VehicleVerdict

2004 Saturn Vue problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Saturn Vue sits mid-pack among Vue years: 360 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 360, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 33 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 93 reports (26% of the total).

360

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

36

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

33

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Vue years?

Vue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vue years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Saturn Vue problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission9326%
Electrical System8423%
Suspension349%
Engine247%
Other236%
Airbags185%
Steering164%
Body & Structure113%
Fuel System103%
Brakes103%
Lighting93%
Visibility & Wipers72%
Tires & Wheels72%
Speed Control51%
Seat Belts41%
Seats21%
Latches & Locks21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2004 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.

03V519000OtherDecember 19, 2003 · 6,134 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L V6 (L66) ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL RIM SIZE SPECIFICATIONS ON THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE NOT CORRECT. THE PRINTED WHEEL RIM DESIGNATION SPECIFIED A 16-INCH WHEEL WHEN A 17-INCH WHEEL DESIGNATION WAS REQUIRED.

Consequence

IF THE WHEEL RIM SIZE IS INCORRECTLY PRINTED ON A TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL, A SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO SOLELY USES THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL FOR SERVICE INFORMATION MAY ATTEMPT TO REPLACE A DAMAGED WHEEL WITH AN INCORRECT WHEEL.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS 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.

“Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 17, 2021 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2013 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND SWITCHING LANES REAR WHEEL TURNED INWARD, CAUSING THE REAR SUSPENSION TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 12, 2004 · crash

“I WAS ON MY WAY HOME IN MY 2004 SATURN VUE WHEN A BUCK JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I STOMPED ON THE BRAKES, HOWEVER, I ENDED UP HITTING THE BUCK (DEER) THAT THEN RAN AWAY. MY ENTIRE FRONT IN WAS SMASHED IN, THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, THE SEAT BELTS DIDN'T LOCK WHEN I STOMPED ON THE BREAKS. MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 27, 2014 · crash

“I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MY 2004 SATURN VUE WHEN A SUBURBAN REAR-ENDED ME AT APPROXIMATELY 40+ MILES PER HOUR. I THEN HIT THE SUV THAT WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME - AND WE BOTH WENT APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET FORWARD FROM THE STOP SIGN. THE IMPACT TOTALED MY TRUCK TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 11, 2005 · crash

2004 Saturn Vue — common questions

Is the 2004 Saturn Vue reliable?

It is close to typical for the Vue: 360 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2004 Vue problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (93 complaints), electrical system (84 complaints), suspension (34 complaints).

Does the 2004 Saturn Vue have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Saturn Vue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Saturn Vue under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.