Vue (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
LAT - MFI, DOHC, BAS (for Hybrid)
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L61/LBZ
2.2L 4-cyl / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L33 HO
5.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L66
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Saturn Vue Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L33
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
10 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Mild Hybrid
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2002-2007 Saturn Vue
That's about 4.3x the typical rate for mild hybrids in this dataset (median 4.0 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 22 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.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2007] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN VUE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, BATTERY, CABLES, AND BATTERY FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TECHNICIAN CLEARED THE CODES FROM THE SYSTEM, REPLACED THE HYBRID SYSTEM, AND THE ENERGY CONTROL MODULE. THE REMEDY FAIL
- [2007] I WAS DRIVING TO COLLEGE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. UPON STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT, THE AUTO-STOP FEATURE KICKED IN BUT ONCE I STARTED GOING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING HORRIBLY AND THE LIGHTS DIMMING. THE AIRBAG, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS DASH LIGHTS ALL STARTED TURNING ON AND THEN OFF ALSO. SO I NOW HAVE BOTH CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS STAYING O
- [2007] CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER DRIVING OFF THE LOT. SEVERE ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER ISSUES. THE HYBRID BATTERY WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE HYBRID BATTERY WAS REPLACED BUT WE HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER PROBLEMS. THE RADIO QUIT WORKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION SWITCH/CORE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WE PAID FOR OUT OF POCKET EVEN THOUGH GM KNEW ABOUT SIMILAR I
High-Voltage Battery
- [2007] THE IGNITION WAS NOT TURNING OVER PROPERLY. THE BATTERY LIGHT WAS ON. THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM CAME ON. THE (ABS) LIGHT CAME ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. I DROVE MY CAR FROM FRESNO TO YOSEMITE AND RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PARK GARAGE IT BROKE DOWN AND I MANAGED TO ROLL IT OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A STALL. I REQUESTED PROFESSIONAL A
- [2007] I WAS DRIVING TO COLLEGE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. UPON STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT, THE AUTO-STOP FEATURE KICKED IN BUT ONCE I STARTED GOING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING HORRIBLY AND THE LIGHTS DIMMING. THE AIRBAG, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS DASH LIGHTS ALL STARTED TURNING ON AND THEN OFF ALSO. SO I NOW HAVE BOTH CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS STAYING O
- [2007] MY 2007 SATURN VUE HYBRID BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN JUNE, 2010 AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY PACK (THIS WILL BE THE 3RD ONE), THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BATTERY PACKS, AND THAT IT WAS "SAFE" TO DRIVE UNTIL THE BATTERIES WERE REPLACED. IT IS NOW DECEMBER 30, 2010 AND NO BATTERY PACKS ARE AVAILABLE. I'M FINDING OUT THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH THAT ONCE THE BAT
Electric Propulsion
- [2007] I WAS DRIVING TO COLLEGE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. UPON STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT, THE AUTO-STOP FEATURE KICKED IN BUT ONCE I STARTED GOING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING HORRIBLY AND THE LIGHTS DIMMING. THE AIRBAG, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS DASH LIGHTS ALL STARTED TURNING ON AND THEN OFF ALSO. SO I NOW HAVE BOTH CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS STAYING O
- [2007] 2007 SATURN VUE WAS SERVICED BECAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS ILLUMINATING. DEALER REPLACED AND FIXED SEVERAL PROBLEMS. CONSUMER WAS STILL NOT HAPPY WITH THE WAY THE VEHICLE RAN. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE RADIO WAS REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME, AND THERE WAS EVEN MORE WIND NOISE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITH THE NEW RUBBER SEAL. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED MAJOR LOSS OF POWER, ROUGH
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2007] 2007 SATURN VUE HYBRID CHECK BATTERY LIGHT ON WHEN CAR STARTED. LOST HYBRID FUNCTIONS, THE ALL CHECK LIGHTS WERE VISIBLE, STARTING WITH BATTERY, THEN ENGINE, LOST ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABILITY TO STEER CAR ETC. CAR STOPPED WORKING AND 12 VOLT BATTERY COULD NOT EVEN BE JUMP STARTED. HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE AUGUST 30, 2010. SHOP UNABLE TO TELL ME WHEN CAR WILL BE RETURNED. PERHAPS AFTE
- [2007] 2007 SATURN VUE GREENLINE (HYBRID) HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FAULTS RELATED TO ELECTRICAL CHARGING SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER'S ADVISORY LETTER, AFTER THE "CHECK BATTERY" LIGHT COMES ON, THE VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM IS DISABLED AND THE VEHICLE'S 12 VOLT BATTERY WILL PROVIDE 20-60 MINUTES OF RUN TIME BEFORE THE ENTIRE. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS TOTALLY DISABLED. AFTER 3 TRIPS TO THE DEALER SERVI
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 regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
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.
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 SPECIFIED A 16-INCH WHEEL WHEN A 17-INCH WHEEL DESIGNATION WAS REQUIRED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2007 Saturn Vue problems?
The 2002-2007 Saturn Vue has accumulated 1,853 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Transmission, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Saturn Vue engine is most reliable?
The 2002-2007 Saturn Vue was offered with 16 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.6L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2002-2007 Saturn Vue a good used car?
The 2002-2007 Saturn Vue can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,853 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 2002-2007 Saturn Vue have?
The 2002-2007 Saturn Vue has 1,853 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 2002-2007 Saturn Vue?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2007 Saturn Vue 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?
Before buying a used Saturn Vue, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Transmission, Safety Systems, 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?
The 2007 Saturn Vue received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (20.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: No. 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. 1,853 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-20.