Wrench.Pro

2007 Saturn Aura Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Saturn Aura carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering automatic transmission and wiring. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake lamp malfunction with ESC and traction control disable.” GM wound Saturn down in 2009, so parts now come through the GM catalog rather than a Saturn dealer. Which Saturn you own changes the maintenance picture completely. The S-series cars, meaning the SL, SC, and SW, use a 1.9 liter four with a timing chain, and the twin-cam version is known to burn oil as it ages, so checking the dipstick between changes matters more than the interval does. The L-series and Astra are Opel designs and want European-spec parts. The later Vue, Ion, Aura, Outlook, and Sky are mainstream GM under the badge. One item deserves a direct warning: 2002 to 2005 Vue models fitted with the VTi continuously variable transmission had a poor reliability record, and GM stopped building it. If you are buying one, confirm which transmission it has first.

Save this car as:

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #14V224000 · Apr 30, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Risk: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #14V252000 · May 14, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

STEERING

Campaign #14E044000 · Jul 21, 2014

Issue: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.

Risk: A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Campaign #12V460000 · Sep 18, 2012

Issue: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Risk: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Recall data refreshed Jul 9, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Saturn Aura.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake lamp malfunction with ESC and traction control disable

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

25 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2022-03

“I'VE RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP ILLUMINATING WHEN NOT PRESSED AND HAS DESTROYED TWO BRAND NEW SETS OF ROTORS IN LESS THAN 3 MONTHS DUE TO HOT SPOTS AND STRESS FRACTURES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414382
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10884782
“WHILE DRIVING, MY BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT THE PEDAL BEING PUSHED AND THEN WILL EVENTUALLY GO OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144734

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine timing chain stretch

ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2020-08

“I HAVE A 2007 SATURN AURA WITH 103,000 MILE AND THE TIMING CHAIN (BELT) WENT. UPON INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE I LEARNED THE SAME GM ENGINE IN MY AURA IS IN THE 2007 GMC ACADIA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11054846
“ENGINE TIMING CHAINS PROBLEM. MY CAR ONLY HAD 18,800 MILES ON IT WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD I HAD TO SPEND 2000 DOLLARS ON HAVING THE TIMING CHAINS REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11016344
“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH CODES P0016 AND P0017, THE CAUSE OF WHICH IS A STRETCHED TIMING CHAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10906763

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump leak and fuel odor

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2024-02

“THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (PEARSON BUICK/GMC IN SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011768
“WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A LEAK AROUND THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11149733
“WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND COMPLETELY SEIZED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY FUEL PUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10910037

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat frame weld failure

SEATS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2020-02

“DRIVER SEAT FRAME WELD BROKE UNDER NORMAL USAGE. WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE BACK LEFT OF THE DRIVER SEAT "POPPED" AND SANK ABOUT 2 INCHES. SEAT NO LONGER STABLE. MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE WELD HAD FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10966080
“THE CROSS MEMBER ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN CAUSING THE SEAT TO LEAN TOWARDS THE CENTER CONSOLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914321
“DRIVERS SEAT TRACK BROKEN. WELD BETWEEN A CROSS TUBE AND THE TRACKS BROKE WHICH APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM CARS OF A CERTAIN TYPE DURING THIS SAME YEAR AS WELL AS BEFORE AND AFTER 2007”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10873608

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shift cable and gear selector failure

POWER TRAIN

35 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2026-07

“The automatic transmission shift cable, has malfunctioned. The center piece that connects to the gear shift has melted, and prevents the car from starting and shifting gears”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714057
“My car gear shift slides through the gears but wont shift out of park. Something is wrong with the transmission shift cable. I see an active recall for this exact problem on my type of car (NHTSA 14V224) but for some reason my vin isn’t showing up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11707259
“When attempting to park, automatic gear shift would not engage and vehicle started to roll backwards. Once vehicle was turned off gear shift move freely but would not engage the transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419493

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering pump and line failure

STEERING

18 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2023-02

“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the power steering failed, and the steering wheel separated from the steering shaft”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507048
“POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE LINE FAILED WHEN THE HOSE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE END CRIMP. THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM LOST ALL OF ITS FLUID RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397402
“WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10817227

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger airbag sensor and service airbag light

AIR BAGS

20 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2020-08

“I HAVE OWNED THIS 2007 SATURN AURA SINCE 2017 AND THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL COME ON INTERMITTENTLY WHETHER THERE IS A FRONT PASSENGER OR NOT, SOMETIMES THE LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR THE ENTIRE TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350469
“WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON THAN GOES OFF AND WILL NOT REGISTER THAT A PASSENGER IS IN THE FRONT SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289505
“PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT WILL SHIFT FROM ON TO OFF RANDOMLY WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE CAR IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10909400

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine power reduced and stall with traction control warning

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2018-11

“THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF REPAIR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, ENGINES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND. WHEN DRIVING AROUND 60MPH THE ENGINE WOULD STALL AND 'ENGINE POWER REDUCED' AND 'TRACTION OFF' WOULD FLASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11150027
“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SERVICE TRACTION MODULE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10725986
“THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE IN THE "ON" POSITION AND MOVING. THE ELECTRICAL STAYS ON, JUST NO ENGINE POWER AND NO WARNING LIGHTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10702746

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 1, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Models from about 2003 on use the GM Oil Life System. Change when it asks and at least once a year. On S-series cars with the twin-cam 1.9, check the level every other fuel stop. Oil consumption on a worn one can empty the sump well before the next service is due.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Check the sidewall date codes too. On cars this age, tires usually time out before they wear out.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, hoses, and hard lines at every service. Rear drums on S-series cars and rear calipers on the Vue and Ion both stick on vehicles that sit for long stretches.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace every 2 years. This is the single cheapest thing you can do to keep an aging ABS pump and calipers alive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Drain and fill every 45,000 miles. Fluid depends on the car: Dexron VI for most conventional automatics, a specific CVT fluid for 2002 to 2005 Vue models with the VTi, and Saturn-spec manual gear oil for the S-series manuals. Confirm the spec before anyone pours anything in.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

100,000 miles on platinum or iridium plugs. On the S-series 1.9 and the Ecotec fours, replace the coil pack boots at the same time. Brittle boots misfire and mimic a failing coil.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Serpentine Belt & Tensioner

Every 60,000 mi

Replace the belt and the tensioner as a set once either one is cracked, glazed, or noisy. A tired tensioner will destroy a new belt.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. Easy access on the S-series and the Ecotec engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Coolant Replacement

Every 100,000 mi

Every 5 years on a car this old. Most Saturns use orange Dex-Cool, which must never be mixed with green coolant. Ask the shop to check for seepage at the water pump and the intake gasket while the system is open.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Power Steering Check

Every 50,000 mi

Most of the lineup uses conventional hydraulic steering, so check the fluid level and the hoses. The Ion and some Vue models use an electric power steering unit instead, which has no fluid but was the subject of GM recall activity. Worth confirming yours was addressed.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$185–$220

Shop

~$130–$155

DIY

~$15–$40

Most cars built after ~2012 use electric power steering and have no fluid to service.

Battery & Charging System Test

Every 25,000 mi

Test the battery and alternator once a year. A weak battery on this generation of GM electronics produces warning lights that look like much more expensive problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

117 crashes 1990–2024

How the 117 occupant deaths break down

81

driver deaths

35

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

117

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Saturn Aura reflects Saturn's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →