Three problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 2006 Saturn VUE. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Saturn VUE based on all problems reported for the 2006 VUE.
When you try to start the car when it's cold, all of the interior and exterior lights come on, radio comes on, and then the lights and radio go off and the power steering stops working. After a few attempts and about 5 minutes pass, it works properly. Some times, unexpectedly, all the lights in the car start flashing, the locks on the doors lock and unlock repeatedly while driving. We've replaced the transmission, the ignition switch, the alternator, and have a brand new battery (2x in 6mo). This car is possessed! I worry for the safety of my teenage daughter while driving this car.
On 1-19-2015 I started my car (after it had been sitting for 2 days/it was very cold) and the exterior lights, interior lights, dash board, radio, blinker signals, all began flashing. It would stop for a second and start again, during this time the car seemed like it was going to conk out, but didn't. This went on for about 5 minutes. When I pressed the gas pedal the flashing would go faster. Also the seat controls and door locks would not work. After about 5 minutes it stopped and the car was fine. That same thing has happened roughly 4-5 more times, lasting 5-10 minutes each time. The car has only stopped running 1 time (luckily in front of home) and started fine the next day. Took video and went to local mechanic. They checked the battery and alternator (both fine-no $ charge), also checked recalls for car (nothing). Told me to go to dealership or electrical mechanic. Thought perhaps the alarm system, due to flashing. After going online, I have found alot of people that have had the same problem and it is not cheap to fix. This vehicle needs to be recalled to have the problem fixed. I could cause a severe, deadly accident if this happened while driving, also the doors would be locked because they lose power.
I have had problems with the seat warmer on the dirvers side since we bought the car. The radio chages from radio to cd by it's self. I have had to replace the alternator twice since 2012. There is seriuos electrical problems with this vechicle & gm should fix them!.