Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
167Complaints
2Recalls
13Crashes
5Fires
7Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Electrical System (18.6% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Electrical System complaints here are 2.2× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Electrical System
31 · 18.6%
Recalled
Recall 14V490000
Engine And Engine Cooling
20 · 12%
not available
—
Engine
16 · 9.6%
not available
—
Power Train:automatic Transmission
9 · 5.4%
not available
—
Electrical System:horn
9 · 5.4%
Recalled
Recall 14V490000
Air Bags
9 · 5.4%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 167 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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 is… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN THE IGNITION IS NOT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10583083 — filed 04/16/2014 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME DAMAGED AND FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH SPORADICALLY WHILE THE…”NHTSA complaint 10579576 — filed 04/14/2014 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“I BOUGHT THIS AWD 2002 SATURN JUNE 28 2013 FROM TOYOTA NATION IN BUENA PARK AND EVEN WITHIN 3 HRS OF OWNING THE CAR IT…”NHTSA complaint 10579380 — filed 04/12/2014 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Saturn VUE?
Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 31 of 167 NHTSA complaints (18.6%), followed by engine and engine cooling (20), engine (16), power train:automatic transmission (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2002 Saturn VUE have?
167 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 13 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2002 Saturn VUE have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V490000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2002 Saturn VUE's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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