2002 Saturn VUE problems
Owners have filed 220 complaints about the 2002 Saturn VUE with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 24.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 15.5%.
Complaints220
Crashes15
Fires6
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 24.1% · 53
Engine and engine cooling 15.5% · 34
Power train 11.4% · 25
Steering 8.2% · 18
Engine 7.3% · 16
Air bags 6.8% · 15
Suspension 4.5% · 10
Vehicle speed control 2.7% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 15 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the Saturn VUE in this data, 2002 draws comparatively few complaints; 2003 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 16 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 79,300 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2002 Saturn VUE.The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed there was an ignition failure. The vehicle was repaired however, the exact repairs were unknown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,300 and the current mileage was 79,440. Electrical system · reported at 79,300 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Saturn VUE. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the ignition key released from the ignition switch and the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified if the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. Electrical system · reported at 120,000 miles
Someone was preparing to cut me off, so I sounded the horn as a warning. The horn would not shut off. I pulled the fuse to quiet the horn. Took it to the dealership same day and was informed that the horn/driver air bag relay needed to be replaced at over $700 just for the part! Common problem/poor design feature - see www.Saturnfans.Com/forums/archive/index.Php/t-52432.Html. Electrical system · reported at 65,160 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…