11 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 2009 Saturn VUE. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Saturn VUE based on all problems reported for the 2009 VUE.
For the third time since purchasing my car in 2009 I am having problems removing the key from the ignition cylinder. On 11/16/17 the floor shifter was replaced. On 09/11/20 another one was replaced. On 10/07/22 having problems again removing the key. Will take car in for service again.
Vehicle is a Saturn Vue xe, 3. 5 liter awd, ~84,000 miles. Problem statement: extensive corrosion of the subframe located at the midpoint of the vehicle on the driver and passenger sides. This is not surface rust - the frame corrosion has resulted in sections of the frame rotting through, severely compromising the structural integrity of the frame and safety of the vehicle. I have documented at least 6 formal complaints for the same problem from various websites, including some with front end and engine mounts cross members literally rotting away. My vehicle is only 12 years old and has only 7000 miles average miles per year but will not pass a safety inspection in massachusetts due to the extensive rust through. The NHTSA has several corrosion related service bulletins documented involving several general motors vehicle models but they only call out surface corrosion. The NHTSA needs to investigate frame rust through on Saturn Vue and other gm vehicles as owners are highly unlikely to realize the looming safety hazard if they have no other reason to inspect underneath the vehicle.
Transmission started slipping.
It seems like it's still having some problems due to the recalls. . The air bag light is on and the tire sensor light is on. .
The hose for the moon roof drains are leaking causing mold and electrical issues in the Vue. We had the hoses replaced twice but the problem keeps happening. Electrical issues have caused issues with starting, instrument panel, etc.
When the auto was placed in park, the ignition key could not be removed. This continued to happen intermittently.
My vehicle is shifting extremely hard. Dealer stated that it was a wave plate inside the transmission and would require an overhaul of the transmission. Research has shown many others have reported this same problem with the approximate mileage that my vehicle has.
Was driving along 35 mph. Vehicle started to smoke pull over put the car in park when I got out to check to see where the smoke was coming from I saw flames underneath the vehicle on the passenger side with minutes the vehicle was on firer whole front end of the vehicle was consumed by flames.
Left passenger door will not unlock or lock with remote or with switch via car interior. Advised to replace door actuator. Once the left side was repaired under extended warranty the right passenger rear door is now non operational with the same problem. Vehicle is out of warranty. Door lock failures are not safe. If there is an accident someone could be ejected if the doors do not lock property.
Car would not start, when you put the key in the ignition will not start. After several attempts you can finally get it to connect. This is an ongoing issue I have had the car in the garage several times. I have been stranded three times in the last six months. It doesn't happen all the time and never happens when the garage has the vehicle. The last time was on Saturday 5/18/2014 the only way I could get the vehicle to start was to put it in neutral and turn the steering column, then when it would go back to the straight position the vehicle would stop again. After about five times trying it this way I left the wheels turned all the way to the left and put the vehicle into gear and made a u turn and keep going to home. I am afraid to try this car for fear it will cut out and someone will run into me.
As of the beginning of last yr. My Saturn has been giving me trouble with the key not coming out of the ignition when I turn off the engine. I have try a number of things. Ex; turn engine back on & turn the wheel to the left & then to the right. Also I'll shift the trans from p to d & back. It seems to be something in the lock or what ever controls the trans. That sends a signal when ignition is off so you can turn the key all the way to the off position to release the key . My 1st yr I had no problems. Other than this key situation I have had a good ride with this vehicle.