SATURN VUE (2002–2010) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 2002–2010 · all production years covered on this single page
3.6L V6 • Gasoline
2010
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
Every figure on this Saturn Vue (2002–2010) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Saturn Vue (2002–2010) is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (10)
NHTSA 09V233000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Date: 25/06/2009
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.
NHTSA 08V616000
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Date: 24/11/2008
GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT AND/OR LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE. AS A RESULT OF THE INCORRECT KNUCKLE AND RESULTING INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE TIE ROD BALL STUD COULD PULL OUT OF, OR FRACTUR…
NHTSA 03V519000
Equipment › Other › Labels
Date: 19/12/2003
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…
NHTSA 01V386000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Date: 18/12/2001
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.
NHTSA 08V470000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections
Date: 17/09/2008
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.
NHTSA 08V470000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections
Date: 17/09/2008
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.
NHTSA 14V490000
Electrical System › Ignition
Date: 08/08/2014
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.
NHTSA 14V490000
Electrical System › Ignition
Date: 08/08/2014
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.
NHTSA 14V490000
Electrical System › Ignition
Date: 08/08/2014
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.
NHTSA 08V200000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 05/05/2008
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 NORM…
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
486 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Saturn Vue across model years 2002–2010. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
26 crash reports 17 fires 25 injuries 1 death
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 200960
Model year 200860
Model year 200760
Model year 200660
Model year 200560
Model year 200460
Model year 200360
Model year 200260
Most reported components (all years)
Electrical System168
Steering97
Power Train92
Unknown Or Other72
Engine60
Air Bags59
Sample reports
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BURNING SMOKE EMISSIONS AND A BURNING ODOR FROM THE STEERING WHEEL / STEERING COLUMN AREA WHERE THE WIPERS AND SIGNAL LIGHT/HIGHBEAM HEADLIGHT SWITCHES ARE CONNECTED. THE SMOKE EMISSIONS AND THE BURNING ODOR APPEARED… (MY 2006)
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 (MY 2008)
THE SELLING DEALERSHIP LISTS THIS VEHICLES CURRENT CONDITION AS, "SUBURB CONDITION." THE FOLLOWING INSPECTION COMMENTS WERE PROVIDED TO ME WHEN AT THIS DEALERSHIP: A) DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR BROKEN, DOESN'T STAY IN PLACE; B) LEFT FRONT HE… (MY 2009)
OVERALL FOR LAST SEVERAL YEARS, IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE LOCK CYLINDER WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ALSO WILL SOMETIMES JAM AND NOT ALLOW THE REMOVAL OF THE KEY WITHOUT RESETTING THE LOCK CYLINDER TO THE LOCK POSITION. THIS… (MY 2005)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2002–2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Saturn Vue have any safety recalls?
Yes — 10 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Saturn Vue?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Saturn Vue?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Saturn Vue?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are transmission problems common on the Saturn Vue?
Yes — 101 of 472 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “THE IGNITION KEY MAY BE REMOVED WITHOUT TURNING OFF THE IGNITION REGARDLESS OF SHIFT LEVER POSITION; IT CAN BE REMOVED WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED AND ASSUMED THAT THE PROBL…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are steering problems common on the Saturn Vue?
Yes — 121 of 472 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “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 OPERA…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Saturn Vue?
Yes — 153 of 472 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “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 OPERA…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Saturn Vue (2002–2010)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Saturn Vue (2002–2010) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Saturn Vue (2002–2010) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Bookmark this page to consult it at the workshop or when buying parts. TroubleAtlas updates its technical data continuously — check back for new information on the Saturn Vue (2002–2010).