This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Saturn Vue steering problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 20 steering complaints filed for the 2005 Saturn Vue, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Saturn Vue we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (20).
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NORMAL OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) SYSTEM DURING EXTENDED LOCK-TO-LOCK (MAXIMUM STEERING WHEEL ROTATION) USAGE. UPDATED 3/30/11.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗INFORMATION ON SERVICING VEHICLES USING NEW IGNITION START SWITCH HOUSING (IGNITION LOCK MODULE) WITHOUT STEERING COLUMN LOCK.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The steering and ignition systems on this model show patterns of defect that span mechanical and electrical failures. The most dangerous issue is the ignition switch and key retention: multiple owners report the key can be pulled from the ignition while the engine is running, and when it leaves the run position, the steering column locks and the engine cuts off. This has happened at highway speeds and created crash hazards. At least one owner lost power steering and had trouble controlling the vehicle during an emergency maneuver at 20 mph, resulting in a rollover.
The ignition lock itself sticks intermittently—the key simply will not turn, requiring WD-40 or physical force to free it, and it repeats unpredictably. Steering wheel seizure without warning has occurred while driving, turning, and reversing, sometimes multiple times on the same vehicle. Front-end rattles trace to deteriorating bushings on the rack-and-pinion unit, which cannot be purchased separately; repair costs $300–$600 for a full unit. Owners point out that 2002–2004 Vue models were recalled for the same ignition defect, yet 2005–2007 models share identical part numbers and were excluded from the recall. One owner detected burning smell and smoke from the steering wheel area at highway speed. Electronic glitches affecting gauges and brake lights have also caused power steering to fail intermittently.
Same Saturn Vue steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Key removal while running and loss of steering control
Key ejects from or can be pulled from the ignition switch while the engine is running. When the key leaves the run position, the steering locks and the engine cuts off, creating a hazard at highway speeds.
When: Occurs on highway and at low speeds; one owner reports this starting in 2009 on a 2005 model; another at 102,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key falls or can be removed while engine running; Engine shuts off when key is removed; Steering locks when key moves to accessory or off position; Loss of power steering assist; Headlights dim or brake lights malfunction when steering fails
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2002–2004 Saturn Vue models were recalled for this defect (NHTSA campaign 08V470000 and 08V616000 for steering); 2005–2007 models have the same part number ignition cylinder and switch but were not included in recall per owner assertion
Ignition lock failure and steering column lock
Key will not turn in the ignition, leaving the steering column locked and the vehicle immobilized. Owners report needing WD-40 or physical impact to the key to free it; happens intermittently.
When: Reported at various mileages; one owner reports recurring issue a year apart
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn in ignition; Steering column remains locked when key is stuck; Requires WD-40 or physical manipulation to unlock; Intermittent—problem recurs unpredictably
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repair cost around $300 for ignition replacement; one tow operator reported seeing this frequently on Saturn Vue models
Steering wheel seizure while driving
Steering wheel locks or seizes suddenly while the vehicle is in motion or maneuvering (turning, reversing, or avoiding obstacles), forcing the driver to lose control or struggle to steer.
When: Occurs at highway speeds (60+ mph) and at lower speeds during turns or reversing; one failure at 59,000 miles; another at 101,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes without warning; Severe difficulty turning the steering wheel; Loss of steering control during avoidance maneuvers; Vehicle hesitates to drive forward after left or right turn; Occurs repeatedly on multiple occasions
Codes mentioned: Electronic steering control failure
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic advised potential new steering wheel; no repairs completed in reported cases
Steering column rattle and bushing wear
Front-end rattle that mechanics traced to deteriorating bushings on the rack-and-pinion unit. Bushings are not sold individually; repair requires replacement of the entire rack-and-pinion assembly at significant cost. Mechanic warned that loose rack could cause severe loss of steering.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage; owner notes it manifested after new struts were installed
Symptoms owners cite: Severe rattle from front end when hitting bumps; Bushings on rack and pinion unit deteriorating; Steering column can be moved by hand after inspection lift; Physical play in steering column mounting
Repairs/costs cited: New rack-and-pinion unit approximately $600; remanufactured unit approximately $300, plus new bolts and castle nuts (~$29). Owners report GM sells rack-and-pinion mount bushings for other vehicles but not Saturn Vue.
Steering wheel locking after parking
After the vehicle is parked and turned off, the steering wheel locks and the key becomes difficult or impossible to turn in the ignition. Driver must jiggle the steering wheel repeatedly to free the lock.
When: Chronic issue over multiple years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks after vehicle is parked and off; Key does not turn easily in ignition column; Requires substantial jiggling of wheel to unlock; Recurs repeatedly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes father's 2003 Saturn Vue was recalled and steering/ignition column was replaced for the same issues
Burning smell and smoke from steering wheel area
Owner detected burning smell and smoke coming from the steering wheel area while driving at highway speed. Smoke dissipated after vehicle was allowed to cool. Mechanic was unable to reproduce the condition.
When: Occurred at 60 mph; happened multiple times but mechanics could not duplicate
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from steering wheel; Smoke visible from steering wheel area; Intermittent—difficult to reproduce for diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic unable to diagnose or replicate problem
Intermittent electronic failure affecting power steering
Sporadic electrical faults cause brake lights and gauges to drop to zero, and concurrently power steering output decreases or stops completely, creating loss of power assist.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights malfunction; Gauge needles drop to zero; Power steering assist decreases or fails; Sporadic and intermittent
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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…
Key ignation will not turn over steering wheel is locked
Last jan. 2004 my wife and I purchased a 2004 Saturn vue AWD v6. From day one it was in the shop for repairs, drive train, front end etc.( we have a copy of all records) the last repair was a steering column replacement around june 04. In july 04 Saturn took this vehicle back and replaced it with a 04 vue. This past october 05 it developed a rattle in the front end and Saturn replaced the…
Had steering trouble with your 2005 Saturn Vue?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2005 Saturn Vue?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 80,844 and 135,247 miles, with the median around 101,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 80,844; a quarter make it past 135,247. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Saturn/Vue.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.