Got My Vue Recall Notice...

BandDirector · 08-08-2004, 06:03 PM

I have to admit that I'm VERY impressed with the way Saturn is handling the recall of the '02-'04 Vue. I just saw a week ago the article on cnn.com where the NHTSB found an issue with the rear suspension collapsing under extreme maneuvers. A week later, I saw on the news that Saturn VOLUNTARILY recalled all '02-'04 Vue's and then the very next day (Sat., 8/7) I got a letter via FedEx about the recall. From what I understand, Saturn is going to replace the defective parts with parts from the Chevy Equinox. The Equinox is based on the Vue anyway, but it is larger, so it makes sense that the Chevy pieces will be a little more heavy duty than the Vue's.

Once again, I'm impressed with Saturn's diligence in addressing a problem.

Coldsolderjoint · 08-09-2004, 12:00 AM

glad ur getting taken care of..

seems everyone else gets the shaft...

BandDirector · 09-10-2004, 04:47 AM

I picked up my wife's SC2 from Saturn today (sunroof module went out) and I asked them when they expect to be able to perform the recall on my Vue. They said it looks like it'll be Jan. before they get the parts.

Anyone else talked to their dealer and did you get the same timeline?

1saxman · 11-09-2004, 02:59 AM

I was wondering about the recall. I got my preliminary letter too, but nothing since. This is a monumental job. They basically have to rebuild the rear end on every VUE they ever made. While they have mine, they can do the front end, too, because it sounds like it's coming apart. I still like it, though.
2003 V6 AWD ABS

mbutkus · 11-17-2004, 12:58 AM

I would wait on this campaign. I had my wonderful '04 V6 AWD Vue done with the "new" parts on Nov. 3rd. Now, it seems, I have NO rear wheel drive. On a rainy day, 7 days later, I have front wheel spin all over the place. I'm hearing the "fix" may not be that good.
I'm having my car go back for a Friday morning look-over.

My wonderful AWD 250 HP is just a FWD wheel spinnger after this "fix". I'm hoping they just did something wrong in the reassembly.
I'll write back what happens.

mbutkus · 11-20-2004, 11:32 AM

After have my '04 Vue for a day... the service people said they put my car on a rack.... and the rear wheels turned.
After this "campaign" my front wheels only spin. Whether the rear has SOME torque being applied, after this "change" the fronts were spinning and my car was not going anywhere.
I'm inventigating further and will have some video clips on my personal web site of this "REPAIR GONE WRONG".
I believe I don't have the same AWD as before.
From someone that owned two Jeeps and a AWD Subaru and still ownes an Audi Quattro, before this Vue was fix. Something is really wrong here. I'm hearing others with the same "spinning" problem too.

mbutkus · 11-22-2004, 03:48 AM

After taking my '04 Vue out in the rain. It seem the AWD is finally kicking in. It seem that the wheel has to spin a lot more before the AWD kicks in and you will feel it kick in.
Something has changed when they did the "campaign" on the RDM. After driving 8 months.. I know that I didn't feel a "thump" when the AWD would kick in. In fact I felt nothing... it just zipped forward.
I would take you car out on dirt or somewhere to see how much front wheel spin you get before and after the "campaign".

It is now WAY better then my first slippery (rainy) day. The techs said they did nothing to the car. But the rear did not "thump" in, it would just go on a rainy hill or sharp curve on startup.

mbutkus · 12-04-2004, 05:18 PM

I have heard from a couple of people that their "fix" for the low speed turning has affected the AWD. This includes myself. After the "fix" the front wheels are given more to spin when accelerating before the RDM kicks in. It seems they "losened up" the converter to allow more spin, thus eliminating the rumble on the tight turns. If you are used to the great "traction" before the "fix" I would wait and see if another better "fix" may be involved. On the other hand if you hold on to your Vue for 70 - 90K you will be out of warranty when the RDM goes and be in for a $800 fix. I have an extended warranty, but if Saturn requries this "fix", it may not be covered under an extended warranty.
So you can have a slippery long lasting AWD or a grippy but short lived (70 - 90K) RDM.

gornoman · 03-07-2005, 10:49 PM

We just had the rear suspension recall performed. There is a slight, and I repeat slight, hesitation from the RDM but I do not feel that I now own a FWD Vue. I have climbed icy slopes in our campground with the wife observing the drive train. The front axle spins and almost immediately the rear axle kicks in. I CAN feel the RDM kicking in, but i could feel this before the operation.
Sorry you are not happy mbutkus, but maybe you are expecting too much. The car has AWD not 4WD, it ain't no Jeep, and it ain't no Quattro! Nor is it marketed or sold as such.

gorno