Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Saturn Aura owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's partner owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact's partner noticed that the brake lights randomly would illuminate. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). Additionally, when the contact's partner was coming to stop while driving, the power steering failed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The failure of the power steering occurred once. The failure of the brake lights was a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled without warning. Additionally, while driving and making either right or left turns, the vehicle pulled in the opposite direction. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The Bureau of Automotive Repair was contacted and the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) and 14V153000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.
The car turned off while driving on the highway. The car just recently within the last year or so started giving us electrical problems. The mechanic on August 14, 2025. Replaced the alternator, the second within 3 years. The battery replaced twice within 3 years, as well. Internal dashboard light flickers. The car fails to start several times a month. The driver & passenger seats is not stable, it shifts or moves. The battery's pos and neg poles are extremely hot. Steering wheel stiffened up hard to maneuver. The above problems are ongoing throughout the years. My wife hears a popping sound coming from under the hood.
Lost power steering while driving. The power steering warning came on. I pulled over and turned the car off. When I turned it back on the power steering returned. An inspection at the Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood in Chicago on 4/19/2025 confirmed that the power steering column needs replaced. I'm having it replaced, so the part will not be available for inspection. Thankfully, I was able to pull over right away after I lost power steering, so no damage was caused. This is the first issue I've ever had with my power steering in this car.
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely tight and the power steering failed several times without warning. In addition, the shift lever failed to function properly. When the vehicle was placed in park, it rolled and the contact had to quickly apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. While driving 30 MPH, a fire erupted under the hood. The contact was able to pull the vehicle into a fuel station. The fire department extinguished the flames. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Saturn Aura. While driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle inadvertently veered to the right side of the road. In addition, the contact noticed smoke and flames coming from the front passenger side and rear of the vehicle. As a result, the contact sustained second degree burns on both arms and left leg that required medical attention. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware of a police report. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
I own a 2009 Saturn Aura. Last year, it was recalled due to a fault with a break light malfunction, causing the break lights to remain illuminated at all times. I took my Saturn in to my local GM technician to have the issue addressed at that time. Unfortunately, the issue has retuned to my vehicle within the last month, and my brake lights are constantly on while I'm driving the car, unless I actually use the break pedal, at which point, they go off. I am at odds with my local GM shop as to looking at this issue again (as it was a safety recall), and I'm hoping I can get some kind of authorization or voucher to perform this service again to take care of this already-recalled issue. GM would like to charge me to perform a service diagnostic test, and cannot guarantee that the original terms of the recall would be honored. …
My car has been nothing but problems since I purchased it. The moonroof has leaked and I have paid to have it repaired several times even though GM says they aren't to blame. The leaks in the moonroof are only what I can start to attribute the electrical problems to. I randomly loose radio controls, have buttons that don't work, cant use my key fobs after replacing them and replacing batteries only the "panic" button will work. What takes the cake is the reduced engine power light that came on yesterday and the service ECM light, nearly killing us on the highway. I get reduce engine power but with no warning to go from 68 to 35 in the high speed lane is asking for death. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. While accelerating from a stop, the powering steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel seized. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, the steering wheel worked normally. The failure occurred a total of three times. The contact was informed by an eyewitness that the brake lights remained illuminated while driving; however, while at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed, the brake lights were not illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that they were aware of the failure and that there were recalls for both of the failures; however, the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V153000 (steering) and 14V252000 (electrical system) due to the extended mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000. Updated 8/21/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. On several occasions, while the vehicle was being driven, the rear brake lights illuminated independently when the brake pedal was not depressed. Additionally, the service traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired per an unknown recall regarding the service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control. Freedom Chevrolet Buick GMC by ed morse (located at 8008 marvin d love fwy, dallas, tx 75237, [phone]) was contacted by phone and confirmed that the vehicle was no longer included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.
Electrical complaints in other Aura years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2009 Saturn Aura?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Saturn Aura, 15% of the model year's 390 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Saturn Aura electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2009 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 2009 Saturn Aura electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.