2002 Saturn Vue recalls and problems

The 2002 Saturn Vue has 2 safety recalls and 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
167
Crashes / fires
13 / 5
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Saturn Vue vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Saturn Vue recalls

Recall 14V-490: Electrical System

Reported Aug 8, 2014 · 202,155 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14506. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Recall 01V-386: Seat Belts

Reported Dec 18, 2001 · 327 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some vehicles were produced with rear outer seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were incorrectly installed.

Risk: If these bolts were incorrectly installed, they would not withstand the load requirements of the standard. If an anchorage failed in a crash, the occupant would not be properly restrained and could have an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear shoulder guide anchor bolts. Owner notification began december 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000.

2002 Saturn Vue problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System53
Engine and Engine Cooling34
Power Train25
Steering18
Engine16
Air Bags15
Suspension10
Vehicle Speed Control6
Unknown or Other5
Equipment4
Visibility4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 9
  • Electrical System › Horn — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 4
  • Steering › Column — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 4
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 4
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Saturn Vue complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 107,257 miles · reported Feb 23, 2021
Car power shuts down while driving, unable to start again in any traffic or road conditions to move car to a safe area. Full loss of power unexpected, vehicle simply stops running. This vehicle was purchased 'used' from a private seller I suspect was well aware of the situation but didn't expose it. $2300 spent so far with no findings as to why the problem occurs. Only an added 30 miles to the odometer since purchase. Present reading is 107,251.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 5, 2020
Air intake throttle is faulty. Making the engine run rough and causing other problems such as excessive fuel consumption.
Electrical System · at 120,000 miles · reported Jan 6, 2020
The contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving 30 MPH, several dashboard warning indicators illuminated, including the battery warning indicator. Simultaneously, the power steering seized operation temporarily and caused the vehicle to swerve. Also, while traveling up an incline, the battery warning indicator flashed and then turned off when driving on leveled ground. A fax was sent to the vice president of safety at general motors in regards to the failure; however, there was no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was…
Structure · reported Sep 13, 2018
2002 saturn vue. Consumer is seeking reimbursement for vehicle amount. Consumer states that the frame was broken and rusted making vehicle unsafe to drive. The consumer stated the vehicle was located at an impound yard. The consumer was informed the vehicle was not able to be repaired.
Engine · at 151,000 miles · reported Apr 3, 2017
The contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise underneath the hood of the vehicle. The temperature warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to overheat. The contact stopped to check the engine and noticed that the anti-freeze contained oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

Other Saturn Vue years

Compare all Saturn Vue years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Saturn Vue have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Saturn Vue: 14V-490 (electrical system), 01V-386 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Saturn Vue?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (53 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (34). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Saturn recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saturn dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.