2004 Saturn Vue Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 276 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 154,170miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Saturn Vue, 3% of the 276 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 154,170 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was on my way home in my 2004 Saturn VUE when a buck jumped out in front of me. I stomped on the brakes, however, I ended up hitting the buck (deer) that then ran away. My entire front in was smashed in, the air bags never deployed, the seat belts didn't lock when I stomped on the breaks. My daughter and I were both in the front seats and we both went forward messing up both of our necks and backs.”
NHTSA complaint #10660575, filed 2014-11, 74,000 miles“I can pull my key out of the ignition while it is running. I was told that my car does not have an active recall even though it is doing the same thing as the Saturn vues they are recalling.”
NHTSA complaint #10664700, filed 2014-12, 131,000 miles“The transmission for my Saturn VUE (2004) was replaced in 2010 when my vehicle had 77637 miles. The transmission was replaced in 2010 after receiving a letter from Saturn notifying of issue with intelligence (vti) transmission and my vehicle experiencing issues. My now second transmission is having the same problems the first transmission had. The mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle has said that it is not normal for a vehicle to have the same transmission issue and I know my family and friends have not experience this type of issue with their vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10564878, filed 2014-02, 145,192 miles“I pulled up to a stop sign and the engine died. When I turned the key, I could hear the pistons impacting the valves. The timing chain slipped and because this is an interference engine, it destroyed the engine. My mechanic has offered a remanufactured engine with a warranty for $3000+ or a used junkyard engine for $2000+. The vehicle is in excellent condition but will most likely need to be scrapped because it's not logical to spend that much money on a car that is only worth $1800. All of this after I've spent over $1000 replacing the whole suspension, shift cables, brakes, and calipers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10746132, filed 2015-08, 163,147 miles“The vehicle was started in the morning to move it a short distance. Upon attempting to start the vehicle later in the morning, it was not possible to start the engine. It attempted to turn over and made some muffled noises and then would only crank with no sign of firing. Upon researching the issue it was determined that a timing failure was likely. Once the timing cover was opened it was discovered that the plastic chain guide had broken into four pieces. …”
NHTSA complaint #10662623, filed 2014-12, 194,000 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 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…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Saturn Vue
93 complaintsElectrical system
78 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsFuel system
10 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