This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Saturn Vue electrical problems
moderate 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 32 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Saturn Vue, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 32 electrical 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.
Electrical accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 Saturn Vues describe a pattern of cascading electrical failures that dealerships cannot diagnose or cure. The most common complaint is repeated 12V battery death—some owners replace the battery 2 to 4 times, with jump-starts required every few weeks to months. Independent mechanics confirm the battery and alternator test fine, pointing to a hidden parasitic drain or hybrid system fault.
Dashboard and radio electronics cut out intermittently, especially while turning or braking. One owner traced the problem to a loose connection at the "black electric box" above the battery—wiggling it restored power temporarily. After computer resets by dealerships, the faults return.
Wiring harnesses overheat and melt. Interior and exterior lights flicker before failure. Most alarming: sun visor spindles reach unsafe temperatures, headliner wiring catches fire (one case at 40,515 miles), and headlight harnesses repeatedly burn through insulation. One owner preemptively cut and taped visor wiring after observing the spindle heat.
Ignition keys stick in the cylinder, door locks fail to engage or disengage, and the hybrid auto-stop feature stutters—delaying engine restart 5 to 8 seconds after a complete stop, creating collision risk.
Some vehicles lose all electrical function while driving: power steering, brakes, and lights fail simultaneously, then mysteriously reset 30 minutes later with no stored codes. Dealers cannot replicate or repair these faults.
Same Saturn Vue electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent electrical system faults—dashboard/radio dropout, lights flicker
Undiagnosed electrical faults causing dashboard lights, radio, and instrument cluster to shut off and on intermittently or during turning/braking. Dealerships reset computers without resolving the root cause. One owner reported a loose battery connection that could be temporarily fixed by wiggling the 'black electric box' above the battery. Pattern suggests a wiring or connection fault rather than a battery or alternator problem.
When: Intermittent, ranging from early ownership through higher mileage; one case at 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster and radio shut off or lose power; Dashboard lights flicker or fail; Lights flicker at 2 Hz rate; Power loss while turning steering wheel or braking; Engine stalling (three reported instances at various speeds); All gauges stop working; Multiple warning lights illuminate (ABS, airbag, stability control, tire pressure); STABILITRAK warning appears on display
Codes mentioned: STABILITRAK OFF message, Service Stabiltrack warning, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reboot (temporary fix); battery replacement (did not resolve); alternator and battery tested as fine by independent mechanic; one case resolved by cutting and taping visor wiring; dealerships unable to diagnose root cause
Repeated 12V battery failure and electrical drain
12V battery dies repeatedly despite replacement, often requiring jump-starts. Multiple batteries replaced under warranty; hybrid owners report battery failures independent of actual battery quality (independent mechanics confirmed battery/alternator fine). Occurs primarily in hybrid models but also reported in standard models. Pattern suggests parasitic electrical drain or hybrid system integration fault.
When: As early as one week post-purchase; recurring at 75,000 miles; frequency increases from monthly to 3–4 times per week over time
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical system shutdown—door locks, radio, all electronics dead; Vehicle will not start; No low-battery indicator before failure; Jump-start restores operation temporarily (lasting 2–3 weeks to 2 months); Battery dies despite new replacement; No indication of discharge while driving; Alternator and battery components test as normal
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times (2 to 4 replacements per owner); hybrid battery pack replaced under service bulletins (SB-10136A); OnStar diagnostic found no battery issues but reported airbag deployment failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin SB-10136A (hybrid battery service, 07/19/2010); warranty coverage for battery/hybrid pack replacement; dealership dismissal as weather-related 'extreme condition' battery drain; GM offered no explanation for repeated failures
Wiring harness overheating and fire risk—headliner, visor, headlight circuits
Wiring harness and connections overheat, melt, and ignite. Sun visor spindle reaches unsafe temperatures; headliner wiring caught fire; headlight harness repeatedly melts; license plate area wiring damaged and smoked. Fires occurred at 40,515 miles and during normal operation. One owner preemptively disconnected visor wiring after observing spindle heat and flickering lights.
When: 40,515 miles (fire); 69,000 miles (license plate area); 2011 (visor spindle heat)
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell inside vehicle; Smoke from rear hatch or headliner area; Wiring insulation melts and drips; Sun visor spindle/bar becomes hot to touch; Visor and headliner wiring catches fire; Headlight harness melts repeatedly; Interior and exterior lights flicker before fire/heat event; License plate wiring makes contact and burns
Repairs/costs cited: Fire extinguished by owner; burned hole in driver leather seat and headliner; insurance claim filed for repairs; one owner cut and taped visor wiring to prevent further issues; license plate wiring diagnosed as damaged from tag contact (no manufacturer repair offered)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Customer Service reported no open recalls despite fire incident; manufacturer did not offer solution for license plate wiring issue
Hybrid auto-stop restart delay—5–8 second lag when resuming from stop
Hybrid auto-stop feature fails to restart engine promptly. Vehicle stops at red light or turn; brake release should trigger immediate restart, but 5–8 second delay occurs before starter engages. Creates safety risk while turning left in traffic (risk of rear-end or head-on collision).
When: After service bulletin SB-10136A (07/19/2010); recurrent through March 2013 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: 5–8 second delay between brake release and engine restart; Starter engages after delay; Occurs during left turns and complete stops; Repeat failures after hybrid battery replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Hybrid battery pack replaced (prior history: 07/19/2010; recurrence 03/2013); replacement did not resolve issue; no repair attempt documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin SB-10136A; dealership closed ticket after hybrid battery replacement and stated matter was resolved; Saturn toll-free support offered no assistance
Ignition key stuck in ignition—failure to release or remove key
Key becomes stuck in the ignition cylinder or ignition switch, preventing removal or disengagement. Key jams intermittently or consistently in Park position; one owner required multiple attempts (shifting to Drive then back to Park) to free the key. Related to electrical faults in some cases (airbag and stability warnings illuminated).
When: 60,000 to 80,551 miles; intermittent or consistent depending on case
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not release from ignition; Key jams in ignition switch; Requires manipulation (shifting or jiggling) to free key; Airbag and STABILITRAK warning lights may illuminate simultaneously; Engine may stall when key is stuck; Unable to turn vehicle off while in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition lock replaced by independent mechanic (one case); ignition switch replaced at dealer (one case), but problem recurred; no successful long-term repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated vehicle VIN not included in recall 14V490000 (Electrical System); manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA; no other manufacturer response recorded
Complete electrical system shutdown while driving—power steering, braking, all warnings illuminate
Total electrical system loss or severe malfunction while driving, causing simultaneous loss of power steering, brake function, turn signals, brake lights, fuel gauge, and all warning indicators to flash. Vehicle loses forward motion control and becomes difficult to steer. All dashboard lights remain on after shutdown. System resets after 30 minutes, returning to normal operation without any permanent fault codes.
When: At 45 MPH and higher speeds; third occurrence by August 31, 2015
Symptoms owners cite: All instrument panel lights illuminate at once; Loss of power steering; Brake pedal goes to floor—loss of brake function; No turn signals or brake lights; Fuel gauge drops to empty; Sudden acceleration then deceleration; Check Engine, Brake, ABS, airbag, STABILITRAK, tire pressure warnings flash simultaneously; Radio stops; Door lights stay on (4 doors) despite doors being shut; Door locks inoperable
Codes mentioned: Airbag warning, STABILITRAK warning, Tire Pressure warning, ABS warning, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reset electrical system (temporary fix; problem recurs); no permanent repairs documented; vehicle passes inspection at dealership when brought in after fault clears
Interior and exterior light failures—dome, courtesy, glove box, headlights
Interior lights (dome, courtesy, glove box) fail to activate or malfunction. Headlights flicker or fail. Related to visor spindle overheating that burns out wiring harness. Defrost button flashes and deactivates, preventing window defrost function in cold temperatures.
When: Interior light failures documented at 64,000 miles; defrost issue during freezing temperatures
Symptoms owners cite: Dome light, courtesy light, and glove box light do not activate; Interior and exterior lights flicker; Visor retraction clip fractures; Visor spindle bar becomes hot and burns wiring; Defrost button flashes and deactivates; Windows do not defog in cold weather
Repairs/costs cited: Visor replaced; interior lights were not repaired; owner taped off burned visor wiring to prevent further failures
Door lock actuator failure—driver and passenger doors
Electronic door lock actuators fail in driver and passenger doors. Door will not lock or unlock via remote key fob or interior switch. After one door is repaired under extended warranty, the opposite side door develops the same fault. Poses safety concern if doors cannot lock properly in accident.
When: Extended warranty coverage period; passenger door failure post-warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not lock or unlock with remote key fob; Door will not lock or unlock with interior switch; Both driver-side and passenger-side doors affected (sequentially); Pattern of failure in opposite door after one is repaired
Repairs/costs cited: Left passenger door actuator replaced under extended warranty; right passenger rear door actuator failure occurred post-warranty; no repair cost provided
Moonroof drain hose leak—mold and cascading electrical failures
Moonroof drain hoses leak water into vehicle, causing mold growth and moisture-related electrical faults (starting failures, instrument panel malfunctions). Hoses replaced twice but problem persists, suggesting design or sealing defect.
When: Timing not specified; recurrent issue despite two hose replacements
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaks from moonroof drains; Mold growth inside vehicle; Electrical system failures (starting problems, instrument panel); Problem recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Moonroof drain hoses replaced twice; repairs did not resolve recurring leak
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
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 dash display indicated that the doors were ajar but they were locked and the rear passenger was unable to open the door…
2009 Saturn vue. Driver states the engine stalled repeatedly, keys became stuck in ignition and the airbag and stability lights came on. *ta
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn vue. The contact stated that the keys would not come out of the ignition while in the park position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Unable to turn vehicle off while in park. Key gets stuck at acc.
While driving at approximately 30 MPH parts of the instrument cluster failed. This included the speedometer, electronic stability control and driver information center. Driver pulled over and turned off the vehicle. Restarting the vehicle did not correct the condition. The vehicle was driven approximately a mile to home and shut off. Starting the vehicle later resulted in the components…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn vue. The contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition as the air bag and stability trac warning lights illuminated. Also, the contact mentioned that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Saturn vue hybrid. While driving 65 MPH and exiting the freeway, the vehicle lost power steering and would not slow down when the brake pedal was depressed. The check engine, brake and ABS lights illuminated. The contact pulled over but the vehicle would not restart after being turned off. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that…
My 2009 Saturn vue hybrid was purchases in jan 2009. Since that time my car battery has died 4 times. When I took it to the Saturn dealer in savannah they said there was nothing wrong with the battery but my hybrid battery had a recall. After 10 days the vehicle was released back to me with a new hybrid battery however, the 12 v continues to die. The gm dealer in hinesville ga said that…
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 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 electrical problem on the 2009 Saturn Vue?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 32 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 42,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 59,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2009/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.