Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that the ignition module failed, causing the vehicle to stall sporadically and without warning on multiple occasions. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts however, each time the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was to be inspected and diagnosed by an authorized dealer. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 10V073000 (steering) but experienced the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108000.
Recently my headlights have been burning out regularly. I have one go out each month while driving on the highway. This creates a persistent safety problem and is expensive to repair. The 2010 Outlook requires the removal of the front wheels and wheel wells to replace the bulb. I understand from some research that there is a general problem with the wiring harness.
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.
Multiple time my vehicle became wet in the inside due to a sun roof drainage tube issue. My vehicle stopped while in motion and there was a burning smell. Now none of my windows will go up and the car no longer starts. I have a loud knocking sound coming from the dash when I turn the heater or AC on. Now my dash shows service theft deterrent system. The first time I thought maybe the tube was clogged. I now come to find out that is was/is a on going issue with GM. I could've lost my life or been possibly rear-ended at highway speed due to GM not knowing how to make a sunroof.
My low beam headlight started to intermittently go out for a while. Then it went out completely. I go to replace the bulb only to find that the bulb wasn't the actual issue. The harness, wires, and socket to the bulb were blackened, burnt and melted. So now it all needs to be replaced. I've seen on several forums that has happened to so many people that have a car manufactured by GM. The original wiring is not quality enough for the heat and current that goes through there.
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. …
Related recalls (2)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Outlook years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (164), 2007 (115), 2009 (44) and 2010 (5) model years. Electrical complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Saturn Outlook electrical problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 10V-240 (electrical system, Jun 4, 2010); 08V-441 (electrical system, Aug 28, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn Outlook electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring (5 mentions), followed by the instrument cluster/panel (3).
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.