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Engine coolingPart report

2004 Saturn Vue Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
6%of 276 total for the year
Median mileage
81,018miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Saturn Vue, 6% of the 276 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,018 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I tried to restart my engine. Although it turned over, it wouldn't start. So I took my car to a certified mechanic, and he concluded that there has been a shortage in the system, which caused a fuse to be blown. He replaced the fuse, and my car still didn't start. After that, he used his diagnostic machine, and saw that I needed a new ignition switch, which is why it didn't start.”

NHTSA complaint #10607230, filed 2014-06, 88,000 miles

“Timing belt broke and caused vehicle to stall while driving down the road at 45mph, this in turn caused major valve damage to vehicle. Poor engineer design/flawed. Still paying payments and now owe large repair bill. It was 1,500 mi out of extended warranty I purchased at the dealer. I have only owned the vehicle barely 2 years and it has been in for many misc. Repairs including both brake cylinders.”

NHTSA complaint #10427969, filed 2011-09, 73,000 miles

“I took the vehicle to my auto repair shop because of the recent onset of an unusual rumbling sound when decelerating. After a test drive and inspection the mechanic wrote these comments on the repair invoice. Determined front frame rusted through causing extreme movement of engine cradle and engine assembly. Unibody is rusted out. This vehicle is probably totaled and this information should be given to the NHTSA. Caution: this vehicle is dangerous to drive and should be taken off the street immediately. …”

NHTSA complaint #10621979, filed 2014-08, 85,987 miles

“Car had a strange ticking noise ,dropped the car off at Saturn dealer ship and was told that I needed to replace a timing chain,for a fee of 1,000 dollars ,I searched NHTSA and found a recall exactly like this one but for a 2001 only. My car is a 2004 and only has 34,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10241149, filed 2008-09, 34,000 miles

“New vehicle with less than 2,500 miles-2004 VUE. They want to fix replace/repair engine failure. We know that other systems can/will be affected by total breakdown on interstate-immediate engine blow-no power etc. We are not satisfied with the offer of repair and minimum warranty coverage as additionally courtesy offer .”

NHTSA complaint #10100362, filed 2004-11, 2,400 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200933%
2008133%
200783%
200672%
200585%
2004166%
20036210%
20023119%

Other parts of the 2004 Saturn Vue

Transmission and drivetrain
93 complaintsElectrical system
78 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsEquipment
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 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