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Engine & cooling

2002 Saturn Vue Engine problems

Owners have filed 48 complaints about the 2002 Saturn Vue's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 27% of all its complaints, most recently on February 23, 2021. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
48
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

Car power shuts down while driving, unable to start again in any traffic or road conditions to move car to a safe area. Full loss of power unexpected, vehicle simply stops running. This vehicle was purchased 'used' from a private seller I suspect was well aware of the situation but didn't expose it. $2300 Spent so far with no findings as to why the problem occurs. Only an added 30 miles to the odometer since purchase. Present reading is 107,251.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11397618
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise underneath the hood of the vehicle. The temperature warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to overheat. The contact stopped to check the engine and noticed that the anti-freeze contained oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10970331
Engine & cooling

While driving at highway speeds, vehicle stalled,and would not restart. Vehicle coasted to lane off traffic. Vehicle would not move. Family of four in vehicle. Had a police officer shut down lane of traffic. Very very dangerous. Diagnosis: timing chain. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10939543
Engine & cooling

My car seized up while going down the road I could barely turn or push on the brakes! Thankfully I had just left work so I was only doing 10 mph. I took it to a mechanic whom said the timing chain went out, and that with that type of motor a v6 that it most likely bent the valves and id have to get a new engine!!! Im curious if this happens often?????

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10881941
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. While driving 45 mph, the timing chain failed and the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the timing chain fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10731534
Engine & cooling

Loss of power and eventually just stopped running. Towed it home. Suspected timing chain. Took off valve cover and tc cover. Noticed that black plastic guide was broken in main pieces and must have been for some time, for chain wore into some bolts and cover. Chain looks brand new and no issues with it. Replaced all timing components (two sprockets, chain, guide, tension arm, tensioner, cam sprocket, etc)., But it would not start. Checked compression (0 psi at all cylinders), double checked timing and was...

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correct. Roller rockers were loose when cam is not pressing on them, so suspect all valves are bent. Fix is to rebuild the "head". I presume that if the black plastic chain guide did not break, it would not have gotten out of time and bent valves. The recall should not be on the timing chain but the plastic guide that is used for the timing chain. Had this part been metal, this would not have happened. Have picture to send if needed.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10715965
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The timing chain ruined the entire engine as a result of the chain tensioner failing from lack of oil being applied. Apparently as soon as I heard the clanging sounds it was too late. I am buying a whole new engine which has replaced the oiling mechanism that was faulty in the 2002-2003 models of the saturn vue. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10692389
Engine & cooling

I was driving on a road with a 50 mph limit when the engine shut off. I lost all power to the car and thankfully was able to steer it into the drive way of a business on that road. There were no recalls on my car at that time and there still are no engine recalls on this car despite the other recalls where the exact same thing happened. The local dealer said I had a bad sensor in the engine and charged me over $400 to fix. I am lucky to have survived the incident and charging me was wrong. *Js

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10661939
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the repairs were unknown. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 141,000. D

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10609255
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn vue. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle stalled for a brief moment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician diagnosed that the reverse wave plate needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10592720
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Car will stall at various speeds, sometimes will completely die or will go off for 10-30 seconds, turning signals will occasionally work but will go out. No codes will show up when tested, so the cause is unknown. *Js

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10592297
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

I bought this awd 2002 saturn june 28 2013 from toyota nation in buena park and even within 3 hrs of owning the car it quit working so I had it towed back I had traded in my 2010 chevy cobalt that only had 25k miles on it anyhow I ve had ignition replaced I had some other things spent almost $1000 already I cant get dealership to fix it last I replaced bcm and still not working right I ll be driving 45 mph and poof security light flashes I loose gas and it dies I live im mountains scary as heck with my kids im single parent pls help. *Js

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10579380
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlDriver assistanceEngine & cooling

Electrical system starting to act up (every dashboard light comes on) causing the vehicle to lose power and stall while driving. Steering power was lost and brakes became very soft. Happens at random speeds from 20mph and up to 65mph. Very scary! I have a child and I couldn't get my hazard lights to come on until the electrical calmed down. Was nearly rear-ended multiple times with a child in the vehicle. Finally had to replace the throttle body on the vehicle which is very expensive. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 10562730
SuspensionTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I have had problems since I bought the vehicle. Shocks, struts, rear suspension, brakes, electrical, oil has been either leaking or burning to the existent I put some in everyother day because it is low, the sway bar and the steering column, the transmission and drive train, and the timing chain. There are many other unsafe issues I have had and I have brought it to their attention from day one because I have a beautiful daughter, but he refused to do anything to help me. It finally broke down on me and now I am without a vehicle . *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10521260
Engine & cooling

While driving down street engine stopped. Repair shop said that timing chain broke and it should have not happened on car. I checked on recalls and there were recalls on this problem for 2001 engines! This is unacceptable that this problem was not resolved! Gm should be responsible for this failure! Almost $3000 later my car will be fixed! Please help? *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10493365
Transmission & drivetrainBrakesEngine & cooling

When operating at any speed the vehicle will shut down and steering braking and all control is lost' this constantly happens. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 10474562
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainEquipment & accessories

I'm the original owner of a 2002 saturn vue awd with the gm vti transmission and engine. Two days ago I experienced my transmission/engine failing for the fifth or sixth time since 2006. The very first time I took my vue to the dealership in austin, tx where I had to argue with first my service rep. Followed by his manager that the problem was with the transmission. Since the faulty gm design was still relatively new, they originally blamed me for poor driving, resulting a bad bcm which they made me pay in spite of...

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my argument the faulty gm design was the origin of the problem. First time it cost me $1500 to repair my car that had less than 60,000 miles on it. This however was quite an ordeal since my vehicle actually lost power on three or four different occasions. I would immediately go to the dealership for assistance with what I knew was the transmission. After bugging them almost everyday with the same problem they finally admitted gms transmission problems and replaced my transmission on the third visit. The second transmission lasted approximately a year. In 2007 I had relocated within the state and was experiencing similar problems and reluctantly called my local saturn dealership. Here we go again another $500 for odds and ends and this time it was supposedly the ecm and of course it did not fix the problem! The transmission was finally replaced on my third trip! However they did not pay for my loaner car though I requested one. Brings us to 2009, when the above mentioned dealer had gone out of business and I of course had transmission problems! Luckily I found a dealership near and had my car towed to them. They confirmed by that afternoon that the transmission was bad! They replaced the transmission, and closed for business within three days. No loaner car again. Here I sit again with the transmission dangerously going out, and dreading the thought of the saturn dealership fiascoes. At what point will gm take these dangerous 2002-2005 cars off the road? *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power train · EquipmentNHTSA 10329399
Engine & cooling

Timing chain broke on my 2002 saturn vue leaving my daughter & me stranded. It only had 68k miles. Saturn dealerships only suggestion: new engine @ $3400 installation @ $1600. I chose an independent mechanic, who was unaware of the zero tolerance engine. What is that?! I am hearing about class action lawsuits, thousands of dollars in repairs nationwide due to this same malfunction. They have known of this dangerous malfunction for years & fail to do a recall. Isn't it time they be made accountable. There are many many similar stories to mine. Please research!! *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10264176
Engine & cooling

I had just left a stop light on a busy street in chicago driving about 15 miles an hour and the engine just died. I tried to restart the car and it would not start. I called a tow truck to have it taken back to my repair shop. The next day I was told that the timing chain had broken and crushed the casing and valves and that I would need a new engine at a cost of $3,200.00. I spoke with the saturn dealership in tinley park, il and they agreed to put a new engine in for $2,200.00. I spoke with the saturn main office of consumer complaints and they stated that no recalls were made on the 2002 saturn vue's and would not help with the cost of the replacement engine. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10262487
Engine & cooling

My vehicle lost power and would not exceed 10 miles an hour. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10258122
Engine & cooling

Approximately 6-9 months ago my 2002 saturn vue, 4 cyl, with approx 55,000 miles stopped working. Saturn of bowie, now closed, told me that the timing chain broke and engine was now no good. They said the only way to fix vehicle was to replace engine at my expense. Approximately $6,500. I complained and after my discussions with a saturn hq person, they replaced the engine and charged me approximately $5,500. I have exact figures in my files. I asked if there was any history of this problem and saturn...

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responded that it wasn't known problem. This morning after doing some research, on the internet, relating to another problem with my saturn vue regarding the fuel gauge, I learned that saturn was aware of the timing chain problem and should have sent me a recall notice. They charged me alot of money to fix something that was their responsibility because of poor engineering. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10257417
Engine & cooling

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE. *TR

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10242996
Engine & cooling

I was driving my 2002 saturn vue (4 cyl, 2.2 L engine, manual transmission) on the freeway. The engine stalled and then lost power. I fortunately was able to coast down the freeway exit, and I (with the assistance of a few kind hearted motorists) had to push my car out of the exit lane and on coming traffic. My car was towed through aaa to a service garage. The mechanic informed me that the timing chain broke, and in turn damaged the pistons, thus requiring me to replace the engine in my vehicle. Replacing...

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the engine is estimated to cost between $1,800 and $2,800 depending upon the availability of the engine in my area. It is my understanding through reading today that there may have been a recall on this very issue with the saturn 2.2 L engines, but I was never contacted by general motors concerning this issue with the 2.2 L engine. I am fortunate that I was able to exit the freeway safely, that other motorists were able to hold off traffic and assist me pushing the car to safety, and that my child, other family members, and I were not in an accident or injured due to this failure at high speed. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10240338
Engine & cooling

2002 Saturn vue; l61 2.2 Liter 4 cyl engine; mileage 59,323. August 3, 2008. Preparing to enter interstate vehicle stopped running. Had it towed to omaha saturn for repair. Service department stated that timing chain had broken, and fallen down into oil pan. Along with this valves were damaged (bent) due to minimum clearances in cylinder head design. Repair involved new cylinder head and timing chain ($2650.94) Plus the $100.00 Towing charge. Car has been well maintained and has not been driven hard. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10237554
Engine & cooling

Re: to whom it may concern; I am writing this letter to state how bad a 2002 saturn vue is on safety. I just came in from trying to tow my scooter mobility trailer up the hill in front of my house. The 'service engine soon' light is on like it always is. I have tried to get something done about it on several occasions to no avail. One thing it says is that the engine temperature thermostat is sticking. I was told that it would cost me $400 to replace the thermostat. The vehicle does not have a thermostat...

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problem. The temperature gauge always stays about 1/3 of the way between the second and third marks, winter or summer. The only difference between winter and summer is the length of time it takes to get fully warmed up. There is a hill between my community and the highway. It is about mile long. In the summer, the vehicle is fully warmed up by the bottom of that hill. In the winter, it takes to the top of that hill before it is fully warmed up. I spent about #100 for a new thermostat and all the necessary gaskets to replace that thermostat and I still have the light and the temperature is still 1.3 The way between the second and third marks. The main reason for my complaint of safety is that the vehicle will go into 'limp mode' at any time, even while driving down the freeway, at freeway speeds, and suddenly I have no power to avoid an accident. Any vehicle with a 'check engine soon' light should go into limp mode on startup, not randomly while driving. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10236801

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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