| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Saturn VUE repairs by problem area
Engine (27%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)
Brakes and Traction Control (7%)
Suspension and Steering (23%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)
Other (6%)
Select a problem area
- Engine
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Brakes and Traction Control
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical and Air Conditioning
- Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim
- Other
Chart based on 1600 repairs.
Saturn VUE transmission repair cost distribution
$2500+ (8%)
$1000 - $2499 (14%)
$500 - $999 (10%)
$100 - $499 (28%)
< $100 (40%)
Chart based on 147 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 86800 mi US $4050 |
Fixed leaking right axle. |
2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic FWD
| 5000 mi | The cv boot was leaking oil on the right front due to a manufacturing defect |
| 26000 mi | Transmission fluid leak. Leaking from seal. |
| 86000 mi US $2500 |
Car would not shift out of first gear.I turned off the vehicle and restarted; still no shifting. Car sat in driveway for two days; when I started before the tow truck came to take it to the dealership for repairs the car reversed and drove normally. The repair guy suspected it was the transmission computer and not an issue with the transmission itself; we decided to bypass opening the transmission and just replace the computer. Fixed the problem - no issues with shifting after repair. |
2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
172-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD
| 189000 mi | The transmission gave up! It started with clanking noise coming from under the hood, then into a large-truck transmission noise. The problem persisted and then another clanking noise came up. After which the transmission stopped shifting. It only get in 1 after switching the car off and on again. Drive a bit on 1, and then the engine runs free. |
2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 52000 mi | Total transmission replace. Transmission blew causing casing to crack. |
| 104000 mi US $2080 |
Output shaft loose and missing seal. Installed used transmission. |
| 107000 mi | The transmission went out, but it was under warranty and cost $0. They did keep the car two weeks, however. It was a used transmission with a three year warranty and it went out after about nine months. |
2008 Saturn VUE
Engine not specified
| 53000 mi | Complete replacement of transmission was necessary |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 97000 mi US $800 |
Wave plate bent/ broken. Replaced with Partial coverage (70%) by GM |
| 37000 mi | transmission failed 135r wave plate broken |
| 42000 mi US $1500 |
transmission |
| 91000 mi US $1300 |
Transmission control module replaced by dealer |
| 65000 mi | Transmission began hesitating in reverse and while accelerating in drive. |
| 4386 mi | No charge fix for clicking noise in front end during cold weather Also did campaign #07232 for Battery undercharging issue |
| 74200 mi US $100 |
I was driving on a Friday evening when the Vue shifted hard a few times. I stopped at a light and when I went to take off from the light it seemed like I had no power. I noticed as I sped up - finally - that the transmission would not shift. |
| 20000 mi | Leaking transmission fluid, second time. |
| 30000 mi | Leaking Transmission fluid |
| 54000 mi US $100 |
Transmission slippage 3-5-Reverse Clutch waved plate failure. |
| 67000 mi | Transmission control module. Re-imaged, if problem continues dealer says it will have to be replaced. |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 59180 mi | Clutch discs disintegrated. A problem was reported 2-3 years prior re shifting inconsistently but nothing was found. then this happens with catastrophic results. Luckily it was still under warranty |
| 77600 mi US $1000 |
Waveplate broke and decimated the transmission. Led to total transmission failure, stranding me on the side of the road. This happened a WEEK out of warranty. |
| 65000 mi | The Vue had a problem with the transmission. This was the second time that the transmission failed. The estimated cost to repair it was $2,500 so I just got rid of the car since it's not worth it. The transmission failed twice within 65,000 miles - the first repair was done by a dealer just before the end of the powertrain warranty. |
| 20000 mi | Mechanic recommended replacement of torque converter gasket. |
| 74300 mi US $100 |
Replace transfer case |
| 91000 mi US $1710 |
REMOVE & REPLACE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SOLENOID REMOVE & REPLACE SHIFT SOLENOID |
| 123000 mi US $100 |
Repair was not actually done. TEHCM unit in the transmission is failing, sometimes causing the transmission to be stuck in first gear. A transmission shop said that replacing the TEHCM would cost around $2000. They said that there are a lot of other parts in this model of transmission which are prone to failure and that they would not recommend replacing the TEHCM without doing a full rebuild to upgrade and replace the parts which are likely to fail soon. Because of the age and mileage of the car, they recommended trading it in or selling it because the cost of the rebuild would be more than the car is worth. |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic FWD
| 90000 mi | 3-5-R wave plate failure. GM would not provide any assistance as the event was 4 days past the warranty cut-off based on vehicle paperwork and not delivery. Dealer quoted $4648 for replacement of the transmission. Repair not made, but vehicle was traded in and another vehicle purchased. |
| 83300 mi US $5500 |
Transmission died. Some plates broke. Also replaced the CV axles while there. |
| 44020 mi | Needed a new transmission at a cost of over $5K. Took 6 weeks for the dealer to source the part and get the car back to me. |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic AWD
| 106000 mi US $1000 |
trouble shifting from third to fourth and into reverse, affected parts replaced |
| 43500 mi | transmission failure; replacement 3 and 5 clutch plates; clean and repair of transmission; fully covered under powertrain warranty transmission failure; replacement 3 and 5 clutch plates; clean and repair of transmission; fully covered under powertrain warranty |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
222-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD
| 72540 mi C $421 |
Oil leak in differential |
| 75640 mi C $648 |
Transmission cooler lines leaking at crimps |
| 76000 mi US $31000 |
ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED! |
| 57600 mi | transmission was slipping and not shifting smoothly and normally, repair was covered by drivetrain warranty, repaired by GM dealership |
| 28000 mi US $40 |
Transmission slip, Tech said could not replicate |
| 30000 mi | Found Slip from earlier trip. Replaced Transmission valve body |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
172-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD
| 89500 mi US $250 |
Hybrid system error/Stabilitrak error/check engine light was poping up during long distance driving. Local mechanic replaced camshaft parts. |
| 118000 mi US $600 |
A lot of vibration, grinding sound above 40 mph. Replaced ball bearings but problem still existed. Dangerous to drive on highway. Independent repair shops could not fix the problem and even dealership service guy recommended to abandon the car. |
2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| The dealer changed battery and shift lever. It seems a batch of bad batteries have been installed on some VUE XE 08 FWD |
| 91640 mi C $479 |
Axel seals had to be replaced |
| 119000 mi US $850 |
Powertrain control module |
| 132000 mi US $450 |
New seals on both drive shafts, due to leakage |
| 62000 mi | Transmission was unable to shift into reverse, 1st and 2nd gear. Transmission was "rebuilt". |
| 51000 mi | Axle seal |
| 190700 mi US $78 |
Replaced CV axle shaft |
| 46800 mi | Humming noise from the front end |
| 53000 mi | The issue occurred again and no one could assist. I was told: if the light is not on when it is occurring we cannot help you. as a result in july of 2013 I traded the vehicle in for a Hyundai. of course the light went on that day. |
| 116000 mi US $300 |
Replaced axel seal |
2008 Saturn VUE 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 1000 mi | Slight vibration under load at highway speed, diagnosed as the torque converter and it was replaced |
2008 Saturn VUE 2-door
6-cylinder automatic AWD
| 1000 mi | Transmission hunting for gears when in cruise control set at around 70mph. Constant shifting every mile from 4th to 6th gear regardless of the pavement angle. |
2007 Saturn VUE
Engine not specified
| 19000 mi | transmission was acting up |
2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
248-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| 115000 mi US $120 |
Replaced front right Wheel Hub Assy. |
2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
248-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| 89900 mi C $1400 |
worn drive shaft centre support bearing |
| 68000 mi | I heard a rattling like noise coming from the rear of the car, dealer stated it was the rear diff clutch. They ordered and replaced. Problem still exists. Will be taking to another dealer. No Saturn dealers near me. Only GM. |
| 89500 mi US $240 |
Same problem as listed before. Sounds like playing cards on bicycle spokes. Have taken it to a different dealer. They think it's a different problem. They have ordered the parts. Will call when parts are in. |
| 74000 mi | It sounded like a deck of cards attached to bicycle spokes. Service tech rode with me and noticed that the rpms would jump up when we were just driving at a steady speed. Said it was the torque converter. Part replaced. Vehicle runnng great. |
| 5000 mi | Ignition key would stick/bind when turing on/off - intermittent |
| 61000 mi | The vehicle transmission would shudder between 30 and 45 MPH. Vehicle was diagnosed to have a bad torque converter. Converter was replaced under warranty. |
| 60000 mi | Loud 'grinding' noise in front axle. Found front RT wheel bearing bad & left wheel bearing also bad. Replaced both wheel bearings under warranty. During install dealer stripped bolts on left axle so entire left axle/cv-boot assembly also replaced. Loud grinding noise in right rear axle only when AWD system engages on Snow/Ice. Dealer unable to test/check AWD system due to dry pavement conditions. Need Snow/Ice on road to test according to dealer. |
| 32860 mi | The torque converter was replaced thus correcting the problem; the rumbling stopped |
| 71920 mi | Center driveshaft bearing and boot replaced for the second time in 3 weeks. |
2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
170-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD
| 59000 mi | Driveline vibration coasting or slowing at around 20mph. Torque converter and TCC solenoid replaced under factory powertrain warranty. |
2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 92500 mi US $400 |
stick shift broke and wouldn't shift into gear. |
2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 117300 mi | Found 16 fault codes for transmission, such as stuck solenoids and stuck torque converter clutch. Cleared and will see if anything comes back. Transmission falls out of drive occasionally. |
| 128820 mi C $156 |
need to replace link...not an emergency replacement |
2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| 67000 mi US $475 |
Front right boot was cracked and oil spilling out onto car. Right Axle (CV joint, Boot, etc.) Replaced with new parts, $375. |
| 44020 mi | Transmission slip at torque converter at 1400 rpm |
| 84000 mi US $326 |
Transmission pan and transmission fluid - both replaced. Pan had leaked and lost all fluid. |
| 100000 mi | slow shift between gears. computer reprogramed and replaced torque converter |
| 147500 mi US $1100 |
cv joints. |
| 94300 mi US $157 |
Drained & filled transmission to correct 'hunting for gears' around 50 mph issue. |
| 33480 mi | Faulty RDM, ordered part to repair. |
| 46000 mi US $110 |
Torque converter problem |
2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| 62000 mi | brought in constantly for a shudder between 35 - 55mph had the computer updated - still shuddered when sold |
| 81220 mi C $2200 |
Torque Converter shudder. Replaced converter and filter Shuttering while coasting. |
| 55000 mi US $1000 |
High pressure seal was leaking. Replaced seal. |
| 95000 mi US $62 |
Replaced U-joints (2) on drive shaft. Center Slip on yolk replaced due to damage when disassembling drive shaft. Drive shaft making a teapot squeal. Noise not gone, suspect center support bearing. U-joints were worn, needed replacing. |
| 77000 mi US $220 |
needed new cv joint, front left side. |
| 45000 mi | Squealing noise coming from drivetrain. Replaced Carrier/Hanger Bearing, replaced u-joint, replaced prop shaft. |
2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 109000 mi US $200 |
I replaced the shift linkage cables |
| 91140 mi C $625 |
Manual shift assembly was replaced, old shift assembly broke the connector at the base. |
| 93620 mi | Stiff manual shifter. Dealer believes new shifter cables required. Estimated cost of repair: $700. :-( |
| 94240 mi C $900 |
Shifter cable seized. Car was towed. Cable replaced. |
2006 Saturn VUE 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 52700 mi | front drivers wheel bearing |
2005 Saturn VUE
Engine not specified
| 220000 mi US $50 |
additive added to transmission fluid to temporarily remedy torque converter shudder. |
2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| 141000 mi US $130 |
replace both front axles |
| 42000 mi US $90 |
Changed transmission fluid with Honda fluid. |
| 82500 mi US $380 |
Driver side axle was clicking. Replaced. |
| 84000 mi US $392 |
Replace failing (clicking) passenger side drive axle. |
| 85900 mi US $175 |
Intermittent loud grinding/clicking noise when shifting into reverse and after accelerator is pushed. Worse when backing up steep hill or bump. Could not duplicate problem. Elected to do a drain & fill of transmition. Did not resolve problem. |
| 32240 mi | Torque converter replaced. |
| 75000 mi US $1000 |
noise in torque converter |
| 78700 mi | Something to do with the clutch modular/shift sensor |
2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| 205000 mi US $588 |
carrier bearing faulty i was told by NTB. Replaced and vibration continued. Returned to a different NTB and they balanced the tires. Vibration is still there but only slightly. So I'm left unsure if both fixes corrected the problem or not. |
| 72000 mi US $50 |
torque converter, second one. |
| 83000 mi | Second Trans axle replacement, holding up now. |
| 52000 mi US $12 |
Replaced axle nut. Found to be missing during state inspection. |
| 76000 mi US $5200 |
transmission failure including replacement of 4 sensors main shaft rear driveshaft support bearing. Problem was caused by a leak in the cooler for the transmission, which is in the radiator. Radiator was also replaced to solve problem. |
| 137000 mi | trans or computer bad |
| 84940 mi C $5000 |
trans would go to neutral when coming to stop. trans was repbuilt after waiting for parts. |
| 68000 mi US $500 |
Bearing in 4WD drive |
2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 153450 mi | When I went in for an oil change, the mechanic noted a grease leak in the right front hub boot. Not fixed on this visit, but will need to be taken care of. |
| 198000 mi US $200 |
replaced front axle...boot had a tear in it...also re balanced front tires because of steering wheel tremble at different speeds that was not rotor related... |
2004 Saturn VUE
Engine not specified
| 116000 mi US $2200 |
Transmission only operates in Drive or reverse. I have previously replaced the Torque Convertor and did not want to sink more money into this vehicle's transmission. It has been a problem since I bought the car. |
2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD
| 145200 mi | torque converter shot |
| 217000 mi US $490 |
Replaced drivers side cv/axle assembly. Boot torn bearing failing. |
| 152000 mi | transmission making noise when starting off and when shifting |
2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| 66000 mi US $175 |
Was told that the drive shaft bearing needed to be replaced. I chose not to have the work done at that time. |
| 77000 mi US $125 |
Drive shaft bearing was worn and needed to be replaced.Had car inspected at the dealership, technician would not pass me unless part was repaired.However part was on back-order, so drive shaft removed.Vehicle is front wheel only until shaft repaired. |
| 78000 mi US $512 |
drive shaft bearing was replaced and AWD was restored |
| 84000 mi US $150 |
humming, buzzing, droning noise from front driver side area. CV half shaft assembly replaced. Did not resolve |
| 97340 mi C $536 |
center drive shaft bearing replaced and shaft balanced |
| 127140 mi C $50 |
universal joint to the rear wheels was removed to cure noise from u-joints and middle support bearing. vehicle is now regular front wheel drive but driving noise is tolerable. |
| 56000 mi US $100 |
Drive shaft had to be rebalanced due to a vibration & fluttering noise. |
| 133000 mi US $1100 |
also found CV joint and axel needed replacement as well. |
| 142300 mi US $756 |
Axle |
| 100300 mi US $600 |
4 wheel half shaft bearing & joint |
| 44640 mi C $200 |
Growling noise on awd. |
| 47740 mi | Rear drive module (RDM) changed again just before warranty end, lots of metal particles in oil. Chewed up.... |
| 225000 mi US $245 |
Jack shaft mounting bracket broken and worn out bearing on shaft. |
| 228000 mi US $280 |
Half shaft replaced. |
| 79944 mi US $312 |
FRONT SUSPENSION HUB + BEARING RIGHT SIDE |
| 103406 mi US $330 |
front axle shaft, right inner |
| 67450 mi US $1700 |
Replaced torque converter. Input shaft grinds upon entry into torque converter. Transmission shop claims this is a transmission defect. NOTE: This is a Honda transmission and I feel they are responsible for the defect, not GM. |
2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD
| 114700 mi US $5200 |
CVT transmission belt shattered, destroyed transmission - |
2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 138000 mi US $360 |
Cables from Gearshift to transmission broke and needed replacement. 2nd time in 2 years. |
| 190000 mi | Clutch failed. Slave cylinder failure. Car towed to charity donation site. |
| 89000 mi US $1500 |
Master cylinder went out, taking clutch, and slave cylinder with it. Total cost was half parts, half labor. |
| 90000 mi US $840 |
Cable end link(s) failed in manual transmission dropping Reverse gear. |
| 96000 mi US $3790 |
Whole 5 speed transmission failed. No choice given except to replace. Dealer couldn't fix it. Nearly impossible to shift into gear or between gears etc. Just plain unsafe. |
| 186000 mi US $1289 |
Needed to replace master and slave clutch cylinders, along with clutch. |
| 177000 mi US $415 |
Clutch, slave cylinder, rear main oil seal, both output seals. |
| 104700 mi US $600 |
Replace shifter cables. |
2004 Saturn VUE
4-cylinder automatic AWD
| 145000 mi US $1770 |
the 3rd transmission on this Vue went out. Just stopped this time with no warning. |
2003 Saturn VUE
Engine not specified
| 87420 mi | Purchased May 9, 2006. Almost immediately needed a new CVT. Wholesaler who sold vehicle covered cost of installing a used CVT with 40k on it. This one lasted 90 days. |
2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
181-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| 41582 mi US $2064 |
SES light, transmission failed to shift properly. Leak found in windshield. Leak causing transmission not to shift properly. Windshield replaced. Wiring harness replaced. 2 tires replaced. |
| 138000 mi | Registering OBD II code P1799 Trans ECM Module + low voltage at throttle body. Checked under hood fuse/relay panel, disconnected and cleaned battery terminals, cleared code-no recurrence so far. |
| 44640 mi C $700 |
Support bearing in Drive shaft wore out, not support for driveshaft, clunking while driving |
| 161000 mi US $400 |
Central cupport bearing came loose |
2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD
| 67790 mi | transmission warentee repair - $3480 |
| 113500 mi US $223 |
Engine noisy - replaced plugs, oil lube filter. The transmission is noisy and should be flushed. This is a VTI transmition. Flushing the transmition may not fix the noise problem. The cost was $280. I decided not to have the flush. Too costly. |
| 72000 mi US $90 |
The variable transmission squeals at take off and slips at about 70mph. This problem was supposedly fixed 2 years ago under warranty. Dealer does not take responsibility, and the cost is not worth it. |
| 34100 mi | Transmission failure. Replaced under warranty. |
| 69000 mi US $325 |
Transmission wires replaced. Fortunately we did not have to replace the entire transmission. |
| 105000 mi US $3400 |
Transmission replacement |
| 160000 mi US $4800 |
3rd VTI Transmission Transmission replacement |
2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT AWD
| 98000 mi US $1000 |
Brand new tramsmission (Covered). |
| 51000 mi | My CVT trans went @ 51,000 it was repaired under the GM 75,000 miles extended warrenty. |
| 118000 mi US $400 |
Check engine light came on and a humming noise was apparent when accelerating. |
2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 54000 mi US $310 |
Clutch hydraulic line leak. |
| 226000 mi US $1500 |
Transmission started to go out so ordered a used one and put it in. |
2003 Saturn VUE 4-door
4-cylinder CVT 2WD
| 28000 mi | We have had issues with the VTI transmission where the car will stall in extreme cold conditions. We have gone back to the dear regarding a noise and pull at acceleration and they keep telling us that it is normal behavior for the VTI transmission. Last |
2002 Saturn VUE
Engine not specified
| 116000 mi | Needed major transmission work, but I didn't have the repairs done, I sold it "as is" instead. |
2002 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV
181-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD
| 208200 mi C $5 |
Repaired driveshaft hanger bearing. |
| 248000 mi C $100 |
Left rear wheel bearing was replaced. |
| 151000 mi | Had just started to have transmission problems. |
| 170000 mi US $3000 |
Failed clutch box in rear end, as well as pinion bearings needing to be replaced. Mechanic also replaced both rear wheel hub assemblies. |
| 149000 mi | Transmission started to give out. so I traded it. |
See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Saturn models.
