Should I buy a 2009 Saturn Vue with documented steering problems?

Walk carefully. Critical-severity steering issues can mean expensive failures and safety implications. If you proceed, get a thorough pre-purchase inspection, factor full repair cost into your offer, and consider extended warranty coverage that explicitly includes this category.

2009 Saturn Vue steering problems

critical 39 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

Related recalls

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> .

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

steering · filed 12/29/2014

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 HAVE THE SAME POWER TRAIN TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED BY GM. *TR

steering · filed 12/12/2017

HI MY NAME IS [XXX]. I AM HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2009 SATURN VUE XE. THIS HAD BEEN ON ONGOING PROBLEM APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE WARRANTY ON MY SATURN IS NO LONGER NEEDED SERVICE. THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN MUCH MORE WORSE OVER THE COURSE OF TIME. IT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO MA…

steering · filed 10/28/2019

KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT AFTER PUTTING CAR IN PARK. TOOK IT TO MYERS AUTOWORLD, THEY FOUND THE SHIFTER SWITCH WAS BAD.

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2009 Saturn Vue?

It's a serious issue. 39 complaints have been filed, including 1 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.

At what mileage does the steering 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.