2005 Saturn Vue
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Saturn › Vue › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Saturn Vue. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
170 complaints15 involved a crash3 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Ignition
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn VUE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ignition key fell out of the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the key failed to fit back in the ignition switch. The contact turned off the vehicle. The…
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn VUE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ignition key fell out of the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the key failed to fit back in the ignition switch. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic, a vehicle began doing donuts in the intersection, causing a multi-car accident and crashing into her vehicle. The air bags had failed to deploy. The contact sustained back and knee injuries, and both her son and…
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic, a vehicle began doing donuts in the intersection, causing a multi-car accident and crashing into her vehicle. The air bags had failed to deploy. The contact sustained back and knee injuries, and both her son and grandson had body pain. A police report was available. The vehicle had not been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
- Structure › Body
This IS a known problem with these saturn views it IS where the engine carriage bolt attaches to the frame the water from the road in everything shoots right up on it and rust this area where I had to work on this area and remove the bolts in the front there was so much rust that now the bolt…
This IS a known problem with these saturn views it IS where the engine carriage bolt attaches to the frame the water from the road in everything shoots right up on it and rust this area where I had to work on this area and remove the bolts in the front there was so much rust that now the bolt cannot be reattached this would cause problems on the road if in a wreck it would fold up now I'm trying to find somebody to fix it. I have never had this issue with any of the cars I have previously worked on. The frame of a car should not rust out like this. Should b the last thing to rust out.the vehicle was stationary at the time was replacing sway bar components.
- Unknown or other
The frame to subframe areas that holds up motor and transmission rusted and broke loose. As I went over a large bump on a city street the whole subframe separated. I was on a buy here pay here loan from tnt motors in oregon illinois. The vehicle was returned to them and I'm worried they will try to put it back on the road
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to shamrock auto brokers, llc (322 b nh-104, new hampton, nh 03256, (603) 548-3165) to get the vehicle inspected, however the vehicle failed the state inspection. The contact was informed that there were…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to shamrock auto brokers, llc (322 b nh-104, new hampton, nh 03256, (603) 548-3165) to get the vehicle inspected, however the vehicle failed the state inspection. The contact was informed that there were perforations on the subframe due to rust. Greenwood auto (6 farrarville rd, belmont, nh 03220, (603) 528-0158) was contacted however, the dealer was no longer in business. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,540.
- Steering · Unknown or other
I was sitting in driver seat and I out my key in ignition and turned it to 1 past the acc and I was able to take my key out of the ignition while it still being turn to 1. While in park. I can also take my key out of ignition while it's running while in drive or park on the 1 mark after acc. *tr
- Power train
When traveling at 65 miles an hour on the freeway for an hour and a half and come to a complete stop whether it's in traffic or getting off the freeway the car suddenly jerks violently back and forth and clunking sounds like something IS slipping the car will all of a sudden just died and stop running.by putting the car into neutral the car will come to a stop the jerking of the transmission releasing the gears
- Air bags
Takata recall my family and I were in a roll over accident on august 20TH 2019 our airbags did not deploy at impact. We were in motion going 60mph on cournty road 799 going towards george west tx when my vehicle was headed towards a covert and jerked the wheel to the left to avoid the ditch but the…
Takata recall my family and I were in a roll over accident on august 20TH 2019 our airbags did not deploy at impact. We were in motion going 60mph on cournty road 799 going towards george west tx when my vehicle was headed towards a covert and jerked the wheel to the left to avoid the ditch but the steering wheel jerked back to the right sending us on the 2 side passenger wheels and then rolling over 3 times I blacked out and when we stopped the air bags still didnt deploy.
- Electrical system
The key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition IS not in the "off" position. There was a recall (#14v490000 on 08/08/2014) for 2002-2004 saturn vue vehicles manufactured september 11, 2001, to april 6, 2004, however, I have a 2005 saturn vue that has the exact same problem and there IS no recall or remedy available.
- Unknown or other
The key will not turn in the ignition even after jiggling the steering wheel and flipping the key back and forth. when driving down the road your are able to pull the key out of the ignition and continue driving
- Electrical system
Dashboard fire. The vehicle was stationary for two and half hours before it was noticed the dashboard was on fire.
- Steering
Every time the car hits a bump there a severe rattle from the front end. I had new struts installed and that IS when the mechanics told and showed me that the bushings on the rack and pinion unit were going bad. I have checked since then and nobody seems to sell the bushing. They want you to buy a…
Every time the car hits a bump there a severe rattle from the front end. I had new struts installed and that IS when the mechanics told and showed me that the bushings on the rack and pinion unit were going bad. I have checked since then and nobody seems to sell the bushing. They want you to buy a new unit for 600ish dollars or a remanufactured one for as much as 300ish dollars. Now when you purchase either of these units it IS suggested that you also buy the new boltsand castle nuts for it which less then 29 dollars. The units have new bushings installed so I know some one IS producing them and you can buy the bolts from almost anyone. The mechanic suggested sooner then later would be best as rack may come loose from frame and cause a sever loss of steering which would include severe bodily harm or death. And gm does sell rack and pinion mount bushing for their other vehicles just not the saturns for some reason! start date IS approximate the forums have a large number of complaints about the same situation but no solutions
- Electrical system
Key wont turn in ignition. bought new key but problem has continued. car IS off and in park when this happens.
- Electrical system
Key can be removed from ignition in the on position when in motion
- Service brakes
I had just returned home from shopping when I experienced a complete brake failure. Fortunately the incident happened on my driveway as I was driving up to the front of my garage. Since I was moving very slow I was able to stop by shifting the trans into "park". I looked under the vehicle and saw a…
I had just returned home from shopping when I experienced a complete brake failure. Fortunately the incident happened on my driveway as I was driving up to the front of my garage. Since I was moving very slow I was able to stop by shifting the trans into "park". I looked under the vehicle and saw a puddle of break fluid on the driveway at each rear wheel. The vehicle was picked up by a towing service and delivered to auto-lab of troy, mi 48084. Their inspection found that both brake lines at the rear wheel cylinders were completely rusted through which allowed the fluid to spay out of them when the brake pedal was applied.
- Service brakes
I was driving on a busy highway, braking regularly with the stop and go traffic, my brakes suddenly locked up on me and I was barely able to get back up to 50 mph. Eventually I was close to highway speeds, but the car wasn't shifting correctly. This happened a few times, and we began replacing…
I was driving on a busy highway, braking regularly with the stop and go traffic, my brakes suddenly locked up on me and I was barely able to get back up to 50 mph. Eventually I was close to highway speeds, but the car wasn't shifting correctly. This happened a few times, and we began replacing parts on the brakes. Then, while driving again, the brakes locked down and stopped the vehicle. Once locked, the brakes did not release, or do not release completely. And we discovered - ultimately, once this happens you simply can't fix it. the first thing that we did IS we replaced the brake pads, rotors, tie rod ends and boots, because we thought the pads were going bad and the rotor was warped (the front end had started having a shimmy at higher speeds sometimes also). That seemed to fix all but the shimmy so we then replaced the two front tires and had them rebalanced and realigned. after that the brakes suddenly locked up rather hard. I managed to get off the highway safely, but the vehicle would barely do 10 mph because of the brakes locking down. We took it in and replaced parts for all of the brake system. We replaced the pads, rotors, calipers, hoses, master cylinder and the ABS unit (only found in junkyards now). then the brakes locked once again and caught fire! we put it out, but this was a known problem, especially when attempting to replace brake parts on this model. We found numerous reports online that this was a common problem for this model, and not just for 2005.
- Electrical system
Ignition switch IS faulty, and has been for some time. Sometimes the key will turn, other times it jams and will not allow the key to turn. My mechanic had two new factory keys made last summer as he was certain it was the keys, though I did not believe it and it certainly has nothing to do with…
Ignition switch IS faulty, and has been for some time. Sometimes the key will turn, other times it jams and will not allow the key to turn. My mechanic had two new factory keys made last summer as he was certain it was the keys, though I did not believe it and it certainly has nothing to do with the keys. My mechanic IS now checking on getting another saturn vue ignition switch (has has my vin). My mechanic has said (last summer and still now) that he believes this was a recall item on saturn.
- Unknown or other
Timing chain loose/danger of excelaration on highway
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. While reversing the vehicle, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (south pointe chevrolet, 9146 s. Memorial drive, tulsa ok, 74133) stated that there were…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. While reversing the vehicle, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (south pointe chevrolet, 9146 s. Memorial drive, tulsa ok, 74133) stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
- Steering
Key ignation will not turn over steering wheel IS locked
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas cap causes cel to come on. replacement caps fail to work. it seems a chronic problem.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the passenger door air bag and the driver's side door air bags inadvertently deployed without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer (central buick GMC of norwood, 70 boston providence hwy…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the passenger door air bag and the driver's side door air bags inadvertently deployed without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer (central buick GMC of norwood, 70 boston providence hwy, norwood, ma 02062; (781) 473-0908) stated that the contact would have to pay for the repair since the vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. The vin was not available.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. While attempting to turn the key in the ignition, the key failed to turn. Additionally, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and seized completely at one point. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. A dealer was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saturn vue. While attempting to turn the key in the ignition, the key failed to turn. Additionally, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and seized completely at one point. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. A dealer was not contacted. The contact spoke to an independent mechanic who stated that they would inspect the vehicle later and the contact could potentially need a new steering wheel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
- Electrical system · Power train · Service brakes
My car has the ABS system light on, and there are tons of people with this problem! I have almost gone off the road tons of times when the roads have barely any snow or ice on them, and this IS seriously a common problem that should have a recall! The ABS system on the saturn vues seems to go out…
My car has the ABS system light on, and there are tons of people with this problem! I have almost gone off the road tons of times when the roads have barely any snow or ice on them, and this IS seriously a common problem that should have a recall! The ABS system on the saturn vues seems to go out all the time, which causes other problems, malfunctioning breaks, bearing degeneration too! I need to constantly change the breaks and now I need new bearings. My car only has 84K miles on it!!! and with my car, my transmission IS also going out and that started at 60,000, miles and now its giving me real problems too! So the saturn vue 2005 AWD V6 car I have... Has a common problem of cheap ABS system parts going bad, and bad transmissions! Both need to be recalled, and addressed by gm. *tr
- Unknown or other
Ignition cylinder switch.key comes out at all times.and then when u turn it off switch locks and now it want unlock to start
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.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 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.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 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.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 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.
- 10250096Vehicle Vibration - Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
- 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.
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 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.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 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.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 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
- 10246583Vehicle Vibration - Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
- 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
- 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.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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).
Every Saturn Vue model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.