2008 Saturn Aura
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 |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2007 | 606 |
| 2008 | 432 |
| 2009 | 390 |
| 2010 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: power train — 112 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20240101
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, 20140228
26% of complaints: steering — 111 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20240101
21% of complaints: electrical system — 89 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20190621
14% of complaints: service brakes — 59 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20190621
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, 20120926
10% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Transmission Shift Cable Failure
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 ve
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 o
Campaign 12V460000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V224000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V153000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Campaign 14V252000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14E044000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Saturn Aura — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (112 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (111 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (89 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V460000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V224000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V153000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14E044000 (steering) has been completed.
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 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Saturn Aura have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.