CarRecallDB

2004 Saturn VUE recalls and problems

2 recalls and 276 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Saturn VUE.

2
recalls
276
owner complaints
23
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.

2004 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.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 03V519000 · reported December 19, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 6,134 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

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.

Sep 24, 2025 · Electrical system · 35,000 miles

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…

Aug 28, 2025 · Unknown or other

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.

Nov 5, 2023 · Power train · crash reported

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.

Jan 20, 2023 · Electrical system

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.

Oct 12, 2020 · Unknown or other · 193,500 miles

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.

VUE model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 2167135
2003 1622299
2004 2276235
2005 0170153
2006 0300186
2007 0286106

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

Questions

Does the 2004 Saturn VUE have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Saturn VUE?
Owners have filed 276 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (93 complaints), followed by electrical system (78).
How many 2004 Saturn VUE complaints mention a crash or fire?
23 of 276 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 20 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 24, 2025.