Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Takata recall: granddaughter had a collision 26 aug 17, when she applied the brakes they traveled all the way to the floorboard and the airbags failed to deploy. She was traveling west at 30mph on arbrook blvd to the bowen rd intersection when a car in front of her changed lanes. She braked to avoid the car but collided into the rear end of the vehicle in front of her. Brake apply sensor (bas) "and disablement of crash avoidance features such as.... And panic braking assist features." usaa auto claim # 014301086-7103-8, police report: 2017 - 08380314, NHTSA # 14V252000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. When the vehicle was started, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and the warning indicator went off. After approximately five minutes of driving the vehicle, the air bags warning indicator illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the VIN was not included in the air bag recall. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator flashed approximately six other times and then stopped. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 118,557.
The Air Bag Service Warning Message and warning light is illuminated I took the car back to the dealership had it serviced and a month later the message and light are on again. The passenger Air Bag sensor is malfunctioning sometimes it doesn't detect the passenger most times it detects a passenger when there isn't one. The tail and brake lights work intermittently. The steering system is dangerous. There's vibrating in the steering wheel and accelerator pedal at all speeds, the steering wheel pulls and jerks when braking and hitting bumps, the steering doesn't hold alignment and the power steering works intermittently.
My vehicle's make and model have received recalls as stated online, however, my specific VIN does not state any recalls. I am having the same symptoms with the airbags, electrical, and transmission as the recalls stated with my make and model. I believe there should be recalls for my vehicle's VIN. My check engine light has been on, and it is not shifting the way it should. My airbag warning light also turns on at times.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front end collision. The air bags did not deploy. The contact also noticed an abnormal odor coming from the steering wheel. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. It was unknown if the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact experienced moderate neck pain and stated that she would be receiving medical attention. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
When driving with a front seat passenger the "service airbag" warning comes on and in the middle display on top of the dash board it says, "passenger airbag off." when I clear the message using the clear button on my steering wheel it will then say, "passenger airbag on." this happens several times each time I drive with a passenger in the front seat. It has been happening for several months. I took it to the dealer and after 10+ hrs of diagnostics, test driving, etc. They say I need a new passenger seat airbag module and sensor....at a cost of just more than $1,000. They have had several 2007 Saturn Aura's come in with the same issue. At this point they say it is not covered by GM as a warranty issue. I think it should be. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Aura years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (101), 2008 (26) and 2009 (21) model years. Airbag complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Saturn Aura airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for any Saturn Aura model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Saturn Aura airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (8 mentions), followed by the side/window (3).
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.