Saturn Vue problems
300 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
- 6 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
- Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2006 Saturn Vue? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 86 owner reports · tends to show around 77,478 mi · ~$850 to fix
- airbags — 71 owner reports · tends to show around 78,866 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- steering — 29 owner reports · tends to show around 117,087 mi · ~$700 to fix
- powertrain — 19 owner reports · tends to show around 75,358 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 77,478 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2006 Saturn Vue
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2006 Saturn Vue
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~44,704 mibrakes~$450
- ~53,731 misuspension~$900
- ~61,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
- ~75,750 miairbags~$1,100
- ~80,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~80,202 miengine~$3,100
- ~102,000 misteering~$700
- ~107,044 mibody~$1,500
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Vehicle experienced burning smoke emissions and a burning odor from the steering wheel / steering column area where the wipers and signal light/highbeam headlight switches are connected. The smoke emissions and the burning odor appeared to be triggered by the turning signals or…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn vue. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact also stated that the passenger side air bag warning indicator remained illuminated with a passenger seated in the front seat. The contact further stated…
2006 Saturn vue passenger airbag sensor indicates off intermittently when adult is seated. Also, the passenger heated seat inoperable. Airbag indicator on main dash illuminated when passenger light is off or during absence of passenger. Diagnosis code of b0092 presented and…
When you try to start the car when it's cold, all of the interior and exterior lights come on, radio comes on, and then the lights and radio go off and the power steering stops working. After a few attempts and about 5 minutes pass, it works properly. Some times, unexpectedly,…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2006 Saturn Vue reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 300 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Saturn Vue is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2006 Saturn Vue?
On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Saturn Vue is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2006 Saturn Vue?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 86 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 77,478 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2006 Saturn Vue a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 300 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 77,478 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2006 Saturn Vue?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 86 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 77,478 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 77,478 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Saturn Vue has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Saturn Vue?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 300 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.