2002 Saturn Vue Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 11%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Saturn Vue, 11% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“Key in vehicle locks up at times when trying to turn it on. Key also comes out of ignition while car is still running. Now when start the car smoke is coming out of ignition and steering wheel area.”
NHTSA complaint #10587875, filed 2014-05, 124,862 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 17% |
| 2009 | 38 | 32% |
| 2008 | 86 | 21% |
| 2007 | 33 | 12% |
| 2006 | 29 | 10% |
| 2005 | 20 | 12% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 45 | 7% |
| 2002 | 18 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2002 Saturn Vue
52 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsEngine
16 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 28, 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