Four problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 2003 Saturn VUE. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Saturn VUE based on all problems reported for the 2003 VUE.
Delayed in shifting, no warning car will shift out of gear at freeway speeds transmission failure x4, replace old one with new one failure x2 at 15,000 miles,called dealership and corporate office no help, found out there is a class action lawsuit regarding this make and model, im surprised nothing has been done about this problem.
Transmission slips, auto suddenly stopped on freeway, it did not speed at all but 30 to 40 miles per hour after a pull-over 30 minutes break. It continues slipping and shaking during stops.
O3 Saturn Vue purchased with 48,555 miles. 3/20/07 took to independent transmission mechanic due to transmission going out. I was told he could not do a thing to it because of a recall. Took to Saturn of mesquite TX, 3/21 assuming that they were going to take care of problem. Customer states veh will not shift gears properly found code po606 in tcm followed doc# 1200876 to check fluid after fluid check found trans a little low on fluid flushed trans and put in additive. 3/26 took back to dealership. Cust states hearing a noise coming from under the hood. Found vehicle to be extremely noisy with intermittent no gear operation. Followed bulletin # 04-07-30-24e to replace case cover, filter and torque converter. After completing bulletin, test drove vehicle. Pulled hard to the left, aligned vehicle, all is fine. The cover assembly, variable drive and driven pulley a repaired. At this time I assumed the transmission had been replaced. 6. 4. 08 car back to Saturn customer states vehicle slipping, light is on. Tech says no light is on and found veh driving and shifting per design. Went back in summer 09, slipping once again, after 5 days they could not find a problem but car was fine. 2. 19. 10 car towed to Saturn, told transmission has to be replaced this time I thought that was what they did in 07. Contacted support to be turned over to gm employee . He contacted me on 2. 22. 10 to advise he was working on prob. . Saturn informed me 2. 25. 10 afterward that 2500. Is what I could pay for new transmission. I already had a letter dated 11. 09 stating the same thing after class action lawsuit. Tanner called 2. 25 to update I could pay 2500. 00. If I had used my ext warranty contract in 07 I would not be out money and had a new transmission. Said he gm could not help me and if I was not satisfied I could take it up with dealership. They put a bandaid on a recall and now I am to PA.
I purchased a 2003 Vue on 12/02 there was a recall in 03/03 the problem was fixed, but lead to other problems. (1) the check engine light would not go out took it in 2 times. (2) the car was lurching when coming to a stop. (3) the car did not get enough gas when taking off. (4) there is a knocking sound when I turn a corner. (5) the car had to be towed in just 1 day after picking it up for other problems because it would not start.