2008 Saturn Vue Problems
- Complaints
- 406filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,337miles, 328 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Saturn Vue (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2008 Saturn Vue most often describe transmission trouble — loss of reverse, slipping or harsh shifts, and in some cases a broken wave plate inside the six-speed automatic — typically in the 40,000 to 140,000 mile range. Power steering complaints are also common, with owners reporting momentary or repeated loss of assist, sometimes tied to a fluid leak or wet-weather belt slip. Scattered electrical complaints describe flickering dash lights, intermittent no-starts and gauge failures.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slips, loses reverse or fails to shift
- 104 complaints (26%)
- median 73,316 mi at 6.8 yrs old (88 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2024
Complaints describe the transmission slipping between gears, refusing to engage reverse, or revving without moving the vehicle. Several owners report a burning smell or check engine light at the same time, and some say a shop diagnosed internal transmission failure requiring replacement or rebuilding. A few mention a broken wave plate or a fractured internal part inside the six-speed automatic. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 140,000 miles, with a few appearing much earlier.
Recall 08V2000002 related service bulletins
What to check: Drive the car cold and warm, testing reverse, third and fifth gear engagement; ask for transmission service records and whether the unit has ever been replaced or rebuilt. A scan for transmission codes before purchase is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought a 2008 Saturn VUE used and immediately noticed a vibration. Had it checked by 4 mechanics including a transmission specialist who concluded it was the torque converter. I noticed a recall on the 2007 model but this vehicle was manufactured in 2007 and has the same problem but no recall. When vehicle is in motion it vibrates mainly when picking up speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11300415, filed 2020-01, 110,000 miles“2008 Saturn VUE with 87,000 miles. Out of nowhere I started having issues with the transmission. 80% of the miles are highway miles also. Transmission now slips when going from 2nd to 3rd gear. Earlier today when I put the car in reverse the transmission would not engage so when I pushed on the gas the engine simply revved like I was in neutral. My issues seem similar to many others here. Disappointing to say the least.”
NHTSA complaint #10544887, filed 2013-09, 87,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist drops out or steering goes stiff
- 79 complaints (19%)
- median 89,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (63 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2025
Owners describe the steering becoming very hard to turn, sometimes for a moment and sometimes until the car is shut off and restarted, often at low speed while turning or parking. Some report a warning light and a buzzing or struggling-motor noise, and several found low or leaking power steering fluid; one dealer explanation in the complaints was that the pump drive belt can get wet and slip in rain or slush. Repairs reported include the pump, rack or line hardware. Reported from very low mileage up past 170,000 miles, with several accounts during wet or slushy weather and at low-speed turns.
What to check: Check the power steering fluid level and look for leaks or oily residue around the pump and lines, and ask whether the power steering line nut recall work was done. Turn the wheel lock to lock at idle and listen for noise or hesitation.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on the freeway the car would beep 3 time while lights flash on the dash. I would lose power steering and the engine would shut off. ... Usually would start back up if I waited long enough. This has happened to me quite a few times. I have been also on a street going 35 miles an hour and same thing would happen. The last time I tried to drive it I put my keys in and cant get them out. .”
NHTSA complaint #11361453, filed 2020-09, 134,000 miles“The steering wheel locks up and is hard to turn! This is unacceptable I looked it up and it was a recall!! I need to know the steps to access how to get it fixed!! The vehicle was drip at the time and the information center has a light that came on.”
NHTSA complaint #11280710, filed 2019-11, 10 miles - Electrical system
Dash lights flicker, gauges drop out, intermittent no-start
- 97 complaints (24%)
- median 84,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (79 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2026
Complaints describe dashboard warning lights blinking on and off, gauges such as the speedometer, tachometer or compass going dead, door locks and windows stopping, and the car occasionally failing to start or stalling with an electrical smell. Some owners report a key that would not come out of the ignition, a starter replacement, or a melted wire harness near the starter or battery. Spread widely from a few thousand miles up past 150,000 miles, often described as intermittent.
What to check: Start the car several times and watch the dash for flickering or dead gauges, test every window, lock and accessory, and look over the wiring and harness routing near the battery and starter for chafing or heat damage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“October 22 2020 my husband and I had purchased a 2008 Saturn VUE (lic plate # 6ezz507)from a private party. On march 25 2021 the car suddenly engulfed in flames then exploded. My husband managed to exit the vehicle in just seconds before the car exploded. We've come to find out afterwards that this particular year,make,model had been recalled. Is there anything could possibly be done?”
NHTSA complaint #11412911, filed 2021-04, 87,000 miles“I got in the vehicle and turn the ignition , the dashboard cluster warning lights lit up blinking off and on. The vehicle started with the warning lights continuing to blink off and on. I turned the ignition switch off and tried to start vehicle again, but it would not start and the dashboard did not light up, but rather only the mileage indicator dimly lit up. I waited 5 minutes and the vehicle started up with dashboard working properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10690731, filed 2015-02, 78,929 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light stays on
- 46 complaints (11%)
- median 82,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2020
Owners report the red airbag light coming on intermittently and then staying lit, with limited dealer help beyond offering diagnostic time. One complaint describes airbags not deploying in a crash. Reported from around 80,000 miles in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Confirm the airbag light does its bulb-check at startup and goes out; if it stays on, ask for a scan of the airbag system before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2008 Saturn VUE has electrical malfunction. 3 months ago I parked my car in the garage, turned car off but the key would not come out of the ignition. The car would not start either. Called a tow truck, took to local mechanic. He advised the ignition switch was faulty and installed new ignition. Today new electrical problem occurred. Airbag light came on and off multiple times then stayed on. When car was re started light was off but came back on after about 15 minutes. I believe this vehicle should have been included in recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10592231, filed 2014-05, 76,000 miles“On a road trip the red air bag light went on and off a few time but is now on all the time. Chevy dealer says there are no known problems with the 2008 air bag system, which I do not believe, and they will troubleshoot for $100 an hour.”
NHTSA complaint #10586686, filed 2014-05, 80,000 miles - Other or unknown
Subframe and underbody corrosion
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe extensive rust on the rear or front subframe found during routine service or state inspection, in some cases severe enough that the shop flagged it. Owners say the corrosion was not mentioned at earlier dealer visits. Typically reported past 120,000 miles, on vehicles inspected in regions where road salt is used.
What to check: Put the car on a lift before purchase and inspect the subframe and underbody for scaling rust, especially around the front passenger side and rear cradle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have replaced my headlights 4 times(both sides) and wire harness keeps melting. I have made a complaint before and received no response. I have now purchased the wire harness and I hope this will not burn also. 2. The car jumps when shifting in reverse which indicates the parking pawl. This has been an issue for over a year now and no response returned. 3. Water is leaking into my car. The front and backseat floors are soaked. Looks like the seal around the firewall is not sealing properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11321338, filed 2020-04, 160,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Saturn VUE. While the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 157,955.”
NHTSA complaint #10864412, filed 2016-05, 157,955 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a transmission scan and a look underneath is worth the cost on this model year, and it is worth asking for records showing whether the door-handle and power-steering recalls were performed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 406 consumer complaints for the 2008 Saturn Vue. 328 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,337 miles. Of all complaints, 16 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 14 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 965 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain120 30%
- Electrical system88 22%
- Steering86 21%
- Other or unknown45 11%
- Engine38 9.4%
- Air bags25 6.2%
- Brakes22 5.4%
- Vehicle speed control18 4.4%
- Electronic stability control15 3.7%
Also reported: Body and structure (15), Engine cooling (13), Exterior lighting (11), Fuel system (11), Latches, locks and linkages (10), Suspension (9), Seat belts (8), Equipment (4), Tires (3), Wheels (3), Seats (2).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Was driving and transmission stuck in 1st gear. Has been sticking in first gear. It was diagnosed as code po700 and po752. The first is transmission controller and the later one is shift solenoid stuck. Typically happens when the wave plate breaks. I am disabled and now without a vehicle. I loved the car. Is there anything you can do to help me fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11100801, filed 2018-06, 110,000 milesElectrical system: “Vehicle hasn't retained correct amount of fuel. Vehicle has electrical and mechanical issues out of no where. Driver seat has issues that will not allow for the seat to incline but only recline which happened while driving on city street. I'm scared to drive vehicle and I've only had it for almost 2 years.”
NHTSA complaint #11282295, filed 2019-11, 154,000 milesSteering: “Takata recall while driving I hear some knock noise and when making a left curve turn my steering wheel will lock before I can complete the left curve turn forcing me to steer right then left to brake hold while making a left curve turn. The Saturn VUE I got it (10-11-2017) with 66450 miles on it now it has 68845 miles (11-28-2017) now I can trust this car and I see other have steering issue”
NHTSA complaint #11051366, filed 2017-11, 5 milesOther or unknown: “When it snows my driveway is on a hill and my car is in park it rolls backwards down the hill and ill look outside to find it moved from were I left it. Now for the last few weeks if I park at the store, school,job and get ready to go try to shift the car on drive when I step on the brake to shift it I hear and feel click sound and cant move the gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11057635, filed 2017-12, 151,456 milesMileage when problems were reported
28% of the 328 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,200 and 111,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Saturn Vue. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vue · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 15.9% risk |
| Vue · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 15.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Saturn Vue version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vue AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Vue AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Vue AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Vue FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Vue FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Vue FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V233000Jun 25, 2009Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Saturn Vue 2008
Gm is recalling 44,451 my 2008 saturn vue vehicles with body color outside door handles. The outside door handles may stick or bind. If this were to occur, the door may not latch when closed.
- 08V470000Sep 17, 2008Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Saturn Vue 2008–2009
Gm is recalling 42,408 my 2008-2009 saturn vue vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump may loosen. If this were to occur, there may be a power steering fluid leak.
- 08V200000May 5, 2008Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Saturn Vue 2008
Gm is recalling 26 my 2008 saturn vue vehicles equipped with a 6t70 6-speed automatic transmission. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the transmission case side bore that holds the park pawl pivot pin may have a casting porosity. This…
Recall details for the 2008 Saturn Vue → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE09016Outside door handles stick unlatchedClosed · Mar 10, 2009
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 965 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017783May 29, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic…
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
Other model years of the Saturn Vue
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 6 | 33,938 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 118 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2008 | 406 | 75,337 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 286 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 300 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 170 | 75,674 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 276 | 78,456 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 622 | 70,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 167 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Saturn Vue model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saturn Vue?
Owners of the 2008 Saturn Vue most often describe transmission trouble — loss of reverse, slipping or harsh shifts, and in some cases a broken wave plate inside the six-speed automatic — typically in the 40,000 to 140,000 mile range. The issues reported most often: Transmission slips, loses reverse or fails to shift; Power steering assist drops out or steering goes stiff; Dash lights flicker, gauges drop out, intermittent no-start.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Saturn Vue have?
NHTSA recorded 406 consumer complaints for the 2008 Saturn Vue as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Saturn Vue is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 120 complaints (30% of the total), followed by electrical system with 88.
Has the 2008 Saturn Vue been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Saturn Vue get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Saturn Vue (Vue FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Saturn Vue reported?
Among the 328 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,337 miles and the middle half falls between 44,200 and 111,000 miles; 28% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.