2009 Saturn Vue Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 12%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,950miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Saturn Vue, 12% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,950 miles. 2 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.
“At less than 35,500 miles I had a power rack leak and rack needs to replaced with a price of $1000. At 62,000 miles we had to replace the power steering pump with a cost of $700, and now at 64,000 miles I find I have a cracked wave plate in the transmission that will cost another $2,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11210317, filed 2019-05, 35,500 miles“The vehicle has only 122,000 and is in good physical condition, yet the transmission is slipping badly. After doing some investigation, we found out that this is often the case for this model and year after 120,000 miles. We brought it into our local GM dealer/shop and they told us it needs a new transmission, which ranges from rebuilt at $2500 and new for over $4000. This seems very wrong considering kbb says it books for $4500?”
NHTSA complaint #11366159, filed 2020-10, 121,000 miles“When I park the car, the automatic transmission does not fully shift to park unless I throw it very hard into park and I can not turn the key to the off position and take it out of the ignition. Sometimes it takes several very hard throws and other times it acts normally.”
NHTSA complaint #11065407, filed 2018-01, 77,500 miles“My vehicle is shifting extremely hard. Dealer stated that it was a wave plate inside the transmission and would require an overhaul of the transmission. Research has shown many others have reported this same problem with the approximate mileage that my vehicle has.”
NHTSA complaint #10606619, filed 2014-06, 90,000 miles“While I am driving I have had intermittent incidents that cannot be replicated. Stabilitrak warning light has not turned off. I have lost control of my vehicle while driving twice but was able to pull over after a few seconds. The vehicle will lose power to the dash. When I am turning the steering wheel gets very hard to turn and will turn off the radio. This will cause the car to loose power while driving. Then when I turn the car off I will be unable to get the key out or turn the vehicle on. I will have to restart the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385133, filed 2020-12, 160,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 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…
- 10242934Sep 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information on RDM Axle Ratios for AWD Vehicles for Vibration Diagnostics When Using the Pico Scope.
- 10247768Sep 1, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10237846Jun 7, 2023This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on automatic transmission shift and engine driveability concerns and/or MIL ON due to aftermarket oil bath air…
- 10237387May 30, 2023This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Saturn Vue
38 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Saturn Vue
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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