2008 Saturn Vue recalls and problems

The 2008 Saturn Vue has 3 safety recalls and 406 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
406
Crashes / fires
16 / 11
Injuries / deaths
14 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Saturn Vue vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Saturn Vue recalls

Recall 09V-233: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jun 25, 2009 · 44,451 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Recall 08V-470: Steering

Reported Sep 17, 2008 · 42,408 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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> .

Recall 08V-200: Power Train

Reported May 5, 2008 · 26 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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> .

2008 Saturn Vue problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train120
Electrical System88
Steering88
Unknown or Other44
Engine38
Air Bags25
Vehicle Speed Control18
Service Brakes18
Visibility15
Structure15
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)15
Engine and Engine Cooling13

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 11
  • Structure › Body — 10
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 3
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid — 3
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,337 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 2008 Saturn Vue complaints

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

Engine · reported Apr 24, 2026
I noticed a few days ago that the wheel was getting harder to turn so I made a maintenance appointment for Saturday I was driving to work in Texas in Fort Worth coming from Arlington today and smoke started coming from under the hood I pulled over and it was smoking I was on the highway so to get off the highway in a safe area I had to drive about 5 more miles up the road to the next exit so I started driving it didn’t smoke right off so a couple of minutes into the drive it starts smoking so I finally get to the exit smoke is now coming through the vents , I hurry and pull over and go to…
Steering · reported Jan 21, 2025
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. The contact stated that the abnormal grinding sound was also heard while the gear shifter was in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was power steering fluid leaking from the vehicle. The contact added power steering fluid to the vehicle; however, the power steering fluid was leaking while…
Power Train · reported Dec 30, 2024
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
Steering · at 173,445 miles · reported Nov 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 173,445.
Engine · reported Sep 5, 2024
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops

Other Saturn Vue years

Compare all Saturn Vue years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Saturn Vue have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Saturn Vue: 09V-233 (latches/locks/linkages), 08V-470 (steering), 08V-200 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Saturn Vue?

Owners report power train problems most often (120 reports), followed by electrical system (88). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,337 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.