Is the 2008 Saturn Outlook 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 Outlook?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Saturn Outlook have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Saturn Outlook

○ Not enough data

2008 Saturn Outlook
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: 633
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Exterior lighting

Complaints per year

2008: 633 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	511
2008	633
2009	192
2010	16

Known problem areas

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

Exterior lighting

39% · 250 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and concealment devices.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that upon inspection, he noticed that the passenger front head lamp was inoperative.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-09-17

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

26% · 166 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Issues with my Outlook alternator caught engine on fire, electrical issues with stabilizer/tracking controls, windows/mirror and mainly check engine light comes on while driving and transmission slips into low or 2ND gear.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-14

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

The truck ABS light came on and a fire started. I got everyone out and the fire blew up and everything burned down to the body. We had it towed by police to prevent a further fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-30

Power train

20% · 128 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Transmission is failing. Reverse is slipping. Low torque trying back up inclines. Known problem with 2008 Acadia, Enclave, Traverse & Outlook per transmission shop who test drove and scanned.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-30

This has been a big problem for all Saturn owners. The transmissions are always going out in them. This transmission is starting to slip. Iâm surprised there is no recalls. Very disappointed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-03

Air bags

15% · 98 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My Outlook was involved in a front end accident. The airbags should have deployed but didn't. There was lots of smoke, smell and powder as if they had gone off but never did. This was after the supposed airbag recall had been fixed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-20

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle became uncontrollable and hydro-planed. The contact crashed into a tree and the air bags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-02

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed but none of the air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-19

Structure

7% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing body and roof and pillars.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

I
2008-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-09-08 Non-crash engine compartment fires
R

2008-09-12Electrical system08V441000 GM is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick lucerne; Cadillac dts; hummer H2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia…

Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2008. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-10-13Visibility08V410000 GM is recalling 88,809 my 2008 Buick enclave, and my 2007-2008 GMC acadia and Saturn Outlook vehicles currently or previously registered in the following states: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut…

Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiper crank arm, driver's side link, and a crank arm nut. The recall began o October 13, 2008. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Saturn…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-06-11Electrical system10V240000 GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, lucerne; Cadillac dts; hummer H2; model year 2008-2009 Buick enclave; Cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade…

Remedy: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2012-06-04Defect petitionClosed 2014-07-24 Loss of Headlamp Illumination
R

2014-06-16Air bags14V118000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-15Structure15V415000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Saturn Outlook — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Exterior lighting: 250 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 166 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 128 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V441000 · Electrical system
Recall 08V410000 · Visibility
Recall 10V240000 · Electrical system
Recall 14V118000 · Air bags
Recall 15V415000 · Structure

FAQ

Is the 2008 Saturn Outlook 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 Outlook?: The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Saturn Outlook 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.