The vehicle dossier US · 2004

2004 Saturn
VUEProblems & recalls

276 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Transmission & drivetrain appears in 93 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 276 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Transmission & drivetrain93 reports
Electrical system78 reports
Other components50 reports
Suspension33 reports
Engine24 reports
Air bags18 reports
Steering16 reports
Body & structure11 reports
Brakes10 reports
Fuel system10 reports
Visibility7 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM53
POWER TRAIN44
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION38
UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
SUSPENSION:REAR16
SUSPENSION14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION13
STEERING13
AIR BAGS13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING10
ENGINE8
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
STRUCTURE:BODY6
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR5
EQUIPMENT5
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
WHEELS4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
SUSPENSION:FRONT4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH4
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT3
SEAT BELTS3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS2
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
STEERING:COLUMN2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER2
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS2
SERVICE BRAKES2
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
WHEELS:HUB1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH1
TIRES1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 24, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

78,456 miles is the median among 237 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 37,000–120,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Aug 8, 2014 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONCampaign 14V490000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 14506

Read campaign 14V490000 at NHTSA
Dec 19, 2003 Safety recallEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSCampaign 03V519000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 03059

Read campaign 03V519000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

479 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 18, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5601CThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.NHTSA ID 11020816

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020816 at NHTSA
Mar 28, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-NA-001This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.NHTSA ID 11017252

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11017252 at NHTSA
Feb 20, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5358DThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a …NHTSA ID 11014455

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11014455 at NHTSA
Oct 25, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP4723JThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/chargin…NHTSA ID 11009156

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11009156 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007744

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007744 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007743

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007743 at NHTSA
Sep 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT3271PThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested an…NHTSA ID 11007208

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007208 at NHTSA
Aug 26, 2024 Service CampaignGeneral CommunicationVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updatin…NHTSA ID 11006621

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

Campaign / software reference: General Communication

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006621 at NHTSA
Jun 17, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18-NA-099This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.NHTSA ID 11004557

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004557 at NHTSA
Jun 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-098This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution info…NHTSA ID 11002312

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11002312 at NHTSA
May 7, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions09-00-89-008GThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.NHTSA ID 11000576

This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11000576 at NHTSA
Mar 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions10-08-45-001HThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.NHTSA ID 10252735

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10252735 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jul 22, 2004 ClosedREAR SUSPENSION TOE CONTROL LINKPE04052

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING CERTAIN SEVERE DRIVING MANEUVERS.THE INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY NHTSA-CONDUCTED NCAP DYNAMIC ROLLOVER TEST INCIDENTS INVOLVING MY 2004 SATURN VUE VEHICLES AND ONE CONSUMER COMPLAINT THAT ALLEGED WHEN RECOVERING FROM A ROAD EDGE DEPARTURE, THE LEFT-REAR WHEEL OF A MY 2003 SATURN VUE ?BENT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE,? RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.ODI ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE DURING THE NCAP TESTS WAS THE RESULT OF WHEEL RIM-PAVEMENT CONTACT TRANSMITTING SIGNIFICANT COMPRESSIVE FORCES TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK, THUS CAUSING IT TO BUCKLE.THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED DURING A SEVERE TEST USED TO ASSESS ROLL STABILITY.THE FORCES GENERATED DURING THIS TYPE OF WHEEL-RIM PAVEMENT CONTACT ARE MORE THAN SIX TIMES THE GREATEST FORCES MEASURED DURING GM?S MOST SEVERE VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION TESTING.ODI INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT VEHICLES SHOWED THAT DAMAGE TO THE TOE CONTROL LINK APPEARED TO BE THE RESULT OF VEHICLE CRASHES AND DID NOT PRECIPITATE THE CRASHES.TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF NO VEHICLE CRASHES OR ROLLOVER INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ADDITIONALLY, THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO STRENGTHEN THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER DETAIL.

Recorded closure: Nov 1, 2004

Find investigation PE04052

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