Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 3.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
406Complaints
3Recalls
16Crashes
11Fires
14Injured
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 — Power Train (26.6% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Power Train complaints here are 3.4× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Power Train
108 · 26.6%
Recalled
Recall 08V200000
Steering
84 · 20.7%
Recalled
Recall 08V470000
Electrical System
81 · 20%
not available
—
Engine
38 · 9.4%
not available
—
Air Bags
23 · 5.7%
not available
—
Service Brakes
18 · 4.4%
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 406 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.
DRIVING WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD RESULT IN AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
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. 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
“STARTING UP SLIGHT INCLINE WHEN CAR LOST SPEED, THEN STARTED MOVING AGAIN BUT WOULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH AT 4000RPMS. PULLED INTO SERVICE CENTER…”NHTSA complaint 10565195 — filed 02/20/2014 · POWER TRAIN
“MY TRANSMISSION FAILED AS I WAS ACCELERATING OFF A STOP LINE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 30 MILES AN HOUR AND WAS AT 3000…”NHTSA complaint 10556659 — filed 12/19/2013 · POWER TRAIN
“ON NOVEMBER 19, 2013 AS I WAS IN MY WAY TO WORK THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE A WEIRD NOISE AND AS I KEPT DRIVING…”NHTSA complaint 10553808 — filed 11/26/2013 · POWER TRAIN
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 2008 Saturn VUE?
Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 108 of 406 NHTSA complaints (26.6%), followed by steering (84), electrical system (81), unspecified/other issues (44). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Saturn VUE have?
406 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, and 14 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Saturn VUE have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 09V233000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 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.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.