VehicleVerdict

2008 Saturn Vue problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 575 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Vue year — the 2008 model ranks #2 of 9 Vue years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 28 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (120), electrical system (104), and steering (88), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

575

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

25

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

28

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Vue years?

Vue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vue years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Saturn Vue problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission12021%
Electrical System10418%
Steering8815%
Engine519%
Other488%
Airbags254%
Visibility & Wipers234%
Brakes234%
Speed Control183%
Body & Structure153%
Lighting122%
Fuel System112%
Latches & Locks112%
Suspension92%
Seat Belts81%
Tires & Wheels61%
Seats20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2008 Saturn Vue have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V233000Latches & LocksJune 25, 2009 · 44,451 units

Defect

GM IS RECALLING 44,451 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH BODY COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK OR BIND. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.

Consequence

DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES WITH CHROME DOOR HANDLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

08V470000SteeringSeptember 17, 2008 · 42,408 units

Defect

GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.

Consequence

THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT AND CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

08V200000TransmissionMay 5, 2008 · 26 units

Defect

GM IS RECALLING 26 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6T70 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION CASE SIDE BORE THAT HOLDS THE PARK PAWL PIVOT PIN MAY HAVE A CASTING POROSITY. THIS CONDITION, COUPLED WITH NORMAL OPERATING STRESSES, COULD LEAD TO FAILURE, ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK' POSITION.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN ITS PATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE DECREASED TO APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 21, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIREWALL UNDER THE HOOD WAS DAMAGED BY FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 24, 2014 · fire

“While driving on the freeway, something weird happened with the steering wheel & my daughter lost control of her vehicle. She crashed into the brick wall on the freeway & totaled her vehicle. She was hospitalized & had to have surgery to repair a broken jaw (in two places), fractured bone under her…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 15, 2021 · crash

“I BOUGHT A 2008 SATURN VIEW AND HAD IT 3 MONTHS 2,000 MILES. AUGUST 1,2008. I WAS DRIVING IT DOWN BRANDT PIKE AND ALL A SUDDEN SMOKED STARTED POURING OUT AROUND THE HOOD AND INTO THE CAR. IT HAD A TERRIBLE SMELL TO IT, LIKE BURNING PLASTIC AND CHEMICALS. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AS FAST AS I COULD. A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2008 · fire

“OCTOBER 22 2020 MY HUSBAND AND I HAD PURCHASED A 2008 SATURN VUE (LIC PLATE # 6EZZ507)FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. ON MARCH 25 2021 THE CAR SUDDENLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES THEN EXPLODED. MY HUSBAND MANAGED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN JUST SECONDS BEFORE THE CAR EXPLODED. WE'VE COME TO FIND OUT AFTERWARDS THAT THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 25, 2021 · fire

2008 Saturn Vue — common questions

Is the 2008 Saturn Vue reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 575 complaints put the 2008 model at #2 of 9 Vue years. It is one of the Vue years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Vue problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (120 complaints), electrical system (104 complaints), steering (88 complaints).

Does the 2008 Saturn Vue have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Saturn Vue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 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.