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Saturn VueModel year report

2002 Saturn Vue Problems

Complaints
167filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
70,000miles, 131 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
22 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Saturn Vue (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2002 Saturn Vue most often describe the engine shutting off or dropping into a reduced-power mode while driving, along with horn and key/ignition electrical quirks and, on the four-cylinder engine, timing chain failures that can lead to engine replacement. Complaints arrive across a wide mileage range, from nearly new vehicles to well past 150,000 miles, and steering-column noises and transmission fluid leaks also appear repeatedly.

  1. Engine

    Timing chain failure on the 4-cylinder engine

    • 30 complaints (18%)
    • median 88,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (28 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 12 quotes)
    • filed 2006–2017

    Complaints describe a tapping or grinding noise followed by loss of power and a no-start on the 2.2L four-cylinder, with the timing chain found slipped or broken and valves or the engine damaged. Owners say they were told the engine needed a rebuild or replacement, and some report being blamed for missed oil-change intervals while others cite low oil flow to the chain. Mostly reported between about 36,000 and 130,000 miles, with several cases in the 55,000 to 85,000 mile range.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: On four-cylinder examples, listen for chain rattle at cold start and ask whether the timing chain, guides and tensioner have been serviced; confirm regular oil changes with records.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The timing chain ruined the entire engine as a result of the chain tensioner failing from lack of oil being applied. Apparently as soon as I heard the clanging sounds it was too late. I am buying a whole new engine which has replaced the oiling mechanism that was faulty in the 2002-2003 models of the Saturn VUE.”

    NHTSA complaint #10692389, filed 2015-03, 110,000 miles

    “While driving on the highway, our 2002 VUE made a grinding noise and then began to lose power. As we were pulling off to the side, the vehicle stalled and then would not re-start. The Saturn dealership towed the VUE to their lot and informed us , that the timing chain had skipped and blew the motor. The timing chain was supposed to be no maintenance and didn't even need to be checked until 100,000 miles. My VUE had 65,000 miles. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10168290, filed 2006-09, 65,400 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Engine stalls or loses power while driving

    • 35 complaints (21%)
    • median 72,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (30 state mileage)
    • filed 2002–2021

    Owners describe the vehicle hesitating, stalling or entering "reduced power mode" at speed, sometimes with the battery or several dashboard lights coming on and the power steering fading at the same time. Some report the car restarts after a short wait, others cannot restart it; dealers and mechanics variously replaced the thermostat, throttle body, wiring harness or ground connector, and in some cases no cause was found. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 150,000 miles, with many cases between 40,000 and 120,000 miles.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for any repair history on stalling, throttle body or harness work, and check that the service engine light is not on during a test drive at highway speed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving my 2002 Saturn VUE 2.2l 4cyl last night at approx. 55-60mph, my reduced power light came on, along with the service engine soon. I had no forewarning noises or indication my car was going into failure. I immediately put my car into neutral, shut the ignition down, and pulled off the road as safely as I could, still at approx. 50 MPH speed as I had my 3 children in the car with me. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10215436, filed 2008-01, 117,000 miles

    “Over the past year, I have had several instances where the check engine light comes on and the car just shuts down and won't start up. I have also had the low coolant light come on and was leaking anti-freeze, which I kept on filling up. Once it was towed to the dealer and when they went to look at it the next morning, it started right up and they could not figure out what was wrong. Another time I left it and when I came back, it started right up. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10231210, filed 2008-06, 92,000 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Horn sounds on its own or will not shut off

    • 15 complaints (9%)
    • median 51,045 mi at 4.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $750 (median of 6 quotes)
    • filed 2003–2015

    Owners report the horn going off by itself, sometimes early in the morning while parked, and staying on until the fuse is pulled or the battery is disconnected. Several say the dealer tied it to the horn/driver air bag switch assembly or body control module and quoted several hundred dollars or more because the air bag module is replaced as a unit. Complaints describe keys, alarms or lock buttons triggering the horn as well. Reported from roughly 10,000 to 160,000 miles, with many cases between 25,000 and 70,000 miles.

    What to check: Test the horn and the steering-wheel buttons, and ask whether the horn relay or air bag switch assembly has been replaced. Also check that the horn fuse is present and not pulled out.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I just bought this car from a used car dealer. Never in my 40 years of driving have I ever tested horn operation... Seems I should have as the horn doesnt work. I found and replaced the fuse for the horn and after researching I found that this is a known problem on all 2002 Saturn VUE vehicles.... Why this isnt a recall issue I have no idea because the horn and air bag work off the same power line and the contact for the horn is the problem horn wise. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10779626, filed 2015-10, 350 miles

    “I own a 2002 Saturn VUE, 4cylinder, fwd with approximately 86,000 miles. Early this year the body control module (bcm) on this vehicle began preventing the doors from unlocking properly. I first noticed the issue when my key fob for my security system began to fail to unlock doors, causing the horn to chirp irregularly. I later noticed that in certain situations, unlocking the doors using the power lock button on each of the front doors would not unlock the doors. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10230992, filed 2008-06, 86,500 miles
  4. Electrical system

    Ignition key comes out or sticks

    • 21 complaints (13%)
    • median 108,500 mi at 12.4 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2004–2020

    Owners report the key can be removed from the ignition while the vehicle is still running, and that the switch is hard to turn or the accessory position does not work. Some link weak or intermittent power steering to the switch, and a few describe smoke from the ignition or steering-wheel area. Reported from about 84,000 to 150,000 miles in the sample.

    Recall 14V490000

    What to check: Check whether the ignition recall work was performed, then try removing the key with the engine running and cycle through accessory and run positions.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I had several problems with my ignition switch since buying this vehicle as new, so the switch was replaced on dec 2008 at the dealership, which I paid for. I brought this vehicle to a GM dealer per the recall in 2015 and was told all is good, so I could claim reimbursement for the 2008 repair. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10821179, filed 2016-01, 85,000 miles

    “The ignition switch has to be inserted in the door in one position to unlock, then turned over to turn on the ignition, then it is very hard to turn the ignition to the run position, the acc. Position will not work. Sometimes it will not activate the power steering, has to be turned off and restarted to get it to work, if GM has known of this problem since 2001, why did they not recall my specific car which is 2002 Saturn VUE. I was told by GM that this VIN. Was not recalled. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10593360, filed 2014-05, 126,000 miles
  5. Steering

    Steering column noise, binding or stiffness

    • 21 complaints (13%)
    • median 106,789 mi at 11.0 yrs old (19 state mileage)
    • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2020

    Owners describe a rubbing, rumbling or grinding sound from the steering column near the floor boot, and in some cases the wheel binds or locks on turns. Dealers reportedly applied lubricant as a temporary fix or recommended replacing the steering column, quoting four figures. Reported from very low mileage up to about 130,000 miles, with many cases below 50,000 miles.

    What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock at low speed with the window down and listen for rubbing or clicking from the column, and ask whether the column has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2002 Saturn VUE (42000 miles): noticed rumbling sound and vibration coming from area of rubber boot where steering column enters floor board. Applied lubricant and this temporarily corrected the problem but it soon returned. Dealer claims steering column is bad and need replacement - $1000+ for parts and labor.”

    NHTSA complaint #10185161, filed 2007-03, 43,000 miles

    “Dt: steering system is failing. Steering locks up on left hand turns, then starts straightening back out in the middle of a turn and while going on/off exit ramps. At low speeds the wheel completely stops turning and locks up.”

    NHTSA complaint #10122314, filed 2005-05, 47,100 miles

Buying note. A 2002 Vue is an old vehicle, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on the ignition recall status, timing chain condition on four-cylinder models, and steering column and horn function is worthwhile; service records showing regular oil changes matter more here than on many cars of this age.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 167 consumer complaints for the 2002 Saturn Vue. 131 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 310 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Equipment (4), Other or unknown (4), Body and structure (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Exterior lighting (3), Electronic stability control (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “Abs light remains on; my electrical system is faulty; my blinkers work at will. My fuel line sensor causes my vehicle to shut off after driving a distance. There is a noise when I reverse. My service engine light is now appearing and the wheel locks and hard to turn. Read the manual; vehicle does not require power steering fluid. Must contact a dealer per the manual. Will call today. Fuel line issues september 2015 other issues to date 12/28/2015.”

NHTSA complaint #10816439, filed 2015-12, 200,000 miles

Engine cooling: “The timing chain on my 2002 Saturn VUE, that has only 55,000 miles on it, broke, causing the engine to be destroyed. (engine destroyed was verified by the dealership I took it to, they said it was something they had never seen happen, yet I see many complaints about their l series here. My car has the same engine as it was the first year the VUE was made and the engine was the same as the l series that year).”

NHTSA complaint #10192916, filed 2007-06, 55,026 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “Car rolled down drive way with kids in it. My findings were that in my 2002 Saturn VUE was in the acc position on the key the transmission safety that requires you to push the brake in order to shift is unlocked. I feel this could potentially be very dangerous lucky no injuries to my kids just the car. As far as I know there is no fix for this the dealer said there was no recall and no repair I could do.”

NHTSA complaint #10331115, filed 2010-05, 108,000 miles

Steering: “Dirt supposedly got in my steering wheel case and has damaged a coil, now my horn barely works and my air bag is at risk. Saturn will not repair without a cost of $378.00 and the car is 2yrs old only this month. I drive the car back and forth to work with the air on..and dust in the case puts my life in danger without the possibiity of an airbag.”

NHTSA complaint #10086387, filed 2004-08, 68,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

27% of the 131 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 47,100 and 110,000 miles.

9%0–108%10–2510%25–5024%50–7512%75–10030%100–1507%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (131 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 70,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’02’05’08’11’1422’17’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Saturn Vue. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Vue · sedan not rated5 / 4——3

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2002 Saturn Vue version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Vue AWD2.2L 4-cylCVT182421$3,200
Vue AWD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172319$3,550
Vue FWD2.2L 4-cylCVT192622$3,050
Vue FWD2.2L 4-cyl5-speed manual202622$3,050

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2002 Saturn Vue → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 310 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 310 bulletins →

Other model years of the Saturn Vue

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2010633,9380—19—Not enough data
200911880,0002—19Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Falling
200840675,3373—19Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Falling
200728675,0000—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200630075,0000—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200517075,6740—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200427678,4562—22Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200362270,0001—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200216770,0002—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Saturn Vue model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Saturn Vue?

Owners of the 2002 Saturn Vue most often describe the engine shutting off or dropping into a reduced-power mode while driving, along with horn and key/ignition electrical quirks and, on the four-cylinder engine, timing chain failures that can lead to engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Timing chain failure on the 4-cylinder engine; Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Horn sounds on its own or will not shut off.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Saturn Vue have?

NHTSA recorded 167 consumer complaints for the 2002 Saturn Vue as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2002 Saturn Vue is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 52 complaints (31% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 31.

Has the 2002 Saturn Vue been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Saturn Vue get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Saturn Vue (Vue FWD, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Saturn Vue reported?

Among the 131 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,000 miles and the middle half falls between 47,100 and 110,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.