Engine Noise Problems of Saturn VUE

Upon a cold start, when the vehicle has rolled about ten feet, forward or reverse, with no input on the accelerator, there is a whir from the engine compartment, akin to a stepper motor noise, and the vehicle accelerates on its own. In reverse, applying the brakes stops the car, and then selecting drive, the vehicle responds to the accelerator correctly. The same thing happens in forward, but in most cases the accelerator is engaged to move forward. The problem does not seem to occur when the car is warmed up and being driven under normal use. In reviewing the shop manuals, there is an electronic throttle control motor, which I assume is a stepper type motor, in the throttle body assembly. This is controlled by the throttle actuator control(tac) and the power control module(pcm). I assume that the motor is failing, but have not experienced a reduced engine power mode or engine shutdown mode event. If this part is failing it should be covered by the emission warranty of 8 years/80,000 miles, but unfortunately the car is 9 years old. I will approach my dealer and Saturn about possible coverage under warranty, but have had difficulty with them in the past. I feel this is a safety issue, as it can catch a driver unaware and create a possible accident scenario.

See all problems of the 2007 Saturn VUE 🔎.

I was driving on the highway, cruising at 70 in the far left hand lane, and suddenly my vehicle speed dropped to 40 mph and error codes started flashing on the dash (decrease engine, engine, stability track system, traction control, and others I don't remember). With semi trucks and a high volume of traffic behind me and blowing their horns, I attempted to change lanes in an effort to pull over on the right shoulder as georgia law states. . . But it would not accelerate and continued to decrease. It was by the grace of god that I did not get hit by the vehicles and semi trucks slamming on their brakes to avoid hitting me. I nearly missed the off ramp. Off on the exit ramp was not able to make the light so pulled over to right side. My car made a high pitched sound like it does when I really step on the gas, it was revving and now pulling forward. It continued to make this noise while I was at a stop light, not moving, tried putting it in neutral, park, nothing would make the revving stop. Finally, light turned green and the car jerked me forward but then would not accelerate again as I attempted to make it to the gas station off the exit. I pulled into the lot and again when I braked to put in reverse to park it started revving high and jerked forward again then backwards. I turned off the car and let sit 10 minutes. Turned it on, it would not go away the engine was in revving so high I thought it might blow. I turn the engine off and had the vehicle towed from 30+ miles away from home.

See all problems of the 2009 Saturn VUE 🔎.

I began to hear a little bit more engine noise than normal, like a tapping noise. I had the oil changed as I did regularly and within manufacturers recommendation. Local mechanic said it was the timing chain and to continue with frequent oil changes. Car died while traveling at 40 mph locally on the weekend, but could have happened while traveling 65mph on my way to work if it was a weekday. Luckily, I was able to pull immediately into a side street and have the car towed to local goodyear service center. I've seen internet postings citing the same problems on Saturn models with the same engine. There may even be a recall for the l-class Saturn cars with the same engine and not the Vue?.

See all problems of the 2002 Saturn VUE 🔎.

2002 Saturn Vue (65,000 miles) making noise. Would not start, towed to mechanic. Timing chain failure causing engine damage. Estimated cost is $3000; loss of vehicle for at least a week while being repaired. Currently at the mechanics awaiting repair.

Several problems - gas gauge not working, numerous rattles and squeaks, weird engine noises, thermostat out, misc warning lights.

See all problems of the 2003 Saturn VUE 🔎.