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 · see steering across all vehicles →

Failure mileage

Complaints

Recalls

Avg fix

$700

1crash

1injury

1fatality

When does it fail?

Of the 39 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Saturn Vue, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.

0-25k

0 (0%)

25-50k

0 (0%)

50-75k

0 (0%)

75-100k

1 (33.3%)

100-125k

2 (66.7%)

125-150k

0 (0%)

150k+

0 (0%)

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

Steering accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.

Among the 5 model years of Saturn Vue in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 08V616000 November 24, 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 September 17, 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> .

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.

Service Bulletin 03-00-91-001I Nov 2023

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 ↗

Service Bulletin 15-00-89-004F Aug 2023

This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin PI0281J Apr 2023

This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin 15-00-89-004E Sep 2022

This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin 16NA109 Mar 2021

This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

The 2009 Saturn Vue steering system shows a pattern of failures that fall into distinct categories. Most critical are sudden, total losses of power steering assist while driving—reported from 30 mph to 65 mph, some causing near-collisions. Owners describe seizing wheels, steering that requires wrestling with both hands at full strength, or wheels that won't respond at all. Some failures last seconds; others are intermittent across a single trip, coming and going after key-off cycles.

Binding is another common complaint: the wheel stiffens and makes a distinct clunking or grinding sound, especially when turning left or right, and worsens in cold weather. Affected steering won't auto-center after a turn. Hard turning is often accompanied by normal fluid levels, ruling out simple depletion.

Fluid leaks appear early—some as low as 35K miles—from pumps, hose connections, inlet pipes, and steering nuts. Owners note fluid vanishes from the dipstick without visible pooling underneath.

Steering angle sensors fail to calibrate, and power steering motors or modules short out. Some owners also report key-stuck-in-accessory issues tied to steering column problems, with batteries draining while the car sits in Park.

Multiple owners cited existing NHTSA recalls (campaigns 08V470000 and 08V616000) but found their VINs excluded despite experiencing identical failures. Several reported the same failure recurring 40K miles after dealer repair using remanufactured parts.

Same Saturn Vue steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008

Failure modes owners describe

Complete power steering loss

Sudden, total loss of power steering assist while driving. Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn, requiring full manual effort to maneuver the vehicle. Occurs without warning, often at highway speeds.

When: 30-113K miles; reported across range from 36K to 113K miles

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes or becomes completely unresponsive; Extreme difficulty turning wheel, requiring both hands and maximum force; No power steering assist; May recur intermittently within seconds; Can occur while turning or driving straight

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include steering gear assembly replacement ($672.33 remanufactured unit noted), power steering pump replacement (~$700), power steering column and electrical assist replacement, steering module replacement. Some owners report failures recurred after repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple owners cited NHTSA recall campaigns 08V470000 (steering hydraulic power assist) and 08V616000, but their VINs were not included despite matching failure descriptions. Warranty expired on some vehicles. No recalls issued covering the complaint population.

Intermittent power steering assist failure

Power steering cuts out and restores unpredictably during the same trip. Fluid level may be normal. Can be accompanied by service warning lights on the instrument cluster. Requires waiting or cycling the ignition for assist to return.

When: 45K-113K miles

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering works intermittently, then fails again; Stabilitrak and power steering service lights illuminate; Assist returns after shutting vehicle off for several minutes; Occurs multiple times in short trips (2-3 miles); No grinding or unusual noise reported with this failure mode

Codes mentioned: Steering angle sensor codes (reported on at least one vehicle), Multiple failure codes detected but not specified

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repairs included steering angle sensor replacement, R/R hub speed sensor replacement, power steering motor replacement. Repairs often unsuccessful at stopping recurrence.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; no widespread recall response documented.

Hard steering with binding sensation

Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn, particularly when turning left or right, or when reversing. Often accompanied by a binding or grinding noise from the steering. May worsen in cold weather and does not self-center after turning.

When: 45K-113K miles; worsens over time

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stiff and hard to turn; Distinct binding or clunking sound from steering; Difficulty turning left and right turns equally; Wheel does not auto-center after completing a turn; Requires deliberate manual correction to straighten wheels; Worse in cold weather; Harder to turn from complete stop or in reverse

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report being quoted $1500+ for rack and pump replacement. One dealer recommended power steering fluid flush ($72) which did not resolve the issue. Fluid level is typically normal.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for binding symptom specifically.

Power steering pump or hose leak

Fluid leaks from power steering system components—pump, hose connections, inlet pipes, or steering nut. Fluid may not always be visibly pooled under the vehicle. Can lead to total loss of steering assist if fluid depletes.

When: 35K-60K miles

Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent or continuous power steering fluid leak; Leak may not produce visible pool; Power steering fluid low or undetectable on dipstick; Loss of steering assist may follow extended leak

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs cited: power steering pump replacement (~$700), inlet pipe replacement, power steering nut replacement, steering rack replacement ($1000). Leaks from connections and hose failures reported.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 08V470000 covers steering hydraulic power assist hose and piping. Multiple owners reported their VINs excluded from this recall despite experiencing identical leaking failures.

Steering wheel position sensor malfunction

Steering angle/position sensor fails to calibrate or function correctly. Can cause loss of power assist, difficulty steering, and vehicle stability control issues (Stabilitrak).

When: 36K-113K miles

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist loss or reduction; Steering becomes difficult to control; Stability control light illuminates; Difficulty accelerating reported alongside steering issues

Codes mentioned: Steering angle sensor fault, Steering wheel position sensor not programmed correctly

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include steering angle sensor replacement. One dealer diagnosed and attempted repair but did not complete the work.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: At least one vehicle covered under recall 15806 for this issue but owner continued experiencing steering problems post-repair.

Steering column / ignition switch integration failure

Key stuck in accessory position and cannot be removed. Steering column may be involved in the malfunction. Can occur alongside steering assist loss or as standalone issue.

When: Timing not specified; occurs when vehicle is parked and turned off

Symptoms owners cite: Key remains stuck in ACC or cannot turn to OFF; Vehicle will not shift out of Park; Battery drains due to stuck accessory power; Vehicle may fail to start; Steering column may need replacement

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include shifter switch replacement (noted by one owner), new key cylinder installation ($230+), ignition switch replacement, entire steering column replacement in at least one case. Repairs often unsuccessful on first attempt.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall documented for this issue.

Power steering motor or module failure

Electric steering assist motor or control module malfunctions, causing loss of power assist or unpredictable locking. Can occur with or without warning lights.

When: 46K-103K miles

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist cuts out; Steering wheel locks intermittently; Motor shorts out (one report); No warning light in some cases; May occur while stationary or in motion

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include power steering motor replacement, power steering module replacement. At least one dealer could not determine root cause.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented.

Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

steering · 90,000 mi · 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 · 103,000 mi · 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…

steering · 121,000 mi · 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.

Had steering 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 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?

Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 60,000 and 103,000 miles, with the median around 88,895. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 103,000. 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 $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.

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.