This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Saturn Vue electrical problems
severe 86 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
86
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4crashes
6fires
When does it fail?
Of the 86 electrical complaints filed for the 2006 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
Owners have filed 86 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Saturn Vue in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Saturn Vue's electrical system is a disaster waiting to happen, according to these 50 narratives spanning ignition and related electrical failures.
The ignition lock cylinder is the worst offender. Owners report keys getting stuck and refusing to turn, requiring wrestling with the steering wheel and jiggling for 30 minutes or more just to start the car. The lock eventually fails so badly that some vehicles won't start at all, leaving owners stranded. Even worse, the key can be pulled out while the engine is running—at 65 mph on the highway, in drive, parked—which Saturn and GM acknowledge as a known design defect but have not recalled. One owner had to pay $332 to replace the cylinder on their own dime after GM refused a recall. Multiple replacements sometimes fail to solve the problem permanently.
Power steering cuts out without warning during highway driving, coinciding with overall electrical system collapse. Owners describe entire warning light clusters illuminating all at once, all lights flashing in the dash and exterior, and loss of instrument gauges—particularly bad in cold weather. One owner lost power steering and electrical power at 65 mph and nearly hit a concrete median.
Airbags are disabled when warning lights come on, and in at least two crash incidents the bags did not deploy. The problem stems from a bizarre wiring flaw linking the passenger heated seat element to the airbag sensor—when the heater burns out, the airbags disable. One owner had to run the heated seat in summer just to keep their family safe.
Electrical fires are documented: wiring under the fuse box ignited, smoke filled the cabin at highway speeds, and the steering column caught fire at startup. Fuses blow repeatedly, bulbs die in clusters, and door locks fail unpredictably, trapping occupants.
No dealer has found a permanent fix despite replacing modules, computers, and connectors. GM has not recalled the 2006 model despite identical problems appearing in earlier years that were recalled.
Same Saturn Vue electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition Lock Cylinder Sticking/Locking
Key becomes stuck or will not turn in ignition, sometimes requiring extensive jiggling, key rocking, or steering wheel manipulation to engage. Lock cylinder tumblers become sticky or jam, preventing key rotation. In severe cases, ignition completely locks up and key cannot turn at all, leaving vehicle inoperable.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; some failures reported as early as initial startup, others developing over years; problems typically worsen over time
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn or turns extremely hard in ignition; Key gets stuck and requires jiggling or rocking to turn; Steering wheel must be manipulated hard left/right while attempting to turn key; Key locks up completely, vehicle cannot start; Ignition tumblers grinding or sticking sensation; Key cannot be removed from ignition or removal requires jiggling
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition lock cylinder replacement required; costs cited include $90 part + $60 labor for GM programming (2014 pricing), plus additional locksmith costs for rekeying ($332+ reported in 2016). Multiple replacements sometimes necessary as problem recurs. Metal shavings found inside socket during cleaning in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2006 Saturn Vue not covered under GM ignition recall (unlike 2004 models); dealers acknowledge this is known issue but no recall issued. Replacement parts sometimes difficult to locate.
Key Removal When Engine Running
Key can be removed from ignition switch while vehicle is running, in drive, or at any position other than OFF. Vehicle continues to run after key removal, creating serious safety hazard. Sometimes key sticks in ignition and cannot be removed; sometimes key will not fully seat in OFF position.
When: Throughout ownership; one report notes problem from initial purchase in 2009
Symptoms owners cite: Key can be pulled out while engine running; Key can be removed while vehicle in drive or any gear; Key removal while driving at highway speeds possible; Key will not fully turn to OFF position; Vehicle continues running after key removal; Key cannot be inserted past RUN or ACCESSORY position; Key stuck in ignition but cannot be removed
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch or lock cylinder replacement. One owner attempted replacement but problem recurred after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. One owner notes this is a known issue but not addressed via recall.
Instrument Panel/Dashboard Light Illumination Failure
Radio display not fully illuminated, dashboard lights dim or fail to illuminate, instrument cluster goes dark while driving. Lighting issues often intermittent and may correlate with cold-start conditions or electrical fuse problems.
When: Throughout ownership; cold weather exacerbates problem
Symptoms owners cite: Radio screen not fully illuminated or display incomplete; Dashboard and instrument panel lights out or very dim; Instrument cluster fails to illuminate; Lighting issues worse in cold weather at startup; Dashboard lights flicker on and off
Repairs/costs cited: Lighting fuse blown in at least one case; replaced but problem recurred. One owner reports having to replace dashboard lights multiple times.
All Warning Lights Illuminating/Electrical Malfunction
Entire warning light cluster comes on while driving; all dashboard lights flash or illuminate simultaneously. Often accompanied by loss of other electrical functions including power steering, interior/exterior lights, and radio. Pattern typically follows cold startup or extended parking in cold weather.
When: Cold weather conditions, especially during morning startup or after vehicle parked for several hours
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate at once; Dashboard lights flash repeatedly or continuously; All interior and exterior lights flash in sync; Lights, radio, and electrical systems cycle on/off repeatedly; All lights flash when accelerator pressed; Condition lasts 5-10 minutes before stopping; Vehicle may stall during episode
Codes mentioned: P0685 (owner belief; PCM-related)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced electrical connector on first occurrence; subsequent occurrences led to replacement of electronic module, then main computer. No permanent fix found despite multiple component replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer conducted multiple repairs including connector replacement, electronic module replacement, and engine computer replacement without resolving problem.
Loss of Power Steering
Electronic power steering system fails unexpectedly while driving, particularly during cold weather startup or after extended driving. Loss of power steering can occur suddenly at highway speeds without warning, severely restricting steering input.
When: Cold weather startup conditions; also during highway driving at extended speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails completely; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Sudden loss of power steering assist at highway speeds; Power steering does not work until electrical system stabilizes (5+ minutes); Steering wheel locks up
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering failure related to body control module and main computer electrical failures. No permanent repair found.
Body Control Module/Main Computer Electrical Failures
Body control module and main engine computer fail, causing cascading electrical system failures affecting power steering, lighting, gauges, and other safety systems. Problem recurs even after module and computer replacement.
When: Cold weather startup particularly; also occurs during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of instrument panel gauges and lights; Loss of interior and exterior lighting; Loss of power steering; All electrical systems controlled by module fail simultaneously; Alternator and battery test normal but electrical system fails
Codes mentioned: P0685 (PCM related)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of body control module and main engine computer attempted multiple times; problem recurs even after new computer installed with different warning light pattern.
Seat Belt Warning Chime Malfunction
Seat belt warning chime stops working and fails to alert driver when seat belt is unfastened. Problem may be related to ignition system issues based on owner correlation with other ignition failures.
When: Approximately May 2013
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt warning chime does not sound when belt unfastened; Seat belt warning system non-functional
Airbag Warning Light Intermittent/Non-Functional Airbags
Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently or stays on continuously. When light is on, airbags disabled and will not deploy in crash. Problem often linked to passenger-side heated seat circuit malfunction or seat position sensor issues. Airbags failed to deploy in actual collision impact.
When: Throughout ownership; intermittent initially then persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light comes on and off intermittently; Airbag warning light stays on continuously; Airbags disabled when warning light illuminated; Airbag will not deploy in collision; Warning light triggers when passenger seat moved; Passenger airbag shows 'OFF' light even with occupant seated
Codes mentioned: B0092, 5256 (heating element/passenger seat heater)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis links passenger-side heated seat element failure to airbag sensor malfunction. Heated seat and airbag sensor replacement recommended. Heating element burned out. In one case, airbags replaced by dealer in 2008 but problem recurred. Workaround found: turning on heated seat enables airbags to function, suggesting faulty circuit connection between systems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state airbag sensor and passenger-side heater switch failure can disable airbags; some dealers claimed this was not common problem despite multiple online reports of same issue.
Interior Door Locks Malfunction
Door locks operate erratically; passenger-side door lock fails and prevents door from opening. Doors lock/unlock randomly while driving or when parked. Door locks often fail to unlock using inside handle or power locks.
When: Throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock/unlock while driving; Passenger side door will not open despite unlock attempts; Interior door handle non-functional; door stuck closed; Power door locks malfunction; Doors spontaneously lock after owner leaves vehicle; Door lock switch stuck, requires use of key to open; All doors lock if driver's door malfunction occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple locksmith calls required ($100s spent). One owner had to crawl through passenger window when driver door stuck. Repeated replacement of key cylinder and housing attempted without permanent fix.
Electrical Gremlins/Multiple Light Failures
Widespread and persistent electrical issues affecting multiple systems with no single root cause found by dealers. Includes flickering lights, blown fuses, repeated bulb failures, doors locking/unlocking randomly, radio fading in/out, and seat controls/door locks losing power intermittently.
When: Starting at 25k miles and continuing; problem persists over multiple years despite dealer diagnostics
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights blow repeatedly (4+ times); Parking lights blow repeatedly; Backup lights blow repeatedly; License plate lights blow repeatedly (4 times in 2 months); Interior lights on every morning despite OFF position; Fuses blow repeatedly each month; Radio speakers fade in and out; Airbag lights go on/off at will; Door locks and seat controls lose power intermittently; Dashboard panel lights go out
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits attempting electrical trace; dealers unable to locate root cause. Problem remains unresolved despite ongoing costs for bulb and fuse replacement.
Light Switch Overheating
Headlight switch handle becomes extremely hot during normal operation, creating potential fire hazard in passenger compartment. Heat builds up during extended driving.
When: After approximately one hour of driving with headlights on
Symptoms owners cite: Light switch handle too hot to touch; Suspected internal short in light switch; Abnormal heat generation from switch
Repairs/costs cited: Saturn dealer claimed no other complaints on this condition and would not investigate.
Electrical Fire/Fuse Box Wiring Failure
Electrical wires under fuse box catch fire, causing severe damage to fuse box and rendering vehicle inoperable. Smoke and fire observed under hood while driving at highway speeds.
When: While driving at 60 mph on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood; Instrument cluster and radio lights go out; Vehicle stalls and loses power steering; Visible flames under fuse box; Burned wiring detected
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box severely damaged and vehicle inoperable; wiring under fuse box caught fire.
Interior Smoke/Electrical Fire at Startup
Smoke emits from steering column and dash area upon startup, particularly in cold weather. Sparks and burning smells reported from dashboard area. Fire department response required in one case to remove burned steering column.
When: Cold weather startups and initial vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from steering column at startup; Sparks from dashboard area; Burning smell from dash; Smoke inside passenger compartment; Wiring on turn signals and light switches burned
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column wiring burned; fire department removed steering column. Wiring on turn signals and light switches burned.
Instrument Panel Smoke/Electrical Malfunction While Driving
Interior fills with smoke while driving at highway speeds; instrument panel illumination fails. Problem stopped after turning off ignition but indicates serious electrical fire risk.
When: While driving at 35 mph on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Large amount of gray smoke fills interior; Instrument panel fails to illuminate; Smoke stops after ignition turned off; No visible flames but significant smoke
Repairs/costs cited: Lighting fuse had blown; fuse replaced but instrument panel failed to illuminate again afterward.
Ignition Switch Moving Without Key Inserted
Ignition switch moves or rotates position without key being inserted in the switch, indicating internal mechanical failure of locking mechanism.
When: At approximately 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition switch moves without key inserted
Repairs/costs cited: Technician diagnosed defective ignition switch requiring replacement; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised vehicle not included in any recalls.
Cabin Electrical Systems Failing to Function at Cold Startup
Upon initial startup in cold weather, electrical systems including dashboard lights, power steering, and gauges do not function until vehicle warms up. After warming period of several minutes, systems gradually begin working.
When: Cold weather conditions, particularly winter mornings
Symptoms owners cite: Dash and light system failures at startup; Power steering non-functional until warmup; Interior/exterior lights non-functional at startup; Sparks and burning smells from dash area during cold startup; Systems gradually begin working after 5+ minutes of warming; All lights come on when trying to start in cold; Radio comes on at startup
Repairs/costs cited: Problem particularly bad in cold weather; replacement of ignition switch, body control module, and alternator attempted without permanent resolution.
Seat Belt/Door Lock System Electrical Anomalies
Seat belt warning system and door lock systems lose power or malfunction intermittently. Door locks refuse to operate and seat controls lose power during electrical events.
When: During cold startup and intermittent episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt warning system non-functional; Door locks lose power and cannot be operated; Seat controls lose power intermittently; Warning light cluster illuminates without cause
Multiple Electronic Door/Locking System Failures
Complex failures of door locking mechanisms preventing door opening from inside or outside, creating entrapment risk especially in rear seats. Anomalous clicking sounds from all four doors while driving.
When: Various times; one report at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from all four doors while driving; Dome light remains illuminated; Doors cannot be opened from inside or outside; Lock icons display on instrument panel; Vehicle fails to start; Doors stuck shut with no mechanical way to open
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired at dealership.
Synthesized from 86 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
The date and mileage I entered are approximate. For several months, I have been able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the key is in the run position. At times, I have turned off the ignition and removed the key; and then had difficulty inserting the key the next time I went to use the vehicle. The key slot position is not in the off position, but in the run or accessory…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn vue. The contact stated that the key was stuck inside the ignition. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14v490000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not…
I am the 2nd owner of my Saturn vue 2006. Since I acquired the vehicle I have been able to remove the key while the vehicles is: running, stationary or driving, in-gear or not. I've always thought of this as a unique feature (it's been surprisingly helpful!). Today I saw something about a "gm ignition switch recall" (no, I don't live under a rock, I just missed this). I entered my VIN and it…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn vue. When the vehicle was started, the key disengaged from the ignition. In addition, when the vehicle was turned off, the key failed to disengage from the ignition. The dealer stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Saturn vue. While driving 40 MPH, the contact slammed on the brakes and struck a dog. The front fender and bumper were damaged. The contact was not injured. The fog lights were detached from the vehicle and the air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The air bags failed to deploy. The dealer stated that the air bags did not deploy because…
Have been able to remove key when not in off position for years. Frightening that this could happen also while driving. Also have had some scary incidents where the key would be stuck in the ignition. It took a lot of pulling and tugging and sweat to get it out. Why hasn't this been recalled for 2006 vue's??!! This is extremely dangerous. *tr
It is difficult to turn the key in the ignition at times. I am forced to rotate the wheel to the locking position, turn it to the middle of the lock and turn the key with excessive difficulty. In other situations, it is incredibly easy to remove the key when the ignition is not in the off position. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn vue. The contact stated that the key was able to be removed from the ignition switch although it was not in the off position. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14v490000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.
Had electrical trouble with your 2006 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 electrical problem on the 2006 Saturn Vue?
It's a meaningful issue. 86 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 73 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 42,000 and 106,200 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 106,200. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2006/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.