2009 Saturn Vue HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 125 owner complaints for the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid. Most complaints involve steering (39) and electrical system (39). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Steering39
- Electrical system39
- Power train15
- Air bags11
- Electronic stability control (esc)10
- Service brakes9
- Engine8
- Structure8
- Vehicle speed control6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Steering
“The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was inoperable while attempting to reverse. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.”
Electrical system
“WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO THE DASH. WHEN I AM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL GETS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WILL TURN OFF THE RADIO. THIS WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THEN WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF I WILL BE UNABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OR TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I WILL HAVE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AND THE ALTERNATOR TWICE AND THIS HELPED FOR 2 MONTHS THEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I ALSO REPLACED THE WHEEL SENSORS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE TAKEN TO 3 MECHANICS BUT THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, I WILL TRY TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND THEN JUST TAP ON THE BRAIN COMPARTMENT ABOVE THE BATTERY AND SOMETIMES THIS WORKS. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED MORE THAN I CARE TO ADMIT. WHILE DRIVING IF THE ISSUES ARE REALLY BAD AND IF I HAVE TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE I WILL TRY TO USE CRUISE CONTROLL BUT IT WILL NOT ENGAGE.”
Power train
“I have only 68,329 miles. My transmission lost reverse. When first driving it will only go up to 10 mph and over time the maximum speed is 30 to 40 mph. Even if it gets to this speed it hesitates. The car is a danger and not drive able. I took the car to a GM dealer requesting a Policy Evaluation according to the Service Bulletin Warranty. The evaluation showed GM will not help me with any repairs or replacement of transmission. A car should not have a major component fail like a transmission especially with such low mileage. It is expected to have maintenance and repairs on a vehicle. What is not expected or normal servicing is transmission repair or replacement. It was estimated from the GM dealerships Policy Evaluation it will cost $5,500 to replace the transmission. My car is in great shape other than the transmission failure. I love my car and anticipated to have this car many years. This is an unaffordable repair and essentially makes this a throw away car. I feel extremely disappointed in GM's decision to not remedy this major problem.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl hybrid · 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vue Hybrid Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 30 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| Vue Hybrid Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2009 Vue Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 125 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (39), electrical system (39), power train (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).