2008 Saturn VUE problems
Owners have filed 575 complaints about the 2008 Saturn VUE with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 20.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 15.3%.
Complaints575
Crashes25
Fires19
Injuries28
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 20.9% · 120
Electrical system 15.3% · 88
Steering 15.3% · 88
Unknown or other 7.7% · 44
Engine 6.6% · 38
Air bags 4.3% · 25
Vehicle speed control 3.1% · 18
Service brakes 3.1% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 25 describe a crash, 19 describe a fire and 28 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the Saturn VUE in this data, 2008 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2003 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 16 in the last three years against 31 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 79,432 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn VUE. While driving approximately 30 mph, the rpms suddenly increased, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000. Updated 11/29/16*lj Power train · reported at 63,000 miles
Pulled out from a stop sign, at normal speed. And the car wouldn't shift out of second gear. Pulled over right away to avoid an accident. The car was in very good running condition with reg maintenance on car. I had a small child in the car with me at this time. I had to make it home going 5-10 mph. This should have not happened at this low of miles and reg maintenance on car. Why is there no recall? Power train · reported at 50,437 miles
Repair shop says that the wave plate has cracked and is now causing transmission problems. This appears to be some type of small defective part that when it fails results in a new transmission needed. This known issue is all over the internet and also my transmission shop says they have had multiple transmission repairs due to this issue. Is there anyway that we have recourse with gm? Power train · reported at 70,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…