The Lemon Index
200220041st generation
197 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–22 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2003 Toyota RAV4 352003 Honda CR-V 1302003 Ford Escape 106
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2003 Saturn Vue
- Transmission failure94 complaintsmostly at 35,000–100,000 miles (56,000–161,000 km)
- Engine stalling66 complaintsmostly at 49,000–120,000 miles (79,000–193,000 km)
- Throttle body / loss of power21 complaintsmostly at 26,000–114,000 miles (42,000–183,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 622 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Saturn Vue (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 5,300 and 28,000 miles (8,500–45,000 km) (the middle half of the 132 complaints, of all 197 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recall 14V490000 (electrical) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Saturn sent dealers 508 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Subject regarding starter remaining engaged after engine start up and/or electrical…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Saturn's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 197 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 28K miles (8K to 45K km) on the car (132 of all 197 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Problems with transmission equipment on 2003 Saturn Vue.**
2003 Saturn Vue owner · NHTSA complaint 10119004
More owner reports
Consumer states vehicle has almost rolled over on several instances due to the 4-wheel drive function not engaging when road conditions necessitate.
NHTSA complaint 10027006
Saturn has a defect in their rear wheel bearing on their 2003 Vue. I have had three replaced on my vehicle and have another out.
NHTSA complaint 10126720
Problems Saturn told dealers about
Saturn sent dealers 508 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Subject regarding starter remaining engaged after engine start up and/or electrical…
- Fuel gauge is displaying a false low reading or stuck on empty
- Subject regarding powertrain vibration at idle with the air conditioner on and transmission in…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 1
- Electrical · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedTiming chain failure2006
- ClosedRear suspension toe control link2004
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,750–$3,150 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.2L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Saturn Vue year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2003 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/saturn-vue/?y=2003" title="Saturn Vue reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="376" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/saturn-vue/2003/">Lemon Index</a> (2003 Saturn Vue reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2003 Saturn Vue reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew about 3 times the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 295; 100 is average, lower is better). The Saturn Vue year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2005.
What are the most common 2003 Saturn Vue problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (44%), suspension (18%) and electrical (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Saturn Vue have?
1 safety recall (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Saturn Vue get?
19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 Saturn Vue problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 5,300 and 28,000 miles (8,500–45,000 km) (the middle half of the 132 complaints, of all 197 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2003 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2003 Saturn Vue have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 44% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2003 Saturn Vue cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 Saturn Vue have?
2.2L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Saturn Vue year is better than the 2003?
Nearby, the 2005 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works