MotorDeets

2002 Saturn Vue: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2002 Saturn Vue: 2 recalls, 167 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
167owner complaints
13mention a crash
22best combined mpg
2002 Saturn Vue
Photo: 2000chevymontecarlo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V386000 · 2001 · 327 vehicles

What's wrong: 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some vehicles were produced with rear outer seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were incorrectly installed.

Why it matters: If these bolts were incorrectly installed, they would not withstand the load requirements of the standard. If an anchorage failed in a crash, the occupant would not be properly restrained and could have an increased risk of injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the rear shoulder guide anchor bolts. Owner notification began December 19, 2001.

Electrical Vehicle recall #14V490000 · 2014 · 202,155 vehicles

What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, it May be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position.

Why it matters: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission…

The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical52
Engine & cooling31
Transmission & drivetrain24
Steering18
Engine16
Airbags15
Suspension10
Speed control / throttle6

What owners describe

The 2002 Saturn Vue has 167 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 9 Vue model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 261). Complaints peaked in 2014 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (622 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.2 L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive192622Regular
2.2 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive202622Regular
2.2 L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive182421Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive172319Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Saturn Vue.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2002 Saturn Vue manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2002 Saturn Vue manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2002 Saturn Vue manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2002 Saturn Vue manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2002 Saturn Vue have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Saturn Vue. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2002 Saturn Vue problems?

Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (52), engine & cooling (31), transmission & drivetrain (24).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Saturn Vue get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2002 Saturn Vue repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Vue years

200220032004200520062007200820092010