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2008 Saturn Vue

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Saturn Vue do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 276.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

329 reports with mileage · 77 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 120 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports11 fire reports10 injury reports

Seat Belts complaints

8 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2023
Seat Belts

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. From their info and checking websites, the parts for the seatbelts for this model vehicle have been discontinued. this includes the…

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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. From their info and checking websites, the parts for the seatbelts for this model vehicle have been discontinued. this includes the 2008-10 saturn vue and the 2010-2015 chevy captiva (which is the same car). I am shocked that I have to purchase replacement seatbelts from a junkyard or other used method. Seatbelts are something that I should have ability to replace new. Once GM dealer seemed concern and related that they thought that GM had to replace new ones. Another autoshop stated that this was a recall-type problem on some GM vehicles - but mine does not show this sort of thing. First noticed around 9/11/2023. Bought vehicle on 9/9/2023. Thought it was dog or cat hair until I educated myself online and realized the belt is slowly disintegrating.

NHTSA ODI #11545083

123,000 miles · Feb 15, 2019
Power TrainSeat Belts

SINCE WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS MESSING UP. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AFTER IT IS PUT IN GEAR. ONCE PUT IN GEAR AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED THERE IS LAG BETWEEN THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE RPM INCREASING AND THE GEARS ENGAGING AND THE CAR TAKING OFF. THE VEHICLE ALSO ROLLS BACKWARDS A WORRYING AMOUNT WHEN…

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SINCE WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS MESSING UP. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AFTER IT IS PUT IN GEAR. ONCE PUT IN GEAR AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED THERE IS LAG BETWEEN THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE RPM INCREASING AND THE GEARS ENGAGING AND THE CAR TAKING OFF. THE VEHICLE ALSO ROLLS BACKWARDS A WORRYING AMOUNT WHEN IT IS PLACED IN PARK. ALSO WHEN YOU GO TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DOESN'T WAN TO GO OUT OF THE LOW GEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED NOT ONCE OR TWICE THIS IS CONSISTENT. WE HAVE KEPT IT MAINTAINED SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. THE MOST RECENT WAS JUST 2 DAYS AGO.

NHTSA ODI #11180400

72,000 miles · Apr 4, 2018
Seat BeltsCrashInjury

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. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE LEFT SIDE OF …

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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. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FACE, WHIPLASH, AND A LACERATION TO THE LEFT KNEE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A FRIEND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REPURCHASED THE VEHICLE TO PRESERVE ANY EVIDENCE PERTAINING TO THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PERFORMED AN INVESTIGATION, BUT THE EVIDENCE WAS INCONCLUSIVE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ODI #11083303

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2017
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THRUST PERFORMANCE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THRUST PERFORMANCE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER CONTACTED HER ABOUT A WARRANTY. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10991533

12,000 miles · Sep 10, 2015
Seat Belts

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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPRO…

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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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ODI #10762880

34,000 miles · Jun 13, 2014
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE SEAT BELT EXHIBITED TREAD SEPARATION IN THE UPPER MIDDLE AREA. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE SEAT BELT EXHIBITED TREAD SEPARATION IN THE UPPER MIDDLE AREA. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,550. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN UPDATED 8/23/2017*CT

NHTSA ODI #10598163

30,000 miles · Dec 20, 2011
Seat Belts

MY SATURN VUE REDLINE WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT ON THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT WAS RIPPED FROM THE SEAT, FROM THE INTERIOR. THE SEAT BELT WAS FOUND WRAPPED UP IN THE AXEL, WHEEL AND TIRE. THE DOOR TO THE VEHICLE DID NOT OPEN AT ANY TIME. I HAVE PHOTOS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE …

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MY SATURN VUE REDLINE WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT ON THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT WAS RIPPED FROM THE SEAT, FROM THE INTERIOR. THE SEAT BELT WAS FOUND WRAPPED UP IN THE AXEL, WHEEL AND TIRE. THE DOOR TO THE VEHICLE DID NOT OPEN AT ANY TIME. I HAVE PHOTOS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT, BUT IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN IN THAT SEAT INVESTIGATORS SAID THAT THE PERSON WOULD HAVE BEEN RIPPED IN TWO. I ONLY WANT SOMEONE TO SEE IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SATURN VUE AS I OWN ANOTHER ONE AND DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE OF HAVING SOMEONE KILLED OR INJURED. I HAVE CONTACT GENERAL MOTORS, BUT THEY KEEP GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND. IT SEEMS THAT THEY ARE ONLY INTERESTED IF SOMEONE HAS BEEN INJURED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10440605

95,000 miles · Dec 5, 2011
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 SATURN VUE XE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND ROLLED 20 FEET DOWN INTO AN INBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETAIN THE PASSENGER. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A SEVERE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 SATURN VUE XE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND ROLLED 20 FEET DOWN INTO AN INBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETAIN THE PASSENGER. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A SEVERE CONTUSION AND ABRASIONS. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A DAMAGED KNEE, SHOULDER, ARM, HAND AND HEAD. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DECLINED SERVICES THROUGH AN AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #10438558

Official recalls

3

09V233000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Jun 25, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

08V470000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Sep 17, 2008

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: 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> .

08V200000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

May 5, 2008

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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> .

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE09016 · Outside Door Handles Stick Unlatched

Opened Mar 10, 2009 · Closed Jul 2, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

BY LETTER DATED JUNE 23, 2009, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 09V233) TO REPLACE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES CAN STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.THE DOOR MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE AGENCY OPENED ITS INVESTIGATION BASED ON TWO COMPLAINTS OF DOOR LATCH FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE DOOR TO OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.THE AGENCY ALSO RECEIVED EARLY WARNING (EWR) REPORTS ON THIS ISSUE.CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES HAVE PAINTED BODY-COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES THAT MAY STICK OR BIND.IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN OCCUPANT FALLING PARTLY OR FULLY OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.BASED ON THE ABOVE SAFETY RECALL, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.