Before you buy
This 2008 Saturn Aura has 432 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2008 Saturn Aura Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2008 Saturn Aura trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2008 Saturn Aura Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
SATURN AURA 2008 has 432 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Top issues include transmission/drivetrain (124 complaints) and steering defects (112). Electrical faults (92) and brake problems (62) are also common. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Saturn
- Model
- Aura
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 432
- Crash-related complaints
- 18
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2008 Saturn Aura problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Steering Defects, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2008 Saturn Aura?
The 2008 Saturn Aura is a high-risk used car due to frequent transmission and steering complaints. Only consider if a thorough mechanical inspection and recall verification are performed.
Transmission and steering problems can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. Electrical and brake issues add to ownership concerns.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in pre-purchase inspection and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking reliable daily transportation or those unable to absorb unexpected repair costs should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Saturn Aura
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission for slipping, harsh shifting, or failure.
- Check steering system for looseness, noise, or power assist loss.
- Verify all electrical systems (lights, ESC, airbags) function properly.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, steering, and electrical repairs.
- Test drive to check steering response and brake performance.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Saturn Aura, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Saturn Aura shows a high volume of transmission/drivetrain and steering complaints, totaling 124 and 112 respectively. Electrical faults (92) and brake system issues (62) are also common. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: The 2008 model year has a high complaint count (432) compared to other years, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 5 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 124, the highest of any component.
- Steering defects account for 112 complaints, indicating a common issue.
- Electrical faults are reported in 92 complaints, a significant concern.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures are the most reported issue.
- Steering defects are nearly as frequent as transmission problems.
- Electrical faults, including potential stability control issues, are common.
Full breakdown
All 2008 Saturn Aura complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Saturn Aura. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 124 | 7 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 112 | 6 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 92 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 62 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 45 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 43 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 22 | 3 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 18 | 3 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Saturn Aura. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The Air Bag Service Warning Message and warning light is illuminated I took the car back to the dealership had it serviced and a month later the message and light are on again. The passenger Air Bag sensor is malfunctioning sometimes it doesn't detect the passenger most times it…
My electric power steering stopped working. Not safe to drive. This was fixed prior on recall. I did not own car then.
My 2008 Saturn Aura had the transmission shift cable safety recall completed. The same rollaway condition has returned. GM and the dealer refused reinspection and repair, stating the vehicle ‘has lived its life.’ This recall addresses a known rollaway safety risk, and the conditi…
The power train has failed the car won't start the fuses and relays are burning up and the transmission shifts so hard at a jolt almost. The service ecs ecm and service airbag indicator staying lit and the back passenger airbag looks like it's about to deploy it's a safety hazard…
My vehicle’s make and model have received recalls as stated online, however, my specific VIN does not state any recalls. I am having the same symptoms with the airbags, electrical, and transmission as the recalls stated with my make and model. I believe there should be recalls fo…
I noticed a rattling while driving also smoking under the hood so I took it to a garage and he said that's no problem and that I have a severe oil leak under the front of car he showed me and oil is EVERYWHERE HE MENTIONED HE COULDNT FIX IT THERES A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LINE AND …
Power steering goes out sometimes it’s happened three times since I’ve owned the car in 2017. It just happened today (3/2/25) for the third time And it tells me that there’s a recall on Saturn aura that were made in 2008, but when I enter my VIN number, it doesn’t show that mine …
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer and did not function as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering as…
Key ignition don’t engaged when turning.
Water is leaking into the passenger compartment to the point of pooling, I am constantly having to shop vac water out but, I feel this could lead to the floor pan rusting out and the seats falling through the floor. This is a GM TSB issue so, GM knows about the problem. There ar…
While I was driving my car going 40 mph down the road the wheel stuck and I couldn't turn or do anything. I had to pull over and reset the car by shutting it off and turning it back on. I've had to do that before when I first started the car and tried to back up in the wheel froz…
Nobody has inspected my vehicle. However my rear passenger airbag on the driver's side has malfunctioned and blown out the rear interior panel and the service airbag light is on this just happened 4 days ago and there was no accident to cause it.. my transmission is not functi…
Yes my 2008 Saturn Aura 3.5 v6 has a Electrical issue it's goin to get someone killed...
The contact owned a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and ascending a grade in the road, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped the cur…
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. 10/27/23 - I put the car in park to investigate what was causing the constant rattling noise while at the same time the car would shudde…
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights intermittently failed to illuminate. The brake lights occasionally illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was included…
Power steering went out as we were driving, making the wheel almost impossible to turn. There was a recall repair before I purchased the vehicle but I am skeptical it was actually done as I am having the same issue with the power steering that was supposed to have been fixed. Thi…
Stuck in drive something to do with the Shifter cable have to use the emergency brake to stop the car and if shut off it wont start back up
Brake lights and headlights randomly go off mainly the brake light thats in the back window!
Power steering goes out while driving sometimes, can’t control car. Bought car from FB marketplace last month and previous owner states that it has happened before numerous times
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Saturn Aura.
Safety recalls
2008 Saturn Aura recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Saturn Aura. With 5 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
STEERING
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Saturn Aura buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Saturn Aura reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 432 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Saturn Aura is a high-risk used car due to frequent transmission and steering complaints. Only consider if a thorough mechanical inspection and recall verification are performed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saturn Aura?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (124 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (112 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (92 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Saturn Aura?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Saturn Aura?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Saturn Aura, NHTSA complaints include 18 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 432 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Saturn Aura have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Saturn Aura. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. With 5 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Saturn Aura?▾
The 2008 Saturn Aura is a high-risk used car due to frequent transmission and steering complaints. Only consider if a thorough mechanical inspection and recall verification are performed. Transmission and steering problems can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. Electrical and brake issues add to ownership concerns. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Saturn Aura reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Saturn Aura based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.