Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag and electronic brake control module (EBCM) warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side air bag and EBCM needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the EBCM; however, the passenger's side air bag was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Ignition was replaced under recall and now the passenger air bag light is on and will not go out and passenger side airbag is inop. ABS Ecm failed and replacement cost was $1300.00. This is a known issue and should be investigated. Thank you [redacted]
When pressing on the brakes in reverse, they fail to stop the resistance is very hard, like stepping on a brick, and it does nothing to slow the vehicle. I had to throw the emergency brake on and put the car in gear in order to stop it from rolling backwards.
My car was parked in the driveway on an incline, emergency brake was set. My car rolled down the driveway and off an embankment. The emergency brake was still up when it stopped. The car was a total loss.
The parking brake does not engage at all even though the parking brake lever give resistance as normal and only lifts about 5 clicks from the bottom. the vehicle rolls when it is engaged as though it is not even pulled up. This is especially scary because it is a manual vehicle. Only hast 58,449 miles on it. No warning lamps. Have not had it looked at by a dealer or repair facility at this time
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Sky. While driving 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign or traffic light, the brakes would apply independently. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over to a shoulder lane. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the anti theft and ABS system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,348.
NHTSA investigations
Inadequate brake power assist
In model year (my) 2007, Pontiac solstice and Saturn sky vehicles equipped with the 2.0l turbocharged engine used an auxiliary vacuum pump to supplement the engine as a source of vacuum to the brake booster during low vacuum conditions, such as immediately after a cold start.the vacuum pump operation was controlled by switches that sensed booster vacuum, turning the pump on when booster vacuum dropped below a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Sky years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (72) and 2007 (10) model years. Brake complaints make up 39% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Saturn Sky brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Saturn Sky 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 Sky brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 3,000 miles; 94% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14 mentions), followed by the power assist › vacuum (13).
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.