Before you buy
This 2009 Saturn Vue has 125 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
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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2009 Saturn Vue Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2009 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. 8 trims analysed.
2009 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 Rated15.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
15.9% 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 2009 Saturn Vue has 125 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Saturn
- Model
- Vue
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 125
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Saturn Vue problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 125 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 8 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.
- 125 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 8 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 2009 Saturn Vue complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Saturn Vue. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 39 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 39 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 11 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 5 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 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 2009 Saturn Vue. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was inoperable while attempting…
Stalls stops, with Engine power reduced, stabilitrak off. After turning or braking. Engine light with down arrow. Accident probability. DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF ON HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY RD!
Vehicle has lost power steering. Difficult to steer especially in reverse and sometimes in turning left. If wheels are not completely straight, you have turn with all the strength you can muster. Reluctant to turn left unless you have twice as much time as you should need to av…
I have only 68,329 miles. My transmission lost reverse. When first driving it will only go up to 10 mph and over time the maximum speed is 30 to 40 mph. Even if it gets to this speed it hesitates. The car is a danger and not drive able. I took the car to a GM dealer requesting …
For the third time since purchasing my car in 2009 I am having problems removing the key from the ignition cylinder. On 11/16/17 the floor shifter was replaced. On 09/11/20 another one was replaced. On 10/07/22 having problems again removing the key. Will take car in for servic…
The power steering goes out especially at lower speeds are from take off ,it takes every thing you have to turn wheel it has almost caused me two accidents, fluid level is fine, makes no unusual noise steering just goes out making it very dangerous to turn to the right are left &…
Vehicle is a Saturn Vue XE, 3.5 liter AWD, ~84,000 miles. Problem Statement: Extensive corrosion of the subframe located at the midpoint of the vehicle on the driver and passenger sides. This is NOT surface rust - the frame corrosion has resulted in sections of the frame rottin…
the car stable trak light comes on for service then the power steering service light comes and I lose power steering and power of my car this happened at 60mph on the highway, shut the car off for 5 mins and everything went back to normal then it happened again proceeded to do th…
WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO THE DASH. WHEN I AM …
THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 122,000 AND IS IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION, YET THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BADLY. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS OFTEN THE CASE FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR AFTER 120,000 MILES. WE BROUGHT IT INTO OUR LOCAL GM DEALER/SHOP AND THEY TOL…
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING
VEHICLE HAS A HIGH WHINING SOUND ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING AS WELL AS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION YOU CAN TELL SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THE STEERING ALMOST LIKE IT'S GETTING STUCK IN EITHER DIRECTION
TRACTION CONTROL STAYS ON AND TRANSMISSION ENGAGES THEN RELEASE SLIPPING ..ALSO HYBRID SYSTEM NIT WORKING AT ALL NEVER TURN OFF AND ANY STOP LIKE A HYBRID .
CARE WAS PARKED IN STORE PARKING LOT. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, KEY WOULD NOT MOVE FROM ACC TO PARK. CAR WOULD START, BUT NO MATTER WHAT I TRIED, I COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY. DROVE TO DEALER WHO TOLD ME IT WAS THE SHIFTER. GAVE ME A WORK-AROUND: MOVE A…
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING QUITS SEVERAL TIMES DURING A 2-3 MILE TRIP. THE WHEEL IS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN BUT DOES PIVOT THE FRONT TIRES. IT TAKES A LOT OF FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. *TR
IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S STILL HAVING SOME PROBLEMS DUE TO THE RECALLS..THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT IS ON..
IT STARTED RAINING IN AN AREA I WAS NOT FORMILLIA WITH. WHEN I HIT THE GAS SOMETIMES IT ENGAGED OTHER TIMES IT DID NOT. THEN IT WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. I COULD ONLY GO FORWARD IN LOW, WOULD NOT SHIFT INTTO 2ND OR DRIVE.
KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT AFTER PUTTING CAR IN PARK. TOOK IT TO MYERS AUTOWORLD, THEY FOUND THE SHIFTER SWITCH WAS BAD.
WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING WENT OUT. DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR TURN WHEEL. ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY WAS DRIVING 25MPH ON CITY STREET WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF ON INTERSTATE.
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE A 2009 SATURN VUE I LOOSE MY POWER STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS WHILE TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. IT TAKES TWO HANDS AND VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Saturn Vue.
Safety recalls
2009 Saturn Vue recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Saturn Vue buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Saturn Vue reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 125 owner complaints, 8 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 2009 Saturn Vue?▾
#1: Steering Defects (39 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (39 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Saturn Vue?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Saturn Vue?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Saturn Vue, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 125 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Saturn Vue have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Saturn Vue. A major recall area is STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM. 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 2009 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 Steering Defects 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 2009 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.