Saturn

Vue (2nd)

2008-2010 · Compact SUV · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.1)
536 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
14 Fire Reports
24 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Saturn Vue → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

LZ4

3.5L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.1)
53 complaints 26.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
21
electrical
13
steering
11
other
6
brakes
6

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (21 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
Steering Issues (11 complaints)

LE5

2.4L 4-cyl
Avoid (1.3)
181 complaints 56.0 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Saturn Vue regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (119 complaints)
transmission critical
Electrical System Issues (119 complaints)
electrical critical
Steering Issues (105 complaints)
steering critical
Engine Issues (51 complaints)
engine critical
Body/Trim Issues (17 complaints)
body critical

Recalls (4)

09V233000Jun 24, 2009serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

GM IS RECALLING 44,451 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH BODY COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK OR BIND. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.

08V616000Nov 23, 2008serious
Steering

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.

08V470000Sep 16, 2008serious
Steering

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.

08V200000May 4, 2008serious
Powertrain

GM IS RECALLING 26 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6T70 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION CASE SIDE BORE THAT HOLDS THE PARK PAWL PIVOT PIN MAY HAVE A CASTING POROSITY. THIS CONDITION, COUPLED WITH NORMAL OPERATING STRESSES, COULD LEAD TO FAILURE, ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK' POSITION.

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2010 Saturn Vue problems?

The 2008-2010 Saturn Vue has accumulated 536 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Steering. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Saturn Vue engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2010 Saturn Vue was offered with 4 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 2008-2010 Saturn Vue a good used car?

The 2008-2010 Saturn Vue can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 536 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 2008-2010 Saturn Vue have?

The 2008-2010 Saturn Vue has 536 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 2008-2010 Saturn Vue?

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2010 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 Transmission, Electrical System, Steering, 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 2010 Saturn Vue 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. 536 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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