SATURN AURA · model year

2008 SATURN AURA

674 NHTSA complaints, 36 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2008SATURNAURA carries 674 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 36 crashes, 3 fires, 17 injuries, and 3 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 AURA is power train with 112 filings, followed by steering (110) and electrical system (88). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2008 AURA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

674
Complaints
36
Crashes
3
Fires
17
Injuries
3
Deaths

Total Complaints

674 filings

Crashes Reported

36 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN112
STEERING110
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
SERVICE BRAKES59
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)43
EXTERIOR LIGHTING42
UNKNOWN OR OTHER28
AIR BAGS22
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL21
SEATS19
ENGINE19
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES18
STRUCTURE:BODY13
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION8
SUSPENSION8

Recalls (5)

14V15300031/03/2014

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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

14V22400030/04/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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, thr

14E04400021/07/2014

STEERING

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 vehi

12V46000018/09/2012

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

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.

14V25200014/05/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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

Recent Complaints

20251231STEERING

My electric power steering stopped working. Not safe to drive. This was fixed prior on recall. I did not own car then.

20251216SERVICE BRAKES

My 2008 Saturn Aura had the transmission shift cable safety recall completed. The same rollaway condition has returned. GM and the dealer refused reinspection and repair, stating the vehicle ‘has lived its life.’ This recall addresses a known rollaway safety risk, and the condition still exists.

20251216ENGINE

My 2008 Saturn Aura had the transmission shift cable safety recall completed. The same rollaway condition has returned. GM and the dealer refused reinspection and repair, stating the vehicle ‘has lived its life.’ This recall addresses a known rollaway safety risk, and the condition still exists.

20251031AIR BAGS

The power train has failed the car won't start the fuses and relays are burning up and the transmission shifts so hard at a jolt almost. The service ecs ecm and service airbag indicator staying lit and the back passenger airbag looks like it's about to deploy it's a safety hazard I love my car I've only had it a year and I don't know what is happening or why.

20251031ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The power train has failed the car won't start the fuses and relays are burning up and the transmission shifts so hard at a jolt almost. The service ecs ecm and service airbag indicator staying lit and the back passenger airbag looks like it's about to deploy it's a safety hazard I love my car I've only had it a year and I don't know what is happening or why.

20251031POWER TRAIN

The power train has failed the car won't start the fuses and relays are burning up and the transmission shifts so hard at a jolt almost. The service ecs ecm and service airbag indicator staying lit and the back passenger airbag looks like it's about to deploy it's a safety hazard I love my car I've only had it a year and I don't know what is happening or why.

20250802AIR BAGS

My vehicle’s make and model have received recalls as stated online, however, my specific VIN does not state any recalls. I am having the same symptoms with the airbags, electrical, and transmission as the recalls stated with my make and model. I believe there should be recalls for my vehicle’s VIN. My check engine light has been on, and it is not shifting the way it should. My airbag warning light also turns on at times.

20250802ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle’s make and model have received recalls as stated online, however, my specific VIN does not state any recalls. I am having the same symptoms with the airbags, electrical, and transmission as the recalls stated with my make and model. I believe there should be recalls for my vehicle’s VIN. My check engine light has been on, and it is not shifting the way it should. My airbag warning light also turns on at times.

20250802POWER TRAIN

My vehicle’s make and model have received recalls as stated online, however, my specific VIN does not state any recalls. I am having the same symptoms with the airbags, electrical, and transmission as the recalls stated with my make and model. I believe there should be recalls for my vehicle’s VIN. My check engine light has been on, and it is not shifting the way it should. My airbag warning light also turns on at times.

20250721WHEELS

I noticed a rattling while driving also smoking under the hood so I took it to a garage and he said that's no problem and that I have a severe oil leak under the front of car he showed me and oil is EVERYWHERE HE MENTIONED HE COULDNT FIX IT THERES A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LINE AND POWERSTEERING AXLE OR PUMP. I HAVE TO ALSO PUT ANTI FREEZE IN THE CAR EVERY 2 DAYS. ALONG WITH POWERSTEERING FLUID AND MOTOR OIL. HE MENTIONED HE HAS NO IDEA WHERE THE OIL IS COMING FROM BECAUSE ITS SO MUCH ITS ALL OVER UNDER THE FRONT AND RECCOMMEND ME NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT MAY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS MY only resource of a ride. Also I noticed when I go over a bump in the road the dash lights go brighter or darker.The traction control light is also on which just came on along with a s light.i took it to the car wash and did notice it looks like a car possibly swiped the right side because there's paint missing!

20250721STEERING

I noticed a rattling while driving also smoking under the hood so I took it to a garage and he said that's no problem and that I have a severe oil leak under the front of car he showed me and oil is EVERYWHERE HE MENTIONED HE COULDNT FIX IT THERES A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LINE AND POWERSTEERING AXLE OR PUMP. I HAVE TO ALSO PUT ANTI FREEZE IN THE CAR EVERY 2 DAYS. ALONG WITH POWERSTEERING FLUID AND MOTOR OIL. HE MENTIONED HE HAS NO IDEA WHERE THE OIL IS COMING FROM BECAUSE ITS SO MUCH ITS ALL OVER UNDER THE FRONT AND RECCOMMEND ME NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT MAY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS MY only resource of a ride. Also I noticed when I go over a bump in the road the dash lights go brighter or darker.The traction control light is also on which just came on along with a s light.i took it to the car wash and did notice it looks like a car possibly swiped the right side because there's paint missing!

20250721ENGINE

I noticed a rattling while driving also smoking under the hood so I took it to a garage and he said that's no problem and that I have a severe oil leak under the front of car he showed me and oil is EVERYWHERE HE MENTIONED HE COULDNT FIX IT THERES A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LINE AND POWERSTEERING AXLE OR PUMP. I HAVE TO ALSO PUT ANTI FREEZE IN THE CAR EVERY 2 DAYS. ALONG WITH POWERSTEERING FLUID AND MOTOR OIL. HE MENTIONED HE HAS NO IDEA WHERE THE OIL IS COMING FROM BECAUSE ITS SO MUCH ITS ALL OVER UNDER THE FRONT AND RECCOMMEND ME NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT MAY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS MY only resource of a ride. Also I noticed when I go over a bump in the road the dash lights go brighter or darker.The traction control light is also on which just came on along with a s light.i took it to the car wash and did notice it looks like a car possibly swiped the right side because there's paint missing!

20250302STEERING

Power steering goes out sometimes it’s happened three times since I’ve owned the car in 2017. It just happened today (3/2/25) for the third time And it tells me that there’s a recall on Saturn aura that were made in 2008, but when I enter my VIN number, it doesn’t show that mine is on a recall. But I’m not sure why it’s goes out sometime and then works when I turn my car back on.

20241017STEERING

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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering assist module. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) was previously completed on the contact's vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20240926UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Key ignition don’t engaged when turning.

20240818STRUCTURE:BODY

Water is leaking into the passenger compartment to the point of pooling, I am constantly having to shop vac water out but, I feel this could lead to the floor pan rusting out and the seats falling through the floor. This is a GM TSB issue so, GM knows about the problem. There are many other Saturn Aura owners who have experienced this issue.

20240818SEATS

Water is leaking into the passenger compartment to the point of pooling, I am constantly having to shop vac water out but, I feel this could lead to the floor pan rusting out and the seats falling through the floor. This is a GM TSB issue so, GM knows about the problem. There are many other Saturn Aura owners who have experienced this issue.

20240818UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Water is leaking into the passenger compartment to the point of pooling, I am constantly having to shop vac water out but, I feel this could lead to the floor pan rusting out and the seats falling through the floor. This is a GM TSB issue so, GM knows about the problem. There are many other Saturn Aura owners who have experienced this issue.

20240801STEERING

While I was driving my car going 40 mph down the road the wheel stuck and I couldn't turn or do anything. I had to pull over and reset the car by shutting it off and turning it back on. I've had to do that before when I first started the car and tried to back up in the wheel froze and it wouldn't move anywhere. I went to the garage today and they told me that it's my power steering.

20240613ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Nobody has inspected my vehicle. However my rear passenger airbag on the driver's side has malfunctioned and blown out the rear interior panel and the service airbag light is on this just happened 4 days ago and there was no accident to cause it.. my transmission is not functioning properly as of yesterday it has a jolt like jerk when shifting into another gear and doesn't want to go all the way into park. And my speed odometer bottoms to 0 and all electrical equipment fails temporarily while driving I have video proof of this happening. My safety as well as other motorists are at risk if this keeps happening... ATTENTION THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS !!! YET.....

Compare 2008SATURNAURA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 SATURN AURA have?
The 2008 SATURN AURA has 674 NHTSA complaints, 36 crashes, 3 fires, 17 injuries, and 3 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 SATURN AURA?
Yes, the 2008 SATURN AURA has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 SATURN AURA?
The most-complained component for the 2008 SATURN AURA is POWER TRAIN with 112 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2008 SATURN AURA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.