EZ Swap LLC services the Saturn VUE in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2010. If your VUE has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help VUE owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,330 owner complaints on file for the VUE and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (456), air bags (247), power train (222).
Most-Reported Saturn VUE Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the VUE (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 456 | 34% | |
| Air Bags | 247 | 18% | |
| Power Train | 222 | 16% | |
| Steering | 210 | 15% | |
| Engine | 93 | 6% | |
| Structure | 55 | 4% | |
| Service Brakes | 47 | 3% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 46 | 3% |
Electrical System
456 of the 1,330 complaints (34%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Air Bags
247 of the 1,330 complaints (18%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Power Train
222 of the 1,330 complaints (16%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Saturn VUE Complaints by Model Year
The VUE model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2007, 2006. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 170 | |
| 2006 | 300 | |
| 2007 | 312 | |
| 2008 | 417 | |
| 2009 | 125 | |
| 2010 | 6 |
Most Common Saturn VUE Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the VUE. The most-cited is P0700 (transmission control system malfunction), mentioned in 4 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission control system malfunction The transmission computer stored its own code. A scan of the transmission module shows the real fault. | 4 |
| B0092 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 3 |
| P0776 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P0777 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P2715 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P1174 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P0717 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P2714 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Saturn VUE Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the VUE in these model years, most often involving steering, latches/locks/linkages, power train. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2009 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 09V233000): 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.
- 2008 recall, Steering (campaign 08V470000): 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.
- 2008 recall, Power Train (campaign 08V200000): 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...
- 2008 recall, Steering (campaign 08V616000): 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.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the VUE, 69 involved a crash, 30 involved a fire, 54 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Saturn VUE Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Saturn will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a VUE that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for VUE owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Saturn VUE, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Saturn VUE Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Saturn VUE repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Saturn VUE FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Saturn VUE?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Saturn VUE are electrical system (456), air bags (247), power train (222). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which VUE model years have the most complaints?
The VUE model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2007, 2006. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Saturn VUE?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Saturn VUE, the codes cited most often are P0700 (transmission control system malfunction), B0092 (manufacturer-specific body code), P0776 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Saturn VUE have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Saturn VUE across model years 2005 to 2010. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Saturn VUE in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Saturn vehicles including the VUE, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Saturn VUE?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Saturn VUE in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Saturn Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.