Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2002 Saturn Vue. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Ignition Key Can Be Removed When In On Position
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- Remedy
- 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. GM's number for this recall is 14506. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
GM/FMVSS 210/SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.
- Consequence
- IF THESE BOLTS WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, THEY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. IF AN ANCHORAGE FAILED IN A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (167)
167 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 167 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 52 | 31.1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 31 | 18.6% |
| Power train | 24 | 14.4% |
| Steering | 18 | 10.8% |
| Engine | 16 | 9.6% |
| Air bags | 15 | 9% |
| Suspension | 10 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 3.6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 3.6% |
| Fuel system | 5 | 3% |
How 2002 compares with other Vue years
Best and worst Vue years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 167 | 2 |
| 2003 | 622 | 1 |
| 2004 | 276 | 2 |
| 2005 | 170 | 0 |
| 2006 | 300 | 0 |
| 2007 | 286 | 0 |
| 2008 | 406 | 3 |
| 2009 | 118 | 2 |
| 2010 | 6 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,050
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 404 g/mi
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle -
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl · CVT | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl · CVT | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | $3,200 | 423 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2002 Vue for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2002 Saturn Vue FAQ
How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn Vue have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 14V490000 (electrical), 01V386000 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2002 Saturn Vue problems?
Owners filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (52), Engine and engine cooling (31), Power train (24) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2002 Saturn Vue get?
EPA rates the 2.2 L 4-cyl · CVT version at 19 city, 26 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2002 Vue compare with other years?
Among the 2002–2010 Saturn Vue model years at least five years old, the 2010 drew the fewest complaints (6) and the 2003 the most (622). The 2002 drew 167. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.