2006 Saturn Vue problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2006 Saturn Vue sits mid-pack among Vue years: 433 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 361, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 115 reports (27% of the total).
433
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
28
Crash-involved
12
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2006 compare to other Vue years?
What are the most common 2006 Saturn Vue problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 115 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 93 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 30 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 29 | 7% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 19 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 17 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 16 | 4% | — flat |
| Engine | 16 | 4% | — flat |
| Seats | 15 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 13 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 13 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 13 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 12 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 10 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 1% | ▲ up |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND A FIRE IGNITED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME DIM AND THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE WERE UNABLE TO BE LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.…”
“WHILE I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR WAITING FOR MY DAUGHTER TO GET OUT OF WORK, THE CAR WAS RUNNING, WHEN THERE WAS SMOKE POURING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THE SMOKE DISSIPATED. THIS WAS 2 DAYS AGO AND NOW MY WIPERS DO NOT WORK. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE AIR BAG WIRES…”
“The key can be removed from the vehicle while being driven. Also the ignition doesn't "click" off when vehicle is parked and key is removed causing the battery to drain. There have been several recalls for this issue but not with the 2006 year model. This is a dangerous problem and there are very…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN VUE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. HE STATED THAT WHEN HE GOES TO MOVE FROM ONE SHIFT TO THE NEXT. THE SHIFT GEAR BECAME STIFF AND BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC TWICE FOR THE FAILURE TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THIS IS THE THIRD FAILURE.…”
“HITTING 2 DEER GOING 60 MILES AN HOUR AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NEVER OPENED. THE RED LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS BEEN ON SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WE ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL BEING THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ALWAYS FLICKER AND THE LEFT SIDE LIGHTS AND BLINKER DO THE SAME. WE ALSO HAVE…”
2006 Saturn Vue — common questions
Is the 2006 Saturn Vue reliable?
It is close to typical for the Vue: 433 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2006 Vue problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (115 complaints), airbags (93 complaints), steering (30 complaints).
Does the 2006 Saturn Vue have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 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.