Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
Takata recall I bought my vehicle at the end of May, 2018. My engine light came on at the begining of October, 2018. I had got in my vehicle and stayed the engine amd it came on. I immediately took it to advance auto to get them to hook the hand held computer to the vehicle to see what was wrong. It coded 2 codes. One was for the timing chain and the other for the catalyst. They said I should take it to a big car shop so they could put it om the better computer. It codes the same codes. The mechanic said this is an issue with these GM engins. However, they are not on recall. I still owe around 9,000 dollars on this vehicle. I am not in a situation that I can spend over. $2,000 on this vehicle. In listening to the mechanic and doing my own research, I have found this to be a real problem. I believe it needs to be fixed at the cost of the manufacturer.
Transmission is failing. Reverse is slipping. Low torque trying back up inclines. Known problem with 2008 Acadia, Enclave, Traverse & Outlook per transmission shop who test drove and scanned. No code via dashboard, but scan tools and professional diagnostics verify failure. Techem has been replaced in February 2019, by GM service @ owners expense when forward drive failed.
-25 f, 2 hours away from home, 7 pm at night, two kids in the car, and treacherous road conditions ~ transmission fails !!!! Was in the shop less then two weeks prior for check engine light & service stabilitrak/traction control warnings. GM dealer cleared lights & said they were historic & nothing to worry about. This problem is widespread & it isn't hundred of cars affected, its thousands and probably tens of thousands (as these transmissions plague the outlooks, acadias, traverses, & enclaves). So far GM is doing nothing ~ apparently it takes people dying to issue major recalls, and even then it takes many years and investigations by various agencies. Unacceptable and criminal !!!! …
I just purchased this vehicle & on my way home with it the check engine light came on. I hooked up the diagnostic code scanner on the car and it threw several different codes PO700, PO752, PO420. There are specific transmission issues with this particular year, make, and model. My car has the exact same symptoms as the others that were recalled so why has mine not been recalled as well? It's malfunctioning just as the others described in the recall so clearly this is a common issue with these particular vehicles. I feel my car should be covered as part of the safety recall on the transmission and I need it repaired as soon as possible.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the traction control indicator flashed. Also, the air conditioning blew out smoke and the transmission jerked. The vehicle was driven home. The contact stated that the failures occurred for approximately one a half months. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 Buick enclave, Chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, GMC acadia, Pontiac g5, g6 and Saturn aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Outlook years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (128), 2008 (127) and 2009 (19) model years. Transmission complaints make up 25% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Saturn Outlook transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-073 (column shift, Mar 6, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn Outlook transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 14% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (15 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift (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.