Vue 2003 2.2l AWD Automatic Transmission Query

[brettkramer]

I've read a lot about the horror stories regarding the VTI transmission used in the VUE up to 2005. My question is regarding a 2003 2.2l 4cyl AWD automatic. If you put in a new or remanufactured VTI transmission in these, have the techs at Saturn gotten to the point with correcting defects that the transmission is reliable up to 100,000 miles? I understand that transmission cooler lines must be upgraded and the TCM needs updating as well. I've also heard that the transmission was just never designed to be used with a vehicle of this weight category. Any thoughts? Thanks

[brettkramer]

Ok, after reading a ton of posts about the Vue's VTI transmission before 2005, I think I know why no one is answering my query. Everyone is fed up and tired of hearing about this rotten transmission. Everyone seems to know about this debacle and runs from this vehicle, what a shame. GM's only solution is to compensate those who paid out big $$ and only because they lost a major lawsuit, I'm sure they're hoping that all of those people who shelled out big bucks to replace their transmissions, then dumped their vehicles will just move on and forget about things. The only real solution is to swap out the VTI Auto Transmission with a manual trans, which I've read is a pretty big job, if you can find a donor vehicle. Looks like there are a lot of nice vehicles out there that will meet an early grave. Looks like I'll be sticking with my '94 SW1 for a while.

[SaturnTech122]

Its not the technicians fault, it a faulty design, and no usually the reman transmissions die within 75k usually less, hell ive had a few not make it past 5 miles, horrible design, the vue is to big for it anyway, the ions have far less issues with them.

[VTchemist]

It will be interesting to see how Nissan fares with their CV transmissions. My daughter bought an 08 Sentra (2.0L with CV). It drives nicely.

Nissan also has CVs in their larger cars (heavier than the 02-03 VUEs). Too bad the VTi (designed for an Ion?) was put in a vehicle that was just to heavy for it.

[chillin05VUE]

Originally Posted by VTchemist

It will be interesting to see how Nissan fares with their CV transmissions. My daughter bought an 08 Sentra (2.0L with CV). It drives nicely.

Nissan also has CVs in their larger cars (heavier than the 02-03 VUEs). Too bad the VTi (designed for an Ion?) was put in a vehicle that was just to heavy for it.

I work at a Nissan dealer and honestly, the CV in the Murano sucks. I see a lot of them coming in for faulty trannies. Same thing with the Altimas. Subaru had it done right with the 3 cylinder Justy. Small car with AWD. Too bad it didn't sell well and died at a long age.

[chillin05VUE]

Originally Posted by chillin05VUE

I work at a Nissan dealer and honestly, the CV in the Murano sucks. I see a lot of them coming in for faulty trannies. Same thing with the Altimas. Subaru had it done right with the 3 cylinder Justy. Small car with AWD. Too bad it didn't sell well and died at a long age.

Sorry, meant young age

[baw02141]

If your tranny is faulty then try this; (I'm curious to see if this works on other Vues too)
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=135313

[brettkramer]

Thank you everyone who replied to my query about the Vue's auto transmission. I was considering buying an "03 Vue with about 98,000 miles on the clock. It was a loaded 2.2l Automatic AWD repo with the VTI transmission, in near mint condition, (running but with a dead transmission, no reverser or anything), priced at $3500.00 I don't mind dealing with the general stuff that does wrong and this vehicle would have been a major leap forward for me in terms of luxury. But after reading through this forum and listening to the replies to mine and other transmission queries, I realize there isn't a viable solution for this transmission issue other that a total swap from a manual trans Vue, which my current space / garage limitations won't allow.
Too bad, overall, other than the transmission, these look like nice vehicles.