Saturn VUE

jchambors · February 2003

My mistake. The CVT is only supposed to be available on the Ion Quad Coupe which is not available yet. We'll see what happens.

rsgatua · February 2003

I just purchased a V6 AWD VUE two weeks ago. So far I'm satisfied with everything about the car except the dash display at night. I have the dimmer switch set on max. My complain is that the white needles for the gas gauge, spedometer, and tachometer do not self illuminate so at night they don't show up too well-I can see the velocity numbers 20, 30, 40 etc but it's difficult to see how fast I'm going or how much gas is left. I've spoken to a dealer who said that there was only the lighting from behind. Is there something wrong with my car or was this just a poor design? I don't remember the dash on my old SL2 being this difficult to read and I'm only 25 so I don't think my vision is a problem. Does anyone else have this problem or am I just missing something?

dwabid · February 2003

Never had that problem so I looked at mine during lunch. [ Don't do this while driving ;-) ]

You aren't missing a thing. Your dealer is. I have a 2003 AWD6 and the dash is lit from behind and the front. If you take a look at your dash display from, say, wheel level you should see two screws on the top left and right side of the visor. About two inches directly behind the screws there are two 3 inch slits (the slits are behind the glass). If your lights are on, there should be light shining through those slits and pointing towards the display.

Crank your dash lights all the way up and look, you should see the lights even during the day.

shultzie · February 2003

I own a 2003 AWD 4 cyl, and when from accelarating from 0-20, or braking from 20-0 hear a clunking/grinding noise from the left front. Has anyone had similar experiences, if so any feedback would be appreciated.

ottawascott · February 2003

My new transmission is going in tomorrow. The dealer and the technical assit engineers at GM were unable to determine the cause of the grinding so they have decided to replace the tranny. I wonder if its possible to put a "conventional" transmission in these vehicles if the CVT proves to be a dud.

vuefor2 · February 2003

Ottawa -Sorry to hear about the CVT. We actually thought about getting one but decided on the V6 as there were no CVTs available at the time. Saturn will take care of you, don't worry. Did they give you a loaner?

Rsgatua -I can see our gauges fine. Might want to get that checked. Sounds like something is fused.

shultzie · February 2003

The noise I am experiencing also surfaced after the software/wiring recall, however I'm not completely 100% sure it's a transmission/CVT problem because it's more of a clunking noise versus a grinding noise and it's also heard when turning the steering wheel both when driving and when idle.

Any insight anyone?

It's going in to the dealer Saturday morning.

ladymug · February 2003

Hi, i was just curious if anyone was having any of the same problems and as many as i am with my "new" vue. my car is not even 1 year old and it has been in the shop 5 times with 7 or 8 different problems. some only minor but a few major.
   the first was a leaky a/c into my floorboard, which soaks my passenger floor. i had to leave my car for a full day so they could fix it. it still is not fixed but cannot be fixed again until summer.
    a couple months ago it had to be towed to saturn because the ignition coil went.
    this week i need to bring it back for creeking in my steering.
   i love most everything else about the vue, however i am concerned about the problems i am having within the first year. it seems everyone else is extremely pleased with their new vue.......i wish i was.

vuefor2 · February 2003

Which Vue configuration do you have?

It seems like the V6 models are the best and the CVT models still have some issues with the new transmission. I guess new technology always has some bugs.

It's too bad because our Vue has been great, we love it. Even my mom wants to get one now.

shultzie · February 2003

I also now have a squeaky break pedal. It started as a squeak only when the pedal was released
(on it's way up),now I hear it when the pedal is going down also.

rsgatua · February 2003

I took my car into a different retailer this morning. They took the time to turn on the headlights on a different VUE and saw that light does indeed shine down from those slits. They took apart my dash and found that a wire was not connected to the circuit board. My car was manufactured on January 13, 2003 so anyone else who bought a VUE made on that date should make sure they can see their gauge needles at night. Apparently these illumination slits are such an obscure thing that most Saturn employees I spoke to didn't even know they exist-even though further research shows that this dash design is common to most if not all Saturn models. Thanks for all the help!

vuefor2 · February 2003

I knew there was something wrong there. Our dash looks just fine at night.

Hit some ice last night and the AWD kicked in nicely. Just love the Vue in the winter, we just feel so secure in it.

shultzie · February 2003

Very anxious to get to the dealer to find out whats wrong. I will post the results as soon as I know.

In the meantime any feedback on the issues I've encountered would be appreciated.

shultzie · February 2003

The clunking noise was from a
"seized front sway bar end link"

Squeaky brake pedal just needed some lubrication.

All in all I'm pleased and relieved.

vuefor2 · February 2003

Anyone see the cool Saturn ad last night on the Grammy's? It had Saturn vehicles shopping for people instead of the other way around. Very cool.

wvahawk · February 2003

Hey Shultie. I have a 2003 AWD Saturn Vue that has been in the shop 7 times for the same problem which seems to involve the transmission. I have had to park mine every time it snows because the rear wheels don't pull. It refuses to go into reverse sometimes and the rear end shakes like crazy. It has some sort of noise in the front end, and even though it has had the software upgrade, it only seemed to make it worse. I hate this vehicle and rue the day I bought it. Still having trouble?

wvahawk · February 2003

Are you still experiencing trouble with your Saturn Vue? I am curious because I seem to be getting the runaround regarding mine. It spends more time in the shop than it does in my driveway. Anytime it snows, you might as well stay home because the rear wheels kick in for a foot or so and kick right back out. I am still experiencing the "knocking" in the front end, and have recently noticed that the rear end shakes like crazy. It is now getting so that it doesn't want to go into reverse. My Vue doesn't act up all the time, its quite unpredictable---I never know what its going to do next.

wvahawk · February 2003

Did the new transmission help? How did you get Saturn to agree to the installation of a new transmission. I just get the run-around. Has your Vue ever had the rear end to lock up? Ever had any trouble getting it to go into reverse? How does your handle on snow/ice/mud? I really would appreciate some input regarding this vehicle and would appreciate any advice you can send my way.

shultzie · February 2003

Hey, sorry to hear that your having so many problems.

They replaced the seized end link on the sway bar and that seems to have been the answer as the clunking noise has disappeared.

I don't think i've had the rear end lock up. What would be the signs of this happening?

Also no rear shakes or sluggishness in reverse.

wvahawk · February 2003

Just wanted to let you know that I have a 2003 AWD Vue and I hate it. If it even looks like snow, you might as well set back and enjoy watching tv, cause that car ain't going no where. The AWD kicks in for a split second and kicks right back out, the rear wheels never have grabbed in. It has been making some sort of noise in the front end, started this at just over 2000 miles. It refuses to go into reverse sometimes and the rear end shakes like crazy. It has been in the shop 7 times, and still no relief. Any thoughts...

wvahawk · February 2003

Hello. Just wanted to share my experience with my 2003 AWD Vue. I think that its a piece of junk, the front end has been making a noise--started at 2000 miles, when it snows--the rear wheels do not kick in so it just sits and spins. Winters here are quite harsh so you can imagine how irate I am. It sometimes refuses to go into reverse, just sits and whines. The rear end shakes until you can hardly keep it in the road. And this is just the small stuff. Any of these problems sound familiar??

wvahawk · February 2003

Our 2003 AWD Saturn Vue has been in the shop more than it's been at home. The people at the garage have threatened to put me on the payroll!! My Vue has some sort of noise in the front end, the rear end has locked up, when you are on ice/snow--the front wheels pull but the rear wheels only kick in for a split second then kick right back out--thus I sit and spin and spin. The rear end sometimes shakes so hard that I have to slow down to get it to quit. This was quite alarming the first time it happened since I was passing an 18 wheeler. I keep getting the runaround from Saturn. Seems like they don't care what happens once you sign on the dotted line.

shultzie · February 2003

I would try a different Saturn dealer if you feel you been getting the runaround. Most Saturn dealers will do whatever it takes to please their customers, and it sounds like yours may not be up to par with the others.

dindak · February 2003

So I take it you don't like your VUE?

;-)

Seriously though, do you have a 4 or 6 cyl.? I have never heard of the problems you are having with a V6 before. In fact I've heard a lot of praise for the 5 speed auto.

vuefor2 · February 2003

Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. Our AWD Vue has been flawless. Sounds like you have the CVT though and I think there are some issues with some of those transmissions. I would call Saturn customer service, they are very nice there and will likely be able to help you if the dealer is not.

eurekasprings · February 2003

I have searched, but did not discover any definitive answer to the windshield sprayer problem. The fluid just dribbles out of the sprayers. The Saturn dealer first said that it was not right, but then tested a new Vue that also had a pathetic spray. He said that was just the way it is and did not offer any solution. Today I could hardly see on the drive home and could not wash the window. If you have a solution I sure would like to hear it.

oarlox · February 2003

We have had our VUE into the dealer several times to take care of the crappy windshield sprayers. The dealer in Anchorage has had so many problems with these things that he has sprayer tips right there at the service counter. Seems that everyone in Anchorage is having similar problems.

wvahawk · February 2003

The rear end on our Vue locked up when I was coming up my driveway. I gave the vehicle the gas and it didn't want to move. It felt like the rear wheels just weren't moving at all. When I finally coaxed it to the top of my driveway and got out to look at the tires, the mud imprint was solid, there was no tread indication on the mud. I just got it back out of the shop yesterday and I am still noticing the same noise in the front end and can still feel some sort of shaking in the rear end. Unfortunately we only have one Saturn dealer anywhere near our area.

wvahawk · February 2003

Unfortunately I have the 4 cylinder with the new CVT transmission. It just keeps having one problem after another, and refuses to "show" its true colors when I take it in to the dealership. I have gotten the runaround from the dealership and the main headquarters in Tennessee. I think my next step will be to contact the GM plant to see what they suggest.

wvahawk · February 2003

I have already tried to deal with both the local dealership and the main headquarers in Tenn. They both continue to give me the run-around. I have been told that there is no way that the car is doing what I say it is, they also told me that if it was real cold it might not go into reverse, and also informed me that the noises that I was hearing in the rear-end was just the vehicle heating/cooling. This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding all the problems this vehicle has had.

3der · February 2003

Basically I like it more all the time. I like it because it is different.
  The electric steering-great, can't really tell the difference from hydraulic. All cars seem to have a different feel, some harder than others, but after driving them you adjust to whatever it is. [hydraulic system has foamed over on me at very cold temperatures [-42]and always sounded a little sick afterwards.]
  Wired throttle? I have had cables stick etc., some have recalls. I suppose here it would be a bad connection for trouble, but which is more likely? The sensitivity or resistance to your foot should not have anything to do with the method, they are all spring loaded.
   Ride, exceptional. I believe I could follow anyone around corners. I don't notice body lean or dive at all contrary to some reports. Soaks up bumps quietly compared to my wagon.
  Window switches? Like any, takes getting used to, but, now I prefer it. Door locks are handy also, inside door handles also.
  Driver seatback tilt? Kind of hard to locate while driving. Seat lifter-great idea. Not electric? even better [not stiff in cold weather]
  Seats? perfect for me. I find seats that are designed to grab sideways cripple me. They pull my shoulders in [6 ft tall] Seats should not be made like shoes unless they can be sized. I find it easy on my back, and I had a lumbar support in the last vehicle.
  Shifting? It certainly is aggressive, responsive. fast to pass and go. I would like a switch to select quick or slow shifting. re gas milage. D1 is 3rd gear, wrong for pulling trailers or cottage roads, right for deacelleration. Reading around, 5 speeds and hanging on are the wave of the future but....
  Back seat? I don't hang out there. I can get the crosscountry skiis in kitty corner. Not level when down, but I don't know what concern this is.
  Cargo hold? Well...I would have a more substantial floor for sure if I was designing it. Heavy loads would require a plywood floor. I suppose it is for weight reduction.
  Motor? Much stronger than the specifications would have you believe. Thrums at 1900-2000 rpm like a 4 cyl does. Otherwise quiet while cruising. Looks like a tuned intake manifold. Mine does not get dirty like some say.
  AWD? Charges through snow like it was not there! Caused some torque steer when pushed, but not normally. Con? Sounds like a shudder in parking lots when turning sharply. Might be common to all SUV'S with this type of control. It applies like ABS brakes with a differential speed between front and back [re inside wheel!]
  Oil filter? expensive.
  Cold? Feels it...noisy until it warms up compared to a car, then quiets down. Shifts are later until the tranny warms up meaning higher revs. Must take 10 minutes to warm up for overdrive engagement.
  Cruise control? I like the light on the wheel, it does not blind like the Taurus. Handles well on a flat, or nearly flat highway. Can get very confused on dipsy doodles. Can gear way down for no reason...like 5500 revs! Switches are good but action coupled with the transmission is not foolproof.
   Windshield washers? Good. Lots of fluid. Same bucket for the back. Drools at the back to keep it on the glass. The back window collects crap very quickly. I will have to do something about that in this climate.
   Block heater? Where is it? Should be the law in Canada. Had trouble starting at -26 C. Have filled it now with synthetic oil. [First change cost $90 Canadian!]
   Plastic sides? Should keep its looks better and no surprise body work. I wonder what all those beefs are about fit? Looks fine to me. Screws or clips? I have broken a lot of clips and found them loose too.
    Customer relations? excellent+
   Optional accessories? Why so expensive? I remember when a ski rack was $12. Whats with that silly claim about integrated roof rails...below the level of the sides! Anyway, all I ever do is damage the tops.
   I noticed that the Vue has no recalls as yet, TSB's but no recalls. This must be a rare vehicle!

   Brakes? I read that it stops in the shortest distance. Drums? I prefer them, never had warped drums and they always stopped fine. No road film on them. I like the high position of the pedal. Brake pedals that drop lower than the accelerator, like Ford Taurus, are extremely dangerous for big feet. I know!

mmspeal · February 2003

Wow ... am I ever glad I took dad's advice! My father works in the GM transmission plant who's production was supposed to be cut with the intro of the VTi transmission. When I was looking at the VUE last spring, he warned me not to buy one with that new transmission as they were going to have problems. That basically left me with the choice of the 4 cyl. standard or the V6 AWD and not being able to justify the cost difference between the two, I went with the 4 cyl. standard.

I have to say that I am now over 21 000 km's and have not had a problem what so ever. I love my VUE, gas mileage is great and even without the AWD, it is great in the snow. We've had quite a bit more this year than in previous years so if I've made it this far, it will be fine.

It is obvious that GM knew there were issues with the VTi transmission or they wouldn't have put off production of the 4 Cyl. automatic VUEs as long as they did. Coincidentally, production had never been cut at my dad's plant and he's still working 6 days a week so they obviously haven't used that transmission in all the vehicles they originally planned. I hope all of you keep on them until the issues are completely resolved! When running properly the VUE is a great vehicle and great value but I fully understand your frustration with a new vehicle not meeting your expectations.

dindak · February 2003

That is a bummer. I would leave the car with the dealership and make them give you a loaner. This way they can test the thing under all conditions and find the problems you mention.

We almost ordered a CVT VUE so after hearing your story I know if we get a VUE we will with the FWD V6.

vuefor2 · February 2003

Hope you can get the vehicle issues resolved. The CVT seems to still have some issues even after the delay. I'm not sure how other CVTs in other cars have done comparatively.

It's too bad, because the Vue is a fantastic little SUV,.

dwabid · February 2003

Does your State have a lemon law? Although it does not sound Saturn actually performed many repairs on your vehicle, it does sound that you have been without the use of your vehicle for an extended period of time, it may be an option.

Here in Wisconsin our Lemon law is very specific as to how it is applied and how you qualify but it is very much in the consumers favor. Most dealers shudder when you can prove that you qualify and usually will find a way to make you happy (swapping out the vehicle, giving a break on a new model etc...) instead of going through the legal wranglings.

wvahawk · February 2003

Trying to envoke the lemon law will be my next step. I was trying to be a nice person and hoped that they would be willing to work with me, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I am presently getting ready to meet with them via an arbitrator. We'll see how that goes, if I don't get satisfaction there, then I'll go for the lemon law. Our state states 30 days out of service--and its a lemon. If you add up all the work I've missed because of it and the time its been in the shop we are looking at close to 6 weeks, so hopefully this will be good enough to get me out from under the contract. I had to miss work yesterday because the rear wheels wouldn't kick in, but luckily made it today. Tomorrow's not looking good--more snow predicted!!

kmyc · March 2003

I have a 2002 v6 awd auto vue with approx. 40k and my abs has started to engage right before the car comes to a complete stop. The temperature doesn't make a difference. It's been above and below freezing. The ground conditions have ranged from snow, to rain to bone dry pavement. I took the car into my local dealer, had it checked out and it passed. Any suggestions?

dindak · March 2003

Does it do it on dry pavement? Do it do it when you brake gently?

vuefor2 · March 2003

Can you be more specific about the ABS problem?

No issues with ours, they perform very well and we have had a snowy winter so I'm thankful we got them.

kmyc · March 2003

Hi,

The abs engages right before the vue comes to a complete stop. If I just slow down for a turn, the abs does not engage. I have had this happen on bone dry pavement. The abs in general does a great job and had no problems dealing with the snow we've had in NJ.

dindak · March 2003

Unless you brake hard, it should not happen. Sounds like it needs a software adjustment as it's kicking in too easily. I would imagine a road test with the service center should allow them to see the issue.

dwabid · March 2003

My AWD6 went into the shop the oil change and I can say its been running just as I would expect except for a few minor complaints.

1. Could they possibly use any cheaper plastic for the center console? The little door to the storage area, was sticking and when inspected looked like the plastic catch was about to snap off. They of course replaced the door and catch, but it took the mechanic upwards of 45 minutes to get those little parts installed.

2. The sunroof does not retract fully into the body. It stops about 2 inches short, apparently to "cut down on wind noise". I test drove a 2002 before I purchased the 2003 and I distinctly remember it retracted fully, and the manual indicates it should retract fully as well. When the dealer looked at it, they said it wasn't supposed to go all the way back. When pressed the Service Manager he gave me a made up answer that it physically can't because of the curvature of the roof. Nice try. I told him earlier models did it, and my manual states it does. So he gave in and let me talk to the service tech who actually worked on my car (wish I could have just talked to him directly...way more knowledge than the managers). We actually walked around the service area opening roofs of VUEs. All stopped two inches short. And then we found that my owners manual was different from others. "Looks like they changed the design to get rid of the wind noise...I have to admit we never look at these things..." Oh well. My wife thinks we should get a refund on the sunroof proportional to the two inches of sky we will be missing out on...

Other than that I have been very happy. Over the last couple of weeks we have had a few good snows here in Wisconsin and the AWD makes it a great ride. The wife hates it the way I can just fly up our driveway while the Sentra struggles...

maynardf1 · March 2003

The sunroof stops two inches from fully open when you push the button briefly and let it open automatically.
If you then push and hold the button, it will open the rest of the way. But you get some awful buffeting while driving.

zapcat · March 2003

Looks like until the end of march Saturn is accepting GM card rebates down here...

dindak · March 2003

That's great. Not sure why that wasn't the case before. Saturn Canada has always taken the points as has Saab and Isuzu.

vuefor2 · March 2003

Vue handles great in the snow and the ABS really make me feel secure in the thing. We got some more snow this weekend, wonder if winter will ever end this year?

ottawascott · March 2003

My new transmission was put in without a problem, appears to have solved the problem of the groaning noise when accelerating.

A towing question I could use some advice on. Problem is this: which of my two vee-hickles do I haul my Dad's boat with? The boat is 1500 pounds including motor and gear.

I have a 2003 4 cyl vti Vue, the specs give it a 1500 pound max tow load. I also have a 1993 Camry Le V6 with a tow load of 3500 pounds. So, go with the Vue, max out the tow load on a suspect transmission (I wont be doing hills and the towing distance is pretty local), or put it on the camry, that is lower to the ground so tougher to launch with, and has 200,000 KM on its transmission? Both have solid pros and cons!

usaf52 · March 2003

In reading thru the various posts and sorting thru various problems mentioned, it appears that the most trouble free, reliable VUE is the 4cyl stick shift. Am I correct in that assumption? Local Saturn dealers have plenty of this model. MSRP of $17,575 minus $2,000 rebate, minus $1000 customer loyalty, and can get the vehicle for $14,575. Only difference I found with the dealers is different "adminstrative fees". Range of more than $100 for this fee. Winston-Salem Saturn seems to be biggest rip-off artist with a $289 admin fee.

dindak · March 2003

Glad to hear your VUE is A-ok. Sounds like a few of the VTi / CVTs had some issues. Maybe you had an early build transmission. I still may get one instead of the V6, especially if gas prices stay north of 80 cents / L.

dindak · March 2003

I think the V6 models are fine also, have not heard many complaints.

I wish they had those discounts up here. Right now the only offer on the VUE is 3.9% for 48 months. Not much!

The fees are negotiable, always remember that. I got mine cut from $250 to $120 on our last car.

Saturn VUE

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