Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. While the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, the contact detected a fuel odor. The contact checked underneath the vehicle, but did not see a fuel leak. In addition, while driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact's husband, a mechanic, checked the code that read large EVAP leak. The vehicle was taken to auto zone (located on main st in colony, tx). The salesperson printed a list of eighteen different EVAP leaks that could be the cause of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to huffines Chevrolet (located in lewisville, tx) where it was diagnosed that the cam valve gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the fuel failure. The dealer informed the contact that there was a leak in the fuel tank and they would had to drop the fuel tank to diagnose the failure. …
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!
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Various warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The contact mentioned that other drivers noticed and informed the contact that the rear of the vehicle was on fire. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The contact mentioned that smoke was seen coming from the hood of the vehicle before it caught fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 08/30/16
In October 2006, my husband and I purchased a new 2007 Saturn Aura. In December 2006, we received a recall notice from the Saturn of greenville, nc dealership. Modification # 06147. On 12/29/06 I took the car to the dealership to have the car serviced for the recall. As explained to me the recall had to do something with the power steering. On February 21, 2007, I had an upsetting event occur with my new Aura. I drove approximately three miles from my home to a child care center to drop off my one-year old son. I continued my drive to work approximately 2.5 miles. As I approached my place of employment, I noticed some smoke and immediately thereafter lost my power steering. I struggled with the steering until I reached our parking lot and then I ran from the car in panic. Immediately upon leaving the vehicle, the engine erupted into a fiery blaze. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Aura years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (74), 2008 (22) and 2009 (17) model years. Engine complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Saturn Aura engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 12% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (1 mentions), followed by the cooling system (1).
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.