NHTSA "Fishhook" Tests Resulted in Suspension Failure of FWD and AWD VUEs

Recent years have been rough on Saturn. Harsh words have been said by auto journalists about the ION sedan and Quad Coupe, the cancellation of the L-series midsize model has left them without a stake in the family-sedan segment, but at least the brand had the VUE SUV to keep morale positive. With its robust plastic body panels and the recent introduction of a Honda-designed 250 horsepower V6 motor, things appeared to look up. That is, until yesterday when federal regulators at the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation on the compact SUVs rear suspension due to failures in rollover tests.

Starting

During the NHTSAs rollover testing of sport utility vehicles, the Saturn VUE has suffered a major suspension failure in both FWD and AWD models. (Photo: Alexandra, Straub, American Auto Press)

GM spokesperson Jim Schell commented on the issue stating, "We are cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation". (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

To further exacerbate the issue, the VUE is also under investigation for a complaint issued earlier this year that relates to the suspensions failure. In early 2004, a customer complained that his 2003 model VUEs rear wheel bent under sharp maneuvering at freeway speeds, after which the vehicle left the road. The result was a rollover.

From its launch in 2002 through to the present General Motors states that it has sold around 230,000 of the compact sport utilities. GM spokesperson Jim Schell commented on the issue stating, "We are cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation,"

Before the implementation of the current "fishhook test", the VUE scored a 3 out of 5 stars in the calculated rollover test. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Relatd Vehicle Listings