Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM
2008 Saturn Vue powertrain problems
moderate 107 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
107
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 10 PENSACOLA FL HEADING NORTHWEST GOING 70-75 MILES AN HOUR SEMI TRUCK ABOUT 2 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND ME I M INT THE RIGHT LANE CARS TO MY LEFT TRAFFIC IS HEAVY 3:45 IN THE PM. MY CAR MAKES CHUNK THEN A BUMP ENGINE SHUTS OFF NO POWER NO POWER STEERING SEMI LOCKS UP HIS BRAKES ALMOST HITS ME PULLED THE CAR TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER I COLLECTED MYSELF CAR WONT TURN OVER NO SMOKE O…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MODULE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF …
THE TRANSMISSION JUST UP AND STOPS WORKING. THE CAR MUST BE TURNED OFF, WAIT 10-15 MINUTES AND IT WILL CONTINUE AGAIN, UP UNTIL IT STOPS WORKING AGAIN. IT HAPPENS UNDER POWER OR CRUISING. IT HAPPENS WHENEVER & WHEREVER IT WANTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SMOKE WAS VISIBLE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WEBSMART CHEVROLET (5049 WEST RIDGE RD, SPENCERPORT, NY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPA…
MY TRANSMISSION FAILED AS I WAS ACCELERATING OFF A STOP LINE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 30 MILES AN HOUR AND WAS AT 3000 RPM. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK AND BACK INTO A PARKING SPOT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. THERE APPEARS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL. IS MY CAR UNDER THIS RECALL. *TR
VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE IN PARKED TRANSMISSION POSITION, SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD AND HIT THE GARAGE DOOR WITHOUT ANY WARNING!
Just backed out of my driveway and drove 2 blocks down my street. Stopped at the stop sign and the car wouldn't move. It was still running, however it wouldn't move. The car coming up behind me didn't notice my flashers and had to slam on his brakes which caused him to be rear ended. Everyone was ok. Car was pushed back to my driveway and there it sits. Tried to start it and it still won't go anyw…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Saturn Vue?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 107 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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