Airbag complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 96 | 59% | 64,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
Related 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 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Astra years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (96) model years. Airbag complaints make up 59% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Saturn Astra airbag problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-063 (inflator module, Feb 3, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn Astra airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (1 mentions).
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.