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 ↗2008 Saturn Vue powertrain problems
moderate 107 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
107
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 107 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 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 5 model years of Saturn Vue we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 107.
Owners have filed 107 powertrain 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.
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
The 2008 Saturn Vue powertrain failures cluster heavily around transmission defects, electrical issues, and intermittent control problems. The most frequent complaint centers on a broken or fractured 3–5–R wave plate inside the 6-speed automatic transmission, which appears to be a widespread design defect. Owners report transmission failure beginning in the 30,000–90,000 mile range—well before expected service life. Common symptoms include hard or harsh shifting, loss of reverse or drive gears, transmission slipping between gears, failure to accelerate beyond 20–30 mph, jerking or bucking while driving, and sudden loss of power on highways. Many cite diagnostic codes P0776, P0716, P0717, P0700, and P2715.
Electrical gremlins plague a significant subset. Owners describe headlights dimming or strobing, interior lights failing, wipers working sporadically, radio cutting out, key sticking in the ignition, hazard lights not functioning, and the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly while driving—sometimes with loss of power steering. One owner's engine control module (ECM) connector became contaminated, causing the car to die without warning. Battery replacement occurs repeatedly and mysteriously; multiple owners report replacing batteries two or three times.
Transmission shifting behavior is erratic: vehicles roll backward in park on hills, refuse to shift into reverse or drive, shift involuntarily into neutral at highway speed, fail to downshift manually, or stay stuck in second or fourth gear until the engine restarts. Dealers and GM customer service often deny warranty coverage or claim owner VINs do not match published recalls, even when symptoms exactly match recall bulletins. Several owners cite GM's extended transmission warranty (10 years/120,000 miles) but faced denial of reimbursement claims.
Same Saturn Vue powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
3–5–R Wave Plate Fracture
The 3–5–R clutch wave plate inside the 6-speed automatic transmission fractures or shatters, causing total or partial transmission failure. Owners report this as a widespread defect affecting 2007–2009 GM vehicles including Saturn Vue, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Acadia, and Pontiac Torrent. The part is allegedly not properly heat-treated at the factory.
When: 30,000–90,000 miles; many occur shortly after powertrain warranty expires (typically at 36 months or 50,000–60,000 miles for used certified vehicles)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of reverse gear or complete inability to reverse; Loss of drive or severe loss of acceleration (max 20–30 mph); Hard or harsh shifting with jerking or bucking; Transmission slipping; delay between engine RPM increase and gear engagement; Vehicle stuck in a single gear (second, fourth, or fifth); Loud bang or grinding noise from transmission or engine compartment; Check engine light; diagnostic codes P0776 (PCSB stuck off), P0716, P0717, P0777, P2714, P2715, P2723
Codes mentioned: P0776, P0716, P0717, P0777, P2714, P2715, P2723, P0700
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission removal and disassembly required; broken wave plate must be replaced. Owners cite repair costs of $1,700–$4,000. Multiple repairs on the same vehicle are common; some owners report transmission being serviced twice within months. Debris from failed part must be cleaned from transmission to prevent future problems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Technical Service Bulletin #09-07-30-012B addressing the issue. GM extended transmission warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles (effective date varies; one owner cites 3/20/2018 or 120,055 miles). However, warranty denials are frequent; GM claims many VINs are not eligible for recall coverage even when symptoms match. One owner was denied reimbursement under the extended warranty due to missing receipt submission deadline, with GM providing conflicting information on the deadline date. No full recall issued as of complaint dates.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Solenoid Failure
The transmission control module, transmission solenoid control circuit, and solenoid valve assembly fail, causing loss of transmission function, erratic shifting, and sudden loss of power. One owner's fluid pressure switches and TCM were replaced, only to experience identical failure two days later.
When: 40,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking or hard shifting with loud noise from engine; Vehicle shifts into neutral unexpectedly at highway speed with engine revving to red line; Sudden loss of forward power or acceleration; Reverse gear loss; Check engine light illumination; Control solenoid valve malfunction; Fluid pressure switch damage
Codes mentioned: P0700, P0752, P0989
Repairs/costs cited: Control solenoid valve and TCM assembly replacement performed. Fluid pressure switches may also require replacement. Transmission may require full replacement if parts repair fails. One owner reported paying $1,000 for transmission repair after parts replacement did not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific TSBs or recalls cited by owners for this failure mode. One owner reported GM offered cost-sharing: 30% of repair cost or trade-in certificate credit, but then withdrew the offer when the owner obtained outside financing.
Intermittent Transmission Shifting and Slipping
The transmission exhibits intermittent slipping, hesitation, shuddering, and bucking at various speeds. Shifts are delayed or inconsistent; vehicle struggles to accelerate smoothly. Symptoms improve temporarily after engine restart but recur unpredictably.
When: First 18,000–90,000 miles; some owners report onset immediately after purchase of used vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering, hesitation, and bucking at any speed; Tachometer fluttering during the event; Sluggish acceleration with lag between RPM increase and gear engagement; Transmission will not shift out of second or first gear when warm; Gas mileage degradation (one owner: 22.5 to 19.5 mpg); Problem is intermittent and hard to reproduce in shop; Temporary resolution with engine restart or continued driving
Codes mentioned: No codes or intermittent codes only
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers often unable to diagnose or repair; one dealer stated no computer program has been written to correct the issue and deemed it 'normal operating condition.' Owners report visiting dealers multiple times without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service stated the issue is 'safe' and stands by original 5-year/100,000-mile transmission warranty but offers no repair solution. No TSBs or recalls issued for this symptom pattern.
Unexpected Transmission Downshift and Abrupt Acceleration
While in cruise control or normal drive, the transmission abruptly downshifts, causing sudden acceleration and vehicle jerking. Occurs on flat ground or slight grades without driver input. Hazardous in traffic or on curves.
When: 40,000–70,000 miles; intermittent, speed range 40–60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt downshift with unintended acceleration; Jerking sensation through vehicle; Loss of cruise control stability; Tachometer spike before downshift; Risk of collision on curves or when merging
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs cited; owners report inability to reproduce issue in dealership setting.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls identified by owners.
Vehicle Rolling Backward in Park on Inclines
When the transmission is placed in Park, especially on hills, the vehicle rolls backward. Owners must apply manual brake to prevent collision or accident. Occurs on level ground as well but is most pronounced on inclines.
When: Throughout ownership; some owners report onset after transmission service
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward 8–10 inches or more when in Park; Risk of collision with parked vehicles or obstacles; Requires constant use of manual brake to hold vehicle; Loud noise when attempting to re-engage forward motion after rolling backward
Repairs/costs cited: Possible transmission case porosity or internal seal failure; one owner suspects transmission case porosity. No repairs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited. One owner found the issue listed on a recall but their VIN was not included.
Loss of Reverse Gear
The transmission will not shift into reverse, or shifts into reverse but the vehicle does not move. Gear shifter may physically move into the reverse detent, but no engagement occurs. In some cases, reverse works intermittently or after engine restart.
When: 40,000–140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever moves into reverse position but vehicle does not move; Engine RPMs increase with no vehicle motion; In some cases, reverse works after 30-minute wait or engine restart; Intermittent loss of reverse; sometimes full loss; No forward gears affected in early stages
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission specialist attributed to broken 3–5–R wave plate (also called 3–5–R drum or reverse drum wave plate). Full transmission repair or replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #09-07-30-012B addresses this issue. Extended transmission warranty may apply but VIN eligibility questions are common.
Engine Control Module (ECM) Contamination and Shutdown
A connector on the engine control module (ECM) becomes contaminated, causing the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly while driving. Check engine, traction control, and ABS lights illuminate. Vehicle stalls on highways and city streets without warning.
When: 56,000–71,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off suddenly while driving at highway or low speeds; Loss of all electrical power and power steering; Check engine, TCS/ESP, and ABS warning lights illuminate and stay on; Vehicle will not restart immediately; requires waiting or key cycling; Contaminated ECM connector (moisture/corrosion); Two separate occurrences within one year with different dealers
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replacement and reprogramming performed. One dealer also replaced transmission solenoid control circuit and reprogrammed transmission module after failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner cited a recall bulletin (URL: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM472842/RCRIT-14V614-0055.pdf) describing the exact problem, but dealer stated the owner's VIN was not associated with the recall. Owner expressed concern that other vehicles with identical failures may not qualify for recall coverage.
Persistent Check Engine Light and Cam Actuator Solenoid Fault
Check engine light remains on constantly regardless of weather or recent service. Diagnostic codes indicate a cam actuator solenoid problem. The fault is not resolved by parts replacement; temporary clearing of the code by dealer does not prevent recurrence.
When: Starting March 2014 in one case; early ownership for others
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light stays on continuously; Code 10 (cam actuator solenoid) detected; Light turns off temporarily at dealer but returns within an hour; Owner warned by dealer that problem may lead to stalling and uncontrolled shutdown if not fixed; Requires partial engine disassembly to replace part
Codes mentioned: Code 10, Cam actuator solenoid fault
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement requires engine disassembly. Owners report dealer performed diagnostic test drive but code returned immediately after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2008 Saturn Vues are noted as 'known for this problem' by owner research. No TSBs or recalls cited.
Electrical System Gremlins: Lights, Wipers, and Ignition
Multiple intermittent electrical failures including headlight dimming/strobing, interior light failures, windshield wiper malfunction, radio cutout, hazard light failure, and key sticking in ignition. Problems appear gradually and are difficult to reproduce for diagnosis. Tapping on the battery box or bumps in the road trigger events.
When: 1–2 years of ownership (one owner: over 18 months of issues); intermittent throughout 2011–2017 timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights dimming and flashing at high intervals like strobe light; Radio not turning on or cutting out; Interior lights not coming on or working sporadically; Odometer light dimming; Random dinging noise from electrical system; Turn signal not working or working sporadically; Front windshield wipers not coming on or working sporadically; Rear windshield wiper not coming on; works after engine restart; Key stuck in ignition (unable to remove key; vehicle locks with key inside); Hazard lights not working when engine is off; Problems triggered by driving over bumps or shaking wire harness on top of battery; Temporary fixes: engine restart, bumpy road, tapping battery box
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced twice in one case; multiple shop visits yielded no diagnosis because problems are intermittent. Owner notes that mechanics cannot test for faults that aren't actively occurring. Tapping battery box black (likely relay or capacitor) temporarily restored function in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner cited this as a widely discussed issue on the internet with no investigation by GM or NHTSA. No TSBs or recalls cited.
Battery Drain and Repeated Battery Replacement
Vehicles require multiple battery replacements over short time periods, suggesting chronic electrical drain or charging system failure. Replaced two to three times in some cases without resolution of underlying problem.
When: Early to mid-ownership; 50,000–90,000 miles in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start or turn over; Battery replaced two to three times in succession; Issue persists after battery replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements performed; likely underlying electrical or charging system issue not identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited.
Keyless Entry System Lockout
The vehicle automatically locks the owner out with the keys in the ignition, whether the car is running or shut off. This occurs one to two minutes after exiting the vehicle. Owner's manual states the car has anti-lock-out engineering, yet the feature engages automatically and repeatedly.
When: Throughout ownership; approximately 14 incidents reported over ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic lockout with keys in ignition while vehicle is running; Automatic lockout with keys in ignition while vehicle is off; Occurs one to two minutes after driver exits vehicle; Owner manual describes anti-lock-out function, contradicting the behavior; Requires entry via window or external unlock to recover keys
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs cited; Saturn/GM deemed this 'normal function' even though owner manual contradicts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Saturn deemed the behavior 'normal function' despite owner manual stating there is an engineered function to prevent accidental lockout.
Headlight Wiring Harness Melt and Wire Damage
The wire harness for headlights melts or becomes damaged, requiring repeated replacement. The same harness melts again after replacement, suggesting a deeper electrical fault or design defect.
When: Multiple incidents reported; recurring problem within same ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight wire harness melts; Requires headlight replacement on both sides multiple times (one owner: 4 times); Replacement harness also melts or burns; Potential for electrical fire if unaddressed
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness replacement performed; owner reports purchasing replacement harness directly. Root cause of overheating not identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response to complaint; no TSBs or recalls cited.
Water Leaking Into Vehicle Interior
Water leaks into the front and rear seat floor areas, soaking the carpeting. Suspected cause is improper sealing around the firewall. Multiple owners report this issue on 2008–2010 Saturn Vue models.
When: Intermittent; coincides with rain or snow
Symptoms owners cite: Front and rear seat floors soaked with water; Water pooling in floor area; Occurs during rain or snow; Firewall seal appears inadequate
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs cited; potential for electrical system damage from water intrusion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner found multiple complaints online for 2008–2010 models but no recall issued.
Transmission Shift Cable/Selector Stick Sticking
The transmission shift lever or selector stick becomes stuck and will not move smoothly between gears. Requires engine restart or repeated brake pump cycles to unlock the shifter.
When: Recurring issue in wet or winter conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Shift stick sticks in park or between gears; Requires engine restart to unlock; Requires hard brake pump cycles to unlock; Problem intermittent, related to wet or snowy conditions
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs described; problem resolves temporarily with restart or brake pump cycle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited.
Door Latch/Handle Sticking
Exterior door handles stick intermittently, making it difficult to open doors. Owners report children slamming doors hard to work around the sticking.
When: Recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door opening handle sticks; Requires hard pulling or slamming to operate; Open door warning triggers repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Malfunction
Low tire pressure sensor light illuminates even though tire pressure is adequate. System does not accurately reflect tire condition.
When: Post-transmission repair in one case; earliest report at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low tire pressure light comes on without cause; Tire pressure system shows as faulty; Occurs immediately after dealer transmission service in one case
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited.
Traction Control and ABS Warning Light Activation
Traction control and ABS warning lights illuminate and ding when making left turns or during other driving conditions. Lights may remain on after engine restart or subsequent ignition cycles.
When: Post-transmission repair and general ownership; 50,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control and ABS warning lights illuminate without warning; Dinging sound accompanies illumination; Triggered by specific maneuvers such as left turns; Lights may stay on after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited.
Air Conditioning Intermittent Failure
Air conditioning system stops working or works intermittently, turning on and off without user input. In one case, failure occurred immediately after transmission repair service.
When: Post-service or general ownership; 50,000 miles in reported case
Symptoms owners cite: AC stops working suddenly; AC operates intermittently, on and off; Issue occurs immediately after dealer service visit in one case
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited.
Floor Shifter Assembly Wiring Malfunction
The floor shifter assembly wiring fails, preventing manual transmission downshifting. Vehicle will not downshift when in manual mode; fails to engage requested gear.
When: Early ownership; first attempt to use manual shift in winter conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Manual transmission downshift fails; car stays in 4th gear; Cannot engage lower gear for engine braking on hills
Repairs/costs cited: Floor shifter assembly wiring replacement required. Not covered under warranty in one case despite vehicle being less than 3 years old and not at typical wear mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited.
Parking Pawl/Reverse Gear Engagement Jerking
Vehicle jerks abruptly when shifting into or out of reverse gear, indicating potential parking pawl mechanism failure or improper engagement of reverse gears.
When: Recurring problem for over one year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking when shifting into or out of reverse; Suggests parking pawl mechanism failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited. One owner reported no response to complaint letter.
Synthesized from 107 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
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
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…
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…
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…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 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 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?
Across the 93 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 50,000 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 73,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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/2008/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.