Total Complaints
926 filings
SATURN OUTLOOK · model year
926 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2008SATURNOUTLOOK carries 926 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 30 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 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 OUTLOOK is exterior lighting with 236 filings, followed by electrical system (158) and power train (120). 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 OUTLOOK. 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.
Total Complaints
926 filings
Crashes Reported
9 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 236 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 158 |
| POWER TRAIN | 120 |
| AIR BAGS | 93 |
| STEERING | 45 |
| ENGINE | 37 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 28 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 25 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 20 |
| VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY | 18 |
| STRUCTURE | 17 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 13 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 13 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 12 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 10 |
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIP
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
GM IS RECALLING 88,809 MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE, AND MY 2007-2008 GMC ACADIA AND SATURN OUTLOOK VEHICLES CURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUT
Transmission is failing. Reverse is slipping. Low torque trying back up inclines. Known problem with 2008 Acadia, Enclave, Traverse & Outlook per transmission shop who test drove and scanned. No code via dashboard, but scan tools and professional diagnostics verify failure. Techem has been replaced in February 2019, by GM service @ owners expense when forward drive failed.
Over this summer I went to start my truck and all the airbags pop out expect for the steering wheel air bag and dashboard air bag
This has been a big problem for all Saturn owners. The transmissions are always going out in them. This transmission is starting to slip. Iâm surprised there is no recalls. Very disappointed.
airbag sensor on passenger seat stays off even when passenger is in seat. I have read many complaints from same vehicle since they were new. Also has electrical issues intermittently possibly from water leaking thru sunroof
airbag sensor on passenger seat stays off even when passenger is in seat. I have read many complaints from same vehicle since they were new. Also has electrical issues intermittently possibly from water leaking thru sunroof
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield wiper failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with windshield wiper motor failure. The contact was informed that the windshield wiper motor cover assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V609000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 197,357.
Mileage: 197,357
UNKNOWN
UNKNOWN
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the MDS was not communicating with the airbags. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Mileage: 180,000
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that all 4 tires had started cracking along the tread. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15T002000 (Tires) however, the tires were not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,692.
Mileage: 155,692
My low beam headlight started to intermittently go out for a while. Then it went out completely. I go to replace the bulb only to find that the bulb wasnât the actual issue. The harness, wires, and socket to the bulb were blackened, burnt and melted. So now it all needs to be replaced. Iâve seen on several forums that has happened to so many people that have a car manufactured by GM. The original wiring is not quality enough for the heat and current that goes through there.
My low beam headlight started to intermittently go out for a while. Then it went out completely. I go to replace the bulb only to find that the bulb wasnât the actual issue. The harness, wires, and socket to the bulb were blackened, burnt and melted. So now it all needs to be replaced. Iâve seen on several forums that has happened to so many people that have a car manufactured by GM. The original wiring is not quality enough for the heat and current that goes through there.
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over however, the steering functionality did not return. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Mileage: 138,000
Multiple time my vehicle became wet in the inside due to a sun roof drainage tube issue. My vehicle stopped while in motion and there was a burning smell. Now none of my windows will go up and the car no longer starts. I have a loud knocking sound coming from the dash when I turn the heater or AC on. Now my dash shows service theft deterrent system. The first time I thought maybe the tube was clogged. I now come to find out that is was/is a on going issue with GM. I could've lost my life or been possibly rear-ended at highway speed due to GM not knowing how to make a sunroof.
While driving. Lost power, steering locked up. Discontented and reconnected the battery. Problem cleared.
While driving. Lost power, steering locked up. Discontented and reconnected the battery. Problem cleared.
THE SUNROOF LEAKS WATER FROM THE DASH THE REAR CAUSING THE CEILING TO BE SOAKED AND MALFUNCTIONING OF SUNROOF WATER LEAKED ON FLOOR OF THE WHOLE CAR CANS SIDE REAR VIEWS CAUSES THE DASH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO GO OUT MOTOR BLOWERS IS FILLING UP WITH WATER SO AC/ HEATER CAN NOT DEFROST CAR SO VISIBILITY TO DRIVE CAR IT IS UNSAFE AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE A BLOWER THAT WILL CONSTANT FILL UP WITH WATER TO TO SUNROOF DRAINAGE CONSTANTLY CLOTTING AND WON'T DRAIN AND FLOORS FLOODING EVENTUALLY THIS WILL CAUSE CORROSION OR FIRE BEING WATER AND ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX WELL I HAVE 3 CHILDREN I DON'T FEEL WE ARE SAFE IN OUR VEHICLE THIS IS OUR ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION THE SPEAKERS GO IN AND OUT DUE TO THE WATER LEAKED AND SOON COME WINTER CAR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LEAKY DRIVE BEING MOTOR BLOWERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONSTANTLY BE PURCHASED DUE TO GOING OUT BECAUSE WATER BACK UP AND LEAKED AND THE CAR BECOMES DRENCHED IN WATER VIA SEATS AND FLOOR DRIVE SEAT I
Mileage: 181,000
THE SUNROOF LEAKS WATER FROM THE DASH THE REAR CAUSING THE CEILING TO BE SOAKED AND MALFUNCTIONING OF SUNROOF WATER LEAKED ON FLOOR OF THE WHOLE CAR CANS SIDE REAR VIEWS CAUSES THE DASH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO GO OUT MOTOR BLOWERS IS FILLING UP WITH WATER SO AC/ HEATER CAN NOT DEFROST CAR SO VISIBILITY TO DRIVE CAR IT IS UNSAFE AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE A BLOWER THAT WILL CONSTANT FILL UP WITH WATER TO TO SUNROOF DRAINAGE CONSTANTLY CLOTTING AND WON'T DRAIN AND FLOORS FLOODING EVENTUALLY THIS WILL CAUSE CORROSION OR FIRE BEING WATER AND ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX WELL I HAVE 3 CHILDREN I DON'T FEEL WE ARE SAFE IN OUR VEHICLE THIS IS OUR ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION THE SPEAKERS GO IN AND OUT DUE TO THE WATER LEAKED AND SOON COME WINTER CAR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LEAKY DRIVE BEING MOTOR BLOWERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONSTANTLY BE PURCHASED DUE TO GOING OUT BECAUSE WATER BACK UP AND LEAKED AND THE CAR BECOMES DRENCHED IN WATER VIA SEATS AND FLOOR DRIVE SEAT I
Mileage: 181,000
THE SUNROOF LEAKS WATER FROM THE DASH THE REAR CAUSING THE CEILING TO BE SOAKED AND MALFUNCTIONING OF SUNROOF WATER LEAKED ON FLOOR OF THE WHOLE CAR CANS SIDE REAR VIEWS CAUSES THE DASH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO GO OUT MOTOR BLOWERS IS FILLING UP WITH WATER SO AC/ HEATER CAN NOT DEFROST CAR SO VISIBILITY TO DRIVE CAR IT IS UNSAFE AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE A BLOWER THAT WILL CONSTANT FILL UP WITH WATER TO TO SUNROOF DRAINAGE CONSTANTLY CLOTTING AND WON'T DRAIN AND FLOORS FLOODING EVENTUALLY THIS WILL CAUSE CORROSION OR FIRE BEING WATER AND ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX WELL I HAVE 3 CHILDREN I DON'T FEEL WE ARE SAFE IN OUR VEHICLE THIS IS OUR ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION THE SPEAKERS GO IN AND OUT DUE TO THE WATER LEAKED AND SOON COME WINTER CAR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LEAKY DRIVE BEING MOTOR BLOWERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONSTANTLY BE PURCHASED DUE TO GOING OUT BECAUSE WATER BACK UP AND LEAKED AND THE CAR BECOMES DRENCHED IN WATER VIA SEATS AND FLOOR DRIVE SEAT I
Mileage: 181,000
THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY INCIDENT SUCH AS AUTO ACCIDENTS. IT JUST THAT MY DASH LIGHTS UP STATING TO SERVICE MY AIR BAGS. ALSO WHEN STEPPING ON MY BRAKE THE SEAT BELTS DON'T SEEM TO HOLD YOU . SATURN CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ON INTERNET, SO IT IS NOT A LONE CASE. SATURN COMPANY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. WHO DO I COMPLAIN TO
Electric Power Steering Failure
Electric Power Steering Failure
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES STICK UNLATCHED
TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.