Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-SATURN-VUENHTSA data synced minutes ago
2009 · Saturn
Saturn Vue problems
125 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.2 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 Vue?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 1 crash-related complaint on the steering
Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Saturn Vue? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 39 owner reports
· tends to show around 82,452 mi · ~$700 to fix
electrical — 32 owner reports
· tends to show around 62,275 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 101,894 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
airbags — 8 owner reports
· tends to show around 79,633 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 82,452 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — keep the link back. Preview the widget →
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Had a problem with your 2009 Saturn Vue?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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> .
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.
Should you avoid the 2009 Saturn Vue?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Saturn Vue is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 1 crash-related complaint on the steering; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Saturn Vue?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 39 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 82,452 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Saturn Vue a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 125 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 82,452 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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. Typical failure occurs around 82,452 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 82,452 miles. 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced minutes ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Saturn/Vue.
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.