CarRecallDB

2002 Saturn VUE recalls and problems

2 recalls and 167 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Saturn VUE.

2
recalls
167
owner complaints
13
complaints mentioning a crash
5
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Saturn VUE recalls

Electrical system: ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V490000 · reported August 8, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 202,155 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Seat belts: front, anchorage

NHTSA campaign 01V386000 · reported December 18, 2001 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 327 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 23, 2021 · Electrical system · 107,257 miles

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…

Jun 5, 2020 · Fuel/propulsion system

AIR INTAKE THROTTLE IS FAULTY. MAKING THE ENGINE RUN ROUGH AND CAUSING OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS EXCESSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION.

Jun 2, 2020 · Electrical system

THE IGNITION IS FAULT. THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN VEHICLE IS IN ON POSITION.

Jan 6, 2020 · Electrical system · 120,000 miles

TL* 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…

Sep 13, 2018 · Structure

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.

VUE model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 2167135
2003 1622299
2004 2276235
2005 0170153

Across all years, the 2003 VUE has the most complaints (622). All Saturn VUE years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Saturn VUE have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Saturn VUE, the most recent reported on August 8, 2014 (Electrical system: ignition). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Saturn VUE?
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (52 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (31).
How many 2002 Saturn VUE complaints mention a crash or fire?
13 of 167 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 23, 2021.