This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Saturn Vue electrical problems
moderate 112 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
112
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 112 electrical complaints filed for the 2007 Saturn Vue, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 6 model years of Saturn Vue we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 112.
Electrical accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
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 ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
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 bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Ignition switch trouble dominates these complaints. Keys stick and won't turn, or get jammed so you can't remove them. The problem starts early—sometimes within the first year—and resurfaces repeatedly even after dealers replace the switch. Some owners have had multiple repairs that didn't stick. One owner had to replace the switch at least twice; another paid $270 for a replacement only to see the problem return within a year. The manual's recommended unlock procedure (turning the steering wheel all the way right or left) doesn't help.
Hybrid owners face a separate nightmare: battery pack failures with check engine and battery warning lights that trigger during normal driving. Once it happens, the vehicle can lose all power—steering, brakes, lights, everything—while moving. GM issued a recall for the battery, but parts stayed on backorder for months, leaving owners stranded with warning lights and no fix available. Even replacements fail again. One owner went through three new batteries in a single month.
Charging system failures plague both hybrid and non-hybrid models. Battery drains so fast that owners need a jump-start within hours or days, even after replacing the alternator multiple times. Cool weather makes it worse. One owner's rebuilt factory alternator finally held after years of new-part failures.
Electrical fires have occurred—one documented in the steering column. Wiring harness chafing causes multiple fault codes and severe lurching when the engine restarts. Power windows stop working intermittently on both sides. Airbag lights stay on or flash randomly with no clear cause, and dealers claim the issue is unrelated to other electrical problems, even when multiple systems fail together.
Sudden acceleration without driver input, stalling mid-drive with no restart, and total electrical shutdown at highway speeds round out the hazards owners report. Dealers often can't reproduce the failures in the shop.
Same Saturn Vue electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition switch sticking/key jamming
Key becomes stuck in the ignition cylinder, refusing to turn or release. Owners report the key partially turns then locks completely, and attempting the manual unlock procedure (steering wheel all the way right/left) fails. Some owners can remove the key in any gear; others find keys stuck until the vehicle sits for hours. Recurrence is common even after dealer replacement or lubrication.
When: First occurrence often within first year; intermittent throughout ownership, worsening in cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: Key refuses to turn in ignition cylinder; Key stuck and cannot be removed; Key falls out while driving or gets stuck at accessory position; Partial key rotation then complete lock-up; Manual unlock procedure (steering wheel positioning) ineffective; Intermittent resolution after vehicle sits for extended period
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers lubricated, replaced ignition lock housing and wiring harness, replaced ignition switches multiple times (some owners report 2-5 replacements), replaced ignition cylinders; one locksmith diagnosed improper switch installation; one replacement cost $270, another quoted ~$600
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM identified fault in ignition switch design; issued recalls for some Saturn models but excluded 2007 Vue; one customer cited 10-year GM warranty commitment post-Saturn closure; owners report dealer responses claiming responsibility falls on customer or that steering lock removal is only permanent fix
Hybrid battery failure and voltage imbalance
Hybrid battery loses function, causing loss of all 12V and 36V power, check engine light, battery light illumination, stalling, and unresponsive electrical systems. Some vehicles lose all power including steering and brakes while driving. Battery pack recall issued but parts chronically back-ordered, leaving owners without repairs for months. Voltage defects cause rapid battery drain even after replacement.
When: Typically within first few months to 2 years of ownership; as early as 800–2,334 miles; recurrent failures despite multiple replacements
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and battery light illuminate; Loss of hybrid functionality and electrical power; Vehicle stalls or shuts down during driving; All dashboard and interior lights illuminate uncontrollably; Power steering failure; Vehicle will not restart after stall; Dimming and flickering of all lights; Voltage imbalance drains battery at highway speeds; Cannot jump-start 12V battery once hybrid battery fails
Codes mentioned: P0ABB, P0AFB, P1A47, P1174, P0A37
Repairs/costs cited: Hybrid battery replacement (multiple instances per owner: 2–3 replacements within first 1–2 years); starter generator/alternator replacement; ECM and TCM reprogramming; starter generator control module relay replacement; engine wiring harness replacement; repair costs from hundreds to thousands; some owners' vehicles remain in shop for 26+ days without resolution; one owner replaced battery 3 times in one month with continued failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issued recall for hybrid battery (July 2010, Campaign #07195); parts chronically back-ordered; manufacturer assured owners vehicle was safe to drive until parts available, but vehicles stalled despite assurance; recall repairs covered under 8-year/100,000-mile warranty; one owner's vehicle was out of service 26+ days at dealer; manufacturer could not isolate root cause after 6 dealer visits over 10 months
Charging system failure (alternator/battery drain)
Battery drains rapidly despite replacement or new alternator installation. Vehicle requires jump-start within hours to days of charging. Multiple owners report replacing alternator 3+ times and battery multiple times within weeks, with failures continuing. One owner's rebuilt factory alternator resolved issue after 2 years of failure. Problem appears linked to coolant weather and possible electrical short.
When: Reported at any mileage; one instance at 38,600 miles; can occur shortly after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies within 1 day of full charge or jump-start; Requires jump-start even when parked overnight in store; Radio and dash lights fail to power on after battery replacement; Lights flicker and dim intermittently; Vehicle electronics will not power on despite running engine; Problem worsens in cool weather
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement (3+ instances in one month for some owners); battery replacement multiple times; one customer's rebuilt factory alternator resolved issue after 4 months of failure; repair costs 'countless funds' cited; owners report spending hundreds of dollars with no resolution; some vehicles now sit unused due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dealers offered parts warranty but could not resolve underlying problem after multiple visits and replacements; no root cause identified by dealers; manufacturer provided no alternative assistance
Wiring harness chaffing and electrical fire
Engine wiring harness develops chafed insulation causing multiple fault codes and electrical arcing. One owner reported actual electrical fire in steering column during highway operation. Engine stalls, check engine light illuminates, traction control lights come on, and severe lurching occurs when vehicle restarts.
When: Early in vehicle life (800 miles reported); fire incident after 30-minute highway trip
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls with multiple fault codes in ECM; Severe jerking and lunging forward upon restart; All engine and traction control lights illuminate; Check engine soon light; Strong electrical fire odor in cabin; Vehicle lunges forward despite brake pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine wiring harness rerouted and insulated; ECM and TCM reprogrammed; steering column dismantled by fire department to extinguish fire; estimated cost not provided but fire damage occurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Saturn service issued TSB #07-06-03-004 and Tech Doc #1978388 for wiring jumper replacement and ECM reprogramming; however, issue was not resolved before vehicle was sold to owner; one dealer shared anecdotal account of similar incident on freeway (vehicle quit during merge, nearly hit by 18-wheeler)
Sudden unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without driver input, lurching forward at stops and traffic lights despite brake pedal being pressed. Occurs multiple times in single day. Dealership unable to reproduce or diagnose. Safety-critical failure occurring while vehicle is in motion.
When: Reported at low mileage (17,000 miles in one instance); occurs during parking, at traffic lights, and at railroad crossings
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward during parking despite brake applied; Acceleration at traffic light despite brake pressure; Acceleration at railroad crossing despite brake pressure; Multiple instances in single day (3 times reported); Vehicle restarts itself and accelerates
Repairs/costs cited: Hybrid battery replacement preceded acceleration issue by 3 weeks; dealer unable to duplicate problem; vehicle refused return without repairs; owner refused acceptance and dealer retained vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership could not determine cause or duplicate fault; no repairs performed
Airbag sensor light malfunction
Passenger and driver airbag warning lights illuminate intermittently or stay continuously on regardless of seat occupancy. Light sometimes resets when driver manual sits in seat position; other times will not reset. Cause is intermittent and undiagnosed in many cases.
When: Intermittent from early ownership through vehicle life; some instances resolve temporarily, others persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag light on intermittently or continuously; Driver airbag light on continuously; Airbag light flashes periodically; Light resets temporarily when specific seat position occupied; Light turns on and off randomly while driving
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer quoted $900 to replace heated seat (claiming seat malfunction linked to airbag sensor); dealer scan showed no fault code in one case despite light remaining on; one owner had airbag sensors replaced for $1,600 (not covered by extended warranty); most repairs involve replacing seat heaters or airbag modules; repairs not always successful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim airbag light issue unrelated to other electrical problems; some dealers attributed to heated seat malfunction; no recalls issued for airbag sensor light; manufacturer stated no recalls available for some VINs even when light persists
Power window malfunction
Power windows fail to operate, often intermittently. One passenger window worked occasionally for a year before failing, then when fixed, driver-side window failed. Owners report both windows eventually malfunctioning on same vehicle.
When: Can occur at any mileage; one instance after one year of intermittent failure
Symptoms owners cite: Power window does not operate when button is pressed; Intermittent function (works occasionally); Both passenger and driver windows eventually affected
Repairs/costs cited: Driver-side window repair quoted at $265; full replacement recommended; service performed at dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed power window issue unrelated to airbag and other electrical problems despite multiple window failures on same vehicle
Radio malfunction and power loss
Radio fails to power on or changes channels and displays garbled characters on its own. Radio power loss occurs after battery drain events. Replaced radio fails again within one week of installation.
When: Occurs following battery replacement or drain events; intermittent thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Radio will not power on; Radio changes channels on its own; Radio dial displays crazy/garbled characters; Radio loses power after being replaced; Radio power loss accompanies electrical system flickers
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replacement performed; replacement radio failed within one week; no successful repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Fuel system crimping and leakage
Fuel pump lines crimped and cracked during assembly, causing gasoline to leak into fuel tank area. No engine warning light illuminates to alert driver, creating fire hazard. Customer forced to replace fuel pump at significant cost.
When: Present from manufacturing; discovered at service visit
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline smell around rear of vehicle near gas cap; Fuel tank drenched with leaking gasoline; No engine light warning; Frequent refueling required
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic cost $332 to inspect fuel tank; fuel pump replacement cost $600; crimped and cracked fuel lines identified as cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Complete electrical system shutdown while driving
All electrical systems lose power while vehicle is in motion, including radio, power steering, windows, lighting, and engine. Vehicle stalls with no restart capability without battery disconnect/reconnect. Power loss occurs during highway speed (35–55 mph) with no warning.
When: Can occur at variable mileage; one instance at 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All lights (interior, exterior, dashboard) shut down; Radio shuts down; Power steering fails; Windows shut down; Engine stalls without warning; Engine will not restart immediately; Loss of engine power error message displays; Unable to lock or unlock doors; Door locks and unlock functionality lost
Codes mentioned: Loss of engine power
Repairs/costs cited: Battery disconnect/reconnect required to restore power; independent mechanic diagnosed communication failure but could not identify specific faulty component; repairs unsuccessful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no solution; dealer sent information to technician but guidelines were unsuccessful in rectification; root cause remains undetermined
Intermittent stalling and restart cycling
Engine stalls unexpectedly during driving or at traffic lights and automatically restarts. Stalling occurs multiple times during single outing. Vehicle may stall 3–5 times en route to dealership for repair. Engine restart cycling with lurching forward after each cycle creates safety hazard.
When: Early in ownership (800 miles reported); also reported at higher mileages; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at traffic lights or stops; Automatic engine restart after stall; Vehicle lurches forward upon restart despite brakes; Multiple stalls during single trip; Vehicle stalls and restarts 3–5 times en route to dealer; Check engine light illuminates during stalling episodes; Battery light illuminates during stalling episodes
Repairs/costs cited: Engine harness rerouted; ECM reprogrammed; hybrid battery replaced; starter generator replaced; vehicle continues to stall despite repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer issued TSB #07-06-03-004; manufacturer acknowledged issue but repairs have not resolved problem after multiple service attempts (6 dealer visits over 10 months documented in one case)
Sunroof water leak
Sunroof floods, allowing water intrusion into vehicle interior. Owner unable to determine if covered under extended warranty due to loss of policy documentation.
When: Reported at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof floods during or after rain
Repairs/costs cited: None documented; owner unable to pursue repair due to financial hardship and loss of warranty policy
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Fuel gauge and door lock electrical failures
Multiple simultaneous electrical failures: fuel gauge does not move, door locks fail to engage, panic button does not function, and all interior and exterior lights illuminate uncontrollably and cannot be turned off.
When: Occurred during cold start attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge does not move; All interior lighting illuminated and cannot be turned off; All exterior lighting illuminated; Door locks will not lock; Panic button does not function
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle jump-started at dealer; no root cause identified or communicated to owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer jump-started vehicle; stated lights were illuminated due to jump-start requirement; manufacturer notified but stated no recalls available
Synthesized from 112 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
My 2007 Saturn vue hybrid battery light comes on. I took it to the dealership in june, 2010 and was told I needed a new battery pack (this will be the 3rd one), that there was a recall on the battery packs, and that it was "safe" to drive until the batteries were replaced. It is now december 30, 2010 and no battery packs are available. I'm finding out through internet research that once the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn vue. The contact stated that when attempting to turn the vehicle off, the ignition failed to turn completely into the off position. In addition, the contact stated that the key could be removed from the ignition while in drive. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition and the tumbler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
While merging onto a highway I lost all power. No engine, lights, etc. Almost got run over. Opened hood and replaced the 30 amp ignition fuse and car started. Took to gm dealer and they could not find a problem and original fuse was not blown either. Also hard to turn the ignition key at times. Is this a recall? If not it should be as this was a serious mishap where we could havebeen killed! The…
This car has given me nothing but problems the last year or so with the ignition switch.. I can't turn my car on for about 10 minutes. The key will go in to the ignition but it wont turn the car and there has been times that it's gotten stuck where you can't take it out. I have taken it to a few places now but they said I would have to replace it. So that is what I did and again still getting…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn vue. The contact stated that the after starting the vehicle, the check engine light was illuminated. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle for a shirt period of time. The contact then decelerated to a traffic stop when the vehicle stalled. He was able to restart the vehicle as it resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where…
I was driving down the road and my knee accidentally hit the key and it fell right out of the ignition switch. I have to fumble around for it on the floor while the car was running and moving. I also have noticed in the last few months that I have to jiggle the ignition switch quite a few times back and forth in order to start the car. This happens alot some weeks and other weeks, just a few…
I was driving in my subdivision and the curtain air bags went off in my 2007 Saturn vue hybrid. I swerved and ran into a tree causing massive frontal damage and the driver-side air bag to deploy. My 3-year-old daughter was in the back passenger child car seat and was ok but I was diagnosed with chest, knee, hip, and nose contusions, still healing after 4+ days. The car was a total loss per…
Had electrical trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Saturn Vue?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 112 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 88 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 43,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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/2007/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.