Most common 2008 Saturn Astra problems
Share of the 162 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn Astra complaints by model year
2008 Saturn Astra recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Saturn Astra:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2008 Saturn Astra owners say
Air bags all 96 →
I have received the recall and the dealership said they ordered the part and told me it was safe to drive till the part came in as they have ordered it. So then i had them put it in writing that it is safe to drive.I am asking why are they letting me drive this vehicle with this dangerous recall.
Takata recall (NHTSA recall number: 16V063) - my understanding is that older cars in humid environments will be given priority on replacement of defective airbags, especially those on the driver side. While I have a 2008 vehicle possessing a defective air bag on the driver's side and living in the humid environment of south louisiana, I'm still waiting a year later for the replacement of the air bag. I just called the GM recall line ([phone]) and was told no parts are available for the recall. However, I was told that if I have a problem with the air bag, the dealer has parts to fix the air bag, but at my cost. Therefore, there are air bags available, but because they have not been specifically designated for use on the recall, I must drive an unsafe vehicle until parts for the recall are made available. …
Electrical system all 22 →
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Astra. The contact stated that while shifted to park(P), the vehicle occasionally started rolling forward or backwards. The contact engaged the parking brake. Additionally, the contact was unable to start the vehicle and had to jiggle the key to start it. The contact stated that the gear shift lever was shifted from park(P) to neutral(N) several times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that recently the check engine and low tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,830.
My right headlight, kept going out. I couldnt get a sticker because the mechanic stated the headlight kept burning. He reground the right headlight so it could get energy from the battery. Currently, everything in the diagnostic of the car says low beam.
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Astra. The contact stated that while shifted to park(P), the vehicle occasionally started rolling forward or backwards. The contact engaged the parking brake. Additionally, the contact was unable to start the vehicle and had to jiggle the key to start it. The contact stated that the gear shift lever was shifted from park(P) to neutral(N) several times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that recently the check engine and low tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,830.
I can't get in gear. Sometimes I can put it gear but after I have stopped and put it in park, it will not go into any gear so I get stuck. I am a senior and bought this second hand. It only has 47,000 miles on it. It appears it doesn't always go into park properly. This shift problem has been recalled on other cars of this make and model and I need it repaired as soon as possible. It happens all the time and I am afraid to drive it anywhere.
2008 Saturn Astra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 30 / 27 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 32 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Saturn Astra a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Astra to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Saturn Astra?
The air bags — 96 complaints, 59% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the electrical system (22) and transmission & drivetrain (17).
How many recalls does the 2008 Saturn Astra have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Saturn Astra, the most recent from February 3, 2016 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2008 Saturn Astra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 49% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.