2009 Saturn Vue

Introduction:

The 2009 Saturn Vue is a mid-size SUV that was available with a range of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 164 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. A 3.5-liter V6 with 224 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque was optional. Both engines could be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Drivers appreciate the Vue’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and versatile cargo space. However, it receives criticism for its lackluster performance, especially with the base engine, and its subpar fuel economy.

Engine

2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder

• Premature Piston Ring Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace piston rings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup:
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, rough idle, stalling
  • Solution: Clean intake valves
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

3.5-Liter V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, decreased engine performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Shudder:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration while driving, especially at low speeds
  • Solution: Flush transmission fluid and replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
• Transmission Slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or hesitant gear changes, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500+

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front end, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace front strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
• Sway Bar Link Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear end, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, battery goes dead prematurely
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace faulty electrical components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, loss of electrical power, warning light on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors won’t lock or unlock properly
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 per door
• Window Regulator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows won’t roll up or down properly
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 per window

Interior

• Infotainment System Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen doesn’t respond, system freezes or reboots
  • Solution: Update software or replace infotainment unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Heater Core Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sweet smell in the cabin, foggy windows, coolant leak
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700

Summary:

The 2009 Saturn Vue has a few common issues that can be costly to repair. The most serious issues are related to the engine, including piston ring failure and timing chain tensioner failure. Transmission issues, such as torque converter shudder and transmission slippage, are also prevalent. While the suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components have some issues, they are generally less severe and less expensive to fix.