2008 Saturn Vue Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 9%of 406 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,212miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Saturn Vue, 9% of the 406 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,212 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“My vehicle's timing chain broke with only 88,000 miles. Causing me to be stranded and need to replace the entire engine. This shouldn't happen. Research shows that this is a problem with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11340066, filed 2020-07, 88,000 miles“Drove to a store .5 miles from my house noticed my car was smoking from under the hood. Drove back home, parked, and turned the car off, then raised the hood and the wire harness by my starter was on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11289378, filed 2019-12, 119,179 miles“Vehicle won't shift gears one I get to third. Was not notified of wave plate special warranty and now I'm 4000 miles past accepted miles. Gm suggests that I wait until full recall is forced on them. Please help”
NHTSA complaint #11063316, filed 2018-01, 105,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 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).
- 10205052Aug 20, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for…
- 10199244May 24, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking…
- 10199238May 3, 2021This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10187751Jan 14, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Saturn Vue
120 complaintsElectrical system
88 complaintsSteering
86 complaintsOther or unknown
45 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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