2002 Saturn Vue Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 14%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Saturn Vue, 14% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,300 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“I was referred to cottman transmissions,when I learned about my particular make,model,&year vehicle was included in a recall on 2002 to 2005 VUE and 2003 to 2004 ions vti transmissions were defected,I never received any notices to inform me of this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460914, filed 2012-06, 111,955 miles“2002 Saturn VUE awd and the transmission died. We were on top of a hill and luckily were able to force it up before it completely failed. There were no special circumstances as we were at a stop light when it appear to fail. When contacting Saturn we were notified that it is not a recall although it was admitted to be a manufacture issue. Due to an additional manufacture defect with reading the mileage they will not cover the cost to replace the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10301703, filed 2010-01, 94,000 miles“The transmision down shift very hard in stop and go driving condition. I have taken the car many times to Saturn. However, they insist that this automatic transmision is designed properly. My car downshift so hard I do not let my wife drive. Has anybody else complaint about it?”
NHTSA complaint #10025980, filed 2003-07, 30 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10090042Apr 8, 201514319a - special coverage (revised model year vehicles). Some 2005-2006 model year (my) chevrolet equinox, 2006 my pontiac torrent and 2002-2007 my saturn vue vehicles may have a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Saturn Vue
52 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsSteering
18 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 30, 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