Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 2010 Saturn Outlook has 124,[redacted] miles on it. I've owned it since January of 2017. 2 or 3 months ago my passenger side low beam headlight went out. I decided that due to having to go through the wheel well to get to the bulbs, I would just change all 4 while I was in there. Everything seemed fine for about a month. Then I noticed it flickering on and off while I was driving. Or when I unlocked the car it wouldn't turn on. So I bought another bulb and changed it and it still didn't work. Took it all apart again only to find out my headlight socket had melted. So I bought a replacement, installed it and everything was great. Except for now, a week later, my bulb quit again. This is not safe. I can't drive down the road and question whether or not my headlights are going to function properly. …
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 the headlights continued to blow out and the passenger side headlight was inoperable. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. A private mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the wires in the headlight melted and the entire headlight capsule needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 42,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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.
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.
I have had several issues since day one transmission replaced at 40K miles they only rebuilt so have had issues ever since still having issues ever since major electrical dashboard goes dark when driving flashes after it rains I loose power steering when driving for literally a minute sunroof leaks through airbags service has been checking for over 3 years now other issues I had prior to your extended warranties however no im over the 120K mile limit this vehicle has continual dangerous issues and now that you no longer manufacturer I feel gmac doesn't care and the cost to fix when repais are needed are outrageous I am now at 200K miles however this all started from the beginning through warranty and with the bulk once warranty expired this is a dangerous vehicle the steering and electrical alone
Passenger headlight dim. Grand Street Batteey and Electric replaced bulb and states voltage to connector is good.the vehicle is available for inspection. Headlight is not bright enough to utilize at night as it should be for owner or traffic. No warning lamps light up on instrument panel.
Purchased 2007 Saturn in July 2007. Had issue with both headlights flickering intermittently in fall of 2009. One would go out and the other would stay on. Took it for service on 10/20/09 and they could not duplicate the problem. The problem persisted intermittently and took it to get service on 4/8/10. They had the car for several days as they couldn't find the flickering problem. Finally found it and replaced pass. Side headlight. Took it to another dealer for service on 3/13/13 as the passenger side headlight was going off and back on again intermittently. They replaced the head lamp ballast. 3/24/16 I took it to another dealer as the driver headlight was going off/on intermittently but seemed to work when I would change from automatic to manual. They could not recreate the problem and said the headlight was operational. …
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Headlamp Illumination
As of July 16, 2014, out of a population of 248,453 subject vehicles, NHTSA received 473 consumer complaints of inoperative head lamp. Many of these complaints indicated that the head lamp harness suffered damage from overheating. After reviewing the complaints, ODI found: -69% (328) alleged that a single head lamp was inoperative. -18% (86) alleged that both head lamps were inoperative but not at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Outlook years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (247), 2007 (154), 2009 (75) and 2010 (6) model years. Headlight complaints make up 39% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Saturn Outlook headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Saturn Outlook model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Saturn Outlook headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (24 mentions), followed by the headlights › concealment devices (1).
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.