2008 Saturn Astra
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 162 |
| 2009 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
59% of complaints: air bags — 95 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIRBAG DEPLOYED LATE CAUSING ME MORE INJURY FOR NOT FUNCTIONING RIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190430
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20111003
AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF NO RESPONSE FROM ONSTAR AFTER CRASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090308
12% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
OWNER WAS STOP N GO CITY DRIVING PULLED INTO HIS HOME DRIVEWAY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER DASH. PARKED CAR AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED FIRE SERVICE. CAR DASH IGNITION AREA BURST INTO FLAMES AND WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED BY FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130328
10% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Astra. The contact stated that while shifted to park(P), the vehicle occasionally started rolling forward or backwards. The contact engaged the parking brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260416
THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT BUSHING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250320
5% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CAR LOSE POWER CHECK ENGINE ON DIAG VEHICLE REPLACE 2 ACCELERATOR PEDAL STILL THE SAME PROBLEM CODE P2138 GOOGLE THE VEHICLE PROBLEM GM HAVE OPEN BULLETIN ABOUT SOME KIND OF HARNESS REPLACEMENT FOR MORE THAN 30 MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20160329
4% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Lost power steering without any warning it got very stiff i could not steer the car it got electric power steering pump not mechanical. i want online and this vehicle is made by GM / Opel .
NHTSA ODI report, 20250316
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017.
Campaign 16V063000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Saturn Astra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (95 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V063000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Saturn Astra reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saturn Astra?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Saturn Astra have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.