2005 Saturn Vue Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 12%of 170 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Saturn Vue, 12% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was sitting in driver seat and I out my key in ignition and turned it to 1 past the acc and I was able to take my key out of the ignition while it still being turn to 1. While in park. I can also take my key out of ignition while it's running while in drive or park on the 1 mark after acc.”
NHTSA complaint #11323779, filed 2020-05, 150,319 miles“I was driving on the freeway about 60 MPH and noticed there was a burning smell coming from the steering wheel and then there was smoke. I exited the freeway and let the car sit for about 10 minutes and the smoke went away. I took the car to the mechanic and we couldn't get the car to duplicate the smell or smoke. I has happened several times since then.”
NHTSA complaint #10641795, filed 2014-10, 135,247 miles“I was driving on the freeway when my Saturn VUE's key fell out of the ignition. There is nothing on my key ring but they key and the keyless remote. I was able to re-insert the key and regain steering control. When this happened, it moved from the run position to the acc position and locked my steering column. The engine also shut off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649845, filed 2014-10, 105,000 miles“My 2005 Saturn VUE has had problems for years with the steering wheel locking after parking and turning it off, such that it takes quite a bit of jiggling of the wheel in order to enable the key to turn in the ignition column. Additionally, the key is able to be removed while on. I had not thought to see if it was recalled, but was told that my father's 2003 Saturn VUE did have the steering/ignition column recalled and replaced for exactly the same issues as I am experiencing.”
NHTSA complaint #10808465, filed 2015-12, 100,000 miles“I can remove the key from the ignition while the car is still running. Also, there are times the ignition will physically not turn so that I can crank the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10622046, filed 2014-08, 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 2005 Saturn Vue
72 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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