2004 Saturn Vue Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 6%of 276 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Saturn Vue, 6% of the 276 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,000 miles. 2 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.
“While driving on the freeway with children in the car, the rear differential broke, making steering extremely difficult. It felt as if we were going to flip, I slowly moved over and luckily we were able to stop before a horrific accident occurred. Once we stopped we got out to find the passenger rear tire tilted inward and undrivable. After taking it to the shop we found that the rear differential and frame broke as well as the control arms. …”
NHTSA complaint #10628136, filed 2014-08, 138,000 miles“I am paying on a 2004 Saturn VUE and after 101,000 miles I was on my way to daycare with my 3 year old daught and the car transmission slipped into neutral now it continuously slips into neutral while driving. 3 months after buying vehicle the steering wheel started creaking and making like a honking sound and we took it back to dealership and were turned away due to it being a personal problem. It also makes popping noises and slips into neutral while on freeway after 50 MPH and when making some right turns.”
NHTSA complaint #10876026, filed 2016-06, 102,000 miles“Traveling at 65mph the key & key fob fell out of the ignition. I was able to slow down but had lost power steering, power brakes, and the airbags would not have deployed. I was able to get to the shoulder of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10598680, filed 2014-06, 60,000 miles“My steering column is gone out took it in to get it looked at. Then the shop called Saturn and they where told that they were having several problems with the steering column. Now for about six months my seat belts don't work they keep snapping out of the holder the seat belt light flashes when you have your seat belt on. And also we are having problems with our passenger door getting stuck and not opening. We have two small children and a teenager. Help us please.”
NHTSA complaint #10285929, filed 2009-10, 10,000 miles“I am entering this information for my sister who has no access to a computer: while driving on a city street, the steering wheel suddenly became nearly impossible to turn, the doors locked, the speedometer and instrument cluster stopped working. Luckily she was driving at a low speed and was able to get the car stopped without causing an accident. She had the vehicle checked at a GM dealer and was told it was the power steering control module . I have researched this issue on-line and was surprised at the number of related incidents and I'm rather shocked there hasn't been a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10863857, filed 2016-05, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 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 2004 Saturn Vue
93 complaintsElectrical system
78 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsEngine cooling
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 29, 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