2008 Saturn Vue Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Saturn Vue has a complaint index of 100, the highest of the six model years with data, ranking it 1st worst overall and earning an Avoid verdict. Owners logged 406 complaints, 3 recalls, 11 fires, and 16 crashes, with transmission and electrical problems the top concerns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 6 Vue years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 406
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 14
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 14 / 0
Top 2008 Saturn Vue problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain120 (30%)
- Electrical System92 (23%)
- Steering86 (21%)
- Engine65 (16%)
- Other48 (12%)
- Brakes33 (8%)
- Airbags25 (6%)
- Structure & Body25 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers20 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe smoke and burning smells coming from the engine compartment or air vents while driving at highway speed, sometimes escalating into a fire under the hood.
- Several drivers report brake pedals going to the floor with little stopping power, leading to low-speed collisions.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in side and rear-end crashes, in some cases alongside seat belt failures.
- Some vehicles rolled after being shifted into park, suggesting a transmission park mechanism problem.
- Instrument panel and vent-area smoke is described alongside loss of braking, pointing to an electrical fire risk near the firewall.
2008 Saturn Vue recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 09V233000Jun 25, 2009Structure & Body44,451 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Gm is recalling 44,451 my 2008 saturn vue vehicles with body color outside door handles. The outside door handles may stick or bind. If this were to occur, the door may not latch when closed.
Risk: Driving with an unlatched door could result in an unbelted occupant falling out of the vehicle, causing increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the outside door handles with chrome door handles free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before august 18, 2009. Owner may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.
- NHTSA 08V470000Sep 17, 2008Steering42,408 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Gm is recalling 42,408 my 2008-2009 saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump may loosen. If this were to occur, there may be a power steering fluid leak.
Risk: The fluid could contact hot exhaust components resulting in a possible engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump. If there are no signs of a fluid leak, dealers will tighten the nut. If a fluid leak is present, dealer will tighten the nut and check the fluid level. The recall began on september 26, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .
- NHTSA 08V200000May 5, 2008Transmission & Powertrain26 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Gm is recalling 26 my 2008 saturn vue vehicles equipped with a 6t70 6-speed automatic transmission. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the transmission case side bore that holds the park pawl pivot pin may have a casting porosity. This condition, coupled with normal operating stresses, could lead to failure, eliminating the ability to secure the transmission in 'park' position.
Risk: If this happens while the vehicle is parked on a non-level surface, the vehicle could roll without warning and cause injury to people in its path.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .
2008 Saturn Vue fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Saturn Vue reliable?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2008 Vue as the worst of the six model years covered, with a complaint index of 100 and 406 complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Vue years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saturn Vue?
- Transmission and powertrain issues lead with 120 complaints (30% share), followed by electrical system problems (92 complaints, 23%) and steering issues (86 complaints, 21%).
- Does the 2008 Saturn Vue have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists three recalls: a steering power-line nut that can loosen, a transmission park-pawl pivot pin defect, and outside door handles that may stick or bind.
- What year Saturn Vue should I avoid?
- Based on complaint index, the 2008 model year is the one to avoid, followed by 2006; the 2010 model year has the lowest complaint index and a Best verdict.
- How many fires were reported for the 2008 Saturn Vue?
- NHTSA complaint data lists 11 fires for the 2008 Saturn Vue, several described as starting in the engine compartment or emitting smoke through the vents.