JUST LEFT WORK SO I WAS ONLY DOING 10 MPH. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHOM SAID THE TIMING CHAIN WENT OUT, AND THAT WITH THAT TYPE OF MOTOR A V6 THAT IT MOST LIKELY BENT THE VALVES AND ID HAVE TO GET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 18, 2016

“SUDDEN, MASSIVE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK CAME INTO CONTACT WITH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WHILE TRYING TO GET IT OFF OF THE ROAD AFTER A STOP, CLUTCH FAILED. MANAGED TO DRIVE TO A SAFER LOCATION ABOUT 1/4 MILE AWAY. SO MUCH SMOKE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD THAT I WAS AFRAID TO OPEN IT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 20, 2008 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25-35 MPH WHEN SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 6, 2014 · fire

“VUE STOPPED IN PARKING LOT OTHER VEHICLE HIT ME HEAD ON VUE AIR BAGS DIDNT DEPLOY MY SATURN VUE KEY WAS ON FLOOR FELL OUT OF IGNITION I WAS SENT TO HOSPITAL ERIE TOTALED MY VUE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 9, 2014 · crash

2002 Saturn Vue — common questions

Is the 2002 Saturn Vue reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 220 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Vue year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2002 Vue problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (56 complaints), engine (50 complaints), transmission (25 complaints).

Does the 2002 Saturn Vue have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Saturn Vue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Saturn Vue under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Saturn Vue years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Vue years to avoid are 2003, 2008. The cleanest record among Vue years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.