2005 Saturn Vue problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2005 Saturn Vue is among the quieter years of the Vue on NHTSA's books: 215 complaints (40% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 71 reports (33% of the total).
215
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
19
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
18
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2005 compare to other Vue years?
What are the most common 2005 Saturn Vue problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 71 | 33% | — flat |
| Transmission | 31 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 21 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 18 | 8% | — flat |
| Other | 16 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 15 | 7% | — flat |
| Brakes | 8 | 4% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO DISENGAGE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. BEFORE THE FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ATTEMPTING TO AVOID CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO A METAL…”
“WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE VEHICLE HE CAN HEAR A CLUCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VALVE COVER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND, THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”
“THE FRAME TO SUBFRAME AREAS THAT HOLDS UP MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION RUSTED AND BROKE LOOSE. AS I WENT OVER A LARGE BUMP ON A CITY STREET THE WHOLE SUBFRAME SEPARATED. I WAS ON A BUY HERE PAY HERE LOAN FROM TNT MOTORS IN OREGON ILLINOIS. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THEM AND I'M WORRIED THEY WILL TRY TO…”
2005 Saturn Vue — common questions
Is the 2005 Saturn Vue reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 215 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Vue year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2005 Vue problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (71 complaints), transmission (31 complaints), steering (21 complaints).
Does the 2005 Saturn Vue have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 Saturn Vue.
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.