This 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 accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Saturn Vue powertrain problems
severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 24 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Saturn Vue, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 5 model years of Saturn Vue in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 17 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 powertrain 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 bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2007 Saturn Vue models describe a litany of powertrain and electrical failures that began immediately upon purchase and recurred throughout ownership. The most common transmission complaint is shuddering or juddering at 25–45 mph, traced to torque converter failure, though one dealership confirmed this as a known issue on these vehicles. Automatic transmissions fail without warning at mileages ranging from 71,000 to 180,000 miles, requiring full replacement. Manual transmission shift linkages break repeatedly due to failed retention clips, sometimes rendering the vehicle immobile.
Ignition switches malfunction chronically—keys stick, fall out while driving, and vehicles shut down unexpectedly. Multiple electrical and computer failures cascade together: alternators die, batteries fail, and dashboard warning lights illuminate randomly. The hybrid battery stops working early and again after replacement. Airbag warning lights stay on despite sensor replacement, with GM refusing to investigate. One vehicle caught fire on the highway at normal speed, engulfing completely within minutes.
Additional powertrain issues include cold-start unintended acceleration (suspected electronic throttle control failure), engine rocker arm collapse at 89,000 miles despite regular oil changes, and wheel bearings requiring replacement eight times in two years on a new vehicle. Owners report GM acknowledged some issues as known problems but refused warranty coverage, forcing owners to pay thousands in out-of-pocket repairs.
Same Saturn Vue powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter fails, causing severe shuddering or juddering while driving, typically between 25–45 mph. Owners report progressive worsening of vibrations over time, and dealerships have confirmed this as a known issue on these vehicles but demanded ~$2,000 for repair.
When: 1–2 years of ownership; varies widely by mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Severe shuddering or juddering at 25–45 mph; Progressive worsening of vibration over time; Check engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership acknowledged as a known issue on these vehicles; repair cost ~$2,000 cited by one owner
Transmission Failure (Automatic)
Automatic transmission fails without warning during normal driving, rendering the vehicle unable to shift properly or move. Failures occur across a wide mileage range (71,000–180,000 miles) and require full transmission replacement.
When: 71,000 to 180,000 miles; no clear pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of ability to shift into gear; Failure to shift out of first gear; Delayed shift response when accelerator is depressed; Vehicle stalls and loses power while driving; Transmission overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required; one dealer quoted no repair cost; owners report transmission replacement as necessary fix
Manual Transmission Shift Linkage Failure
Retaining clips or e-clips that hold the shift cable end to the shift lever fail, allowing the shifter to become loose or completely detach. Failure can occur early (under 45,000 miles) and render the vehicle unable to shift into any gear.
When: Under 45,000 miles to later in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter becomes loose during shifting; Loss of resistance in shift lever; Inability to shift into or out of reverse; Loss of all linkage between shifter and transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of both shift cables and clips/e-clip retention system; owner performed aftermarket repair using drilled retention plates; one owner's repair occurred at dealership just before transferring to independent shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported this was not covered under 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty after 36,000 miles
Engine Rocker Arm and Timing Chain Failure
Both rocker arm assemblies fail catastrophically, with bent valves and loose timing chain, causing engine seizure. Occurs at 89,000 miles on an engine that received regular oil changes, with no apparent cause.
When: 89,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Engine died suddenly during start attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; cost $4,800 out of pocket; owner believes defect in 2.2-liter engine itself
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused warranty coverage; failure occurred just over one year out of warranty
Cold-Start Unintended Acceleration
Upon cold start, after rolling about ten feet with no accelerator input, vehicle accelerates on its own with a whirring noise from the engine compartment. Electronic throttle control motor suspected to be failing. Does not occur when engine is warm.
When: During cold starts; does not occur on warm engine
Symptoms owners cite: Whirring noise from engine compartment on cold start; Vehicle accelerates without driver input after rolling ~10 feet; Vehicle responds normally to accelerator once in motion or after warm-up
Codes mentioned: Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) suspected
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner expected coverage under 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty but vehicle was 9 years old; difficult past dealings with dealer and Saturn
Throttle Carbon Buildup
At only 15,000 miles, throttle becomes severely clogged with carbon deposits, preventing normal acceleration and gear shifting. Dealer claimed this is normal for these vehicles, but owner has not experienced this in other vehicles under normal driving.
When: 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate above 20 mph; Unable to shift out of first gear; Idle at 1,500 rpm (elevated)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed this is normal for these vehicles at this mileage
Ignition Switch Failure
Ignition switch malfunctions—key turns difficult, key falls out while driving, ignition stuck in off position, and inability to shift out of park. Multiple owners report this as a chronic problem after purchase, with some experiencing repeat failures even after replacement.
When: Immediately after purchase or early in ownership; 72,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition not turning over properly; Key falls out of ignition while driving; Key sticks or won't move; Vehicle completely shuts down while driving; Unable to shift from park
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch/core replacement; some owners had to pay out of pocket; defective ignition tumblers and wires identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM known to have similar ignition issues with Saturn Vue and other vehicles; one owner reports GM refused to cover repair
Battery/Alternator/Electrical System Failure
Alternator and battery fail, causing widespread electrical system collapse indicated by multiple warning lights. Often occurs alongside ignition issues and can strand vehicle far from home.
When: Can occur early; one case at 72,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminated; Check engine light on; Oil pressure light on; Brake light on; Traction control system light on; ABS light on; Vehicle stalls and loses all power
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty alternator, failed electrical system, and battery problem identified; requires towing for dealer diagnosis
Airbag System Malfunction
Airbag warning light illuminates randomly and repeatedly, even after airbag sensor replacement. Owners report persistent issues from the moment of purchase, with GM denying any problem and refusing warranty coverage.
When: From purchase onward; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light illuminates randomly; Airbag light remains on despite repairs; Remote unlock causes airbag indicator to malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Airbag sensor replacement performed; owner replaced part at own cost with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM states there is nothing wrong with airbags; refuses to address issue
Hybrid Battery Failure
Hybrid battery stops functioning properly, either immediately after purchase or after initial repairs. Second failure reported in same vehicle after first battery replacement.
When: Immediately after purchase; recurrence after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid battery not functioning properly; Check engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement required; one owner reports having to replace twice
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM claims 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid/powertrain warranty expired despite owner not reaching 100,000 miles
Electrical System/Computer Failure (General)
Widespread electrical and computer malfunctions affecting multiple vehicle systems simultaneously, with repeated failures even after repairs. Dashboard lights illuminate randomly, radio quits, and multiple warning lights activate at random intervals.
When: Immediately after purchase; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on immediately after purchase; Dashboard lights illuminate randomly; Radio quits working; Multiple warning lights activate at random; Electrical power loss while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replacement performed; owner reports continuous unresolved issues despite multiple repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has refused to address issues despite knowing of similar problems on other Saturn Vues
Engine Fire
Engine catches fire while driving on highway at normal speed, causing complete vehicle loss and life-threatening situation for occupants. Fire erupted from under the hood after hearing a pop and seeing smoke.
When: During normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Pop from engine; Smoke from engine compartment; Fire erupts from under hood; Entire vehicle engulfed in flames within minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss
Wheel Bearing Failure (Premature)
Wheel bearings fail repeatedly and prematurely, requiring replacement eight times total (three times per front wheel, one time per rear wheel) within just two years of ownership on a new vehicle.
When: 2 years after purchase (new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Wheel bearing failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel bearings replaced 8 times total; GM extended warranty but no recall issued
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM extended warranty but refused to recall the component despite repeated failures
Transmission Screeching and Stuttering
Transmission produces screeching sound from startup and during acceleration, accompanied by stuttering or skipping between gears and elevated RPM. Problem occurs during both city and highway driving.
When: Not specified; occurs on startup and during acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Screeching sound from transmission area on startup; Noise gets louder on acceleration; Overly elevated RPM; Stuttering or skipping sensation between gears
Steering Column Bolt Looseness/Detachment
Bolts on the steering column become loose or missing, creating a safety hazard. Unsafe driver shaft condition reported.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Bolts missing from steering column
A/C Intermittent Cooling Failure
Air conditioning blows cold air for approximately 15 minutes after startup, then switches to hot air. Cycle repeats each time vehicle is shut down and restarted. Occurs while vehicle is in motion.
When: Not specified; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blows cold for ~15 minutes after startup; A/C then blows hot air; Cycle repeats with each restart
Repairs/costs cited: A/C coil with huge leak identified in one case; dealer claimed it was topped off beforehand
Transmission Overheating and Loss of Second Gear
While driving on highway at 65 mph, transmission overheats suddenly and vehicle cannot shift into or pass second gear. Vehicle shaking and brakes become extremely tight simultaneously.
When: During highway driving at 65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheating; Vehicle unable to pass second gear; Shaking and vibration; Brakes become extremely tight
Accelerator Delayed Response on Incline
Delayed throttle response occurs only when driving down an incline at 65 mph or greater, not during normal driving conditions.
When: 90,000 miles; during specific driving conditions (downhill at 65+ mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed accelerator response on incline at high speed
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Saturn vue 2007 v6 gas engine 15,000 miles vehicle failed to accelerate above 20mph, shift out of 1st gear, and idled at 1,500 RPM. Dealer stated the throttle was filled with carbon deposits and that this is normal for the vehicles at 18,000 miles. I have never driven a vehicle with this problem regardless of total mileage or environmental conditions. However, this vehicle has been…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2007 Saturn Vue?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 50,334 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 89,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,334; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.