The Lemon Index
200320051st generation
About average · most complaints: transmission & drivetrain
68 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2004 Toyota RAV4 382004 Honda CR-V 1152004 Ford Escape 51
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2004 Saturn Vue
- Transmission failure15 complaintsmostly at 64,000–100,000 miles (103,000–162,000 km)
- Engine stalling13 complaintsmostly at 73,000–140,000 miles (117,000–225,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 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 6,100 and 35,000 miles (9,800–56,000 km) (the middle half of the 53 complaints, of all 68 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 recalls 14V490000 (electrical) and 03V519000 (equipment) 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.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Saturn sent dealers 479 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Pop/rattle noise from front of vehicle during suspension movement (clean components, apply…”?
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 68 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 6K to 35K miles (10K to 56K km) on the car (53 of all 68 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
While turning consumer heard a loud grinding noise. Dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the rear axle. However, problem was not resolved.
2004 Saturn Vue owner · NHTSA complaint 10087109
More owner reports
Continue to experience transmission problems with vehicle. Transmission has been service on five different occasion for the same defect.
NHTSA complaint 10155461
2004 Saturn Vue customer states that the transmission had to be replaced six months of ownership*
NHTSA complaint 10191104
Problems Saturn told dealers about
Saturn sent dealers 479 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Pop/rattle noise from front of vehicle during suspension movement (clean components, apply…
- Pop, clunk, thump, or knock noise from the front end of vehicle during suspension movement
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- 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.
- Equipment · recall issued 2003 3.5L engines only
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L V6 (L66) ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." T…
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
- 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 $2,600–$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, 3.5L 6-cyl.
Every Saturn Vue year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2004 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/saturn-vue/?y=2004" 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/2004/">Lemon Index</a> (2004 Saturn Vue reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2004 Saturn Vue reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 92; 100 is average, lower is better). The Saturn Vue year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2005.
What are the most common 2004 Saturn Vue problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (31%), electrical (16%) and suspension (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Saturn Vue have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Saturn Vue get?
19 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2004 Saturn Vue problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 6,100 and 35,000 miles (9,800–56,000 km) (the middle half of the 53 complaints, of all 68 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2004 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 2004 Saturn Vue have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 31% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2004 Saturn Vue cost in fuel a year?
About $2,600 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Saturn Vue have?
2.2L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Saturn Vue year is better than the 2004?
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