The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·14V490000·Announced 2014-08-08

General Motors Recalls 2002-2004 Saturn Vues for Ignition Key Defect

General Motors is recalling 2002-2004 Saturn Vues because the key may be removed from the ignition while the vehicle is not in the Off position, creating a risk of the vehicle rolling away.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (ignition key removal) that creates a significant risk of vehicle rollaway, leading to potential crashes and injuries, which aligns with the criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

General Motors LLC is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured between September 11, 2001, and April 6, 2004. The recall addresses a defect in the electrical system, specifically the ignition, where it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

If the key is removed while the ignition is not off, the vehicle could roll away. For automatic transmissions, this occurs if the transmission is not in the "Park" position. For manual transmissions, this occurs 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.

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 the defect is present, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Until the vehicle is remedied, owners are advised to ensure the vehicle is in "Park" (automatic) or in "Reverse" with the parking brake engaged (manual) when exiting.

The recalled product

Product
SATURN VUE
Brand
SATURN
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Category
Vehicle — Ignition System
Hazard
Affected units
202,155

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • VUE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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