Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Saturn Outlook owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield wiper failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with windshield wiper motor failure. The contact was informed that the windshield wiper motor cover assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V609000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 197,357.
The sunroof leaks water from the dash the rear causing the ceiling to be soaked and malfunctioning of sunroof water leaked on floor of the whole car cans side rear views causes the dash electrical system to go out motor blowers is filling up with water so ac/ heater can not defrost car so visibility to drive car it is unsafe and can cause an accident and very expensive to constantly replace a blower that will constant fill up with water to to sunroof drainage constantly clotting and won't drain and floors flooding eventually this will cause corrosion or fire being water and electricity don't mix well I have 3 children I don't feel we are safe in our vehicle this is our only form of transportation the speakers go in and out due to the water leaked and soon come winter car will not be able to leaky drive being motor blowers will not be able to constantly be purchased due to going out …
The sun roof is defective causing water to enter into the frame of the car and causing electrical malfunction to the electrical / PCM as well has caused numerous notifications on instrument panel also causing instrument panel to not light up while driving at night with no functions, turning off headlights as well this is a known issue via Saturn forums and youtube videos as well as TSB number of 07-08-57-002f. I feel very unsafe driving and this is my only vehicle. While driving you can hear water moving around throughout the body of the car and there is also water in the doors have shorted out the speakers this is not normal wear and tear. My car also remains on when the key is in the off position.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. While driving various speeds, the windshield wipers failed to work without warning and impacted the contact's visibility. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the wiper linkages failed and that the windshield wiper linkages, the wiper crank arm, and the driver side crank arm nut failed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V410000 (visibility). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. On a rainy day, the contact noticed that the rear moon roof and the front sun roof were leaking water. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear sun roof was detached and caused water to leak into the vehicle. In addition, water was leaking from under the dashboard to the floormat. The air bags sensor was corroded due to the water leakage from the roof. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. While stationary, fluid leaked from the sun roof into the cabin of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle would not start when prompted and the ignition key became stuck in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 115,000. ...updated 03/13/17 updated 08/15/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that the sun roof leaked when it rained and water entered the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and repaired twice, but the failure recurred. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Driving to a doctor appt and pulled into a parking lot to use my phone. Put car in park, engine on. Sat for 5 min, then put car in drive and engine revved and revved but did not move but a few feet. Put car in park and turned off the car for a few minutes. Upon restart, drove just fine for about 20 miles until check engine light went on. Went immediately to have to code read at a nearby auto zone. Gave 2 codes, one about a transmission problem and the 2nd about a computer self-repair completed. Never had the problem again. Then 3/5/14, at now 71,000 mi or so, while entering the on ramp to the freeway and now in the far left lane, attempted to accelerate, engine revved and car went maybe 25 MPH if that. A large big rig slammed on its brakes and swerved to miss rear-ending us. Car was turned off and turned back on. Same problem-revved very high and would go only 25-35 MPH in drive. …
While in a stopped position, I tried to accelerate and my transmission would not go into gear. I was stuck not being able to pull over to get out of traffic, because my car wouldn't go into gear. I put it into park, then back into drive several times, and I finally got it to creep enough in low gear to get it to the side of the road. This could have been a disaster if I were trying to pull out into traffic. The car was in the shop prior due to the transmission slipping. This was not covered and cost me $3000. I am still not sure this corrected the problem and I don't feel safe in this car. This car has been in the shop several times for a front leak at the driver's door from the sunroof, which still leaks with heavy rain. Also, the constant squealing when turning the wheel which no mechanic will acknowledge. Nothing has ever been done to correct this. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving at any speed the vehicle would lose power and downshift with an abnormal increase in rpms. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer updated the transmission module but the failure was not corrected. The vehicle continued to lose power with a significant loss of fuel mileage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000 and the failure mileage was 50,000. ..updated 07/12/12 the consumer stated the sensor camshaft, cylinder head, battery, windshield wiper motor, air bag wiring harness, power steering rack and gear, front pads and rotors, gaskets for intake manifold, gasket for rear valve cover, right front strut, both strut mounts, engine mounts, left front stabilizer link, headlight harness, timing belt cover …
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
GM is recalling 88,809 my 2008 Buick enclave, and my 2007-2008 GMC acadia and Saturn outlook vehicles currently or previously registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiper crank arm, driver's side link, and a crank arm nut. The recall began o October 13, 2008. Owners May contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or…
Window & Wiper complaints in other Outlook years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2008 Saturn Outlook?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2008 Saturn Outlook, 6% of the model year's 633 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Saturn Outlook window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-410 (linkages, Aug 14, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Saturn Outlook window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
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.