Most common 2009 Saturn Sky problems
Share of the 46 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn Sky complaints by model year
Best Sky years: 2010, 2009. Years to avoid: 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2009 Saturn Sky recalls (3)
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
Remedy: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018.
Electrical system › Ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the…
Air bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2009 Saturn Sky:
HVAC Blower Motor Connector
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has completed its review of a Defect Petition received December 12, 2019 requesting an investigation into the possibility of passenger compartment fires attributed to overheating HVAC blower motor connectors in Model Years (MY) 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky vehicles.An analysis of General Motors (GM) complaint data and information in NHTSA?s databases identified…
Passenger Sensing System Sensor Mat
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting the opening of an investigation into the air bag system on model year 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky, the subject vehicles.The petitioner raised the issue of failure of the Passenger Sensing System for the front passenger seating position.On January 26, 2017, General Motors filed a defect information report recalling the…
What 2009 Saturn Sky owners say
Air bags all 38 →
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags); for which a temporary repair was performed, but later the manufacturer refused to permanently repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,500.
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated, with the service air bag message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bag). The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Electrical system
This is in reference to the faulty air bag sensor in the seats of the Saturn Sky's and Pontiac solstice. A known defect in the air bag sensor in the seats is leading to an expensive fix for GM owners. The "service air bag" light illuminates due to a faulty craftsmanship in the seat sensor. This could possibly cause the airbag system to not function properly. It is a widespread problem with these cars and really started to take place for a lot of people after the ignition recall. The replacement part and labor is costing around $900 for the repair of one seat when the parts can be ordered form Germany for around $80. GM knows and really needs to address this issue before this malfunction causes some type of bodily harm.
At start up after turning on the A/C the radiator/condenser cooling fan assembly malfunctioned causing the fan to "lock-up". The vehicle began to over heat and the fan assembly began smoking. I'm glad I noticed this at start up and not in normal driving in wich the vehicle could blow up causing injury or fatality to myself and/or others near the vehicle. Yet another safety issue with my Saturn Sky!
Seats
This is in reference to the faulty air bag sensor in the seats of the Saturn Sky's and Pontiac solstice. A known defect in the air bag sensor in the seats is leading to an expensive fix for GM owners. The "service air bag" light illuminates due to a faulty craftsmanship in the seat sensor. This could possibly cause the airbag system to not function properly. It is a widespread problem with these cars and really started to take place for a lot of people after the ignition recall. The replacement part and labor is costing around $900 for the repair of one seat when the parts can be ordered form Germany for around $80. GM knows and really needs to address this issue before this malfunction causes some type of bodily harm.
Passenger air bag light on dash indicates problem with passenger sensor. I was driving with my grandson who weighs about 110 pounds and suddenly the light came on. This is alarming since I don't know if there was a collision, it would prevent the air bag from deploying and my passenger would not be protected. Upon searching the internet it is obvious that this is a common problem with the Saturn Sky and should be recalled since it impacts the safety of the occupants. The sensor is a think plastic circuit which is located under the seat covering and gets worn out. Totally unacceptable and seems that general motors would want to address this issue to prevent loss of life and potential law suits.
2009 Saturn Sky engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 27 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Saturn Sky a good car?
Based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Sky rates better than average: 78% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sky at the same age. It is one of the best Sky years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Saturn Sky?
The air bags — 38 complaints, 83% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (6) and seats (5).
How many recalls does the 2009 Saturn Sky have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Saturn Sky, the most recent from January 26, 2017 (occupant classification). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn Sky?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007 and 2008. See the full Saturn Sky years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Saturn Sky problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 54% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.