Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Saturn Aura owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Check engine, ABS, and traction control indicator lights have come on and gone off intermittently, even though the car has received routine services, as indicated -- though prior to that, for many months, the tire pressure indicator light would come on and go off intermittently. As I drove about 25 to 30 mph, the above mentioned control lights came on as I came to a stop, followed by the power steering indicator light (for the first time). Immediately, there was loss of power steering control. With great difficulty, I drove the car about 3 blocks and attempted to park. It took about 15 minutes to parallel park in a large space, with great difficulty. I turned off the engine and let the car sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, then restarted the car, which then seemed to be fine (at least drivable) -- though the check engine and traction control lights remained on. …
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 POWERSTEERING AXLE OR PUMP. I HAVE TO ALSO PUT ANTI FREEZE IN THE CAR EVERY 2 DAYS. ALONG WITH POWERSTEERING FLUID AND MOTOR OIL. HE MENTIONED HE HAS NO IDEA WHERE THE OIL IS COMING FROM BECAUSE ITS SO MUCH ITS ALL OVER UNDER THE FRONT AND RECCOMMEND ME NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT MAY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS MY only resource of a ride. Also I noticed when I go over a bump in the road the dash lights go brighter or darker.The traction control light is also on which just came on along with a s light.i took it to the car wash and did notice it looks like a car possibly swiped the right side because there's paint missing!
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 condition still exists.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH down a hill, when brake pedal was depress and failed to stop/low down the vehicle. The contact stated she heard an abnormal noise while trying to divert the vehicle to the right shoulder of the road. The contact stated after pumping the brake pedal several times she was able to slow the vehicle to a stop. The contact stated she saw smoke coming from vents on the dashboard. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely and saw fire coming from the engine. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. …
While parking my Saturn any parking spot I attempted to put car in reverse and the clip broke for the transmission in the car continue rolling and left the car in operable and I noticed other recalls on the transmission for the same description regarding the transmission I believe that my ven should be added to the recall regarding the transmission having issues at this point we are having difficulty finding a replacement clip for the transmission wire which operates from park to drive to neutral.
While passing another car to merge onto an off ramp, I accelerated and then let up on the gas pedal as I exited. Immediately the engine started making a loud ticking noise which continued as I drove home on surfaces streets. Upon starting the car the next day I heard a light knocking noise. I drove to the Chevy dealer and the knock got louder. They advised tearing the engine down for $1,000 to determine the issue. They said there was metal in the oil. I believe my issues are the same as many 3.6ltr vvt engine owners, the timing chains and supports for them. The noise is persistent and varies in tone. I had barely 50,000 miles on it and have kept the oil changes regular, I even had mobile 1 synthetic put in its last oil change. I am extremely frustrated as this was my first American made new car purchase and there were only eight months after it was paid off when this failure occured. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that there was an intermittent failure in which the vehicle failed to shift, and the transmission and engine warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the DTC indicated a failure with the transmission module. The contact replaced the module, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V224000 (power train) and 12V460000 (power train); however, the contact experienced the same failures related to the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failures to determine if they could provide a solution. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. In addition, the contact mentioned that an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle and it locked and unlocked independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving 40 MPH, the traction and brake warning lights illuminated at 4 rpms. In addition, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 1/13/16 ln
Engine complaints in other Aura years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Saturn Aura?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Saturn Aura, 5% of the model year's 432 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Saturn Aura engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Saturn Aura, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Saturn Aura engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.