2006 Saturn Vue Problems

Severe Issues

Used SATURN VUE shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 300 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.

20059 years2007

Before you buy

This 2006 Saturn Vue has 300 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Electrical Faults.

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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300
Complaints
18
Crashes
6
Fires
10
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
β€”
Recalls

2006 Saturn Vue Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2006 Saturn Vue trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

19
MPG City
17–20 range
25
MPG Hwy
23–27 range
21
MPG Combined
19–23 range
423
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,500 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2006 Saturn Vue Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

20.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

3/5

20.9% probability

β—‹Stability Control: Optionalβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Saturn Vue has 300 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2006 Saturn Vue β€” key reliability facts
Make
Saturn
Model
Vue
Model year
2006
NHTSA owner complaints
300
Crash-related complaints
18
Safety recall campaigns
0
Top reported component
Electrical Faults
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
21
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 25
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
3/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Optional

Common problems

Most common 2006 Saturn Vue problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
103
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:5
Fires:6
#2
93
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:15
Fires:1
Injuries:10
#3
29
complaints

Steering Defects

Crash-related:1

Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Airbag Malfunctions, Steering Defects. 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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 300 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 18 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later.

Key Findings
  • 300 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 0 federal recall campaigns
  • 18 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2006 Saturn Vue complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Saturn Vue. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Electrical Faults10356β€”
Airbag Malfunctions93151β€”
Steering Defects291β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain26β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems191β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues17β€”1β€”
Seat-Related Issues152β€”β€”
Engine Problems14β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures131β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues13β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures13β€”3β€”
Brake System131β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration91β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues7β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)6β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues6β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System6β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic6β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System6β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline6β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Visibility4β€”β€”β€”
Equipment3β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”1β€”
Traction Control System1β€”β€”β€”

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 2006 Saturn Vue. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 300 most recent complaints

Airbag Malfunctions CrashDec 17, 2025

The contact owned aΒ 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed under the 50 MPH speed limit, the vehicle slid on a patch of black ice; the contact was able to correct the vehicle. The contact stated that there was snow on the ground. Β Soon afterwards, …

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered violently. The contact's daughter lost control of the vehicle and drove off the road before coming to a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illum…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 43,097.

Steering DefectsJan 8, 2023

The key can be removed from the vehicle while being driven. Also the ignition doesn't "click" off when vehicle is parked and key is removed causing the battery to drain. There have been several recalls for this issue but not with the 2006 year model. This is a dangerous problem a…

Steering DefectsApr 20, 2022

ignition gets stuck with key and locks steering wheel, now it wont shut off all the way to left and kills my battery looks like there has been MANY ignition issues and recalls with saturns which this is pretty important to have working to drive and be safe esp as a female in th…

Steering Defects CrashApr 12, 2022

My power steering went out

Steering DefectsDec 4, 2021

My car is very rusted out,underneath the body and no one will work on my car because they feel it's a hazard to drive and work on. I went to an iron works shop and mechanic said it's a common problem with Saturn Vue's,I took it back to where I bought it because they knew it befor…

Suspension FailuresAug 25, 2021

Stability Bar / Stabilizer Bar broke on the passenger side. Upon going to the salvage yard we found in almost all the same vehicles were broke in the same area on the same passenger side.

Uncategorized IssuesAug 1, 2021

Key keep getting stuck in Ignition switch and hard to take the key out the switch.

Steering DefectsMay 20, 2021

The ignition was locked and key wouldn't go in, to get it to unstick I put key in as far as it would go and noticed I could start it without the key being fully inserted. This happened a few times before but this was the first time I realized I didn't need the key to be in the ig…

Steering DefectsMay 23, 2020

THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON AND IT'S HARD TO STEER I LOSE POWER STEERING. *TR

Steering DefectsMay 15, 2020

WHEN MAKING A TURN (ANY DIRECTION) OR JUST TURNING STEERING WHEEL THE CAR WILL CUT OFF AND LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN. THIS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAY WHILE IN MOTION. *TR

Engine ProblemsOct 24, 2019

ENGINE GOES INTO 'LOW POWER MODE' RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE LIMPING ALONG. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHEN IT GOES INTO THIS MODE NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR IT GOES NO MORE THAN 5MPH. THIS OFTEN OCCURS JUST AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE …

Suspension FailuresSep 27, 2019

WHILE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND IN THE MIDDLE LANE ON I-95 DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I NOTICED A SLIGHT SHAKE IN THE STEERING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 SECONDS BEFORE MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL TOWARDS THE LEFT AND RIGHT WITH TRACTOR TRAILERS ON BOTH SIDES OF ME. I PUSHED IN THE CLU…

Electrical FaultsAug 21, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AFFECTED . SOME DASH PANEL LIGHTS NOT WORKING & AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON

Structural ProblemsAug 19, 2019

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN ADDITION TO THE 284 HOWEVER, THIS CONCERNS UNIBODY RUST TO THE FRONT K MEMBER CAUSING SAFETY ISSUE AND FAILING INSPECTION. THE CAR WAS UNDER COATED. ACCORDING TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND BODY SHOP, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. WE CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR. REPAIR ESTIMAT…

Electrical FaultsMay 7, 2019

THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE, 2006 SATURN VUE FOR 2014 AND I WAS TOLD THIS CAN NO LONGER BE FIXED. IT IS A RECAL NUMBER 14506 AND I NEED TO KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THIS REPAIRED. I CAN REMOVE MY KEY WHILE THE IGNITION IS STILL RUNNING.

Electrical FaultsMar 26, 2019

PURCHASED 2006 SATURN VUE REDLINE V6 3.5 AWD SUV USED ON FEBRUARY 5, 2019. SURPRISED DAYS LATER & SINCE TO SAFETY CONCERN INVOLVING BODY CONTROL MODULE. WITHOUT WARNING, LEADS TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES & LIGHTS, INTERIOR & EXTERIOR LIGHTING, DOME, HEAD AN…

Brake SystemFeb 18, 2019

ON MY 2006 SATURN VUE I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRONT BREAKING SYSTEM. PLUS THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE BREAKING SYSTEM WITH LESS THAN 44,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM THAT THERE NO WARNING SYSTEM ON IT AT ALL. THE VEHICLE JUST STOP AND WOULD NOT GO AT ALL. IT JUST STOP …

Brake SystemFeb 5, 2019

THIS HAPPEN ON 2 DIFFERENT DATE. THE FIRST THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 39,111 MILES ON VEHICLE ON 8/14/2018. THEN THE THING THAT HAPPEN IS THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED AND WOULD NOT GO AT ALL. ENGINE WOULD RUN BUT WOULD MOVE UNTIL IT COOLED OFF THEN…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Saturn Vue.

Safety recalls

2006 Saturn Vue recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Saturn Vue. No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

No recall campaigns on record

No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time β€” confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Across model years

Compare Saturn Vue model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2006 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2006 Saturn Vue buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2006 Saturn Vue reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 300 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 0 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 2006 Saturn Vue?β–Ύ

#1: Electrical Faults (103 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (93 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (29 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Saturn Vue?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2006 Saturn Vue?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Saturn Vue, NHTSA complaints include 18 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 300 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2006 Saturn Vue have any recalls?β–Ύ

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2006 Saturn Vue in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2006 Saturn Vue?β–Ύ

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 Electrical Faults 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 2006 Saturn Vue based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

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.