Is the Saturn Vue reliable?

The Saturn Vue has 3,269 NHTSA complaints, or 1955.1 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Source: VinItel

What Saturn Vue years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2003 model year of the Saturn Vue — it has significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2003 model year alone has 872 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Saturn Vue?

Among Saturn Vue model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2010 (9 complaints), 2009 (171 complaints), 2005 (215 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Saturn Vue problems?

The most common Saturn Vue problems reported to NHTSA are: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (521 complaints, 2.5% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (315 complaints, 4.1% crash rate); POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (272 complaints, 1.8% crash rate); AIR BAGS (256 complaints, 19.9% crash rate); STEERING (251 complaints, 2.8% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Saturn Vue?

Used Saturn Vue buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2010, 2009, 2005. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Saturn Vue Reliability

3,269 NHTSA complaints (2002–2010). Complaint rate: 1955.1 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

3530.5

Complaints

3,269

Crash Rate

5.9%

Fire Rate

2.5%

Injuries

160

Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2003 Saturn Vue. The 2009–2010 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Avoid These Years

2003

~872/yr complaints · 42 crashes

2008

~572/yr complaints · 25 crashes

Average

2002

~220/yr complaints

2004

~360/yr complaints

2006–2007

~425/yr complaints

Better Years

2009–2010

~90/yr complaints

2005

~215/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Saturn Vue?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Saturn Vue — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2003 (872)

Common Saturn Vue Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	521	2.5%
POWER TRAIN	315	4.1%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	272	1.8%
AIR BAGS	256	19.9%
STEERING	251	2.8%
ENGINE	140	5.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	135	4.4%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	89	1.1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	67	7.5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	63	1.6%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2002	—	220	15	6	View →
2003AVOID	—	872	42	16	View →
2004	—	360	36	7	View →
2005GOOD	—	215	19	3	View →
2006	—	433	28	12	View →
2007	—	417	14	15	View →
2008AVOID	—	572	25	16	View →
2009GOOD	—	171	14	4	View →
2010GOOD	—	9	0	2	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Saturn Vueaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Saturn Vue?

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