2009 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
53% of complaints: steering — 208 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
UPON MAKING A TURN ON A BUSY STREET MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND I ALMOST HIT THE CURB. THIS INCIDENT HURT MY WRIST AND BACK STRUGGLING WITH THE STEERING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180220
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering seized. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The message "Service ESC" was displayed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240304
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240212
16% of complaints: power train — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE PLASTIC CASING ON THE SHIFTER CABLE HAS BROKEN AND THE SPRAG ON THE AT TRANSMISSION IS BAD.... OR SO I HAVE BEEN TOLD. IT IS IN THE DRIVEWAY NOW WITH THE ABC, BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL AND ESC LIGHTS LIT AS WELL AS ERROR CODES P0449 & P2101.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180706
15% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 59 distinct reports on file.
CRASH15% of complaints: electrical system — 59 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: service brakes — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING STREARING JUST STOPS ALMOST GETTING INTO ACCIDENT AND ALSO BRAKES FAILED AND HAD TO REPALCE CALIPERS AND ROTORS WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI report, 20200910
MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING HER VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO OVER 100 MPH, SHE CRASHED HER VEHICLE AND DIED FROM THE IMPACT. WITNESSES STATE SHE HAD HER FLASHERS ON AND SHE WAS OBSERVED TRYING TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140531
SAFETY TIMELINE
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO C
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPE
Campaign 09V073000 — check if this car was fixed
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
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) 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
2009 Saturn Aura — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (208 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (59 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V073000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V460000 (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 2009 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 2009 Saturn Aura?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 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.