2004 Saturn Vue
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Saturn › Vue › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Saturn Vue. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2004 Saturn Vue. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the wheel rim size IS incorrectly printed on a tire/certification label, a service technician who solely uses the tire/certification label for service information may attempt to replace a damaged wheel with an incorrect wheel.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
276 complaints23 involved a crash5 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Suspension
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the…
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound at start up, and it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition switch after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
- Unknown or other
The ignition (key) has stopped working again after being recalled a few years ago, and being replaced. The key will not turn and start the car.
- Power train
Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.
- Electrical system
My Father's car key can be taken out of the ignition when it is not in the off position but his specific VIN is not listed as part of the recall.
- Unknown or other
Rusted front subframe/ engine cradle I carried my saturn vue to have the catalytic converters replaced and my master-mechanic discovered the rusted subframe and brought it to my attention. He showed it to me and explained the the danger in operating this vehicle.
- Electrical system
My 2004 vue had a recall in 2014 for the ignition key could be removed without being in the off position, I had this repaired on 12/11/14. Recently my ignition key can again be removed without being in the off position.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
The ignition broke after many of times the key coming out.
- Electrical system
I have all ready taken my saturn vue to the dealer in hemet ca. ( gosch chevrolet). The ignition switch broke again a week later. I took it back but gosch would not fix it again. The reason was because the housing had damage around it. Now the reason for that was because I was stranded 20 miles…
I have all ready taken my saturn vue to the dealer in hemet ca. ( gosch chevrolet). The ignition switch broke again a week later. I took it back but gosch would not fix it again. The reason was because the housing had damage around it. Now the reason for that was because I was stranded 20 miles from nothing when the ignition would not turn my vehicle on, I was alone for 2 days before I had to mess with it to get it started. This has been an ongoing problem for me. I've missed an air flight. And 2 jobs fired me because I could not get to work. Its been a downward spiral ever since. Saturn's are great cars otherwise.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn vue. While operating the vehicle, the key came out of the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Valley chevrolet (525 hwy 7E, hutchinson, mn) and the manufacturer were notified and stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v490000 (electrical system); however, the part was not available. The failure mileage was 248,000.
- Unknown or other
There was a recall back in october 20TH, 2014 regarding an issue with the ignition. Where you can pull the key out while its running. I've never gotten a call from nhtsa regarding the issue. May I have it done free of charge. The vehicle was stationary
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Tamara recall I got a recall in the mail for my 2004 saturn vue for the ignition I've called the dealership where I got it and they said they knew about it but did not tell me when I bought it. And said I have to take car of it myself.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn vue. While the contact's daughter was driving the vehicle, the key fell out of the ignition. The failure occurred more than twice while driving. In addition, the steering wheel made an abnormal squeaky and rattling sound while being turned. Excessive force had to…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn vue. While the contact's daughter was driving the vehicle, the key fell out of the ignition. The failure occurred more than twice while driving. In addition, the steering wheel made an abnormal squeaky and rattling sound while being turned. Excessive force had to be used to turn the steering wheel. Also, the check engine indicator was illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the power steering and ignition failures were not diagnosed because they did not have the proper electric tools. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 250,000.
- Suspension
Going 40 mph made a left turn, medium loud noise and front right control arm tore in 2 (been replaced and have part) and back left tire now tilted in at top about 1 inch( still trying to get fixed ).
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
While my car IS running I can't take my key out also when I turn my heater on my car will jerk etc
- Unknown or other
I just bout my 2004 staurn vue from a private owner and have to replace my ignition for the 2ND time in less then a month. I looked online and seen that the 2004 saturn vue have had a recall on this same problem. I am not able to locate my vehicle in the registration of the recall system. My ignition locks to where I can start the car and key get stuck.
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Suspension
I was driving from providence ri to athens oh. I was in west virginia around morgantown, driving from 68 west to 79 south ramp, and I was driving in the range of speed limits. Suddenly in the ramp, I felt car IS turning unwantedly to the left, and I tried to bring it back to the road but I could…
I was driving from providence ri to athens oh. I was in west virginia around morgantown, driving from 68 west to 79 south ramp, and I was driving in the range of speed limits. Suddenly in the ramp, I felt car IS turning unwantedly to the left, and I tried to bring it back to the road but I could not, and the car hit orthogonally the jersey barriers on the left hand side of the ramp. My airbags opened, one of my tires exploded, and front of my car completely wrecked. Fortunately, no one hit me from side and behind. I could really die, I see death in front of my eyes when I was turning with the car. I had replaced my control arm, shocks rotors, brake pads, all in the past two months of the accident. But this car was terribly bad in the turns and ramps before the accident. The suspension system did not work well in these cars in compare to their heights, and always you have the chance of collapsing. Fortunately, I did not collapse. It had happened a lot for me that I felt these car in not stable in ramps and turns, but I never thought a dangerous accident would happen to me. I also did not have collision insurance, and I had to sell my car for a 100 $ to a junk yards. I am almost sure there IS some problem with their suspension systems, and I am requesting to investigate this issue in these cars.
- Electrical system
Ignition switch-key comes out while engine IS running. Saturn (gm) advises that this SUV IS not included in the saturn recall for ignition switch.
- Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn vue. While the vehicle was stationary, the driver side low beam headlight malfunctioned. The contact stated that the headlight had burned out and was melted at the socket. The contact replaced the driver side headlight three times in the past six months. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
While driving transmission will jump out of gear,need to shift gear selector into neutral,then back into drive,sometimes more than once.we have avoided several serious incidents since this problematic issue started.vehicle was checked out several times at saturn of modesto.ca.now out of…
While driving transmission will jump out of gear,need to shift gear selector into neutral,then back into drive,sometimes more than once.we have avoided several serious incidents since this problematic issue started.vehicle was checked out several times at saturn of modesto.ca.now out of business,there fix just replace transmission $5,000 at customers full expense.contracted saturn customer service,they advised us to contact chase chevrolet stkn.ca as they can service your saturn vehicle.called chase chevrolet was advised there shop did not have proper equipment to service our vehicle,didn't have updated computer software.still having same issues.
- Power train
Moving along in street traffic, stopped at a light, then went to go forward, transmission only went forward in low gear. towed to repair garage but they want $500 just to look at it.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn vue. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v490000 (electrical system) on 9/5/17. The ignition cylinder was replaced by don nester auto group (7566 west houghton lake drive, houghton lake, mi 48629, phone: (989) 422-5126)…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn vue. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v490000 (electrical system) on 9/5/17. The ignition cylinder was replaced by don nester auto group (7566 west houghton lake drive, houghton lake, mi 48629, phone: (989) 422-5126); however, the repair did not correct the failure. The contact was provided two keys with the repair, but neither of them unlocked the vehicle doors. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle for several weeks. The dealer stated that the door locks needed to be replaced. The manufacturer refused to assist with replacing the door locks. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 162,479.
- Unknown or other
Stopped at a red light... When it green and time to drive the gas moved by the car was a complete stop and it wont not move foward or backwards... Leaving me and my 2 toddlers stuck into on coming traffic
- Unknown or other
The key falls out while driving and the car won't start sometimes
- Unknown or other
The ignition locks and can not turn key with out jerking and beating the sterring wheel. You can't put the ingition in the off position. key can be removed while engine IS running. my vin # was not listed on the recall list but other same make and model vehicles were in with this recall. I need this fixed please. I have had this vehicle for 2 years.
- Power train
When driving at an high speed of 65-70 on freeway through mountain territory, speed drops and acceleration IS hard to get back up to speed limit. Also car start shaking while accelerating.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear suspension toe control link
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This 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.
- 11007743This 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.
- 11007208This 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.
- 11006621Vehicle 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.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This 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.
- 11000576This 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.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This 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.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247379This Preliminary Information addresses issues dealership technicians may encounter when programming modules in Saturn vehicles, resulting from a configuration change in the programming website.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245895Ignition Key Removal
- 10245894Ignition Key Removal
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This 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.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Every Saturn Vue model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.