Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The brake lights illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights will not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features. The car is available for inspection upon request. I am put at risk because there are multiple system malfunctions that occur that could result in a wreck or injury. The brakes selectively illuminating can result in a rear end collision and is not safe for travel. The traction control malfunction is unsafe for safe travel on the road. When the problem occurs the TSC will disengage with a light on the dashboard. The brake lights will stay illuminated.
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.
The brake light comes on by itself for no apparent reason it will turn on like you Are braking this could cause and accident it also will slip out of park for no rhyme or reason also which is scary I park on a.hill and luckily I had my wheels turned towards the curb so it didn't move when it happens multiple times
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.
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that she was calling on behalf of her deceased son. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing failures with the electrical system. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights would fail to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that her son had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who had informed him that the brakes needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
While driving 55 on a busy two lane highway the vehicle dinged and read service traction control on console, immediately the it flashed engine power reduced and engine disabled and my car lost all power and I was unable to get it all the way off the road due to the uphill incline - the car behind me shot out into oncoming traffic and almost caused a major multiple car pile up. The car restarted after sitting a few minutes with reduced engine power for the first twenty miles - I could top out at about 45 and hear an electrical engagement sound. I took it to the dealership but the traction control and engine lights were gone by the time I got there and it was back up to power. I was told it was likely a sensor on the brake pedal and they had to order the part. It has disabled on me about five times now without warning and does so at any speed. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Aura years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (109), 2008 (62) and 2009 (40) model years. Brake complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Saturn Aura brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › disc › rotor (2 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (2).
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.