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Saturn Vue Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • bismarck318bismarck318 Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2011
    Good morning bismark318,

    I am sorry if your email in September was missed – I would recommend re-sending it. I will follow up with Caron! Thank you for being patient with us, and I apologize that your interactions with your dealership haven’t been satisfactory.

    Best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service

    Sarah/Caron,

    My initial mail was sent on August 26th, not in September as I stated. I had resent that to you earlier today to your socialmedia address along with some additional information.

    please let me know if you did not receive this today.

    Thanks
  • bismarck318bismarck318 Member Posts: 49
    My vehicle has 98,000 miles and has been sitting in my back yard for 2 years now. At 98,000 miles it has had 3 transmission failures. The 1st came in at 67,000 miles, the 2nd at 83,000miles and now (the one i refuse to death to repair) came at, you guessed right, 98,000 miles. GM should really hear the people out and if not we should all come together and demand that a re-file class action relief to occur at a 100% total cost covered/refund and more, no 50/50 or $5,000 exchange towards a NEW GM vehicle. Think about it........... People at GM sure know how to wash off their hands from dirt = people (at least that's the way I feel they have treated me so far)

    What GM really should look into is retrofitting whatever transmission they used after the VCT in the late '05 models into the failed VCT's, I'm not sure what other components would need replaced, though at least that may stop the future failures which seem inevitable... I would imagine this would also be more cost effective also rather than rebuilding & replacing a VCT several times in a single vehicle as which seems to be the case.

    They know this transmission is destine for failure, yet they keep using rebuilds with the same issue... I don't get it?
  • nvrbuyagainnvrbuyagain Member Posts: 1
    I have been in constant contact with GM over the past month about my 2003 Saturn VUE and the amount of problems I have had with it from day 1. I have looked at other boards and have decided to post here because I am at my wits end with the car. I thought me and my Saturn would have a nice long life together I didn't think it was going to end at 8 yrs with 60,000. Thus far since day 1 I have had to have work done on the Transmission, then the rear stabilizers, the horn sensor then melted and had to replace the horn and air bag. The car just had to have the exhaust system replaced, next thing that went was the fuel tank which had a crack in it. Now I am dealing with electronic steering issues, the rear stabilizers once again are giving me problems. And one last thing it looks as though the timing chain is going. Although GM has offered me a loyalty check why would I be interested in another GM vehicle after this one that went bad at 5 yrs worth of mileage and GM has not offered any assistance but plenty of fights along the way. With the way the economy is and how the tax payers helped GM where are they to help the tax payer? Lesson learned I will never buy a car again Leasing is the way to go that way everything is covered for those first 3 yrs and then you give it back
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Thank you for resending this. It has been received.

    Best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • codytazcodytaz Member Posts: 4
    I see that some people have asked me the address of GM since I have had some luck getting thru. I wrote a letter to the CEO Daniel Akerson, 300 Renaissance Center, Detroit MI 48265. Sorry it toke so long to get back with everyone. If you are going to write a letter, good luck! After we paid the $1000.00, I still hearing noises when I step off of the gas, have no idea what that could be. I don't have any more money to take it in and have someone look at it. That is pretty bad!
  • oneupsetladyoneupsetlady Member Posts: 5
    I have been having trouble with my 2004 Saturn Vue for over a year now. My dealer said it is going to cost me at least 1000.00 to get it fixed. Someone told me about this site so now I see everyone else is having trouble also. I want to know has anyone else got theres fixed.
    What can I do?

    Also last year my AC started going bad everytime I stopped at a stop sign it blowed hot air! What can I do about this?
  • s4sars4sar Member Posts: 4
    Can you provide me with the contact name, address, phone you used to get your transmission issue resolved? My 2005 Vue just lost first gear at $40k miles and I bought it new in 2005. No notice came to me on the settlement. Thx.
  • s4sars4sar Member Posts: 4
    Sorry - just saw the contact info. I was so excited when I saw someone had success in dealing with this issue that I didn't continue reading the blog.
  • hylndrehylndre Member Posts: 1
    I feel your pain.
    I am upside down in my 2003 Saturn Vue and the transmission went out two weeks ago with milage under 100k.
    There is a class action lawsuit going on you might be elligible for if your transmission is out and there's a Saturn Special Assistance you might qualify for.
  • neworleansladyneworleanslady Member Posts: 3
    I have contacted Saturn Corp. and they have directed me to a dealership that is about 30 minutes away from my home. My 2003 Saturn Vue would have to be towed,which I do not have the money to do. Please let me know where I would get more information about the class action lawsuit.
  • jonntammijonntammi Member Posts: 1
    I purchased my Saturn VUE used from a dealer in January of 2008 and it currently has less than 90K miles on it still because of how often it needs to be repaired. Until our Saturn dealer closed, we used them to do the work on it. After they closed, it sat in my parking space for 6 months because it wouldn't start, we found a mechanic who used to work for GM. For the last year it has been in the shop every other month. One month ago, our mechanic said the transmission needed to be replaced (the codes and the fact the car wouldn't shift beyond 3rd gear had me agreeing). For a used transmission with 58k miles on it, he charged me $2200 parts and labor. That does NOT include the TCM. He also replaced the stabilizer links and the water pump for another $1k p&l. With the exception of 2 days (Nov 11-13) (where it was still having trouble shifting so we took it back) it has been with him since October 6th. When we took it back to him, he said that it was throwing all the codes as though the TCM was failing.

    He finally took it to a Chevrolet dealer in the area on Monday and called me back today. Now he is telling me that the catalytic converter also needs to be replaced and that is another $1500 parts and labor. The car is not worth as much as it is costing me to fix it. This was my third Saturn and the whole reason I purchased a Saturn was because I trusted the brand.
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Jonntammi,

    I'm sorry to hear about the numerous concerns that have arisen with your VUE. Have you already been working with Customer Assistance?

    Best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • jonesy72jonesy72 Member Posts: 2
    We have a 2005 Saturn Vue and it is now sputtering? what should we look for, so when we take it in, we know.?
  • jonesy72jonesy72 Member Posts: 2
    we bought ours over the summer at a dealership. We love it. And just started having issues with it. We also dont have the money right now to fix it. Please help us, so when it does go in i am not wasting money on things that dont need fixed and it gets fixed the right way... Thank you very much.
  • oneupsetladyoneupsetlady Member Posts: 5
    I sure do need someone to reply to me so I will know what to do!!Thanks!!
  • bolndee29bolndee29 Member Posts: 1
    ....Well can we get any money for our broken Saturns from GM?
  • s4sars4sar Member Posts: 4
    I just sent a letter to the CEO at GM.
    Mr. Daniel Akerson
    CEO
    General Motors
    300 Renaissance Center
    Detroit, MI 48265
    I will post after I hear back from him. If I hear back from him...
  • superurssuperurs Member Posts: 1
    This was sent out as a service bullitin to all dealerships. If a customer brought it in complaining about shudder at low speeds, they were check 7 possible parts that would cause this condition. My car is doing this and was repaired under warrenty at the time but is considered unresolved becuase its still doing it.

    My condition happens during low speed travel on level grade around 30-35 mph and the engine taching at 1300-1400rpm. You must keep your rpm's steady. It shudders the whole car and rattles to body panels, like the engine is running on only 3 cyl.

    This problem was a recall for torque convertor or related issue.

    Mine is gonig in and will be repair still covered from the recall bullitin
  • svaculiksvaculik Member Posts: 1
    I had read a lot about the torque converter problems that they were having the Saturn Vue's and made sure that when I test drove all of them I kept an eye out for it. I just purchased a 2006 Saturn Vue with 96,000 miles on it and when I drove it for a few days low and behold the problems have started. It "hesitates" when shifting into 5th, at a slow acceleration I have found the car will shift around 2k RPMs but once I go from 40-50 it seems like it just does not want to shift....once the car finally does shift, it sounds as though it is running too "hard" or the RPMs are too low for that speed. Everything I have read says that this is the Torque converter...I called my local dealer and they said they was no recall and they will not fix it but my GF has the same car and she had hers fixed "under recall" for free and her car is a 2007 at 150,000 miles! Can someone please shed some light on this situation or what I can do before the problem gets worse?
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    I can understand why this is confusing and frustrating. Recalls are associated to the VIN of a vehicle, and can be assigned based upon model year or build location. As your girlfriend's vehicle was a 2007 and yours is a 2006, this likely explains why her repair was covered and yours may not fall under a recall.

    If you would like for us to establish a case to evaluate your particular situation through Customer Service, please send us an email that includes the following information: your name/user name and contact information (phone and address), the last 8 digits of your VIN and current mileage, the name of your involved dealership, and a description of the visits you've made to address your current concerns.

    Regards,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • michiganvuemichiganvue Member Posts: 2
    I started experiencing the shuttering on my Vue over a year ago and thought it was just time for a fluid change. This never helped the shutter and I've been attempting to ignore it and compensate my driving to deal with the issue as long as possible. This last weekend, I drove the vehicle and it started missing gears at low speeds and producing this grinding sound. It made me nervous so I took it to my local mechanic who immediately diagnosed it and said this has been an issue with the Honda Pilot as well. I looked online and found this thread, which led me to take it over to the dealer.

    The dealer inspected the vehicle and confirmed my mechanics diagnosis, however due to it being a late 2004 build, it doesn't qualify under the TSB. The dealership's hands are tied, so I called Saturn Corporate who opened a case to see if they could assist me. Two days later, I received a phone call back stating that even though the vehicle shows the same symptoms as those covered under the TSB, the vehicle doesn't qualify for warranty repair.

    I've dealt with auto manufacturer's through the legal system before. It's a long process, but I will not sit by to let them say this isn't covered under an issue Honda and GM have both acknowledged. Is there a class-action suit already in process for this issue? If not, I'll be contacting my counsel who's helped me in the past this afternoon.
  • oneupsetladyoneupsetlady Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2011
    Could you give me the number you used to call Saturn? BTW what is a TSB?
  • oneupsetladyoneupsetlady Member Posts: 5
    I can't find anything in writing that the torque converter has a recall...Can you please tell me where I can find it so I can show the dealership?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You can find a list of TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) in the Edmunds Car Maintenance Guide.
  • addidas40addidas40 Member Posts: 14
    I have also dealt with GM regarding the faulty transmissions and GM goes through the so called process of opening a case but they will not do anything. There was a class action lawsuit but GM filed bankruptcy and is no longer obligated to fix the problem. Here are a few things that you can do and remember the more people who file complaints the more likely that these problems will be looked into.

    Information regarding the class action lawsuit
    http://www.lakinlaw.com/CM/ClassAction/ClassAction55.asp

    You can file complaints with (takes about 5 min):
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
    Website http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners/

    Better Business Bureau
    Website http://www.bbb.org/

    Post your problem for the VTi transmission on forum boards

    Write your local politicians
    Congressmen, local officials and attorney general you can find your local officials at c-span. You may have to Google your state and attorney general separately to find out who that is.
    http://www.c-span.org/CongressDirectory/

    Last but not least you can write the CEO of GM
    Mr. Daniel Akerson
    CEO GM
    300 Renaissance Center
    Detroit, MI 48265
  • oneupsetladyoneupsetlady Member Posts: 5
    Thanks a lot!!
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    If you were to provide us with your case number in an email, we would be happy to further investigate the situation.

    Regards,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • jules71jules71 Member Posts: 2
    I too have a 2003 Saturn Vue LEMON. I wanted to ask you about your horn issue. My husband was driving and pounded on the horn when someone cut him off and the horn stuck on. Eventually it blew the fuse and from what I understand that is a comon problem with these vehicles and in order to replace the horn sensor, they have to remove the air bag. Is that what you experienced as well? How much did they charge you to fix it?

    Mine is in the shop right now because the service engine soon light was on for about 2 weeks and then went off. It lags when you first accelerate. They told me today that it is something with the transmission and that the fluid is full but it is black meaning there is metal in it due to something coming apart. They agreed to split the cost of the transmission repair/replacement with me 50/50. It seems others have been able to get GM to foot the entire bill. I am not sure how though. Any ideas?

    They also told me my sway bar links are bad and need to be replaced. Is that the same thing as you indicated (rear stabilizers)?

    My CD player broke. My hood release lever has come off multiple times. The hazzard light button has been pushed inside my dash board twice. This is my 5th Saturn and the WORST car I have even owned.

    I am sick about this. We live on one income and have two small children. I am about to return Christmas presents in order to pay for this. Sickening.
  • addidas40addidas40 Member Posts: 14
    Sorry to hear about your problem I had to have the BCM (body control module) replaced on my Saturn. The problem began with the horn malfunctioning but then the computer components on the car quit working also. My headlights began going off and on then the locks kept locking and unlocking (even when the car was off). Eventually I was not able to roll down the windows. When we took it in the Saturn dealer they told me it was the BCM and it cost over $500.00 to replace because the whole dashboard had to be taken off. These are not very good cars and I really wish I had reasearched this information before I purchased mine.
  • addidas40addidas40 Member Posts: 14
    Oh and I forgot the 50/50 split on the transmission would cost me $3000.00 to pay for the defective Vti transmission that was installed. I did not want to invest this much money in this car so I bought a Toyota. I still own the Saturn which is just sitting in my garage. I will probably sell it for what I can with a non working transmission. I believe that GM hiked the price of the transmission up to $6000.00 then said they would pay half. Good luck.
  • babyd77babyd77 Member Posts: 2
    While driving my 2006 AWD Saturn vue it stopped getting gas, the engine was on and i was able to steer however when i tried to accelerate the pedal would go all the way to the floor and nothing would happen, i turned it off and waited a few minutes, started it back up and off i went, two days later the same problem occurred. Anybody have any idea what that may be?
  • 442dude442dude Member Posts: 373
    I'm going to guess that the engine light with the downward facing arrow is on? Its likely that you are in "reduced performance mode" due to a communications problem between your gas pedal and your throttle body under the hood - Most likely one of 3 problems in this order:

    1. Gas pedal position sensor NG
    2. throttle position sensor NG
    3. Wiring between them NG

    Basically, your car can't figure out what position the gas pedal or throttle body are in or its reported position does not agree with what it thinks it is...the car goes into reduced performance mode as a safety interlock so it doesn't accelerate wildly out of control. To protect you from harm it limits how fast the car will go. When you turned the car off and back on you were able to reset it and it was OK until the values didn't agree again. Any good dealer or otherwise mechanic will be able to help you easily...pretty sure that the accelerator pedal position sensor is the most common one to go bad.

    Good Luck :shades:
  • babyd77babyd77 Member Posts: 2
    Cool, I'll look into that, thanks.
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    I'm glad you've gotten such great feedback!

    If you plan on working with a dealership and would like Customer Assistance to help in the process, feel free to contact us via email with more information including your name and contact information (phone and address), Edmunds username, the last 8 digits of your VIN and current mileage, and involved dealership.

    Happy Holidays,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • michiganvuemichiganvue Member Posts: 2
    Just an update on this. I took my Vue to a local transmission specialist and they came back to let me know that they don't think anything is wrong with the transmission itself, but the two mounting brackets are both broken. He said that this is what's causing the grinding noise in my tranny and that I shouldn't even be driving it in this condition. How the heck those mounts broke is a big question, but they cost $250/pair, plus another $270 for labor. The whole motor and transmission needs to be lowered in order to change out the mounts. I'm hoping that this fixes the problems we have with the tranny. I'll keep everyone posted.
  • brittybuttbrittybutt Member Posts: 1
    My name is brittany zimmerman an I just got my 2003 saturn vue about 2 mounths ago an im havin alot of the same problems as listed on site when I go to take off the rpms go to about 3 before it gets to 40 mph when it gets to that point it dont want to shift also my horn had came on an wouldnt go off knw it wont work my car has problems startin i think do to the battery it has 103k miles on it I had purchesed this car cuz i have a baby on the way an needed a family car but i have come across so many prblems.. plz email me back at zimmerman.brittany@yahoo.com
  • bismarck318bismarck318 Member Posts: 49
    ....Well can we get any money for our broken Saturns from GM?

    Answer is likely no. We the taxpayers gave GM the bailout, in turn they outsourced many jobs overseas.

    If you get anything for them it will be a 50/50 split for overpriced dealership labor.... this is not the same GM that built my '62 Pontiac.
  • bismarck318bismarck318 Member Posts: 49
    edited December 2011
    This was sent out as a service bullitin to all dealerships. If a customer brought it in complaining about shudder at low speeds, they were check 7 possible parts that would cause this condition. My car is doing this and was repaired under warrenty at the time but is considered unresolved becuase its still doing it.

    My condition happens during low speed travel on level grade around 30-35 mph and the engine taching at 1300-1400rpm. You must keep your rpm's steady. It shudders the whole car and rattles to body panels, like the engine is running on only 3 cyl.

    This problem was a recall for torque convertor or related issue.

    Mine is gonig in and will be repair still covered from the recall bullitin

    What are these 7 possible parts?

    Per GM Customer Service, once the car goes in, the reprogram is completed, & the car does not throw a code, the vehicle is deemed ok & the issue is closed.

    The tech who did my reprogram late on a Saturday reported the car still had issues needed resolved after a test drive, I could bring int back at my convienence since a rental would not be provided. When I returned it to the dealer in the next month, they had the vehicle for nearly 2 weeks & claimed they could not find a problem, yet the tech that reprogramed it was no longer employed there. Yes the techs report is documented... so far he/she was the only person to find this problem.

    The dealer had been giving me vague answers on this issue, my mistake was taking it home that Saturday afternoon. Per GM I now have to pay the dealership diagnostic fees for any further issues, & they are telling me that this erratic, & abrupt jerky shifting is either normal or it's not misbehaving for them, & not 'throwing codes'.

    I initally complained in March of 2009, to Saturn when the vehicle was still under powertrain warranty, I was given a $115 car wash, told that I didn't understand a 5 speed transmission, & sent on my way.

    It still shifts often like someone learning to drive a manual.... :mad:

    Off topic, but has anyone had their rear tailgate start rusting on the '06 & '07 also?
  • poeticjustucepoeticjustuce Member Posts: 1
    I am SO glad to find other dissatisified VUE owners!!! I can't begin to explain the BS I went through with mine! I owned the car for a little over a year. It was a 2003 Saturn VUE, with that stupid VTi transmission or whatever the hell it is.

    It broke down one day out of nowhere. I had it towed to the garage, and they said it was the transmission, and that I can expect to have to replace it again. I held on to the car for over a year with a dead transmission because I couldn't afford the 5,000 dollars it would cost! I ended up having to take out yet another car loan again because paying another car payment was easier than being to fork up the 5,000 to fix the tranny. Im a single working mother who doesnt have much of a savings account! I also go to school full time...anyways....

    So, 500 dollars a month for over a year, and it finally came down to having to have it reposessed because my hours at work were cut in half. The sad thing is, I miss the HELL out of that car. It was beautiful to look at, drived well (minus the grinding) and had great storage. Does anyone know if the transmission issue applies to a 2004 Saturn VUE with a manual transmission? I really do miss that car!
  • bismarck318bismarck318 Member Posts: 49
    So, 500 dollars a month for over a year, and it finally came down to having to have it reposessed because my hours at work were cut in half. The sad thing is, I miss the HELL out of that car. It was beautiful to look at, drived well (minus the grinding) and had great storage. Does anyone know if the transmission issue applies to a 2004 Saturn VUE with a manual transmission? I really do miss that car!

    No, you are safe with a manual, I wish I could have purchased a manual, due to arthritic conditions during winter months made that impossible.

    I had lost my job back in May, (outsourced overseas in a nutshell), reason I can not be throwing money away at this point. When & if the torque converter dies, I'll have to go out for a beater which should be a fraction of the cost of a repair.
  • gr82balivegr82balive Member Posts: 3
    I purchased this 2003 Saturn Vue in 2008. September 2011 the Vti (CVT) tranny went out while driving down a street. Took it into the shop and paid $4,976.23 for a new tranny, center carrier bearing, and a rebuild on the transfer case. Now in December of 2011 I have an EXTREME reduction in mpg's, difficulty shifting between gears, and an intermittent, dry, scraping sound when turning. Took the car into a local GM shop who said my new tranny was still in good operable condition and believe my problems with mpg's, shifting, and scraping sounds to be coming from either the transfer case or front differential, which was quoted at $6,000 to replace. The vehicle has 74,000 miles on it and I did not have these problems until the tranny went out and was replaced. Does anyone have similar issues? Do I still have financial recourse through GM? I have left messages with GM but have not received a phone call back. I would love to just scrap the car but I am unfortunately still making payments on it. I used up my entire savings to do the first repair and can afford no more. Definately was neglectful in doing my homework before purchasing. But never the less I find myself in this situation. Does someone have advice in how to handle this now? I would appreciate anything.
  • bismarck318bismarck318 Member Posts: 49
    A couple weeks back upon turning out of my development, after nearly completing the turn, the Vue felt like it was going to do it's normal jerky hiccup shift, but then no power (this happened twice before - cold transmission) ... I had to stop the car & put it into reverse (I backed back into the sidestreet), then back to D before it would go, seemed like the TC released or slipped out of gear.

    I also noted yesterday (once again) on a stop & go freeway, I had always noted the very abrupt initial jerky start, I noted this went away when I put the Vue into "I", the converter seemed to engage normally from a stop as I straggled in stop & go traffic.

    Really, should the Vue need be started from a stop in the 'I' range?
  • wes36wes36 Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2012
    I called GM customer service for my 2004 Vue Redline with the Honda 3.5 engine and transmission regarding the transmission shudder and RPM variations around 30-45 mph. The reply - go have a GM dealer diagnose the problem at my expense and they will see what they can do from there. No committment on GM's part, just "we'll see what we can do from there". This is a well known, well documeneted problem with these transmissions and GM chooses to turn a blind eye. BUYER BEWARE. Buy a Saturn with the Honda transmission and then go find a good transmission shop! The taxpayers bailed out GM's butt and this is the return on our investment. CREEPS! Next time I'll skip GM products altogether!!!
  • ctenorctenor Member Posts: 7
    just a repete of my vue problems, at aprox 36,000 my auto trans. was not shifting properly, my 3 year waranty was expired on my 06 which I purchased new. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL TRANS. SHOP. with a good reputation. I was told that for the miles on the vue, the trans. should be working fine and that I shoul take it back to the G M dealer. I did, and they recommended a partial trans, fulsh at my expense of $106.00 This made no sense to the local trans. shop, but he told me ' If you ever expect any help from G M, you have to jump Through their hoops. I had the dealer do the flush and was told to drive for 500-1000 mi and see what happens. when I asked the dealer what if no improvement is noticed or the problem get worse? He replied bring it back and we will do another partial flush AT MY OUT OF POCKET COST. I drove the vue for 1000 miles with no improvement. the local shop told me that doing another partial flush was insane, and that the torque convertor shudder would not stop but only get worse and eventually wreck the trans. I had the local shop replace the convertor at a cost of $1,680.00 G M WANTED CLOSE TO $2,600.00. aprox. 3 months after I RECEIVED A REGISTERED LETTER FROM G M stating that they would pay to replace the torque convertor or pay me back if I had already replaced it my expense, which they did, SO KEEP BANGING ON G M GET A G M CUSTOMER REP[ INVOLVED NEVER GIVE UP .
  • 94mark9494mark94 Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2012
    Add me to the list of owners that are experiencing a transmission issue.

    My wife and I bought our FWD Redline Vue new in 2004. Recently I noticed it jerking a little when taking off from a stop or at slow speeds. Since reading this thread, "Shuddering" is a good word to describe it. Back in the summer months, we were driving it to North Carolina for vacation and I noticed that when I kept it at a steady speed (not under heavy load) between the speed of 35 and 50 mph, the tachometer was fluctuating about 200 - 300 rpms and the sound of the engine would change slightly while it was fluctuating.

    My wife drives all highway miles to work and the car currently has 155,000 miles on it but other than that we maintain it well, it still looks great and the engine is as quiet as when we bought it.

    After finding this thread I got nervous and just called Saturn/GM support. They said there are no recalls or TSB's for my car and when I mentioned this discussion and that there seems to be a GM representative posting in it, he said that they have no affiliation with this site and their representatives do not post here...

    THEN WHO IS SARA GRACE WHO IS POSTING HERE?

    They just gave me a file number and told me to take it to a GM dealer to diagnose. He said if I elected to have any work done there, I would be responsible for all diagnosis charges and any replacement parts and labor.

    What do we do? We need this car and can't be without a car for weeks? Anyone have a print out or electronic version of a TSB for this? I don't want to take it to the dealership and be dismissed and then have the entire transmission burn up a couple months from now.

    Does this look like a car that has 155,000 miles? We really take care of our vehicles.
    image

    image
  • chevyguy909chevyguy909 Member Posts: 1
    edited March 2012
    Unfortunately, your vehicle isn't covered any longer. Heres some pertinent information I was able to find:

    Some customers of 2002-2005 model year Saturn VUE vehicles equipped with a Variable Transmission with Intelligence (VTi) (RPO M75/M16); and 2003-2004 Saturn ION Quad Coupe vehicles equipped with VTi (RPO M75) may comment about transmission noise or reduced performance.

    Here's a copy of what was contained in a letter sent by GM to registered customers:

    November 2009 (Letter for U.S. Customers)
    Dear Saturn Customer:

    As the owner of a 2002, 2003, 2004, or 2005 model year Saturn VUE, or a 2003 or 2004 model year Saturn ION Quad Coupe, equipped with a Variable Transmission with Intelligence (VTi), your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

    This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 model year Saturn VUE, and some 2003 and 2004 model year Saturn ION Quad Coupe vehicles, equipped with a VTi, may exhibit excessive transmission noise or reduced performance.

    Do not take your vehicle to your Saturn retailer, or GM dealer if a Saturn retailer is not available, as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

    What We Have Done: General Motors has already provided Saturn owners with additional express warranty coverage for the VTi transmission.

    • If this condition occurs on your 2002, 2003, 2004, or 2005 model year Saturn VUE; 2003 or 2004 model year Saturn ION Quad Coupe, equipped with a VTi, within 5 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 75,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. Diagnosis or repair for conditions other than the condition described above is not covered under this Special Reimbursement Policy.

    • If your vehicle is no longer eligible for the coverage above, but is within 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership, General Motors will pay 50% of the cost of the eligible repair to the vehicle's transmission; you will be responsible for the remaining 50% of the repair cost. In lieu of this assistance, at the first instance of a needed repair within these time and mileage limits, a $5,000 customer credit is available to you. If you elect this option, your vehicle will be purchased for a $5,000 customer credit (less any lien) towards the purchase of a new GM vehicle within 30 days. Your servicing dealer/retailer will assist you in the $5,000 customer credit process. If you select this option, a copy of your current vehicle registration and title will be required at this time.

    What You Should Do: If your vehicle should require repairs to the VTi within the time and mileage limits listed above, contact your Saturn retailer. If a Saturn retailer is not available, please call the Saturn Customer Assistance Center for assistance.

    If your vehicle does not require repairs to the VTi, keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

    Reimbursement: The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for eligible repairs for the VTi transmission. These repairs must have been performed on your vehicle on or after July 10, 2009. Your request for reimbursement, including the information and documents mentioned on the enclosed form, must be received by GM by November 30, 2010 (November 30, 2011 for California residents).

    If you have any questions related to this Special Reimbursement Policy or a potential reimbursement, please contact the Saturn Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-972-8876 or 1 800-833-6000 (TTY).

    We are sorry for any inconvenience you may have experienced; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

    Scott Lawson

    Director,

    Customer and Relationship Services

    Enclosure

    09280
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    94mark94,
    I apologize for your frustrations and concerns. My name is Christina; I work with Sarah as a part of GM's Customer Service team. The agent most likely thought u were referring to a host from the site. Can you please email me your Service Request number the agent gave you? I would like to look into this further for you. I look forward to your email.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • addidas40addidas40 Member Posts: 14
    This post is for all of the people who have had problems with GM. I have also dealt with GM regarding the faulty Vti transmissions and GM goes through the so called process of opening a case but they will not do anything. They might split the cost with you to repair a defective transmission that they installed and it costs about $6000.00. So that means the customer has to pay $3000.00 for a transmission that was no good to begin with. There is also the option of the $5000.00 trade in but think about it first. Do you really want to invest in another GM vehicle? There was a class action lawsuit but GM filed bankruptcy and is no longer obligated to fix the problem. Here are a few things that you can do and remember the more people who file complaints the more likely that these problems will be looked into.

    Information regarding the class action lawsuit
    http://www.lakinlaw.com/CM/ClassAction/ClassAction55.asp

    You can file complaints with :
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
    Website http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners/

    Better Business Bureau
    Website http://www.bbb.org/

    Post your problem for the VTi transmission on forum boards

    Write your local politicians
    Congressmen, local officials and attorney general you can find your local officials at c-span. You may have to Google your state and attorney general separately to find out who that is.
    http://www.c-span.org/CongressDirectory/

    Last but not least you can write the CEO of GM
    Mr. Daniel Akerson
    CEO GM
    300 Renaissance Center
    Detroit, MI 48265

    Here is the website for the lawsuit that was filed.
    http://www.lakinlaw.com/

    Twitter
    http://twitter.com/gmcustomersvc

    Facebook
    http://www.facebook.com/generalmotors?v+wall
  • 94mark9494mark94 Member Posts: 12
    Hi Christina, can you please provide your email address so I can send you the information.

    Thank you
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 236,760
    Click on her membername, and all will be revealed...

    Edmunds Price Checker
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    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

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