Honda J35A
Engine versions equipped with VCM are notorious for oil leaks from system gaskets.
Saturn Vue engines
Saturn Vue is an American compact crossover car from one of the divisions of General Motors – Saturn LLC. Years of production – 2001-2009 In total, 2 generations of the Vue model have been released. The GM Theta platform was used as a base. The second generation of the car is a restored version of the Opel Antara model. The first generation of the car was manufactured in the USA, the second in Mexico. In 2007, a hybrid version of the Vue was released – with a power unit that combines a gasoline engine and an electric motor.
The Saturn Vue was offered with 5 engines between 2001 and 2009 (5 petrol). Displacement ranges from 2.2 to 3.6 liters, power output from 135 to 285 hp. 4 use a timing chain and 1 a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Honda J35A (about 375,000 km).
Saturn Vue engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturn Vue 1 (GMT315) 2001–2007 | |||||||
| GM L61 | 2001–2007 | 2.2 L R4 | 135–145 hp | petrol | chain | 4.7 L | ~300,000 km |
| Saturn Vue 2 (GMT319) 2007–2009 | |||||||
| GM LY7 | 2007–2009 | 3.6 L V6 | 240–275 hp | petrol | chain | 5.7 L | ~280,000 km |
| GM LE5 | 2007–2009 | 2.4 L R4 | 165–177 hp | petrol | chain | 4.7 L | ~350,000 km |
| Other Saturn Vue engines generation not specified | |||||||
| Honda J35A | 1998–2012 | 3.5 L V6 | 210–285 hp | petrol | belt | 4.7 L | ~375,000 km |
| Opel Z22SE | 2000–2005 | 2.2 L R4 | 147 hp | petrol | chain | 5 L | ~270,000 km |
Saturn Vue engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Saturn Vue?
Saturn Vue 1 (GMT315) (2001–2007): GM L61; Saturn Vue 2 (GMT319) (2007–2009): GM LY7 and GM LE5.
Which Saturn Vue engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Saturn Vue engines are: Honda J35A — about 375,000 km; GM LE5 — about 350,000 km; GM L61 — about 300,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Saturn Vue engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: GM L61 — 4.7 L (5W-30); GM LE5 — 4.7 L (5W-30); GM LY7 — 5.7 L (5W-30); Honda J35A — 4.7 L (5W-30); Opel Z22SE — 5 L (5W-30).
Does the Saturn Vue have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: GM L61, GM LE5, GM LY7 and Opel Z22SE; timing belt: Honda J35A. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Saturn Vue available with a diesel engine?
No, all Saturn Vue engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
GM L61
On engines until 2004, there was an extremely unreliable timing chain tensioner.
Opel Z22SE
The timing chain, or rather its tensioner, delivers the most problems to owners.
GM LY7
The main problem of this power unit is considered to be a low resource of timing chains.
GM LE5
A known problem with this power unit is the short-lived timing chain.
Models with the same engines
- Acura MDX 1 shared engine
- Acura RL 1 shared engine
- Acura RLX 1 shared engine
- Acura TL 1 shared engine
- Acura TLX 1 shared engine
- Acura TSX 1 shared engine
- Honda Odyssey 1 shared engine
- Honda Pilot 1 shared engine
- Honda Ridgeline 1 shared engine
- Opel Astra 1 shared engine