general problems of the 2003 Saturn VUE

Ten problems related to suspension 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.

1 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2021

Both of my rear tires are leaning in and looks like the camber bolts have broken off and could really cause a bad accident even death if I didn't see it. I travel 1800mi a week and just had a blow out because tires wore so bad and they are only a year old.

2 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/29/2014

My vehicle is under safety recall for ignition and rear lateral links. I ordered parts at cropper's Chevrolet in nogales, az on 12/29/2014. The parts are still not in despite my follow up calls. I am having trouble with the ignition and the key gets stuck. They said gm is not sending them the parts in a timely manner. While I was typing this, the parts department of cropper's called back and said they do have the parts and my appointment is scheduled for 8 am on 2/26/2015. Amazing what can happen when you finally start to complain.

3 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/14/2012

As I was driving my and it car began to pull to the right and the tires began to squeal. In my mind I thought I thought I needed better tires and a wheel alignment. As I was driving to get the tires and alignment I heard a cracking from underneath the car, this really scared me. At this point the pull to the right was even stronger. I arrive to a tire shop and put tires on thinking this would be better but it was the same so I drove across the street to a mechanic to get a wheel alignment and the mechanic came out and went underneath the car when he came back up he stated that "your subframe and chasis is cracked all the way through, park it immediately for safety reasons, in his 20 years of experience as a mechanic he only saw his twice the first time was in another car that was recalled and mine that should be on recall with the level of danger, especially because I see you have a baby's car seat in your backseat". He also said even an older car should not have a subframe crack like this, and that the motor can fall out while I'm driving and the wheels will collapse. What am I supposed to do I can't even trade it in and it's worth $5500 and the cost would be fananimal to fix. I can't get to work and even child car this is horrible. Please help. This is a defective car and the worst I have ever had.

4 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2012

While driving 20 mph heard a clunk by the back rear passenger tire, the top of the right rear tire was tilted in. Appeared to have a broken lateral arm which was attached to the frame. If I would have been going any rate of speed this could have been a serious issue. I feel this is a serious safety hazard. I contacted Saturn who took my claim and admitted there was a recall on the lateral arm in 2005. This supposely was taken in to a dealership and fixed. I didn't own this vehicle then. Saturn refuses to be responsible for this issue and said it very likely couldve been a faultly part but since it has been taken care of in 2005 no longer responsible. I feel I could have killed myself, lost control and/or hurt someone else if I would have lost control.

5 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/14/2009

I have an 03 Saturn Vue with multiple issues. I should have complained years ago but I am only now seeing the blogs regarding this dangerous hideous vehicle. The back window wiper blades work whenever, sporadically; the emergency flashers are inoperable most of the time, the button that turns them on is defective,;the electrical system- caution lights come on and off;reduced power light comes on and the car will not accelerate in heavy traffic. I have had some close calls in this vehicle and I realized it should of not been allowed to be on the road. It is a disaster. Why are our tax dollars bailing out companies like gm when they make such defective, death traps as this? something is truly wrong here. Run from the Saturn Vue -hopefully it will not be on the road much longer but I just don't want to be one of its casualties.

6 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2006

2003 Saturn Vue hood release cable and windshield wiper motor was replaced. The rear differential was replaced (warranty). While repairing the rear differential the technician noticed that the prompt shaft center bearing was broken (warranty). There was noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The technician determined that the transaxle. The technician updated the tcm and added cvt additive (warranty). The check engine light illuminated on the dash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the oxygen sensor was faulty (warranty). The air bag and horn were also replaced.

7 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2006

2003 Saturn Vue. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle transmission issues in March of 2004, the consumer received a letter from Saturn stating there was a problem with vehicles equipped with vti transmissions and it would require repair or replacement. The transmission was replaced at that time by Saturn. However, since then the transmission has been replaced four times. Gm informed the consumer, they would charge him half for replacing the transmission. Also, the link bushings were replaced.

8 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/09/2004

The car pulls to the right when accelerating. This happens from a stop as well as when at highway speeds. I feel it is very unsafe and could cause an accident.

9 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2003

: the contact stated there has been ongoing problems with the vehicle since it was purchased. The suspension was unstable which caused the vehicle to sway and transmission caused the vehicle to pull to one side. The sales dealer has inspected the vehicle several times and determined there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The contact was informed by the dealer the 30-day limit on a lemon had expired.

10 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/04/2002

We have continually had our struts adjusted/and or replaced. We have brought the car in for repair more than 15 times in less than 2 years. We have had the struts replaced at least 4 times and had to have tires replaced due to alignment issues caused by the strut problems. The car was first brought in about 11 days after purchase and almost every month - month and a half since then.



Fuel Economy of VUE Vehicles
VUE Service Bulletins
VUE Safety Recalls
VUE Defect Investigations