2004 Saturn Vue

2004 Saturn Vue

The Saturn Vue is a mid-size SUV produced from 2002 to 2009. For the 2004 model year, the Vue was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.2L Ecotec inline-four producing 143 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 3.5L V6 producing 250 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Drivers of the Saturn Vue praise its versatility, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. Some complaints about the Vue include its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and cramped third-row seating.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec I-4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and rough idling.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include rattling noises from the engine, reduced power, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• Piston Ring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500

3.5L V6

• Intake Valve Deposit Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include reduced power, poor fuel economy, and rough idling.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the intake valves and injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and a squealing noise from the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and grinding noises.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch kit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

Four-Speed Automatic

• Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include delayed or harsh shifting, slipping gears, and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include erratic shifting, limp mode, and loss of all gears.
  • Solution: Replace the TCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering gauge cluster, and a dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include a dead battery after sitting overnight.
  • Solution: Test for parasitic draw and repair or replace faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
• Headlight Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include headlights not working or flickering.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include clunking noises from the front suspension, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include clunking noises from the front suspension, excessive play in the steering, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Rear Axle Seal Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include leaking differential fluid, humming noise from the rear axle, and reduced power transfer.
  • Solution: Replace the rear axle seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Exterior

• Tailgate Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include difficulty opening the tailgate or the handle breaking.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Fog Light Bezel Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include loose or broken fog light bezels.
  • Solution: Replace the fog light bezels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Interior

• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include no heat, a coolant leak inside the cabin, and fogging windows.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include no airflow from the HVAC system or a noisy blower motor.
  • Solution: Replace the HVAC blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Dashboard Squeaks and Rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms include various squeaks and rattles from the dashboard.
  • Solution: Apply lubricant to potential rubbing points or replace loose components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300

Summary

The 2004 Saturn Vue has a number of potential issues, including engine problems, transmission issues, and suspension issues. The severity of these issues varies, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix while others can be major and costly. Overall, the Vue’s reliability is below average compared to other vehicles in its class.