2009 Saturn Aura

○ Not enough data
2009 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.

Complaints
390
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

55% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 3 complaints 2000 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2007: 607 complaints 2007 2008: 432 complaints 2008 2009: 390 complaints 2009 390 2010: 2 complaints 2010
2000: 3 complaints 2000 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2007: 607 complaints 2007 2008: 432 complaints 2008 2009: 390 complaints 2009 390 2010: 2 complaints 2010
2000: 3 complaints 2000 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2007: 607 complaints 2007 2008: 432 complaints 2008 2009: 390 complaints 2009 390 2010: 2 complaints 2010

2009: 390 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
20055
2007607
2008432
2009390
20102

Known problem areas

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

Steering

55% · 213 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system and column.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2018-02-20

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, 2024-03-04

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, 2024-02-12

Power train

17% · 66 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).

CRASHFIRE
Show 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, 2018-07-06

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the shifter does not have an indicator dial or light to indicate what gear is being used. He stated that he is always off by one gear whenever he starts his vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-03-30

Electronic stability control (esc)

15% · 59 reports
CRASH

Electrical system

15% · 59 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

10% · 40 reports
CRASHDEATH
Show 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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-10

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-31

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2009-03-15Power train09V073000 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…

    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…

  2. I
    2010-11-18Audit queryClosed 2015-12-28 Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
  3. 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…

  4. 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.

  5. 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...

  6. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Saturn Aura — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 213 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 66 reports on file for this year.
  • Electronic stability control (esc): 59 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09V073000 · Power train
  • Recall 12V460000 · Power train
  • Recall 14V153000 · Steering
  • Recall 14V252000 · Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 14E044000 · Steering

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 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 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.