Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | |||||
| 701 | 01/01/2005 | 10015762 | Fuel filter replacement. gm tech link. *tt | 08/11/2005 | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | |||||
| 020604021A | 03/01/2003 | 02T38 | 10001544 | The fuel gauge is displaying a false low reading or stuck on empty. this condition may be intermittent. a diagnostic trouble code p0461 - fuel level sensor performance may also be set in ecm memory. *tt | 06/06/2003 |
| 02T38 | 06/01/2002 | 633464 | Fuel gauge is displaying a false low reading or stuck on empty. this may be intermittent. a diagnostic trouble code p0461 - fuel level sensor performance- may also be set in electronic control module memory. *jg | 09/23/2002 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 07/12/2010 | 40000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. the contact stated that there were multiple failures within the vehicle. the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate accompanied with a loud, humming noise. the horn sensor was melted, causing the horn to malfunction and sound continuously. the fuel tank was also fractured, causing a fuel leak and fumes to fill the vehicle cabin. the muffler was abnormally loud and the steering wheel would seize without warning and most frequently when attempting a left turn. in addition, the timing chain failed causing an increase of engine roms to 4000. the hazard light activation button also fractured therefore; the contact was unable to utilize the hazard lights. the dealer and manufacturer were contacted in regards to all of the failures experienced in the vehicle but neither provided any assistance to the contact. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 64,000. kmj | |||
| 07/12/2010 | 40000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. the contact stated that the vehicle would accelerate slowly and the vehicle would make a loud humming noise; the horn sensor melted, causing the horn to continuously hank; the fuel tank had a crack, causing fumes and fuel to leak from the fuel tank; the muffler would make a loud noise; the steering wheel would lock up, especially while making left turns, making it would be difficult to steer the vehicle while driving; the timing chain would cause the rpms to fluctuate to 4000; the hazard light button broke completely off and the hazard light would not come on, making if difficult to see at night. the dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repair to the failures. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 64,000. nw | |||
| 11/01/2009 | 52000 | 1 | |
| Leak in 2003 saturn vue gas tank. i own a 2003 saturn vue which has been driven only about 52,000 easy highway miles. it has never been in a crash, never abused or off-roaded, it has never been towed and has had all recommended maintenance. about 1 month ago, there was a smell of gas in the passenger compartment. we took it to our local mechanic who said that they found nothing wrong, and to fill it up and see what happened. we did this, and there was a strong gas smell in and out of the car with a small gas puddle under the car. we took this back to the mechanic, and they found a crack in the tank/filler neck. i am attempting to get this fixed. i called gm, but they have no intention of helping with this problem. they did not seem interested in the fact that this is a lightly used vehicle, and that a part failed. as this is not a part that bears any weight, does not wear or see any stress other than the gas, there should be no reason for a plastic tank to fail, unless it were made or designed poorly. i would like everyone to know about this. it is a disaster waiting to happen. it could easily lead to a fire or explosion. gas tanks made out of plastic should not fail without cause unless poorly designed or manufactured. *tr | |||
| 07/06/2009 | 84355 | 1 | |
| Owner notices smell of fuel after filling gas tank at gas station..... owner found gasoline puddle forming under car while car was sitting in his driveway..... owner brought vehicle to saturn car dealer......mechanics at dealership found gasoline tank leaking at filler neck stub and at seam.....saturn dealership removed and replaced gas tank, etc....owner asked for defective gas tank but dealership kept it. *tr | |||
| 07/31/2009 | 30000 | 1 | |
| 2003 saturn vue (2.2l) fuel line failure driven in nw indiana - corrosion of line under the plastic sheath.that ended in perforation and steady drip of fuel. this fuel line connects the downstream side of the fuel filter to the engine fuel injection rail. corrosion occurred within 2 feet of the filter. 1. gasoline odor outside the vehicle when parked in one place for awhile up to 30 days prior to discovery. 2. after driving the vehicle a few miles and parking it, upon returning to it dampness and a steady drip of gasoline was seen dripping steadily. 3. all new replacement line was ordered and replaced. vehicle has approx 30k miles and, curiously, shows a fair amount of undercarriage rust for its age and mileage. brake lines also show some external rust. old perforated fuel line still available. *tr | |||
| 11/11/2007 | 20 | ||
| This car is a piece of crap. i cannot even sell it because people whomever look at it says it runs horribly. the truck doesn't accelerate properly, the gas tank float doesn't always work, there's a problem with the key getting stuck in the ignition when you attempt to start the car (if you can get it in it doesn't always turn), it makes grinding sounds when it turns, the cd player scratches your cd's, there are burning smells for no reason .... on and on and on. don't know why there has never been a recall on this vehicle. i can't afford to fix everything that goes on with it. if anyone is interested in a class action suit please email me at. *tr | |||
| 11/14/2006 | 35774 | 50 | 03/20/2003 |
| Tl*- the contact stated that his 2003 saturn vue is having fuel problems. he stated that while driving his vehicle he continues to smell gas. the contact stated that he has to drive with his windows open because the fumes are so strong. the contact stated that this started happening in october of 2006, when he had the fuel injector replaced. he took the vehicle back to the dealership the day after the injector was replaced and was told that the fuel injector seal was not replaced properly. they replaced the seal at that time, but he still smells gas while driving his vehicle. the contact has taken his vehicle back to the dealership on numerous occasions because of the fumes and the dealership informed the contact that they can't find anything wrong with his vehicle. *jb updated 02/27/07. *jb | |||
| 04/20/2006 | 61000 | 20 | 03/23/2003 |
| 2003 saturn vue suddenly stopped running at an intersection. thought that it was the fuel filter, which is only available at the dealership(if you are lucky enough to be able to get there when they are open). now the cam shaft position sensor and the and the crankshaft position sensor are both reading bad, and my vehicle will quit running as i am driving down the road without warning. *nm | |||
| 10/25/2005 | 65 | 1 | 10/21/2002 |
| 1) no prior warning leading up to the failure 2) i didn't know it at the time, but the gas gauge was broken causing me to run out of gas on a major highway. i had to coast over 2 lanes thankfully not getting hit or causing an accident. heart beating -thank god im alive, ii call saturn describing that my car just stopped running on a major highway. they look up my car, tell me it is out of warranty, and that i will be charged for the tow and repairs. 3)i had it towed to my repair shop, paid for tow, primary and secondary fuel sensor and labor totaling $750.00. *nm | |||
| 02/06/2003 | 1 | ||
| Problems with transmission equipment on 2003 saturn vue.***no answer required***.*mr three weeks after the vehicle was purchased the consumer was notified of a transmission related recall on the vehicle. four months later the transmission failed without warning in traffic. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced (vti transmission). the manufacturer is aware of the problems with the vti transmission but instead of replacing the with a different type of transmission they extended the warranty. the starter and rear wiper motor was replaced. both fuel senders failed resulting in inaccurate fuel readings. the liftgate became stuck when opened. *nm | |||
| 01/20/2005 | 1 | 02/12/2004 | |
| I have kept track my gas mileage since i bought my vue a year ago, and have never been satisfied with it. i took it in for an economy test 3 months ago and was told everything was okay. so, i logged my gas mileage for the last 3 months and brought it in for another economy test. even though i only averaged 20 mpg over the 3 months (and i drive mostly highway miles), they still say i am getting adequate gas mileage (they said they got 26 mpg with 35 miles combined highway and city). i placed a complaint with saturn corporate and received one phone call stating that there was nothing they could do for me. all i was told was that wind, cold weather, driving habits and the vti transmission all play a part in the fuel economy. these things (with the exception of the vti transmission since it is new) have never caused a problem with the fuel economy in any other car i have owned (including another saturn). *jb | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 3969 | ||
| 1. recall transaxle 2. same day ---check ingine light would not go out. they fixed it and same day it came on again, they fixed it again 3. same day car is lurching shen coming to a stop. they fixed it. 4. next week the car is not getting any gas when press the excelerator. 5. car had to be towed in becasue it would not start at all.they fixed it. 6. same day after pick up hear knocking sound when turn a corner and then rattle when increase in speed. they said they donot hear anything. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY | |||
| 11/17/2003 | 2 | ||
| 2003 saturn vue failed to start. *kb the vehicle made squeaking noises when the consumer made a right turn, in addition to various other rumblings. the consumer experienced problems with the rotors, bearings and transmission. a special wheel bearing had to be ordered as well as a special side cover and hardware for the transmission. the coolant switch was defective. the rear wipers would stick. the gas gauge would only read 3/4 full. the air condition stopped working and the hot and cold knob did not go all the to cool. the starter was replaced which was the reason the vehicle wasn't starting. the transfer case seal was replaced. *jb | |||
| 07/14/2003 | 7016 | 8 | |
| I have taken my 2003 saturn vue in 8 times for high idle (1000 rpm) in neutral, ses light on, and engine cooling fan going on. the dealer stopped attempting to fix the problem on visit 6 (when they let my car sit at the dealership for 13 days with 1 diagnosis attempt). another dealer has looked at the car for the last two visits. saturn says they cannot find anything wrong. yet i have found a saturn service bulletin on the nhtsa website. the high idle is a safety issue because it affects my shifting. an independent ase certified mechanic has stated that the high idle and engine fan running will eventually damage the fan, engine mounts and catalytic converter. of course, my gas mileage is compromised as well as my safety. the service bulletin pertains to the ses light, code p0171 fuel trim system lean. *ak | |||
| 09/26/2003 | 6300 | 3 | 10/20/2003 |
| 2003 saturn vue: while driving, the reduced power light comes on at the same time that the car has been reduced in speed to 15 to 20 mph. this sudden reduction, without warning is a safety hazard while driving in traffic. the sudden reduction has the same effect as putting on the brakes without the brake lights. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP | |||
| 04/28/2003 | 1 | 04/28/1999 | |
| My complaints are several . all of which have been described in technicakl bulletins. i have had my vehicle back to the dealer no less than 10 times since i ourchased it. now, i live with the issues because i can't afford to lose additional work , the worst problem is the vibration in the drivetrain at idle (when in drive and the vibration driving at 60-65. in addition, the front drivers door squeeks ( i belive its the insulation) my luggage bolts broke, the seat cushion on the drivers side would not stay attached on the front edge, there is a popping noise when the truck is idling, when you close the rear liftgate, the plastic interior seperates from the door, whe it is cold my steering column make noise. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - FUEL RAIL | |||
| 11/14/2006 | 35774 | 50 | 03/20/2003 |
| Tl*- the contact stated that his 2003 saturn vue is having fuel problems. he stated that while driving his vehicle he continues to smell gas. the contact stated that he has to drive with his windows open because the fumes are so strong. the contact stated that this started happening in october of 2006, when he had the fuel injector replaced. he took the vehicle back to the dealership the day after the injector was replaced and was told that the fuel injector seal was not replaced properly. they replaced the seal at that time, but he still smells gas while driving his vehicle. the contact has taken his vehicle back to the dealership on numerous occasions because of the fumes and the dealership informed the contact that they can't find anything wrong with his vehicle. *jb updated 02/27/07. *jb | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP | |||
| 08/26/2008 | 41000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. the contact noticed that the engine warning indicator would consistently illuminate on the instrument panel. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the fuel cap. two months after the repair, she noticed that the fuel nozzle shut off intermittently or prematurely while filling the vehicle and/or ses lamp with dtc p0446 evap vent system performance set. the dealer stated that it would cost $1,000 to have the vehicle repaired according to tsb number 10017570. the vehicle has not been repaired due to the expense. the manufacturer did not assist. the failure mileage was 41,000 and current mileage was 42,000. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | |||
| 07/05/2003 | 1 | 01/25/2003 | |
| Fuel economy is drastically below what was said in the sales room and indicated on the sticker. a search of saturn vue user sites online indicate that the problem is considerable. some vue owners (of the vti 4cyl) get up to 30 miles per gallon, while others like me get 15-17. it doesn't matter whether it's city driving, highway driving, or a combination. such a disparity is unbelievable. the dealership said this is due to the break-in period. other owners say they've had great mileage since the bought the car.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 1 | |||
| While vehicle was parked overnight, the next day the consumer noticed a fuel puddle under the vehicle. had taken vehicle to dealership. mechanic noticed the fuel lines had a hole in them and had to replaced them. please provide further information. *ph | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE | |||
| 08/15/2006 | 35000 | 100 | 11/30/2005 |
| When stopping the vehicle and sitting still for a few seconds, there is a loud thumping sound (occurring three or four times) from the rear of the vehicle (sounds similar to a loose fuel tank baffle). the dealer stated they weren't aware of any fix for this problem, though they tried a couple of ideas. while i've found this on several websites online, nobody seems to know the cause. everyone seems to live with the problem. it's difficult to diagnose as it seems intermittant, but happens on average once per day. being that this seems to be eminating from the fuel system, i think that saturn should take this issue more seriously, and more than likely this is something they can correct by replacing the fuel tank, i feel that they just don't want that expense. also, i would like to take the opportunity to complain about the horn switch, as it is extremely difficult to operate in a panic situation, which is what it is designed to be used in. lastly, i beleive that nhtsa should investigate the awd system on these vehicles. i've done my own tests and i have to say i am surprised about how easily it is to loose control of the vehicle in light snow. when the rear comes on, if the engine is revving high, it can spin the vehicle around like a top. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | |||
| 09/08/2004 | 14117 | 3 | 11/11/2002 |
| On 5/1/04, the vehicle was taken to saturn service because the fuel guage read that the tank was 3/4 full after vehicle was filled up. the sending units were replaced. *ak on 6/28/04 the vehicle was again taken in for service because the fuel guage read that it was about 1/8 full when there was less than 1 gallon of fuel in the 15 gallon tank. saturn service checked the vehicle and said that there was no problem with the fuel guage. on 9/8/04 during ruch hour, i was travelling at high speeds on the freeway with my 8 week old son when the vehicle ran out of gas. the guage read that there was almost 1/4 tank of fuel left. i was stranded in the fast lane during rush hour on a 106 degree day with an 8 week old infant because the fuel guage on my saturn vue did not read the amount of fuel left in the tank. two highway patrol officers had to close the freeway and push the vehicle off the freeway. without their immediate assistance, there could have been a serious accident. on 9/9/04 saturn service checked the vehicle again and said that there was not a problem with the fuel guage and the tank had 2.5 gallons left of fuel. only when a service technician drove the car and was stranded when it ran out of gas did the service department take the claim seriously. | |||
| 02/28/2004 | 17500 | 2 | 06/25/2003 |
| Several problems - gas gauge not working, numerous rattles and squeaks, weird engine noises, thermostat out, misc warning lights. *ak | |||