Is the 2008 Saturn Aura 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 Aura?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Saturn Aura have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Saturn Aura

○ Not enough data

2008 Saturn Aura
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 432
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2008: 432 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	3
2005	5
2007	607
2008	432
2009	390
2010	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

30% · 129 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I bought this 2008 Saturn Aura from dealer on 09/13/2023. Since I bought it, I fractured my hand and foot while checking the tires and brakes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-01

Also filed under Steering and suspension

When you have the car in park it is not always in park and if you turn the car off it will not start back up. So when we try to start the car again it will not start, so we have to move the gear shift to neutral to start it that way.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-28

Steering

26% · 113 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and electric power assist system.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Electrical system

21% · 92 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH down a hill, when brake pedal was depress and failed to stop/low down the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-21

Also filed under Service brakes and engine

Service brakes

14% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Was in back to back traffic using brakes often, when I tried to use the brakes it was not working, the car run into another car in front of me, damaged the entire front of my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-26

Exterior lighting

11% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing brake lights.

CRASH

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2011-11-10Engineering analysisClosed 2014-06-02 Transmission Shift Cable Failure
R

2013-01-01Power train12V460000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-06-27Power train14V224000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-07-17Steering14V153000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-08-18Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control14V252000 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...

Remedy: 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...

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-09-08Steering14E044000 Dorman Products, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Saturn Aura — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 129 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 113 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 92 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V460000 · Power train
Recall 14V224000 · Power train
Recall 14V153000 · Steering
Recall 14V252000 · Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control
Recall 14E044000 · Steering

FAQ

Is the 2008 Saturn Aura 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 Aura?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Saturn Aura have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-06 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.