2008 Saturn Vue: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Saturn Vue: 3 recalls, 406 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #08V200000 · 2008 · 26 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the transmission case side bore that holds the park pawl pivot pin May have a casting porosity. This condition, coupled with normal operating stresses, could lead to failure, eliminating the ability to secure the transmission in 'park' position.
Why it matters: If this happens while the vehicle is parked on a non-level surface, the vehicle could roll without warning and cause injury to people in its path.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2008.
Steering Vehicle recall #08V470000 · 2008 · 42,408 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump May loosen. If this were to occur, there May be a power steering fluid leak.
Why it matters: The fluid could contact hot exhaust components resulting in a possible engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump. If there are no signs of a fluid leak, dealers will tighten the nut. If a fluid leak is present, dealer will tighten the nut and check the fluid level. The recall began on September 26, 2008.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #09V233000 · 2009 · 44,451 vehicles
What's wrong: The outside door handles May stick or bind. If this were to occur, the door May not latch when closed.
Why it matters: Driving with an unlatched door could result in an unbelted occupant falling out of the vehicle, causing increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the outside door handles with chrome door handles free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before August 18, 2009. Owner May contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (120): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (56), warning light on (20), stalls / loses power (16).
- Electrical (88): the most common themes are electrical failure (34), door / lock issues (21), warning light on (17).
- Steering (86): the most common themes are steering problems (81), noise or vibration (15).
- Other / unknown (44): the most common themes are warning light on (7).
The 2008 Saturn Vue has 406 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 9 Vue model years for complaints (1.6× the average Vue year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (76 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 75,337 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (286 complaints, 0 recalls), 2009 (118 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Regular |
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 2008 Saturn Vue.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Saturn Vue have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 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 2008 Saturn Vue problems?
Owners have filed 406 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (120), electrical (88), steering (86).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Saturn Vue get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 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.