2003 Saturn Vue: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Saturn Vue: 1 recall, 622 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V490000 · 2014 · 202,155 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 27 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (316): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (87), noise or vibration (72), stalls / loses power (58).
- Electrical (124): the most common themes are electrical failure (39), stalls / loses power (23).
- Engine & cooling (62): the most common themes are warning light on (13), stalls / loses power (13), noise or vibration (12).
- Suspension (48): the most common themes are noise or vibration (13), steering problems (4).
The 2003 Saturn Vue has 622 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 Vue model years for complaints (2.4× the average Vue year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (80 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (167 complaints, 2 recalls), 2004 (276 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Saturn Vue.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2003 Saturn Vue have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Saturn Vue. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Saturn Vue problems?
Owners have filed 622 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (316), electrical (124), engine & cooling (62).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Saturn Vue get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Saturn Vue repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.