Frame And Members Problems of Saturn VUE

At 24,000 miles this 2005 Saturn Vue needed the entire brake system replaced. Then when backing up and then putting the car in drive it would not speed up. I had to stop, put it in park, put it in drive again before it would move. This was at 28,300 miles, turns out the transmission went and had to be replaced. Now at 35,533 the drive shaft is rusted and center support is blown out. I asked Saturn what the life expectancy of this vehicle is and received no response. There were no accidents related to these failures because I realized something was wrong and took it in for service immediately. However, this vehicle has had more serious and costly repairs at 35,533 miles than vehicles with over 100,000 miles. Driving it is very stressful as I never know what will happen next.

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The contact owns a 2002 Saturn Vue. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for a routine repair when the contact was informed that the front sub frame exhibited severe corrosion and could not be repaired. The mechanic advised the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 100,000.

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While driving the vehicle, the driver heard a loud "pop" from rear of car. After pulling over the driver saw that the top of the right rear wheel was tipped in. The car was towed to a repair station. It was determined that the right rear lateral link assembly broke. The mounting bolt broke causing the mounting flange to brake off of the frame. This action also caused the frame to bend. It was necessary to replace the frame, links, control arms and shock absorber. Total cost to me was $1,900. 42. Saturn said they were not responsible and would not pay for any expenses. A recall ( campaign #04067001 ) to replace the rear lateral links was performed on this vehicle on 5/21/2005. Apparently, this recall work was not effective. The driver was not speeding, did not hit a pot hole or other object. There was no accident involved, and no one was injured. These are not parts that require periodic maintenance or upkeep. The parts on this car failed. The mechanic at the Chevrolet dealer that performed the work said that all the bolts in that area were rusted and needed replaced. If this failure would have occurred on an interstate road going at a much faster rate of speed, I can't imagine the consequences. Thank you for your help.

See all problems of the 2004 Saturn VUE 🔎.

Over the past year, I have had several instances where the "check engine" light comes on and the car just shuts down and won't start up. I have also had the low coolant light come on and was leaking anti-freeze, which I kept on filling up. Once it was towed to the dealer and when they went to look at it the next morning, it started right up and they could not figure out what was wrong. Another time I left it and when I came back, it started right up. In both of those instances, I was driving less than 40 mph and was able to get to the side of the road safely. The 3rd time that the car died, I was traveling 65 mph on an interstate when the car suddenly died, without any warning. I had just enough time to pull over to the side of the road and avert an accident. I bought a new car, because I was afraid to drive this one and it has been sitting in my driveway for 8 weeks. I recently had the Vue towed to a different dealership. They said that I need a new timing belt and water pump. They also say that I need to have an I-bolt pulley, belt tensioner, alternator, and serpentine belt replaced. Other repairs that are needed are a front sway bar links and the bearing on the drive shaft. This car has only 92,000 miles.