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2007 Saturn Sky Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Saturn Sky carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering occupant classification and ignition. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear differential noise, leak, and failure.” 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.

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5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #17V061000 · Jan 26, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #14V171000 · Oct 4, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Campaign #14E021000 · Apr 30, 2014

Issue: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.

Risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.

Fix: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).

AIR BAGS

Campaign #14V047000 · Oct 2, 2014

Issue: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL

Campaign #07V589000 · Dec 20, 2007

Issue: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.

Risk: A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.

Recall data refreshed Jul 9, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

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

Reported to NHTSA

Rear differential noise, leak, and failure

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2022-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN SKY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10885434
“WAS ON INTERSTATE 97 IN MARYLAND DOING AROUND 65 MPH. WHEN I HEARD AND FELT LOUD POP NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE 2007 SATURN SKY AND PULLED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WHILE THE CARS ON THE ROAD WERE FLYING BY ME AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ( THAT I WAS SCARED TO GET OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10715153
“i WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT, AND WHEN I REACHED A SPEED OF 55 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD WHINING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN BELOW 55, SO THE NOISE WOULD GO AWAY, AND IT SCARED ME. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, I COULD HEAR SOUNDS FROM THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463697

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster gauges unreadable in daylight

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-01 → 2021-02

“DURING TYPICAL DAYTIME DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS NOT READABLE. I NEED TO TURN ON MY HEAD LIGHTS MANUALLY DURING THE DAY TO SEE HOW FAST I AM GOING. REVIEW THE PICTURE TO SEE HOW DARK THE INSTRUMENTS ARE DURING DRIVING. GENERAL MOTORS NEEDS TO APPLY TSB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398311
“THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS SET DEEP INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR STYLING PURPOSES. AS A RESULT, THE GAUGES ARE VERY DARK AND CANNOT BE READ DURING DAYTIME DRIVING. GM SHOULD MAKE A SOFTWARE PATCH AVAILABLE TO TURN ON THE BACK LIGHTING TO THE GAUGES DAY OR NIGHT WHEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390622

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger presence sensor disables passenger airbag

AIR BAGS

118 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2025-12

“As stated in previous complaint my air bag has failed again. Why is gm allowed to fix these with the exact same system that fails again?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657152
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN SKY. WHILE TURNING, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924954
“THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILED WITH LESS THAN 45000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FUNCTION IS DISABLED. THIS IS A HIGH FAILURE RATE ITEM ON THIS VEHICLE AND ITS SISTER VEHICLE THE PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE VEHICLE IS STORED INDOORS AND WELL MAINTAINED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10881585

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag recall parts unavailable, repair delayed

AIR BAGS

28 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2018-08

“GENERAL MOTORS CREATED A RECALL ON JANUARY 26, 2017 FOR AN ACTIVE FAULT IN THE PPS SYSTEM. HOWEVER, MORE THAN A YEAR HAS PASSED AND THE STATUS FOR THE RECALL HAS REMAINED: "RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". THIS TIMELINE SEEMS EXCESSIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11065727
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN SKY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE DEALER (STEWART CHEVROLET, 780 SERRAMONTE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120102
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN SKY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115548

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

HVAC blower motor resistor overheating

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2021-07

“HVAC CONNECTOR WIRE FAILURE. GM PART 25797383. KNOWN ISSUE AND RECALL WITH HUMMER H3 AND REPORTED ISSUE WITH SATURN SKY AND PONTIAC SOLSTICE. 2007 SATURN SKY REDLINE PRESENTED WITH HVAC BLOWER FAILURE. UPON INSPECTION AN OVERHEATED, MELTED AND BLACKENED WIRING HARNESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11233597
“HVAC blower motor stopped working via the control knob. Through online forums & repair guides, I did some troubleshooting to determine which component I might need to order (i.e. fuse, relay, blower motor assembly, blower resistor, etc). During that research, many”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423366
“THE SATURN SKYS HAVE THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT THE HUMMERS DID THAT WERE RECALLED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: XXXXXXXXX. THE RESISTOR ON THE BLOWER MOTOR GETS HOT AND MELTS. FURTHER, THEY ARE THE SAME PARTS.*DT ALSO, IT IS KNOWN AND CONTINUALLY DISCUSSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258408

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parking brake fails to hold the vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2024-09

“The parking brake does not engage at all even though the parking brake lever give resistance as normal and only lifts about 5 clicks from the bottom. the vehicle rolls when it is engaged as though it is not even pulled up. This is especially scary because it is a”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612790
“YTD 2007 SATURN SKY HAS LOST THE USE OF IT'S EMERGENCY BRAKE. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES NOW. THE CAR ONLY HAS 41000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10715850
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN SKY. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, IT FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE MOVED WITHOUT WARNING. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11075642

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 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)

13 crashes 1990–2024

How the 13 occupant deaths break down

10

driver deaths

3

passenger deaths

13

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 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.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 Sky 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.

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