9.8
really awful- Typical Repair Cost:
- $3,430
- Average Mileage:
- 90,350 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 9 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace transmission (5 reports)
- rebuild transmission (4 reports)
Automatic got stuck in first gear while entering the highway after stopping for fuel and ground that gear such that it could not shift ending in complete transmission failure in about 3/4 mile - Vue got towed back to garage and they replaced with a Viper transmission - About 20% more expensive, but trust is important for a vehicle you want to last another 6 or more years. This was a well maintained vehicle with synthetic fluids all around. Power Steering and H20 pump have also failed and the rear exhaust has awful vibration when starting to drive.
- rich_va, Springfield, US
This transmission wouldn't shift properly and was leaking and vibrating terribly! The search of this problem on the 2008 Saturn Vue is correct. Run away from this vehicle unless you want to experience a big cost. I had a remanufactured transmission installed that has a 3yr/100,000 Warranty. This was cheaper than replacing the vehicle.
- M M., Buffalo, NY, US
I have fewer than 54,000 miles on this vehicle and something in the transmission broke loose and cracked the pan. So I get to pay a minimum of $2700 for a vehicle with this mileage should not have ANY major problems. It is currently in the shop and since it is past the 5yr warranty (no where near the mileage warranty) I get to pay for it out of pocket.
- Jennifer M., Grand Rapids, MI, US
The diagnosis was a cracked wave plate in the transmission. Cost to repair - approximately $3000. Because my car was out of warranty time wise, but not mile wise (75000k), the cost to repair was reduced to $1375. The car is paid for with zero resale value so I have no other financial alternative but to get it repaired. My opinion - avoid this car at all costs, but Jonathan A did come through with some much appreciated and valuable assistance.
- mudbone, Gilbert, AZ, US
Our 2008 Saturn Vue transmission completely broke down, only had 79000 miles, had to have towed.Transmission had to be rebuilt, 3,5,reverse gear wave plates were completely destroyed. Rebuild price at a reputable Transmission Repair Shop with 1 year warranty was 3500 dollars. I am very disappointed with Saturn/GM for allowing such a known problem to persist without acknowledgment to the owners of this vehicle.,
- theshack1, Pittsburgh, PA, US
I have read a lot of complaints about this issue. Now I am not happy it happened, but we bought this car brand new in October 2007 and now have over 183,000 miles on it. This car does 95% of its driving in the Highway, so I'm sure this helped with the survival of the transmission. I don't like going to a dealer with a problem. Then they say nothing is wrong when the check engine light is on. I have known my transmission has been "slipping" for months now, but apparently never took it to the right place. Dealers say there are no 'faults'. We do like our Saturn it has treated us well, but the GM Service on the other hand, I'd rather go to a garage that has a little better customer relationship and cares for your car as much as you care for your car.
- Steven L., Arlington, WA, US
Had some problems for over a year with transmission slipping first thing in the morning going from reverse to drive. Dealerships (took to two different ones) could not duplicate the problem. Transmission went out -except for reverse. Of course, even though I had taken in before warranty was up, I was told this problem was not covered as I was well over the miles and no proof that the slippage was related to the transmission failure. There is NO way the transmission should have gone out with fewer than 100,000 miles. The "new" transmission actually has a longer warranty than the original one.
- Shawn T., Eaton Rapids, MI, US
This car has been well cared for. This transmission should not have failed due to the limited miles on the car.
- Diane P., Lacey, WA, US
I’m the 3rd owner of this vehicle. The vehicle has been well cared for by at least 2 of the 3 owners and has been used as a daily driver. The Vue has been flat towed (4 wheels down) behind a large motor coach during most of its life. I purchased this Vue with 44,000 miles on the odometer and have experienced no major problems in any of the vehicle systems. I stated just last summer that the car was bullet proof, soon to be proved wrong.
The trans failed 2 weeks ago and became undrivable when it shifted into emergency mode/2nd gear. The trans was rebuilt by a professional who does only transmission rebuilding. I picked it up today and it is ‘sweet’, shifting ever so fine. It shifted better than the new Toyota Highlander I rented. The mechanic indicated the internals were ‘toast’ and added many new internal parts, too many to remember. It was time for a major rebuild.
- doctom, Oak Forest, US