Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Saturn Astra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Takata recall on 4-14-16 I received a recall notice from Saturn with a date of March 2016. I called Saturn and they told me there is no remedy. I asked to have my defective airbag removed. They called the dealer while I was on the phone and set up appointment on 4-19-16 at 9 am at hilton head automotive. The service manager at the dealer, michael culp, told me they could not remove my defective air bag because it would present a liability for GM. He stated that should my airbag deploy and injure or kill me, it would be a liability for Takata and not them. I obtained a signed work order from service manager, michael culp saying that GM will not allow them to remove the air bag.he said they could take the car on trade as is and that they would resell to another person with the defective air bag. He said it is not illegal to resell. This is appalling to me. …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Astra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V063000 (air bags) for the frontal driver side air bag inflator; however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (st claire Cadillac, located on 3737 stevens creek blvd, santa clara, ca 95051) where the contact was informed that the recall remedy part was not available; however, they would order the part. The contact had an appointment scheduled, but it was cancelled by the dealer one day prior. The contact was informed that the part would not be available. In addition, the contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 63,773. …
Takata recall campaign id number 16V063. We got notified of the Saturn Astra recall in February of 2016, we got the letter stating the fix has arrived in April of 2017. That's 14 months of no word and driving an un-safe vehicle, that the recall notice itself says, " in the even of an infiltrator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material, which May resulting in injury or death to vehicle occupants." it's fairly worrying that it took 12 months to get a part to customers that could end up killing people. But if I even scratch the paint of a leased car they will jump all over it in assessing a penalty. Ridiculous.
Takata recall, parts not available; passenger side outside mirror fell off while car was parked; fuel door will not unlock; air conditioner makes a squealing and rattling noise; car is slow to accelerate when air conditioner is on; occasionally unable to turn key in ignition because steering wheel locks up; one tire loses pressure and has to have air every week or two; repeated problems with loud exhaust. I am the original owner of the 2008 Saturn Astra and it has 48,600 miles. I started having trouble with the car after owning it for 4 years and have had both new and ongoing problems since.
Received important safety recall (GM # 28810) in March of 2016. Because this recall states in part why the vehicle is being recalled as "...May result in injury or death to vehicle occupants., I have checked monthly for on-line status of the recall. The answer is always the same indicating parts are not available to accomplish the repair. I have reduced usage of this vehicle because of the danger involved and find it to be inexcusable for nine or more months to have passed with no action to correct the hazard. Please get GM moving!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Astra. The contact state that while driving 25 MPH, she crashed head-on into a tree and fractured her ribs, sternum and vertebrae. The air bags did not deploy and the contact suffered major injuries to her ribs and back. The contact was taken to the hospital and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 55,000. Updated 06 /05/12 the vehicle was totaled by her insurance company. Updated 06/18/12
On 12/4/19 the airbag in the 08 Saturn Astra deployed while I was driving it caused me to run into the driveway brick walk and fencing of a neighboring house adjacent to a lot that I was pulling out from. I suffered minor bruises and cuts but have a lot of neck and chest pain.. I've made the complaint to Takata and informed them that I purchased the car last month from a used car dealership.. How do I recoup for damages caused by this, I have a special needs daughter and I need my transportation. The car can't start .
Takata recall Saturn letter of the recall notice for the Takata air bag replacement is dated March 2016. Visited the authorized Saturn repair center, porter Chevrolet newark delaware for the second time October 2nd 2016 to find out if the replacement of the air bag can now be done. The service advisor, john smashey advised they have not received the parts and has no information identifying when they will be available. After 7 months we are no closer to resolving this dangerous situation
Related recalls
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 investigations
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.
Airbag complaints in other Astra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Saturn Astra?
NHTSA has 96 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Saturn Astra, 59% of the model year's 162 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Saturn Astra airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-063 (inflator module, Feb 3, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Saturn Astra airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.