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 2009 Saturn Outlook owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that she parked her vehicle, removed the keys from the ignition, and went inside her residence. Shortly after, she heard a commotion outside and noticed that the vehicle had rolled away and struck another vehicle. The contact entered the vehicle, depressed the brake pedal, and inserted the key into the ignition in an attempt to turn off the engine; however, the vehicle failed to shut off. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as having a fuse box failure and informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 09V073000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to call NHTSA. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, smoke started emitting from above the driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle engulfed into flames. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
When I was entering moving traffic from a completely stopped position, a car was coming faster than I realized so I floored the accelerator and this is what happened: 1.all power to my car shut off and the car rolled forward slowing down. 2.all of the dashboard lights and symbols lit up. 3.my car jolted strongly once, sputtered (many times), and hiccupped (many times). The jolt was so strong that it threw me forward and made my seatbelt catch me. 4.at the same time as # 3, the GPS rebooted itself 3 times in a row and all of the car door locks unlocked and locked themselves 3 times in a row. 5.I gently pressed the accelerator and the car accelerated but the car felt weak and I felt uncertain. I was not sure what would happen if I tried to accelerate normally so I put on my emergency blinkers and slowly drove home.
No sound from speakers including radio, turn signals and warning alarms. Disconnected wiring boots from all 4 doors; each had 1/4 cup of water in them (figured this out by reading numerous complains about this vehicle, the GMC acadia and the Buick enclave all having this issue). Taken to dealer who stated a corroded wire zapped the amplifier (which again has been complained about on numerous web forums). $1020 to fix it a the dealership. GM needs to make this a recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Outlook. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to experience a loss of acceleration which resulted in a loss of power without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was unable to be diagnosed. The failure recurred 4 to 5 times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Outlook. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger side headlight was not working. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic. The light was replaced on various occasions, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. The VIN was not available.
Driver headlight harness overheats, causing headlight to go out. This has happened three times now in less than two years. I replaced the connector harness and within a few weeks it had melted and the light was out again. When I looked up what to do I found out that many other Saturn Outlook owners have the same problem.
UNKNOWN We have only had this vehicle for approximately 4 months and have had soon many issues but the electrical system has been a problem non stop
June 25, 2014: one week after we spent $1600.00 for an unresolved engine light issue we were somewhat hopeful that nothing else could go wrong with this vehicle. I went to unlock the car with the remote and it did not respond. My husband tried to jump start it and discovered that the battery was dead. The latest battery we purchased was in November 2013, so this was concerning to us. As we lifted the floor mat to get to the battery compartment we found mold. Once the battery cover was moved and the battery was removed we found about 2 inches of brown water at the bottom of the battery compartment. In addition, the battery which we kept had mold on it as well. We were blessed to have been at home when this occurred because the car was working the previous night with no issues. …
In 2016, I purchased a 2009 Saturn Outlook from a dealer, with 90,000 miles on it. Two months later, "transmission overheating, let engine idle" indicator came on, and the Saturn shut itself down as I drove down I-35! Mechanic said they couldn't find anything wrong. They reset my codes, and all seemed okay. This happened a few more times, but know one could tell me what was wrong other that bank 1 low. For the most part it drove without problems. Regular service maintenance, and oil changes consistent with the manual. I rarely drove it after the second year of owning it. On way home to oregon (purchased Outlook in iowa), I continuously lost power going up the passes. Semi trucks were passing me, as if I were sitting still. With new air-filter system, maf sensor, coils, boots, and spark plugs installed I continued at a snail pace all the way to oregon. A two day trip took me seven days. …
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 complaints in other Outlook years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2009 Saturn Outlook?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Saturn Outlook, 23% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Saturn Outlook electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-240 (electrical system, Jun 4, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Saturn Outlook electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries 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.