Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I just purchased this vehicle & on my way home with it the check engine light came on. I hooked up the diagnostic code scanner on the car and it threw several different codes PO700, PO752, PO420. There are specific transmission issues with this particular year, make, and model. My car has the exact same symptoms as the others that were recalled so why has mine not been recalled as well? It's malfunctioning just as the others described in the recall so clearly this is a common issue with these particular vehicles. I feel my car should be covered as part of the safety recall on the transmission and I need it repaired as soon as possible.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the traction control indicator flashed. Also, the air conditioning blew out smoke and the transmission jerked. The vehicle was driven home. The contact stated that the failures occurred for approximately one a half months. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
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. …
On 08/13/2011, I was traveling on northbound I-95 when a loud boom occured and the car began lurching out of control bringing the tires off of the ground. I managed to get the vehicle under control and discovered the bolts on the driveshaft had loosened and fell off, resulting in the driveshaft striking the pavement "like a catapult" and observed the driveshaft laying under the car, disabiling the vehicle in traffic with no control. Had my infant and two other children in the car and they were flung about during the incident. This is the second time the bolts on the driveshaft have loosened and fallen off, rendering the vehicle inoperabale and causing the vehicle to lose control when the driveshaft strikes the pavement. The last one (04/10) occured at a low speed but still caused the tires to leave the ground. …
Transmission took a while to engage into 2nd gear. When in first gear, you can hear the transmission making a distinct sound. Sounds like a whinny noise, as it was struggling to get into 2nd gear. I noticed this sound when stopped at a traffic light and the light turned green. As I began to accelerate, I noticed the vehicle was having a tough time getting out of 1st gear. This is the second issue with the transmission in 22 months. Back in November of 2013, I had the wav plate replaced at a cost of $2,600.00. The dealership now is telling me I need a whole new transmission at a cost of $4,000.00. GM did reimburse me for my first transmission issue, but without a reimbursement, I would be looking at spending nearly $6,600.00 over the course of 22 months for transmission-related issues. …
Driving home from the store when entering a dangerous intersection my transmission gave out. Luckily I had enough speed to make it through the intersection and was able to drive home. Upon taking my vehicle to two different repair shops, I was told I would need a new transmission. The wave plate shattered and pieces were now in my transmission. I called GM to get some financial assistance since my vehicle had such low mileage. I was told there was no recall. After speaking to the owner of the transmission shop and doing some online investigating, it appears that I am not the only one who had a problem with the wave plate in their Saturn Outlook or GM acadia. I feel the wave plate is defective and that a recall should be put in place so no one else gets hurt from their transmission giving out on them.
I stopped and parked at macdonald. To grap a coffee. After ireturned, vehicle would not start. I towed vehicle to king Buick GM llc, GM authorized dealership in gaithersburg, maryland 20882. Dealer concluded that timing chain is intact and some metal parts broke. He recommended to rplace the engine at a cost of $7700. GM had additional protection for timing chain issues for Saturn Outlook xr 2007 model up to 10years from the vehicle placed in service or 120,000 miles. My vehicle had only 75654 miles and eight years in service. GM dealership declined to honor the GM warranty. I took my vehicle to another mechanic, he opened the engine and saw timing chain was in-fact broke and it caused for vehicle to lost compression. I paid $4700 for the repairs. I am filing a reimbursement claim with GM
I was driving my new 2007 Saturn Outlook, and going to pick-up my children, on a highway, it wouldn't go into 2nd gear. Also, it was making a clunking/grinding noise. Luckily no one was behind me because I couldn't drive the speed limit as required by law. I feel as if it put my life as well as my children's life in danger. This isn't all, my RPM meter was going all over the place. Then my check engine light came on, and of course I had to take it to see what codes it pulls up. My certified mechanic reviewed and tested the transmission control module which is bad. Yes, this could've been worse but GM has put more than myself in danger but also anyone who's driving these vehicles and they either won't go or just shut off.
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.
Wife called me and said her car wouldn't move - belt problem? Had heard clattering and high pitched whine earlier and yellow check engine light came on. Was able to start car and shift it into reverse and drive. We decided to drive it to the dealer - champion GMC Buick in brighton. Going up a hill near maltby intermediate school, the car began to stall and slow. Blue smoke came out of the engine. Stopped at top of hill. Got out and inspected engine again...acrid burning smell. Was able to limp car down other side of hill and park in mt. Brighton parking lot and called aaa to tow the vehicle. No flames detected. Dealer said gaskets transmission had failed, coating underside of hot engine.
Transmission complaints in other Outlook years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Saturn Outlook?
NHTSA has 128 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Saturn Outlook, 25% of the model year's 511 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Saturn Outlook transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Saturn Outlook, though it has 5 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 2007 Saturn Outlook transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.