Total Complaints
872 filings
SATURN VUE · model year
2003 SATURN VUE
872 NHTSA complaints, 42 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2003SATURNVUE carries 872 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 42 crashes, 16 fires, 39 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 VUE is power train:automatic transmission with 200 filings, followed by power train (88) and electrical system (81). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2003 VUE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
872
Complaints
42
Crashes
16
Fires
39
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
42 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 200 |
| POWER TRAIN | 88 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 81 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 38 |
| STEERING | 30 |
| AIR BAGS | 28 |
| ENGINE | 27 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN | 20 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 18 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 17 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15 |
| SUSPENSION | 14 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 14 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 13 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 10 |
Recalls (1)
14V49000008/08/2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
Recent Complaints
20251209UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2003 Saturn Vue ignition switch. The switch was replaced under a recall with a switch that has the same defect; the key can be removed while the vehicle is in operation. The dealers refuse to replace it saying the car had the recall completed. They do not acknowledge the replacement has the same problem as the original. I feel they are required to do a second replacement under the recall if it the same problem -- a dangerous one at that. AI shows a number of the replacement key switches were defective like the originals. Can you help me?
20250226FireFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact purchased a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that two days after purchasing the used vehicle, the vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the gas tank location. A service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while pulling to the side of the road, a bystander alerted the contact that there was a fuel leak. The contact and the other passengers of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started at the gas tank location and extended to the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle was significantly burned. The contact could not confirm that a fire department report was filed. There was no property damage. Neither the contact nor the other passengers of the vehicle sustained injuries. A police report was filed. T
Mileage: 110,000
20250226FirePOWER TRAIN
The contact purchased a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that two days after purchasing the used vehicle, the vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the gas tank location. A service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while pulling to the side of the road, a bystander alerted the contact that there was a fuel leak. The contact and the other passengers of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started at the gas tank location and extended to the front of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the vehicle was significantly burned. The contact could not confirm that a fire department report was filed. There was no property damage. Neither the contact nor the other passengers of the vehicle sustained injuries. A police report was filed. T
Mileage: 110,000
20220823FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving the engine lights kept coming on, so we decided to get it checked by a mechanic and he told us that we have a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor and that the IMRC actuator valve is not working at all.
20220418ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
October 12, 2020 IG Burton stated the recall was complete, given original keys. I went to Willis Chevrolet & Buick recall was completed on April 15, 2022, new keys were issued.
20210520POWER TRAIN
Knocking/grinding noise from under vehicle and shift problems. Taken to automotive service provider for diagnostic and they're evaluation revealed internal fail in the cvt vti transmission.
20210425SUSPENSION
BOTH OF MY REAR TIRES ARE LEANING IN AND LOOKS LIKE THE CAMBER BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF AND COULD REALLY CAUSE A BAD ACCIDENT EVEN DEATH IF I DIDN'T SEE IT. I TRAVEL 1800MI A WEEK AND JUST HAD A BLOW OUT BECAUSE TIRES WORE SO BAD AND THEY ARE ONLY A YEAR OLD.
Mileage: 157,233
20210112ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN MY HORN FUSE IN MY HORN IS NON STOP BLARING ALSO MY FRONT WIPERS FUSE IN GOOD AND MY WIPES ARE NOT WORKING
Mileage: 150,000
20210112VISIBILITY/WIPER
WHEN MY HORN FUSE IN MY HORN IS NON STOP BLARING ALSO MY FRONT WIPERS FUSE IN GOOD AND MY WIPES ARE NOT WORKING
Mileage: 150,000
20201014SERVICE BRAKES
MY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT THAT TRACTION CONTROL IS DISABLED. THE LIGHT COMES ON BRIEFLY WHEN I TAKE SHARP LEFT TURNS. THE WHEEL-SPEED SENSORS, WIRES, CONNECTORS, CONTROL MODULE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OCCASIONALLY CONK WITH INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. THIS HAS CAUSE MY REDUCE POWER WHEN I DRIVE IT, USING MORE GAS.
Mileage: 83,000
20201014STEERING
MY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT THAT TRACTION CONTROL IS DISABLED. THE LIGHT COMES ON BRIEFLY WHEN I TAKE SHARP LEFT TURNS. THE WHEEL-SPEED SENSORS, WIRES, CONNECTORS, CONTROL MODULE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OCCASIONALLY CONK WITH INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. THIS HAS CAUSE MY REDUCE POWER WHEN I DRIVE IT, USING MORE GAS.
Mileage: 83,000
20201014WHEELS
MY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT THAT TRACTION CONTROL IS DISABLED. THE LIGHT COMES ON BRIEFLY WHEN I TAKE SHARP LEFT TURNS. THE WHEEL-SPEED SENSORS, WIRES, CONNECTORS, CONTROL MODULE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OCCASIONALLY CONK WITH INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. THIS HAS CAUSE MY REDUCE POWER WHEN I DRIVE IT, USING MORE GAS.
Mileage: 83,000
20200316POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED IN THE FORWARD GEARS BUT, FAILED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Mileage: 88,000
20191125ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT, MAKING STEERING VERY, VERY DIFFICULT. IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN IN COOLER WEATHER AND USUALLY TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND PARKING FOR A LITTLE WHILE CORRECTS THE PROBLEM. TRIED TO CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID, WAS TOLD IT IS AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM.
Mileage: 115,000
20191125STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT, MAKING STEERING VERY, VERY DIFFICULT. IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN IN COOLER WEATHER AND USUALLY TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND PARKING FOR A LITTLE WHILE CORRECTS THE PROBLEM. TRIED TO CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID, WAS TOLD IT IS AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM.
Mileage: 115,000
20191003ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY KEYS COME OUT OF THE IGNITION , I KEEP HAVING ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND MY PIPES KEEP MESSING UP
20191003FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY KEYS COME OUT OF THE IGNITION , I KEEP HAVING ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND MY PIPES KEEP MESSING UP
20191003UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY KEYS COME OUT OF THE IGNITION , I KEEP HAVING ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND MY PIPES KEEP MESSING UP
20190708ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON REDUCED POWER WHILE DRIVING ALL GAS AND SPEED GAUGES ARE ALL TURNED TO THE RIGHT CAR DOSENT MOVE WHEN CUT ON NO POWER STEERING WHEEL GETS HARD UNABLE TO TURN OR STEER THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 3 MONTHS NOW
Mileage: 160,000
20190708VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TAKATA RECALL SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON REDUCED POWER WHILE DRIVING ALL GAS AND SPEED GAUGES ARE ALL TURNED TO THE RIGHT CAR DOSENT MOVE WHEN CUT ON NO POWER STEERING WHEEL GETS HARD UNABLE TO TURN OR STEER THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 3 MONTHS NOW
Mileage: 160,000
Compare 2003SATURNVUE to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
EA11014Engineering AnalysisClosed
Electric Power Steering Failure
RQ10004Recall QueryClosed
Electric Power Steering Failure
PE09016Preliminary EvaluationClosed
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES STICK UNLATCHED
PE08061Preliminary EvaluationClosed
TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL
DP08002Defect PetitionClosed
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2003 SATURN VUE have?▼
The 2003 SATURN VUE has 872 NHTSA complaints, 42 crashes, 16 fires, 39 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 SATURN VUE?▼
Yes, the 2003 SATURN VUE has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 SATURN VUE?▼
The most-complained component for the 2003 SATURN VUE is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION with 200 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2003 SATURN VUE safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.