2008 Saturn Vue Valve Cover Gaskets May Leak Oil

A burning smell may develop due to an oil leak form one or both valve cover gaskets. Resealing the valve cover will generally correct this concern. However, the valve covers should be inspected and replaced if damaged.

Affected Model Years

This issue affects Saturn Vue model years 2002, 2003, 2008, .

17 people reported this problem

  • 2008 172,000 Miles
    I recently noticed oil under my car. It looked like quite a bit on my concrete garage floor. I took it to the old Saturn dealership (now a Cadillac dealership but with the same mechanics). After looking over my car, the biller (or whatever he is that takes care of appointments but not the actual car) came and told me that the mechanic had shown him a very small dripping leak in a gasket. The guy was not knowledgeable really in what it was, but he said it was a seal. I asked if he had topped off my oil and he said that it wasn't low. I am getting this "seal" replaced in a couple of days, but wanted to troubleshoot online some first. After looking around, I think that it must be a valve cover. My leak was on the passenger side by the wheel. It is good to see that I am not the only one with this mystery problem, but I will find out from the mechanic what was replaced exactly.

  • 2008 80,000 Miles
    Oil burning smell as well as oil leaking on ground

  • 2008 180,000 Miles
    Oil leaking all over motor. Not using much oil, leaks about 6 oz per day. Check engine light is on as well as a red light, water lines, with an arrow? The local Good Year says it could be the valve covers, but I haven't been able to trust them yet. Please HELP!

  • 2008 136,000 Miles
    cam cover gaskets started leaking less than 1 year after valve job (TOTAL REPLACEMENT)

  • 2008 0 Miles
    Smell of burning under hood of car and I think the car sounds loud also

  • 2008 110,000 Miles
    Leak from passenger side rear corner of head gasket. No bubbling, steady stream of oil. Loss of power in engine.

  • 2008 51,325 Miles
    Leaking only when engine is running. Passenger side near front tire.

  • 2008 18,000 Miles
    Burns oil about every 250 miles

  • 2008 88,000 Miles
    My valve covers leak so bad, the smell chokes me each time I get into my car. With Saturn dealers closed down, I can't hardly find a dealer that is willing to work on my Saturn Vue because of parts being so scarce since the company closed down. And when I do find a dealer willing, the cost is outrageous. Now, I feel trapped both ways. GM knew this would be a problem but didn't care about the aftermath that would affect the consumer. Who is going to bail me out??????? I have no faith in the GM business practices as a consumer. They do not stand behind their product or the consumer!!!!

  • 2008 155,000 Miles
    Oil leaking on exhaust and on garage floor. Had Valve covers fixed 12,000 miles ago and over the winter it started leaking again and go progressively worse

  • 2008 182,500 Miles
    Burning smell and smoke from under the hood. Water getting into the oil