2009 Saturn Vue Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Saturn Vue has a Complaint Index of 40, ranking 4th worst out of 6 model years, and earns a Good verdict. Steering (32% of complaints) and electrical issues (30%) dominate, alongside 2 recalls for steering-related defects.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #4 of 6 Vue years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 118
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 1
Top 2009 Saturn Vue problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering38 (32%)
- Electrical System35 (30%)
- Brakes17 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (12%)
- Engine13 (11%)
- Other11 (9%)
- Airbags10 (8%)
- Structure & Body8 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel position sensor mis-programming led to sudden loss of steering control at highway speeds, in some cases causing crashes.
- Wiring in the headliner above the windshield and driver visor caught fire even at relatively low mileage.
- Engine bay fires broke out while driving, in one case tied to a loose hose covered by a recall.
- Side and front airbags failed to deploy in multiple reported crashes, including collisions at moderate speed.
- Brake pedals reportedly went to the floor and stuck, then released suddenly, making the vehicle hard to stop.
- Unexpected engine RPM surges to 3,500 occurred while turning, leading to loss of vehicle control.
2009 Saturn Vue recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 08V616000Nov 24, 2008Steering2,149 vehicles
Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
Gm is recalling 2,149 my 2009 saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing. This could cause the tie rod to separate from the knuckle.
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 more significant suspension or braking inputs, the affected wheel could turn out and skid. If a vehicle built with two incorrect steering knuckles had both tie rods separate at the same time, steering control of the vehicle would be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on december 8, 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 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> .
2009 Saturn Vue fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 24 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.
2009 compared with other Vue years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Saturn Vue reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2009 Vue a Complaint Index of 40 and a Good verdict, ranking 4th worst among 6 model years. It has fewer reported problems than the 2006, 2007, and 2008 model years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Saturn Vue?
- Steering issues account for 32% of complaints and electrical system issues for 30%, followed by brakes at 14% and transmission/powertrain problems at 12%.
- Does the 2009 Saturn Vue have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 Vue, both related to steering: an incorrect front steering knuckle and a power steering line nut that could loosen.
- How does the 2009 Vue compare to other Vue model years?
- The 2009 Vue's Complaint Index of 40 is better than the 2008 (100), 2006 (80), and 2007 (60) model years, but worse than the 2005 (20) and 2010 (0), which is rated Best.
- What mileage do steering problems typically show up at in the 2009 Vue?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints in the 2009 Vue is 88,895 miles.