2009 Saturn Vue: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Saturn Vue: 2 recalls, 118 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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.
Steering Vehicle recall #08V616000 · 2008 · 2,149 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles May have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing. This could cause the tie rod to separate from the knuckle.
Why it matters: Although steering control of the vehicle could be maintained after a tie rod separation by the unaffected wheel on smooth roads or during light braking, with more significant suspension or braking inputs, the affected wheel could turn out and skid. If a vehicle built with two incorrect steering…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on December 8, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (38): the most common themes are steering problems (34), leaks (7), noise or vibration (5).
- Electrical (35): the most common themes are electrical failure (20), stalls / loses power (11), door / lock issues (8).
- Transmission & drivetrain (14): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (8), warning light on (2).
- Airbags (10): the most common themes are fails to deploy (3).
The 2009 Saturn Vue has 118 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 9 Vue model years for complaints (well below the 261 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (30 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (406 complaints, 3 recalls), 2010 (6 complaints, 0 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 | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | 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 2009 Saturn Vue.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Saturn Vue have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Saturn Vue problems?
Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (38), electrical (35), transmission & drivetrain (14).
What gas mileage does the 2009 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 2009 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.