Model year guide

2004 Saturn VUE

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Saturn VUE is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 115 on record.

2004 Saturn VUE — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Saturn VUE at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints276
Typical price$1,931

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Saturn VUE recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V490000 · 08/08/2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. 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.

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. Owners may contact Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000…

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #03V519000 · 19/12/2003

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L V6 (L66) ENGINES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL RIM SIZE SPECIFICATIONS ON THE TIRE/CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE NOT CORRECT. THE PRINTED WHEEL RIM DESIGNATION SPECIFIED A 16-INCH WHEEL WHEN A 17-INCH WHEEL DESIGNATION WAS REQ…

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTED LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Saturn VUE common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

What's a 2004 Saturn VUE worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,931
High
$3,100

From 112 comparable 2004 Saturn VUE listings.

2004 Saturn VUE trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp

2004 Saturn VUE vehicles on record

Other Saturn VUE model years

2004 Saturn VUE — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Saturn VUE have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 Saturn VUE. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Saturn VUE?

Based on 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, suspension, fuel/propulsion system.

How much is a 2004 Saturn VUE worth?

Comparable 2004 Saturn VUE listings run roughly $700–$3,100, typically around $1,931 (from 112 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.