Before you buy
This 2004 Saturn Vue has 276 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Saturn Vue Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2004 Saturn Vue trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2004 Saturn Vue Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated20.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
20.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Saturn Vue has 276 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Saturn
- Model
- Vue
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 276
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Saturn Vue problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Saturn Vue?
This SATURN VUE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Saturn Vue
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Saturn Vue, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The SATURN VUE has 276 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 23 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 276 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 23 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2004 Saturn Vue complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Saturn Vue. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 93 | 5 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 78 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 33 | 6 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 11 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Equipment | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Saturn Vue. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 contac…
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.
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.
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.
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.
MY 2004 VUE HAD A RECALL IN 2014 FOR THE IGNITION KEY COULD BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN THE OFF POSITION, I HAD THIS REPAIRED ON 12/11/14. RECENTLY MY IGNITION KEY CAN AGAIN BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN THE OFF POSITION.
THE IGNITION BROKE AFTER MANY OF TIMES THE KEY COMING OUT.
I HAVE ALL READY TAKEN MY SATURN VUE TO THE DEALER IN HEMET CA. ( GOSCH CHEVROLET). THE IGNITION SWITCH BROKE AGAIN A WEEK LATER. I TOOK IT BACK BUT GOSCH WOULD NOT FIX IT AGAIN. THE REASON WAS BECAUSE THE HOUSING HAD DAMAGE AROUND IT. NOW THE REASON FOR THAT WAS BECAUSE I WAS ST…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. VALLEY CHEVROLET (525 HWY 7E, HUTCHINSON, MN) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NH…
THERE WAS A RECALL BACK IN OCTOBER 20TH, 2014 REGARDING AN ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION. WHERE YOU CAN PULL THE KEY OUT WHILE ITS RUNNING. I'VE NEVER GOTTEN A CALL FROM NHTSA REGARDING THE ISSUE. MAY I HAVE IT DONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
TAMARA RECALL I GOT A RECALL IN THE MAIL FOR MY 2004 SATURN VUE FOR THE IGNITION I'VE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I GOT IT AND THEY SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT IT BUT DID NOT TELL ME WHEN I BOUGHT IT. AND SAID I HAVE TO TAKE CAR OF IT MYSELF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN TWICE WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKY AND RATTLING SOUND WHILE BEING TURNED. EXCE…
GOING 40 MPH MADE A LEFT TURN, MEDIUM LOUD NOISE AND FRONT RIGHT CONTROL ARM TORE IN 2 (BEEN REPLACED AND HAVE PART) AND BACK LEFT TIRE NOW TILTED IN AT TOP ABOUT 1 INCH( STILL TRYING TO GET FIXED ).
WHILE MY CAR IS RUNNING I CAN'T TAKE MY KEY OUT ALSO WHEN I TURN MY HEATER ON MY CAR WILL JERK ETC
I JUST BOUT MY 2004 STAURN VUE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER AND HAVE TO REPLACE MY IGNITION FOR THE 2ND TIME IN LESS THEN A MONTH. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEEN THAT THE 2004 SATURN VUE HAVE HAD A RECALL ON THIS SAME PROBLEM. I AM NOT ABLE TO LOCATE MY VEHICLE IN THE REGISTRATION OF THE RECAL…
I WAS DRIVING FROM PROVIDENCE RI TO ATHENS OH. I WAS IN WEST VIRGINIA AROUND MORGANTOWN, DRIVING FROM 68 WEST TO 79 SOUTH RAMP, AND I WAS DRIVING IN THE RANGE OF SPEED LIMITS. SUDDENLY IN THE RAMP, I FELT CAR IS TURNING UNWANTEDLY TO THE LEFT, AND I TRIED TO BRING IT BACK TO THE …
IGNITION SWITCH-KEY COMES OUT WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. SATURN (GM) ADVISES THAT THIS SUV IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SATURN RECALL FOR IGNITION SWITCH.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN VUE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT HAD BURNED OUT AND WAS MELTED AT THE SOCKET. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT THREE TIMES IN THE PAST SI…
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP OUT OF GEAR,NEED TO SHIFT GEAR SELECTOR INTO NEUTRAL,THEN BACK INTO DRIVE,SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE.WE HAVE AVOIDED SEVERAL SERIOUS INCIDENTS SINCE THIS PROBLEMATIC ISSUE STARTED.VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OUT SEVERAL TIMES AT SATURN OF MODESTO.CA.NOW…
MOVING ALONG IN STREET TRAFFIC, STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THEN WENT TO GO FORWARD, TRANSMISSION ONLY WENT FORWARD IN LOW GEAR. TOWED TO REPAIR GARAGE BUT THEY WANT $500 JUST TO LOOK AT IT.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Saturn Vue.
Safety recalls
2004 Saturn Vue recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Saturn Vue. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Saturn Vue buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Saturn Vue reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 276 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This SATURN VUE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Saturn Vue?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (93 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (78 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (33 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Saturn Vue?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Saturn Vue?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Saturn Vue, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 276 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Saturn Vue have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Saturn Vue. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Saturn Vue?▾
This SATURN VUE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Saturn Vue reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Saturn Vue based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.