Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Saturn Outlook owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When it's cold I get frost inside my vehicle I replaced my windshield because I thought air was getting inside to cause the frost but after getting it replaced same issue water is leaking in and causing moisture and causing my vehicle not wanting to start because it's doing something to the battery
Purchased this 2007 Saturn Outlook in 2013 used with only around 80K miles on it. The previous owner did tell us about the leaking areas once the drains get clogged, my husband has been diligent cleaning them, but living in florida it rains heavy all the time. We noticed more and more frequently the inside dripping in the 3rd row, until many times, until this past November it rained heavy for 2 days and the water started coming thru what seemed to be from the ac vents on both rows, and through the front driver and passenger side walls very heavy, upon leaving work went to turn off the car took keys out twice and it would not shut off. So now there is the electrical areas being soaked, let it dry out cleaned drains again, and it just seems the more rain we have the more water comes in. …
The factory installed sunroof leaks rainwater into the interior of the car. It has affected airbags, sensors, electrical systems and power systems. If the car gets wet, the water travels to the electrical system to circuit boards and discharges the battery. The vehicle will die in traffic if water travels to the circuit board during driving. Airbags have evidence of water traveling through their assembly. Floor and seats are wet after rain, sprinkler, car wash, morning dew. Doesn't seems to be dependent on amount of water received. Battery tests fine on full charge. Alternator functioning correctly. Problem is directly related to sunroof leakage. Sunroof seal is not yet under recall. Yesterday, after a day of rain, the car had to be charged to drive to work. Drove 20 miles with no apparent power issues, but airbag sensors sent alert through the dash that airbags needed servicing. …
Issues with the 2007 Saturn Outlook include ongoing electrical issues (lights intermittent functioning, stabilitrack, traction control and ABS lights on intermittently, remote start doesn't work, power lift gate opens on it's own, lift gate switch failed internally), air intake filled with oil and water mix, water under fuel induction service, intermittently the stabilitrack will turn off, message saying 'engine power reduced', car shakes, no power and requires coasting to side of road. (this particular issue is temporarily addressed by turning the car off, removing the keys, opening the door, waiting five minutes. Then the car starts but check engine light remains on.) required new throttle body, replacing struts, sway bar link, shot and/or strut assembly. Rack and pinion, tie rods needed to be replaced. …
Recently, we have noticed the sunroof of our Outlook started leaking into the frame of the car. We don't use it much, so it was an annoyance, it would drip water on the driver's lap after a rain. Then rainwater started leaking out of airbags in the front dash and windshield support area. Starting two days ago, after a rainstorm, the car will remain running when the key is removed, and sometimes the key cannot be removed, whether the car is running or not. The battery also dies every night, despite being a new battery and remaining on a charger. Online forums state the issue has to do with water accessing the circuit board and fuse area, allowing electrical systems to remain operating through a cross-fire or carbon-tracking, using the moisture to complete the circuit. …
My Saturn was disabled while driving on the freeway due to a cracked waveplate resulting in loss of gear which was repaired but was currently turned over for reimbursement. Problem solved. While my vehicle was in for repair the body control module was found to be faulty and needed replacement. After discussing this with my service rep at the dealership, and performing research I have found that this is a huge problem that is not being addressed. Failure of the BCM rendered my vehicle dead in the water. Thankfully other faulty equipment had me in a rental car at the time of the issue. I would like this issue to be investigated and believe a recall is in order. To me, the fact that I had to replace the module and there is a known issue only tells me it will happen again. I don't want to be left stranded and have my family along when it fails the next time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. During low climate weather, the ignition was turned to the on position and all of the warning indicators illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was shifted into drive, but failed to move. While driving at various speeds, all of the warning indicators illuminated and the engine stalled. While driving during low temperatures, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle accelerated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was oil in the engine air flow. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
Bought this piece of crap car out of desperation from a pay as you go rip off car "dealership" who told me nothing about this cars faults and it's done nothing but bite me in the ass since then. Leaks like a stuck pig, causing water to pool at the floor mats, when its cole the inside of the windshield frosts. Headlights will both shut off while driving, battery died so I charged it then the radio went haywire. Opened up the battery terminal to find my battery was encased in ice due to the leaky sunroof, the battery was sparking and smoking. Windows won't go down all of a sudden. I can't wait to get rid of this car. Never again. So dangerous it's ridiculous.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that when it rained, water leaked inside the vehicle from underneath the glove box compartment, driver's visor, sun roof, and the rear exterior accessory light. The contact discovered mold growing on both front doors and the front passenger floor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the failure was due to an air conditioner malfunction. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the air conditioner then failed completely. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
The passenger airbag turns off and on regardless if a person (adult) is sitting in the seat or not. This has been happening for about three months now. I contacted the dealer and they said that it was not a recall item nor would it be a safety issue. I feel that if I am in an accident and the air bag does not deploy that the passenger could be in imminent harm at the fault of GM. They will not replace the sensor unless there is a recall. This is a very common problem with several other vehicles as reported on multiple online vehicle owner forums. GM needs to do the right thing and protect their customers from faulty equipment.
Related recalls
Electrical system
GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, lucerne; Cadillac dts; Hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 Buick enclave; Cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl; Saturn outlook; and model year 2009…
Remedy: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently…
Electrical system
GM is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick lucerne; Cadillac dts; Hummer h2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl, Saturn outlook; and my 2008 Buick enclave vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system.
Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2008. Owners May contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or http://www.Cadillac.com;…
NHTSA investigations
Non-crash engine compartment fires
In a letter dated August 27, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall number 08v-441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject vehicles of this investigation comprise over three-quarters of the recall population.
Electrical complaints in other Outlook years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2007 Saturn Outlook?
NHTSA has 115 complaints about the electrical system of the 2007 Saturn Outlook, 23% of the model year's 511 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Saturn Outlook electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-240 (electrical system, Jun 4, 2010); NHTSA recall 08V-441 (electrical system, Aug 28, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2007 Saturn Outlook electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury 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.