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2008 Saturn Aura Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Saturn Aura carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering automatic transmission and wiring. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission wave-plate 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

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:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #14V153000 · Mar 31, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

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 2008 Saturn Aura.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission wave-plate failure

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2019-10

“ALL GM VEHICLES WITH V-6 MOTOR FROM 2007 TO 2009. THE VEHICLE WILL LOOSE THE ABILITY TO KEEP GOING FORWARD OR TO BACKUP. CAN HAPPEN AT 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY OR WHILE PARKED AND SHIFT TO BACKUP OR GO FORWARD. ONLY 1ST AND 2ND GEAR WILL WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11164654
“THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER WHEN I PLACED IT INTO REVERSE. ALSO, WHEN GOING INTO 3RD AND 5TH GEAR, THE RPMS WOULD JUMP SUDDENLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10689741
“FAILURE OF THE WAVE PLATE. MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 82,000 MILES AND THE WAVE PLATE IS FAILING. I'M UNABLE TO REVERSE AND THE GEARS SHIFT WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208534

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake lights illuminating without pedal input

EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES

20 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2023-09

“The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights intermittently failed to illuminate. The brake lights occasionally illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11544463
“THIS IS A REPEAT PROBLEM FOR A MALFUNCTION THAT WAS REPAIRED BY A DEALER UNDER RECALL # 13036. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEY ARE ON (LIT) WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10919941
“THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN NOT TOUCHED AND GO OFF WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED. I CALL GM AND THEY TOLD ME MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT ON A RECALL, BUT IT SEEMS THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914220

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power door lock and latch malfunction

STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

12 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2019-03

“DOORS TO THE VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY NOT UNLOCK, EITHER WITH KEY FOB, OR FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN THE POWER LOCK BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. AT THIS TIME THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN, EVEN WHEN THE LOCK IS MANUALLY PLACED INTO THE UNLOCK POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11174859
“TAKATA RECALL POWER LOCKS CONTINUOUSLY LOCKING AND UNLOCKING, WHETHER THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. HAD INSTANCE WHERE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10838471
“FRONT DRIVERS DOOR AND FRONT PASSENGERS DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK IN ANY WAY, THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE HANDLE OR OUTSIDE HANDLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10846302

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat frame weld failure

SEATS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2019-07

“WELD BROKE ON DRIVERS SEAT - LOOKED ON SATURN FIRM - THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2010 ON SATURN VEHICLES - WHY WAS IT NOT RECALLED?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11240926
“STARTED CAR AND BEGAN ADJUSTING SEAT. CAR WAS STILL IN PARK. HEARD A LOUD "POP" AND THEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT TILTED UP AND I WAS LEFT IN AN AWKWARD POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10825060
“THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT LEANED TO THE RIGHT SIDE. ONE DAY, WHILE ADJUSTING THE POWER SEAT, THE SEAT LIFTED HIGH ON ONE SIDE AS OPPOSED TO THE OTHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10666942

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering assist loss

STEERING

53 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2025-12

“The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer and did not function as intended”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11620468
“The contact owned a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and ascending a grade in the road, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570277
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10935265

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shift cable fracture and rollaway

POWER TRAIN

25 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2025-12

“My 2008 Saturn Aura had the transmission shift cable safety recall completed. The same rollaway condition has returned”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705265
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHILE TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE TRANSMISSION CABLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10723384
“THERE WAS A RECALL #12106 IN 2011. THERE IS A SHIFTER CABLE PROBLEM, IT BREAKS. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11051089

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and sensor malfunction

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2026-02

“AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. NOT INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062672
“THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK MY CAR TO MILES CHEVROLET TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. THEY TOLD ME MY AIRBAG MODULE IS DEFECTIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10713275
“NO AIR BAD DEPLOYMENT AT ALL. MY 21 YEAR OLD SON WAS KILLED. IGNITION KEEPED CUTTING OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196555

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 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)

63 crashes 1990–2024

How the 63 occupant deaths break down

47

driver deaths

16

passenger deaths

63

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.

18

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2008 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.

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