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 ↗2007 Saturn Vue steering problems
severe 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 34 steering complaints filed for the 2007 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 34 steering 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 5 model years of Saturn Vue in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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 service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
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 Vues describe a cluster of steering and ignition problems. The ignition switch locks up regularly—keys jam in the cylinder, won't turn, or can't be removed, leaving vehicles immobile. Owners report jiggling the key, rocking the steering wheel, and applying force to coax the ignition into working. One owner had to drill out the ignition cylinder entirely. The issue occurs across many vehicles and happens especially in cold weather or after the car sits parked.
Power steering assist fails intermittently, making the wheel hard or impossible to turn at low speeds—particularly dangerous when exiting parking spaces or making turns. One owner lost steering entirely while exiting a parking lot. A few reported the intermediate steering shaft pin fell out, leaving them without steering control. The stabilizer bar (sway bar) on at least one vehicle fractured in the middle and fell, dragging beneath the car.
Airbag warning lights come on and off randomly, sometimes triggered by low fuel or routine entries and exits from the vehicle. One owner reported smoke billowing from the steering wheel area while driving. The 2007 model year lacks a steering wheel lock feature that other Saturns have, making jammed ignition switches especially hazardous. Owners note that other Saturn models have been recalled for these same component failures, but the Vue has not.
Same Saturn Vue steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Stabilizer bar (sway bar) fracture
Sway bar breaks in the middle (not at bolts), falling and dragging beneath the vehicle. Owner believes the part may contain filler or inferior material and suspects the issue affects multiple vehicles.
When: Failure occurred over time; discovery around 20,000–24,000 miles based on typical use pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Audible noise when bar falls and drags; Bar hangs visibly from undercarriage; Vehicle still steerable despite failure
Repairs/costs cited: Stabilizer bar replacement; owner photo sent to GM for investigation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM contacted owner online, requested stabilizer bar for inspection at dealership; no recall issued
Ignition switch lock-up and key jamming
Ignition key becomes stuck and difficult to turn or remove from the ignition cylinder. Some owners report the key cannot be turned to start the vehicle at all, or only starts intermittently. Steering wheel locks when key jams. Owners often must jiggle the key, rock the steering wheel, or apply pressure to get the key to turn or release.
When: Occurs after warranty expiration; failures reported from 20,000 miles onward; some owners cite winter weather as trigger
Symptoms owners cite: Key sticks in ignition and won't turn; Key cannot be removed from ignition; Intermittent no-start condition; Must shake or jiggle steering wheel to make ignition work; Steering wheel locks when key jams; Difficulty inserting key into ignition slot; Key can be removed while vehicle is in 'ON' position (safety hazard)
Repairs/costs cited: Lock service replaced ignition switch for $141.12 (after warranty); dealer replaced tumblers; one owner had to drill out and replace ignition cylinder housing; ignition switch eventually fails again
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2007 Saturn Vue; same switch already recalled on Saturn Ion and other GM vehicles; lock service reported all available switches for this vehicle are defective
Power steering loss and stiffness
Power steering assist fails intermittently or completely during driving, making the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Failure occurs mostly at low speeds (parking, turning) and occasionally at highway speeds. Some owners report steering becomes stiff on startup and releases only after unlocking/locking doors or manipulating steering wheel.
When: Failures reported from 20,000+ miles; one case at 66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist cuts out intermittently or completely; Steering wheel very difficult to turn, especially at low speeds; Hard to impossible to steer out of parking spaces; Steering locks up at startup; Loss of dashboard power (speedometer, fuel gauge) when steering fails; Radio and lights go out when power steering fails
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replaced under warranty (April 2010) but problem recurred in Dec 2010; power steering pump replacement needed but on national backorder; one owner also replaced alternator after ignition cylinder repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall noted; dealer refused warranty replacement after mileage/time exceeded coverage
EPS (Electronic Power Steering) system malfunction
Electronic power steering system exhibits lag in assist response, then over-corrects, causing vehicle to wander and making steering unpredictable and difficult to control. Owner reports this is a documented common problem with GM EPS systems.
When: Ongoing issue; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering assist lags then over-corrects; Vehicle wanders while driving; Difficult handling and safety concern
Steering knuckle failure
Steering knuckle component fails, causing loss of steering ability. Owner lost ability to steer while exiting parking space and had to shut off vehicle.
When: Mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering ability; Cannot steer vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer identified steering knuckle as cause; no recall available
Intermediate steering shaft noise and failure
Intermediate steering shaft makes noise during operation. In one case, pin retaining the shaft below steering motor fell out, leaving driver with no control of vehicle and veering off roadway.
When: Failures reported; one case with pin loss occurred while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering makes audible noise; Complete loss of steering control (pin retention failure); Vehicle veers off roadway uncontrolled
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed issue is intermediate steering shaft; pin retaining shaft replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed owner this is a known issue with Saturn Vue
Airbag warning light malfunction and smoke from steering column
Airbag warning light comes on and off erratically or stays on continuously, often without corresponding airbag deployment readiness. In one severe case, smoke emerged from the steering wheel area while driving, accompanied by airbag warning light. Another case reported smoke from windshield wiper switch area; airbags did not deploy during subsequent crash.
When: Light issues ongoing for months to years; smoke incident at unknown mileage; crash-related failure at 66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light comes on and off randomly or stays on; Airbag light triggered by low fuel tank; Light comes on when exiting/entering vehicle multiple times; Passenger airbag light on when seat is empty; Smoke from steering wheel area while driving; Smoke from windshield wiper switch area; Airbags did not deploy during crash; Steering becomes stiff when airbag light is on; Brakes act strangely when airbag light is on
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield wiper switch replaced; airbag system not repaired in reported cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall found for airbag system on 2007 Vue VIN; owner noted Takata airbag recall mentioned by mechanic (status unclear)
Steering wheel lock failure (missing feature)
2007 Saturn Vue model year lacks steering wheel lock mechanism that other model years have. When ignition switch fails, steering becomes fully locked. Dealer and manufacturer confirmed that this specific model year did not include steering wheel lock as a feature.
When: Evident from design; failure at approximately 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel does not lock at all; Steering wheel locks completely when key jams in ignition
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer confirmed 2007 Saturn Vue is the only model year without steering wheel lock feature
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My 2007 Saturn vue (6cyl) experienced a steering problem for the second time this year. The rack and pinion was replaced under warranty in april 2010. In dec 2010 the problem started again worst then the 1st time. Its hard to turn around corners and very tough to impossible to steer out of parking at low speeds. The dealer said its the power steering pump, the pump is under a national back order…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn vue. While exiting a parking space he lost his his ability to steer. He had to turn the vehicle off. He contacted the dealer, in which a technician stated that the steering knuckle caused the failure. However there were no recalls to address the failure. The failure and current mileages were unknown. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.
The key continually gets stuck in the ignition of my vue. I have been stranded a couple of times because I could not turn the key or remove it. I have taken it to bob jeanotte Buick GMC (14949 n. Sheldon, plymouth mi. 734-453-2500) and they told me there is nothing they can do. I also have a second vue that the same thing has happened to and the ignition was changed twice but still has a sticking…
I was driving down the street and smoke began coming from around the steering wheel of my car. A symbol of a person holding a airbag appeared on the dashboard, I then felt that the airbag was going to deploy. I immediately pulled out of traffic into a auto zone. Aworker seen the smoke, and felt my car was on fire. I explained to him that the smoke is coming from around the steering wheel. He…
More then 5 times the SUV has not started, and we had to replace the ignition switch because the key would not even turn in it. I believe we have tanaka airbags.
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2007 Saturn Vue?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 76,545 and 148,000 miles, with the median around 101,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 76,545; a quarter make it past 148,000. 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 $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/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.