Two problems related to transmission not engage have been reported for the 2008 Saturn VUE. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Saturn VUE based on all problems reported for the 2008 VUE.
My '08 Vue will not longer shift into reverse. The transmission handle does physically go into the reverse detent but the gears do not engage and the vehicle does not move. Depressing the accelerator only increases the engine rpms. The first indication of a problem was some stuttering in reverse two days ago. There didn't seem to be any issues with the forward gears. Today, the transmission reverse gear will not engage. This seems to be a common problem with the gm/for 6t70 6spd transmission reverse gear wave plate. A quick google search revealed that virtually every gm brand that uses the transmission has the exact same issue. This seems to be a well known and well documented problem, a recall should be made. A TSB already exists for the issue, please refer to TSB #09-07-30-012b.
Transmission not engaging properly. Vehicle jerks while shifting and does not reach over 60 mph without going to 6 rpms. While in heavy rush hour traffic, the car does not accelerate and the power steering locks.