VehicleVerdict

2003 Saturn Vue electrical system problems

The 2003 Saturn Vue has 136 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

136

Electrical System complaints

16%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Vue electrical system complaints by model year138 complaints2002: 56 complaints2003: 136 complaints2004: 84 complaints2005: 71 complaints2006: 115 complaints2007: 138 complaints2008: 104 complaints2009: 45 complaints2010: 3 complaints
Vue electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2003 Saturn Vue have?

NHTSA has 136 complaints about the 2003 Saturn Vue electrical system — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Saturn Vue electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 14V490000.

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.