2002 Saturn Vue Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 10%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,257miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Saturn Vue, 10% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,257 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car seized up while going down the road I could barely turn or push on the brakes! Thankfully I had just left work so I was only doing 10 MPH. I took it to a mechanic whom said the timing chain went out, and that with that type of motor a v6 that it most likely bent the valves and id have to get a new engine!!! Im curious if this happens often?????”
NHTSA complaint #10881941, filed 2016-07, 146,000 miles“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 down street engine stopped. Repair shop said that timing chain broke and it should have not happened on car. I checked on recalls and there were recalls on this problem for 2001 engines! This is unacceptable that this problem was not resolved! Gm should be responsible for this failure! Almost $3000 later my car will be fixed! Please help?”
NHTSA complaint #10493365, filed 2013-01, 68,285 miles“Electrical system starting to act up (every dashboard light comes on) causing the vehicle to lose power and stall while driving. Steering power was lost and brakes became very soft. Happens at random speeds from 20mph and up to 65mph. Very scary! I have a child and I couldn't get my hazard lights to come on until the electrical calmed down. Was nearly rear-ended multiple times with a child in the vehicle. Finally had to replace the throttle body on the vehicle which is very expensive.”
NHTSA complaint #10562730, filed 2014-02, 110,000 miles“I bought this awd 2002 Saturn june 28 2013 from toyota nation in buena park and even within 3 hrs of owning the car it quit working so I had it towed back I had traded in my 2010 chevy cobalt that only had 25k miles on it anyhow I ve had ignition replaced I had some other things spent almost $1000 already I cant get dealership to fix it last I replaced bcm and still not working right I ll be driving 45 MPH and poof security light flashes I loose gas and it dies I live im mountains scary as heck with my kids im single parent pls help.”
NHTSA complaint #10579380, filed 2014-04, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10143445Jun 15, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a loud tick or rattle noise under the hood at all operating conditions…
- 10129097Jan 25, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10129073Jan 18, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Saturn Vue
52 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Saturn Vue
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology