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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-SATURN-VUE
2009 · Saturn

Saturn Vue problems

2 safety recalls. 125 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
39 reports · avg $700
critical
electrical
32 reports · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
12 reports · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
8 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
6 reports · avg $450
severe
cruise control
5 reports · avg $600
moderate
body
4 reports · avg $1,500
severe
engine
4 reports · avg $3,100
severe
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2009 Vue?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2009 Vue · suspension
THE SELLING DEALERSHIP LISTS THIS VEHICLES CURRENT CONDITION AS, "SUBURB CONDITION." THE FOLLOWING INSPECTION COMMENTS WERE PROVIDED TO ME WHEN AT THIS DEALERSHIP: A) DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR BROKEN, DOESN'T STAY IN PLACE; B) LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT OUT; C) NO HEAT CONTROL (ALWAYS…
12/29/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10816688.0
2009 Vue · steering
SINCE APRIL 2014 OUR 2009 SATURN VUE HAS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST WHICH REQUIRES BOTH HANDS FOR STEERING AT LOW SPEED. RECENTLY WE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR OUR 2007 GMC ACADIA. THE RECALL IS FOR THE SAME CONDITIONS WE EXPERIENCE WITH OUR SATURN. AS BOTH VEHICLES…
12/29/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668744.0
2009 Vue · powertrain Crash
WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO THE DASH. WHEN I AM…
12/27/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385133.0
2009 Vue · electrical
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE EMISSIONS PLUNGE OVERFLOW SENSOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR HATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE…
12/23/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557072.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 08V616000 24/11/2008

GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES

ALTHOUGH STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE MAINTAINED AFTER A TIE ROD SEPARATION BY THE UNAFFECTED WHEEL ON SMOOTH ROADS OR DURING LIGHT BRAKING, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION OR BRAKING INPUTS, THE AFFECTED WHEEL COULD TURN OUT AND SKID. IF A VEHICLE BUILT WITH TWO INCORRECT STEERING KNUCKLES HAD BOTH TIE RODS SEPARATE AT THE SAME TIME, STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE(S) AND TIE ROD(S). THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
severe NHTSA 08V470000 17/09/2008

GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES

THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT AND CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Common questions

Is the 2009 Saturn Vue reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Saturn Vue is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2009 Saturn Vue?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 39 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Saturn Vue has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Saturn Vue?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 125 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Saturn. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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