Saturn Vue Transmission Problems & Cost | 6T70 | 4T45E | MDRA

The Saturn Vue was equipped with many different types of transmissions: The 4T45E transmission, the 6T70 transmission, the Honda MDRA transmission, the Aisin AW55-50SN and also hybrid Ion’s had a CVT transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Saturn Vue transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Saturn Vue Transmission Models

Saturn Vue: 4T45E Transmission
Saturn Vue: 6T70 Transmission
Saturn Vue: Honda MDRA Transmission
Saturn Vue: Aisin Warner AW55-50SN
Saturn Vue: CVT Transmission

Saturn Vue Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Saturn Vue Transmission Prices:

** Note: CVT transmissions are dealer-only, or used. Honda MDRA requires our Get An Estimate feature.

What are the DTC codes related to Saturn Vue transmission problems?

Saturn Vue Transmission Recalls

Recall 08V200000 – Failed parking prawl
2008 Saturn Vue 6T70 Transmission

Summary –
Back in 2008, General Motors recalled some 26 2008 Saturn VUE models equipped with the 6T70E 6-speed automatic transmission. Seems that the transmission case side bore that holds the park prawl pivot pin may fail to secure the transmission in the Park position, due to a flaw in the casting.

Consequence –
If this happens on a “non-level” surface, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, causing serious injury and property damage.

Remedy –
Dealers were instructed to replace the transmission. Owners should direct questions to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236

Saturn Vue Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

PIP4627A – 35R clutch wave plate broken – 6T70 Transmission | 6T75 Transmission
2007 – 2009 Saturn Aura – 2007 – 2009 Saturn Outlook – 2008 – 2009 Saturn Vue – 2007 – 2009 GMC Acadia – 2007 – 2009 Pontiac G5 – 2008 – 2009 Pontiac Torrent – 2008 – 2009 Buick Enclave – 2008 – 2009 Chevrolet Equinox – 2008 – 2009 Chevrolet Malibu – 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Problem – On vehicles equipped with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission, drivers may experience no reverse, slipping, and/or harsh shifting between 3rd-5th gears. They may also have diagnostic trouble codes P0776 and P0842. This condition is typically caused by a broken 35R clutch wave plate.
Solution – During the repair/rebuild process, the wave plate must be installed properly (with the rounded edge of the internal splines facing the 35R piston), in order to prevent premature failure.

Common Problems with the Saturn Vue Transmission

Input/Output Speed Sensor Issues – 6T70E Transmission
Problem – When repairing a failed input speed sensor or output speed sensor, steering system damage could occur.
Solution – To avoid damage to the clock springs, the splined steering knuckle must be prevented from falling out of the steering rack when dropping the subframe to access the valve body.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Saturn Vue can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Saturn Vue transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Saturn Vue transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Saturn Vue transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Saturn Vue transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Saturn Vue transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Saturn Vue transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Saturn Vue transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Saturn Vue transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Saturn Vue transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Saturn Vue Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Saturn Vue Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Saturn Vue Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Saturn Vue Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Saturn Vue Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!