2009 Saturn Sky Problems

Good Record

Used SATURN SKY shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 46 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.

20084 years2010

Before you buy

This 2009 Saturn Sky has 46 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

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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46
Complaints
β€”
Crashes
1
Fires
β€”
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
4
Recalls

2009 Saturn Sky Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Saturn Sky trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

19
MPG City
19–19 range
25
MPG Hwy
24–28 range
21
MPG Combined
21–22 range
423
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,750 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2009 Saturn Sky Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Saturn Sky has 46 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.

2009 Saturn Sky β€” key reliability facts
Make
Saturn
Model
Sky
Model year
2009
NHTSA owner complaints
46
Crash-related complaints
0
Safety recall campaigns
4
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Good Record
EPA MPG combined
21
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 25
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2009 Saturn Sky problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
38
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

#2
6
complaints

Electrical Faults

Fires:1
#3
5
complaints

Seat-Related Issues

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Seat-Related Issues. 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 2009 Saturn Sky?

This SATURN SKY year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2009 Saturn Sky

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2009 Saturn Sky, 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

The SATURN SKY has 46 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 46 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 4 federal recall campaigns
  • No crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2009 Saturn Sky complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Saturn Sky. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions38β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults6β€”1β€”
Seat-Related Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain3β€”β€”β€”
Brake System2β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems2β€”1β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues1β€”β€”β€”

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 2009 Saturn Sky. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 46 most recent complaints

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 29, 2023

Ignition was replaced under recall and now the passenger air bag light is on and will not go out and passenger side airbag is inop. ABS Ecm failed and replacement cost was $1300.00. This is a known issue and should be investigated. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT…

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failure, but n…

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 19, 2022

Vehicle only has 5000 miles on it purchased new in 2009 has ignition problem and airbag service problem

Airbag MalfunctionsJun 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag and electronic brake control module (EBCM) warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side a…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated, with the service air bag message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passeng…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 1, 2021

In 2019 I took my car in for a recall I had received. It was for the PPS. Instead of replacing the faulty system, they simply put a "reinforcement" piece of tape over the faulty system. I rarely drive the car and I rarely have passengers. 2 years and almost 5k miles later, now th…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJan 29, 2021

THE GAUGES ILLUMINATION IS VERY POOR SINCE THE GAUGES ARE SO DEEP SET IN THE DASH. I CAN HARDLY READ THE SPEEDOMETER DURING THE DAY, ISN,T VERY BRIGHT EVEN AT NITE. THE MFG. SHOULD DO A RECALL TO UPGRADE THE DASH LIGHTS.

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJan 25, 2021

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS SET DEEP INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR STYLING PURPOSES. AS A RESULT, THE GAUGES ARE VERY DARK AND CANNOT BE READ DURING DAYTIME DRIVING. GM SHOULD MAKE A SOFTWARE PATCH AVAILABLE TO TURN ON THE BACK LIGHTING TO THE GAUGES DAY OR NIGHT WHEN THE IGNITION …

Suspension FailuresDec 9, 2020

STEERING SENSOR,STEERING POSITION,LOST COMM YAW RATE SENSOR,LOST COMM STEERING RATE' SERVICE WARNING LIGHT ON ,TRACTION CONTROL ABS BRAKING MALFUNCTION. BLOGS INDICATE THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON GENERAL MOTORS ISSUE AMONG SATURN AND OTHER MODELS

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 4, 2020

I TOOK MY 2009 SATURN SKY REDLINE TO A GM DEALER ON 9/18/2018 FOR GM RECALL 17036. THEY PERFORMED THE WORK (INSTALLED REINFORCEMENT), BUT LESS THAN 2 YEARS LATER, WITH LESS THAN 2500 MILES SINCE THE REPAIR, THE "SERVICE AIRBAG" LIGHT CAME ON. ON 9/2/2020, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DE…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 6, 2020

YEARLY, I TRY TO GET MY AIRBAG RECALL COMPLETED AND NO DEALERSHIP CAN SUPPORT MY REQUEST.

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 3, 2020

PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL 17036 ISSUE AFTER THE TEMPORARY FIX WITH THE SAME ISSUE BUT THE $1200 MODULE KIT NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THIS ISSUE IS FOR THE PASSENGERS BEING AT RISK WHEN RIDING IN THE CAR. A COMPLETE FIX OF THE RECALL SHOULD BE COMPLETED NOT A TEMPORARY FIX. IT SHOULD…

Airbag MalfunctionsJun 12, 2019

PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AIR BAG SUPPRESSION MODULE NEEDS SERVICE. DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT IT WILL BE $1200 FOR THE REPAIR, BUT I FOUND A RECALL (17V061000) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT WHEN I ENTER MY VIN, IT DOESN'T SAY MY VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THEY SAID NEITHER AIR BAG WILL FUNCTION IF T…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 29, 2019

RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR PPS RECALL, INVOICE STATES REINFORCEMENT INSTALLED, AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND DISPLAY INDICATOR NOW STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHEN IGNITION IS ON.

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 4, 2019

2009 SATURN SKY BASE MODEL (2.4-LITER INLINE-FOUR ENGINE 177 HP). ISSUE#1: IN MOTION, HAPPENS ON BOTH CITY STREETS/HIGHWAYS) AT ABOUT ~30MPH (AND UP TO ~70MPH), THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT DOWN A GEAR HARD ENOUGH TO PULL YOUR BODY FORWARD VIOLENTLY. MY FAULT CODES ARE P00…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 12, 2018

TAKATA RECALL... I AM STILL WAITING. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE PARTS HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED YET. I RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE FOR THE RECALL ON 3/09/2018.

VisibilityFeb 15, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN SKY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN MARCH OF 2017. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH HENDRICK CHEVROLET (100 AUTO MALL DR…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 29, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN SKY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GWATNEY CHEVROLET (1301 TP WHITE DR, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076, (501) 295-4448) AND STATED THAT TH…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 9, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN SKY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REC…

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 14, 2017

NOTICED IN APRIL 2017 THAT "SERVICE AIRBAG" DASH LIGHT HAS STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. AT THE SAME TIME THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG" INDICATOR ALWAYS DISPLAYS"OFF". THAI IS WHILE A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THE CAR HAS 23,228 MILES CURRENTLY. I BELIEVE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I'M WOR…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Saturn Sky.

Safety recalls

2009 Saturn Sky recalls

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Saturn Sky. 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

#17V061000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION26/01/2017
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V171000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONOct 4, 2014
Safety recall

AIR BAGS

#14V047000AIR BAGSOct 2, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

#14E021000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH30/04/2014

Across model years

Compare Saturn Sky model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2009 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2009 Saturn Sky buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2009 Saturn Sky reliable?β–Ύ

Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 46 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. This SATURN SKY year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. 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 2009 Saturn Sky?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (38 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #3: Seat-Related Issues (5 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Saturn Sky?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2009 Saturn Sky?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Saturn Sky, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 46 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2009 Saturn Sky have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Saturn Sky. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2009 Saturn Sky?β–Ύ

This SATURN SKY year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions 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 Sky reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2009 Saturn Sky based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

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.