2004 Saturn Vue recalls and problems

The 2004 Saturn Vue has 2 safety recalls and 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
276
Crashes / fires
23 / 5
Injuries / deaths
20 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Saturn Vue vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 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 03V-519: Equipment

Reported Dec 19, 2003 · 6,134 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.5l v6 (L66) engines fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for vehicles other than passenger cars." the front and rear wheel rim size specifications on the tire/certification label are not correct. The printed wheel rim designation specified a 16-inch wheel when a 17-inch wheel designation was required.

Risk: If the wheel rim size is incorrectly printed on a tire/certification label, a service technician who solely uses the tire/certification label for service information may attempt to replace a damaged wheel with an incorrect wheel.

Fix: Owners will be provided with a corrected label and installation instructions. Owner notification began on december 15, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000.

2004 Saturn Vue problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train93
Electrical System82
Suspension34
Air Bags18
Unknown or Other17
Steering16
Engine and Engine Cooling16
Structure11
Exterior Lighting9
Engine8
Visibility7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 38
  • Suspension › Rear — 16
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 13
  • Structure › Body — 6
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 5
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 4
  • Suspension › Front — 4
  • Electrical System › Horn — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,456 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 2004 Saturn Vue complaints

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

Electrical System · at 35,000 miles · reported Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound at start up, and it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition switch after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 28, 2025
The ignition (key) has stopped working again after being recalled a few years ago, and being replaced. The key will not turn and start the car.
Power Train · reported Nov 5, 2023
Transmission has Lube issues for Honda and TRANSGO HONDALK fixes that but requires several hours labor pulling transmission. Transmission and torque converter overheat causing failure. Mine overheated and stalled crossing traffic, wouldn't go into gear. Caused accident.
Electrical System · reported Jan 20, 2023
My Father's car key can be taken out of the ignition when it is not in the off position but his specific VIN is not listed as part of the recall.
Unknown or Other · at 193,500 miles · reported Oct 12, 2020
Rusted front subframe/ engine cradle I carried my saturn vue to have the catalytic converters replaced and my master-mechanic discovered the rusted subframe and brought it to my attention. He showed it to me and explained the the danger in operating this vehicle.

Other Saturn Vue years

Compare all Saturn Vue years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Saturn Vue have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Saturn Vue: 14V-490 (electrical system), 03V-519 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Saturn Vue?

Owners report power train problems most often (93 reports), followed by electrical system (82). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,456 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.