Vue Hybrid (2009)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
LZ4
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Saturn Vue Hybrid Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LE5
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Mild Hybrid
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid
Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 6 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2009] TRACTION CONTROL STAYS ON AND TRANSMISSION ENGAGES THEN RELEASE SLIPPING ..ALSO HYBRID SYSTEM NIT WORKING AT ALL NEVER TURN OFF AND ANY STOP LIKE A HYBRID .
- [2009] VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IN THE PAST (SERVICE BULLETIN NO. SB-10136A), 07/19/2010, FROM ORIGINAL PURCHASE DATE 05/06/2009. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE ISSUES REGARDING HYBRID SYSTEM PLACING MYSELF AND ALL OTHER DRIVERS IN POTENTIAL DANGER. VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTO STOP FEATURE THAT TEMPORARILY SHUTS VEHICLES ENGINE DOWN TO SAVE ON GAS WHEN IT COMES TO A COMPLETE S
- [2009] TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN VUE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT
High-Voltage Battery
- [2009] VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IN THE PAST (SERVICE BULLETIN NO. SB-10136A), 07/19/2010, FROM ORIGINAL PURCHASE DATE 05/06/2009. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE ISSUES REGARDING HYBRID SYSTEM PLACING MYSELF AND ALL OTHER DRIVERS IN POTENTIAL DANGER. VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTO STOP FEATURE THAT TEMPORARILY SHUTS VEHICLES ENGINE DOWN TO SAVE ON GAS WHEN IT COMES TO A COMPLETE S
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2009] MY 2009 SATURN VUE HYBRID WAS PURCHASES IN JAN 2009. SINCE THAT TIME MY CAR BATTERY HAS DIED 4 TIMES. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SATURN DEALER IN SAVANNAH THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY BUT MY HYBRID BATTERY HAD A RECALL. AFTER 10 DAYS THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED BACK TO ME WITH A NEW HYBRID BATTERY HOWEVER, THE 12 V CONTINUES TO DIE. THE GM DEALER IN HINESVILLE GA SAID THAT BATTERIES
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Saturn Vue Hybrid regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (2)
GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT AND/OR LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE. AS A RESULT OF THE INCORRECT KNUCKLE AND RESULTING INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE TIE ROD BALL STUD COULD PULL OUT OF, OR FRACTURE, THE TIE ROD HOUSING. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TIE ROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE.
GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid problems?
The 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid has accumulated 125 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Steering, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Saturn Vue Hybrid engine is most reliable?
The 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid a good used car?
The 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 125 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid have?
The 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid has 125 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid?
There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2009-2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Saturn Vue Hybrid?
Before buying a used Saturn Vue Hybrid, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Steering, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Vue Hybrid?
The 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 125 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-20.