Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was unloading groceries at home car was off and parked and the rear lift gate released and tried to close with me in way it fell and hit my back causing pain and tried to co tinue to close on me I had to pusht the lift gate open and it resisted
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle would not accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics who advised that the drains in the pillars were clogged, causing a short in the fuse box. There was also mold and water under the front driver and passenger sides of the floorboard carpet. The mechanic stated the fuse box would have to be replaced and the wiring harness would have to be cleaned. The carpet would also need to be replaced. Prior to the failure, the contact noticed a strong fishy odor in the vehicle, which also stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the contact was advised that the vehicle was equipped with an incorrect battery. The battery was replaced. …
Car parked in owner's driveway. All windows and sunroof closed. After a heavy overnight rainstorm, owner drove car down driveway and heard a rush of water toward front of car. Owner saw water dripping from under glove box compartment, and substantial water on passenger side floor mat. Owner able to drive to work and parked in work parking ramp. After work, owner attempted to start car to go home, experienced no crank/ no start. Lights did come on but key then stuck in ignition. Car battery eventually died due to inability to turn off lights. Company called to jump start car, company attached jumper cables and lights came on, voltage good, car still no crank no start. Car was towed to dealership. Dealership diagnosis water leaked from the sunroof into the front of car and into the fuse box, requiring a new fuse box, all new terminals and new wiring. Cost for repair estimate $800-$1000. …
Takata recall....water leaks into the car behind kicker panel on passenger side going directly into the fuse/relay box. It leaks in all door jams and the rear liftgate area. I have problems with my car not shifting. Throwing code p2723 which is transmisson pressure control shift solenoid e. I believe its due to water getting into the fuse box because there is a constant drain on my battery and when testing the fuses with a test light not all of them seem to be getting a good connection due to all the corrosion. Also sunroof leaks. All door circuits get wet. I have to dry evrything out before I can start it. The carpet smells and its full of rust. Common sense would tell you that this cannot be good from any aspect. Im to the point to going up to GM and making them look really bad because this is unacceptable. I cannot believe with so many common problems there is yet to be a recall. …
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that the air bag, the traction control, and the electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after opening the liftgate with the power liftgate button, the liftgate unexpectedly lowered, and struck her on the head. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The contact had head pain, but medical assistance was not required. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 07V062000 (Air Bags) and 15V415000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
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. …
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Outlook years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (46), 2007 (36) and 2009 (6) model years. Body complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Saturn Outlook body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 15V-415 (hatchback/liftgate, Jun 30, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn Outlook body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (48 mentions), followed by the body › roof and pillars (2).
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.