Two problems related to service engine light on have been reported for the 2002 Saturn VUE. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Saturn VUE based on all problems reported for the 2002 VUE.
This is the second instance in 54,438 miles timing chain 'slipped' due to lack of lubrication. In both instances, the engine stalled while driving (at low speed), then restarted with reduced power/performance along with the service engine warning light. This time, the engine was badly damaged and must be replaced. Saturn blames me for not keeping up with the every 3000 mile oil change requirement. (and is satisfied to look no further for any other causes. ) I have seen the investigative report (pe06-006), on this site, of an investigation into frequent timing chain failures in l-series models (having the same engine as this vehicle). The report references lack of oil flow to the timing chain when operating at low rpm. (this is the type of driving I do. ) the report also references gm TSB 03-06-01-017 stating "all timing chain service kits now available will include an oiler nozzle, a new design that will increase oil flow to the timing chain under low rpm operating conditions". The dealer does not acknowledge existence of the improved design for the Vue engine. The first failure instance was covered under warranty at 24,663 miles. The current instance occurred at 54,438 mi. , and is now out of warranty. Saturn is offering to take 50% cost of an engine replacement.
While driving my 2002 Saturn Vue to work, the reduced power and service engine lights came on simultaneously, and I had no power. I pulled over to the side of the road where a state trooper sat behind me with his lights on so that I would not be rear-ended. My car was towed to a local repair station where it could not be fixed, so it was towed to the Saturn dealer. It was reported to me that the timing chain broke and since the engine was a "zero tolerance" engine, the entire engine has to be replaced at a cost of over $2000. I have an extended warranty, but do not have copies of the receipts for oil changes so they will not honor the warranty (for which I paid $1700). Heritage (the company which I bought the warranty from when I bought the car at Saturn) says that if I pay $435 to have the engine torn down, they will send an auditor to determine if they will pay for the repairs or not. My concern is that the engine that they will put in has 28,000 miles on it and the timing chain may break on this engine as well.