VehicleVerdict

2009 Saturn Vue problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2009 Saturn Vue is among the quieter years of the Vue on NHTSA's books: 171 complaints (52% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 13 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 45 reports (26% of the total).

171

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

13

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Vue years?

Vue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vue years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Saturn Vue problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4526%
Steering4023%
Transmission148%
Engine106%
Brakes106%
Airbags106%
Other106%
Body & Structure85%
Lighting64%
Speed Control53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Suspension21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Latches & Locks11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2009 Saturn Vue have recalls?

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

08V616000SteeringNovember 24, 2008 · 2,149 units

Defect

GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT AND/OR LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE. AS A RESULT OF THE INCORRECT KNUCKLE AND RESULTING INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE TIE ROD BALL STUD COULD PULL OUT OF, OR FRACTURE, THE TIE ROD HOUSING. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TIE ROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE.

Consequence

ALTHOUGH STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE MAINTAINED AFTER A TIE ROD SEPARATION BY THE UNAFFECTED WHEEL ON SMOOTH ROADS OR DURING LIGHT BRAKING, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION OR BRAKING INPUTS, THE AFFECTED WHEEL COULD TURN OUT AND SKID. IF A VEHICLE BUILT WITH TWO INCORRECT STEERING KNUCKLES HAD BOTH TIE RODS SEPARATE AT THE SAME TIME, STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE(S) AND TIE ROD(S). THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 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> .

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> .

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE A 2009 SATURN VUE XE WITH ONLY 40,515 MILES AND THE WIRING IN THE HEADLINER ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND DRIVER SIDE VISOR CAUGHT ON FIRE! THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. A BURNED AREA ABOUT A FOOT AROUND IS NOW IN THE HEADLINER. IT BLACKENED THE WHITE PAINT ON THE OUTSIDE ROOF.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 24, 2013 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE SLID, AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 13, 2014 · crash

“I TURNED THE CORNER TO ENTER MY STREET, THERE IS A SLIGHT "S" CURVE TO ENTER MY STREET. I WAS NO MORE THAN 50 YARDS FROM THE CORNER WHEN MY VEHICLE REVVED LOUDLY, RPM TO 3500 AND ACCELERATED , I MANAGED TO AVOID MORE DAMAGED THAN WAS DONE, BUT IN THE INTERIM I HIT A 3' TALL BRICK MAIL BOX AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 6, 2015 · crash

“ WAS DRIVING ALONG 35 MPH. VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE PULL OVER PUT THE CAR IN PARK WHEN I GOT OUT TO CHECK TO SEE WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM I SAW FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WITH MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FLAMES. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 8, 2014 · fire

“For the third time since purchasing my car in 2009 I am having problems removing the key from the ignition cylinder. On 11/16/17 the floor shifter was replaced. On 09/11/20 another one was replaced. On 10/07/22 having problems again removing the key. Will take car in for service again. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 7, 2022

2009 Saturn Vue — common questions

Is the 2009 Saturn Vue reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 171 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Vue year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 Vue problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (45 complaints), steering (40 complaints), transmission (14 complaints).

Does the 2009 Saturn Vue have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Saturn Vue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.