According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Saturn Vue has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Power Steering Line Nut Loosening — Leak and Fire Recall (08V470) and 3.6L High Feature V6 (LY7) Timing Chain Stretch ($1,500-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $1,500 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2008-2009 Saturn Vue, on 2008-2009 Vue models, the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump can loosen, allowing high-pressure power steering fluid to leak. The fluid can contact hot exhaust components and potentially cause an engine-compartment fire. GM recalled 42,408 vehicles under NHTSA campaign 08V470000. Many owners separately reported sudden loss of power steering assist with no warning, and some VINs were not included in the recall population.
Common Symptoms
Power steering fluid leak
Low or empty power steering reservoir
Sudden loss of power steering assist
Heavy or hard steering
Burning smell near engine bay
How to Fix
Under the recall, dealers inspect the power steering line nut; if no leak is present they tighten it, and if a leak is found they tighten the nut and top off/verify the fluid. Owners experiencing ongoing leaks or loss of assist outside the recall should have the pump, lines, and rack-and-pinion seals inspected for the leak source.
On the 2008-2010 Saturn Vue, the 3.6L 'High Feature' V6 used in the redesigned 2008-2010 Vue (and shared with Aura/Outlook/Acadia/CTS) is prone to timing chain stretch, often aggravated by extended oil-change intervals. As the chains and plastic guides wear, cam/crank timing drifts out of correlation, triggering the check-engine light, rough running, and a rattle on cold start. GM issued Information Bulletin 12-06-01-009F covering timing chain kit and guide replacement for DTCs P0008/P0009/P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019.
Verify oil level and condition first; severely stretched chains require replacing the timing chains, tensioners, and guides as a complete set (often all three chains on this engine). Owners can reduce risk by using the correct dexos1-spec oil and changing it at conservative (e.g., ~5,000-mile) intervals rather than relying on the oil-life monitor's longer recommendations.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Cloyes 9-0753S complete three-chain timing set with sprockets
Variable-valve-timing sprockets/components, seals, gaskets, fluids and required one-time fasteners are not included; inspect and VIN-confirm those separately.
GM IS RECALLING 44,451 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES WITH BODY COLOR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES MAY STICK OR BIND. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE DOOR MAY NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED.
Campaign #09V23300025/06/2009
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
Campaign #08V47000017/09/2008
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
GM IS RECALLING 26 MY 2008 SATURN VUE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6T70 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION CASE SIDE BORE THAT HOLDS THE PARK PAWL PIVOT PIN MAY HAVE A CASTING POROSITY. THIS CONDITION, COUPLED WITH NORMAL OPERATING STRESSES, COULD LEAD TO FAILURE, ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO SECURE THE TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK' POSITION.
Campaign #08V20000005/05/2008
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT AND/OR LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE. AS A RESULT OF THE INCORRECT KNUCKLE AND RESULTING INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE TIE ROD BALL STUD COULD PULL OUT OF, OR FRACTURE, THE TIE ROD HOUSING. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TIE ROD TO SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE.
Campaign #08V61600024/11/2008
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Saturn Vue has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power Steering Line Nut Loosening — Leak and Fire Recall (08V470), 3.6L High Feature V6 (LY7) Timing Chain Stretch. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Saturn Vue reliable?
The 2009 Saturn Vue has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Power Steering Line Nut Loosening — Leak and Fire Recall (08V470) and 3.6L High Feature V6 (LY7) Timing Chain Stretch. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Saturn Vue problems?
Repair costs for known Saturn Vue issues range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2008-2009 Saturn Vue Power Steering Line Nut Loosening — Leak and Fire Recall (08V470)?
On 2008-2009 Vue models, the nut securing the power steering line to the power steering pump can loosen, allowing high-pressure power steering fluid to leak. The fluid can contact hot exhaust components and potentially cause an engine-compartment fire. GM recalled 42,408 vehicles… Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2010 Saturn Vue 3.6L High Feature V6 (LY7) Timing Chain Stretch?
The 3.6L 'High Feature' V6 used in the redesigned 2008-2010 Vue (and shared with Aura/Outlook/Acadia/CTS) is prone to timing chain stretch, often aggravated by extended oil-change intervals. As the chains and plastic guides wear, cam/crank timing drifts out of correlation, trigge… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
