2008 Saturn VUE problems, complaints & recalls

2008 Saturn VUE recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

NHTSA defect investigations

• PE09016Opened Mar 10, 2009Closed Jul 2, 2009led to recall 09V233000

  Outside door handles stick unlatched

  By letter dated june 23, 2009, general motors notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa recall number 09v233) to replace the outside door handles on certain model year 2008 saturn vue vehicles. The exterior door handle on certain model year 2008 saturn vue vehicles can stick in the unlatched position.the door may open while the vehicle is in motion. The agency opened its investigation based on two complaints of door latch failure that caused the door to open while the vehicle was in motion.the agency also received early warning (ewr) reports on this issue.certain model ye…

Recent 2008 Saturn VUE complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Apr 24, 2026TXFireElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it…

   NHTSA complaint #11733687 · source
2. Filed Jan 21, 2025TXSteering

   The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the dashboard on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the abnormal grinding sound was also heard while the gear shifter was in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was power steering fluid leaking from…

   NHTSA complaint #11637489 · source
3. Filed Dec 30, 2024MIBody & StructureTransmission & Drivetrain

   Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM

   NHTSA complaint #11633260 · source
4. Filed Nov 21, 2024173,445 miINSteering

   The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was…

   NHTSA complaint #11626603 · source
5. Filed Sep 5, 2024CACrash3 injuredElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops

   NHTSA complaint #11612712 · source
6. Filed Sep 2, 2024NEElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   2008 Saturn vue AWD. Steering wheel is very difficult to turn while driving. There is a lot of resistance. No leaking fluid visible and no visible loss of fluid levels. Transmission was torn down/repaired in 2017 for metal bits present at 95,000 (approximate) miles. It is currently at 107,600 miles. Transmission gets stuck in lower gear and rpms Rev up without the vehicle gaining acceleration. The tear down/rebuild was due to bad 3 5 wave plate also and seems to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11612064 · source
7. Filed Feb 7, 2024IAOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   When you drive the car the transmission fails. less than 48 hours ago I just bought this 2008 Saturn vue certified pre owned and I’ve been reading a lot of review’s about the specific model of car and a lot of other people that have had this car has had the same common experience I will attach a screenshot of what I’m talking about down below I seriously think someone should look into this issue because not only do I think this vehicle isn’t mechanically safe to be sold and…

   NHTSA complaint #11570450 · source
8. Filed Sep 17, 2023COSeats & Seat Belts

   Vehicle seatbelt is fraying on driver side. Tried to cut off the fray, but realized it continues fraying everytime I use the belt. Have called multiple gm dealers as well as the 800 number for GM. From their info and checking websites, the parts for the seatbelts for this model vehicle have been discontinued. this includes the 2008-10 saturn vue and the 2010-2015 chevy captiva (which is the same car). I am shocked that I have to purchase replacement seatbelts from a junkyard…

   NHTSA complaint #11545083 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology