no report yet
Spindle: arm
Risk. ALTHOUGH STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE MAINTAINED AFTER A TIE ROD SEPARATION BY THE UNAFFECTED WHEEL ON SMOOTH ROADS OR DURING LIGHT BRAKING, WITH…
2009 Saturn VUEProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 118 owner complaints about the 2009 Saturn VUE, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 7, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Saturn VUE has problems
118 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
38Steering2 crash/fire/injury
35Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
14Power train2 crash/fire/injury
10Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
9Service brakes
9Electronic stability control (ESC)
8Structure
7Engine
5Exterior lighting
2613 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 38 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 35 | 2 |
| Power train | 14 | 2 |
| Air bags | 10 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 9 | 1 |
| Structure | 8 | 4 |
| Engine | 7 | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 1 |
| 13 other systems | 26 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2009 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
Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
Risk. THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
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 steering problems start?
89kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 33 steering complaints. 70% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles23under 100k miles10100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 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
2009 Saturn VUE safety ratings
2009 Saturn VUE 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What VUE owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was inoperable while attempting to reverse. The…
Vehicle has lost power steering. Difficult to steer especially in reverse and sometimes in turning left. If wheels are not completely straight, you have turn with all the strength you can muster. Reluctant to turn left unless you have twice as much time as you should need to avoid an accident.
The power steering goes out especially at lower speeds are from take off,it takes every thing you have to turn wheel it has almost caused me two accidents, fluid level is fine, makes no unusual noise steering just goes out making it very dangerous to turn to the right are left & very difficult to…
Own a 2009 VUE?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.