VehicleVerdict

2003 Saturn Vue problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 872 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Vue year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 9 Vue years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 39 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 321 reports (37% of the total).

872

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

42

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

39

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Vue years?

Vue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vue years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Saturn Vue problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission32137%
Electrical System13616%
Engine9010%
Suspension506%
Steering465%
Airbags435%
Fuel System324%
Body & Structure243%
Other233%
Visibility & Wipers223%
Brakes212%
Speed Control212%
Latches & Locks131%
Tires & Wheels121%
Lighting91%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)40%
Seat Belts30%
Seats20%

Does the 2003 Saturn Vue have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE STREET AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 4, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE KEY INADVERTENTLY EJECTED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 21, 2014 · fire

“THE VUE HAS LOST POWER MULTIPLE TIMES WITH NO WARNING! 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY WITH MY 3 CHILDREN!!! I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR WITH MULTIPLE MECHANICS, INVESTED ABOUT 2,700 TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH NO LUCK. I'M OUT CAR,MY JOB HAS BEEN AFFECTED BECAUSE OF MY CONTINUES TADIES THANKS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 1, 2013 · crash · fire

“CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO HAVE RECALL WORK DONE ON 2003 SATURN VUE, DUE TO PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TS THE CONSUMER ALSO ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS WITH THE A/C FAILING TO WORK PROPERLY, MOLDING PEELING AWAY FROM THE STRUCTURE AND THE REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSING WHICH CAUSED THE ROLL OVER. *SC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 25, 2004 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V490000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), WEEKS LATER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EMITTING SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 12, 2014 · fire

2003 Saturn Vue — common questions

Is the 2003 Saturn Vue reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 872 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 9 Vue years. It is one of the Vue years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Vue problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (321 complaints), electrical system (136 complaints), engine (90 complaints).

Does the 2003 Saturn Vue have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Saturn Vue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 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.