2003 Saturn VUE Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Saturn VUE recalls

Most common 2003 Saturn VUE problems

Problem areas named in the 622 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	323
Electrical System	131
Engine And Engine Cooling	63
Suspension	50
Steering	46
Air Bags	43
Engine	29
Structure	24
Vehicle Speed Control	21
Fuel System, Gasoline	21

What owners report

2026-09-02, Engine
This is more information related to Complaint 11761129: After online researching of other '03 2.2L Saturn Vue-owners stalling experiences, it appears that this vehicle has a long history of others like me: an unsafe, unpredictable stalling problem which carries no warnings or logging of error codes to trace the TRUE ORIGIN of problem. (How much did others spend on repairs that appeared to fix the problem by elapsing time enough for the problem to return to normal without the "repair"?) I stress that when all is working fine, the driver feels secure because there's no sign of a problem or trace left of the problem. The vehicle did run for years-at-a-time in a stable, reliable fashion. Once

2026-08-31, Engine
Car stalled while driving in traffic XXX. Engine died. Warning lights ON. Restarted. Stalled 3 more times in traffic but luckily had space to pull off & engine restarted. Made it into my garage. Restarted, Check Engine Light was ON, but went OFF after time. Car would NOT move in gear. Retried several times. Presently (XXX) will crank but WON'T start. Battery good. Looking for anything else obvious. (Had similar problem after buying in 2006 on at least 4 different dates, but restarted after EITHER: left overnight or after battery disconnect/reset: No Check Engine Light after relearning cycles. Successfully passed all emission tests since ownership.) I have about 34,000 miles on odometer. Ha

2026-07-14, Electrical System
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V490000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair; however, the new ignition keys provided under the remedy failed to start the vehicle. The contact had to use the old key to start the vehicle. Additionally, the battery was replaced twice because the vehicle failed to turn off, causing the battery to drain. The vehicle needed to be jump-started. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that she was disabled and had returned the license plates to the

2025-12-09, Unknown Or Other
2003 Saturn Vue ignition switch. The switch was replaced under a recall with a switch that has the same defect; the key can be removed while the vehicle is in operation. The dealers refuse to replace it saying the car had the recall completed. They do not acknowledge the replacement has the same problem as the original. I feel they are required to do a second replacement under the recall if it the same problem -- a dangerous one at that. AI shows a number of the replacement key switches were defective like the originals. Can you help me?

2025-02-26, Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact purchased a 2003 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that two days after purchasing the used vehicle, the vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the gas tank location. A service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while pulling to the side of the road, a bystander alerted the contact that there was a fuel leak. The contact and the other passengers of the vehicle immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started at the gas tank location and extended to the front of the vehicle. The fire was extingui

2003 Saturn VUE questions

Does the 2003 Saturn VUE have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Saturn VUE: Electrical System:Ignition. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Saturn VUE?

Based on 622 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (323), Electrical System (131), Engine And Engine Cooling (63).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Saturn VUE has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.