2008 Saturn VUE Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

38Engine complaints

9.4%Of all 406 complaints

#5Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

POWER TRAIN108 · 26.6%

STEERING84 · 20.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM81 · 20%

Unspecified / other44 · 10.8%

ENGINE38 · 9.4%

Share of the 406 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2008 Saturn VUE overview page.

What owners report

“TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE FRONT ENGINE COVER WAS DISCOVERED TO BE LEAKING.”NHTSA complaint 10565715 — filed 02/24/2014

“I UNDERSTAND SATURNS HAVE HAD ISSUES IN THE PAST WITH TIMING CHAINS FOR WHICH THEY DID A RECALL. I HAVE A 2008 SATURN VUE THAT…”NHTSA complaint 10547998 — filed 10/15/2013

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN VUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED…”NHTSA complaint 10505774 — filed 04/10/2013

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Saturn VUE have engine problems?

Engine is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2008 Saturn VUE: 38 of 406 complaints on file (9.4%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2008 Saturn VUE have in total?

406 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 16 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, 14 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

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 07/14/2026.