repaired · 2016 Q1
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if…
2004 Saturn VUEProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 276 owner complaints about the 2004 Saturn VUE, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-490 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 24, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Saturn VUE has problems
276 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
93Power train6 crash/fire/injury
78Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
33Suspension6 crash/fire/injury
18Air bags
16Steering
16Engine and engine cooling
11Structure
8Exterior lighting
8Engine
5617 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 93 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 78 | 3 |
| Suspension | 33 | 6 |
| Air bags | 18 | 11 |
| Steering | 16 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 16 | 0 |
| Structure | 11 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 3 |
| Engine | 8 | 1 |
| 17 other systems | 56 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2004 Saturn VUE recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. IF THE WHEEL RIM SIZE IS INCORRECTLY PRINTED ON A TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL, A SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO SOLELY USES THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL FOR SERVICE…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saturn.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
85kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 82 power train complaints. 67% were reported before 100,000 miles.
14under 30k miles55under 100k miles27100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Power train
10 owners mentioned a cost$4,250median
Middle half: $3,000 – $5,243
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other VUE year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the VUE median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Saturn VUE safety ratings
2004 Saturn VUE 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (20.9% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Saturn VUE, and the recalls they led to.
- REAR SUSPENSION TOE CONTROL LINKNo recall
In owners' words
What VUE owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP OUT OF GEAR,NEED TO SHIFT GEAR SELECTOR INTO NEUTRAL,THEN BACK INTO DRIVE,SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE.WE HAVE AVOIDED SEVERAL SERIOUS INCIDENTS SINCE THIS PROBLEMATIC ISSUE STARTED.VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OUT SEVERAL TIMES AT SATURN OF MODESTO.CA.NOW OUT OF…
MOVING ALONG IN STREET TRAFFIC, STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THEN WENT TO GO FORWARD, TRANSMISSION ONLY WENT FORWARD IN LOW GEAR. TOWED TO REPAIR GARAGE BUT THEY WANT $500 JUST TO LOOK AT IT.
Own a 2004 VUE?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.