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2008 Saturn Vue Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Saturn Vue carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering latch and hose, piping, and connections. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission wave-plate failure and gear-shift lockup.” GM wound Saturn down in 2009, so parts now come through the GM catalog rather than a Saturn dealer. Which Saturn you own changes the maintenance picture completely. The S-series cars, meaning the SL, SC, and SW, use a 1.9 liter four with a timing chain, and the twin-cam version is known to burn oil as it ages, so checking the dipstick between changes matters more than the interval does. The L-series and Astra are Opel designs and want European-spec parts. The later Vue, Ion, Aura, Outlook, and Sky are mainstream GM under the badge. One item deserves a direct warning: 2002 to 2005 Vue models fitted with the VTi continuously variable transmission had a poor reliability record, and GM stopped building it. If you are buying one, confirm which transmission it has first.

Save this car as:

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #09V233000 · Jun 25, 2009

Issue: GM IS RECALLING 44,451 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH BODY COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK OR BIND. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.

Risk: DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES WITH CHROME DOOR HANDLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Campaign #08V470000 · Sep 17, 2008

Issue: GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.

Risk: 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> .

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #08V200000 · May 5, 2008

Issue: GM IS RECALLING 26 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6T70 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION CASE SIDE BORE THAT HOLDS THE PARK PAWL PIVOT PIN MAY HAVE A CASTING POROSITY. THIS CONDITION, COUPLED WITH NORMAL OPERATING STRESSES, COULD LEAD TO FAILURE, ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK' POSITION.

Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN ITS PATH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 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> .

Recall data refreshed Jul 9, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Saturn Vue.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission wave-plate failure and gear-shift lockup

POWER TRAIN

49 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2025-05

“WAS DRIVING AND TRANSMISSION STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. HAS BEEN STICKING IN FIRST GEAR. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS CODE PO700 AND PO752. THE FIRST IS TRANSMISSION CONTROLLER AND THE LATER ONE IS SHIFT SOLENOID STUCK. TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN THE WAVE PLATE BREAKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100801
“WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT FAILED TO SHIFT FROM 1ST GEAR (CAR KEPT MOVING BUT THE RPMS WENT WAY UP). CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CODES P0700, P0752 AND P0989 WERE PULLED FROM THE CAR. MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE CAR AND IT HAD TO BE SENT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10927817
“TRANSMISSION FAULT AND/OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CODE P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, P2715, AND/OR P02723 ON SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH A 6SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY DEVELOP ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING FAULTS RELATED TO A BROKEN 35R CLUTCH WAVE PLATE INSIDE THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860560

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frame and subframe rust and corrosion

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2024-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED MORE THAN A YEAR AGO AND THE DEALER (KENNY ROSS CHEVROLET NORTH, 22010 PERRY HWY, ZELIENOPLE, PA 16063, (724) 609-5069) MADE NO MENTION OF THE RUST ON THE UNDERBODY OF THE FRAME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11006618
“Excessive frame rust at 107,000 miles. Major holes and chunks of supporting materials are missing. This is near the rear subframe on both sides of the vahicle. Makes it dangerous to drive and should be recalled by GM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633260
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION AT THE MIDWAY POINT FROM THE CHANNEL TO THE FRAME. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10947092

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt webbing and buckle failure

SEAT BELTS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2023-09

“Vehicle seatbelt is fraying on driver side. Tried to cut off the fray, but realized it continues fraying everytime I use the belt. Have called multiple gm dealers as well as the 800 number for GM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545083
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PERFORM AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMPACT THRUST HER FACE INTO THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11083303
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT SEIZED AND FRACTURED BEFORE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STRAP ON THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10762880

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss and fluid leaks

STEERING

47 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2025-01

“The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the dashboard on the passenger’s side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637489
“While driving on the freeway, something weird happened with the steering wheel & my daughter lost control of her vehicle. She crashed into the brick wall on the freeway & totaled her vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438900
“TAKATA RECALL - NO POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS AND PULLING INTO PARKING SPOTS. TOOK TO DEALER WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED NEW POWER STEERING PUMP AND STEERING GEERS. MILEAGE 116787”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11132148

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system stalling and ignition key lockup

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

29 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2024-09

“THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN I PARK MY CAR. I HAVE THE BARREL TWO TIMES 2017 AND 2018. MY KEY CHAIN ONLY HAS MY CAR KEY AND THE REMOTE AND I'M THE ONLY DRIVER. I HAVE CHANGED THE BARREL TWO TIMES AND APPARENTLY I HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11194102
“CAR GOES INTO REDUSED ENGINE POWER ON THE HIGHWAY. ENGINE SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY. PULL OVER SHUT OFF CAR WAIT AND RESTART CAR. SOMETIMES IT HAPPENES AGAIN RIGHT AWAY SOMETIMES IT DOESNT HAPPEN FOR MONTHS LATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11155431
“KEY STUCK IN IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. BRAKES LOCKED. SHIFTER LOCKED. EMERGENCY FLASHER LIGHTS NOT WORKING. ALL ELECTRICAL OFF, WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPEN. KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN LOCK CYLINDER. CAR WOULD NOT START. ONSTAR COMMUNICATION WAS DISABLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820805

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS and brakes engaging without driver input

SERVICE BRAKES

11 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2018-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES APPLIED AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (AIRPORT CHEVROLET, 3001 BIDDLE RD, MEDFORD, OR 97504), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED DUE TO LACK OF FAILURE CODES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11040401
“WHILE IN MOTION THE FRONT BRAKES STARTED TO ENGAGE THEMSELVES. VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO MOVE VERY WELL.VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN QUICKLY WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS PEDAL CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE. PULLED OVER AND BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE SMOKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10873313
“OUR 2008 SATURN VUE XE RECENTLY STARTED LOCKING UP THE ABS AND BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND MOST FRIGHTENINGLY AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WILL APPLY THE BRAKES AT WILL FOR NO REASON AND THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS COME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10712761

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2018-05

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 SATURN VUE STRAIGHT FORWARD AT 45 MPH, A BUICK ENCORE TURNED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME AND I SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF THEIR VEHICLE. MY CAR WAS TOTALED BUT MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY! I'M LUCKY I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON OR I WOULD HAVE GONE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11015912
“A CAR HIT ME FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHERE I WAS HIT BY A CAR ON DRIVER FRONT. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CHEMICAL IN THE BAGS CAUSED 3RD DEGREE BURNS ON MY HAND AND ARMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10764720
“VERY UPSET THAT ALOT OF GMC VEHICLES/SATURNS ARE ON A RECALL FOR AIRBAG PROBLEMS. EXCEPT MINE!!! MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE TWICE NOW. FIRST IN DEC 2014 THEN SUDDENLY WENT OFF. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN APRIL (LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN) TO HAVE IT REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10723683

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 1, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Models from about 2003 on use the GM Oil Life System. Change when it asks and at least once a year. On S-series cars with the twin-cam 1.9, check the level every other fuel stop. Oil consumption on a worn one can empty the sump well before the next service is due.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Check the sidewall date codes too. On cars this age, tires usually time out before they wear out.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, hoses, and hard lines at every service. Rear drums on S-series cars and rear calipers on the Vue and Ion both stick on vehicles that sit for long stretches.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace every 2 years. This is the single cheapest thing you can do to keep an aging ABS pump and calipers alive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Drain and fill every 45,000 miles. Fluid depends on the car: Dexron VI for most conventional automatics, a specific CVT fluid for 2002 to 2005 Vue models with the VTi, and Saturn-spec manual gear oil for the S-series manuals. Confirm the spec before anyone pours anything in.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

100,000 miles on platinum or iridium plugs. On the S-series 1.9 and the Ecotec fours, replace the coil pack boots at the same time. Brittle boots misfire and mimic a failing coil.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Serpentine Belt & Tensioner

Every 60,000 mi

Replace the belt and the tensioner as a set once either one is cracked, glazed, or noisy. A tired tensioner will destroy a new belt.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. Easy access on the S-series and the Ecotec engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Coolant Replacement

Every 100,000 mi

Every 5 years on a car this old. Most Saturns use orange Dex-Cool, which must never be mixed with green coolant. Ask the shop to check for seepage at the water pump and the intake gasket while the system is open.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Power Steering Check

Every 50,000 mi

Most of the lineup uses conventional hydraulic steering, so check the fluid level and the hoses. The Ion and some Vue models use an electric power steering unit instead, which has no fluid but was the subject of GM recall activity. Worth confirming yours was addressed.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$185–$220

Shop

~$130–$155

DIY

~$15–$40

Most cars built after ~2012 use electric power steering and have no fluid to service.

Battery & Charging System Test

Every 25,000 mi

Test the battery and alternator once a year. A weak battery on this generation of GM electronics produces warning lights that look like much more expensive problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

98 crashes 1990–2024

How the 98 occupant deaths break down

74

driver deaths

24

passenger deaths

98

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

11

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Saturn Vue reflects Saturn's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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