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2008 Saturn Aura engine problems

22 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 93,986. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
22
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
93,986
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Saturn Aura engine problems in other years

200720082009

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Saturn Aura engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Won't start 20Loss of power 19Check engine light 17Stalling 8Engine failure 5Overheating 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2008 Saturn Aura owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · PA

My 2008 Saturn Aura had the transmission shift cable safety recall completed. The same rollaway condition has returned. GM and the dealer refused reinspection and repair, stating the vehicle ‘has lived its life.’ This recall addresses a known rollaway safety risk, and the condition still exists.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Engine, Steering · NY

I noticed a rattling while driving also smoking under the hood so I took it to a garage and he said that's no problem and that I have a severe oil leak under the front of car he showed me and oil is EVERYWHERE HE MENTIONED HE COULDNT FIX IT THERES A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LINE AND POWERSTEERING AXLE OR PUMP. I HAVE TO ALSO PUT ANTI FREEZE IN THE CAR EVERY 2 DAYS. ALONG WITH POWERSTEERING FLUID AND MOTOR OIL. HE MENTIONED HE HAS NO IDEA WHERE THE OIL IS COMING FROM BECAUSE ITS SO MUCH ITS ALL OVER UNDER THE FRONT AND RECCOMMEND ME NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT MAY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS MY only resource of a ride. Also I noticed when I go over a bump in the road the dash lights go brighter or darker.The traction control light is also on which just came on along with a s light.i took it to the car wash and did notice it looks like a car possibly swiped the right side because there's paint missing!

Filed Nov 29, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · MD

Check engine, ABS, and traction control indicator lights have come on and gone off intermittently, even though the car has received routine services, as indicated -- though prior to that, for many months, the tire pressure indicator light would come on and go off intermittently. As I drove about 25 to 30 mph, the above mentioned control lights came on as I came to a stop, followed by the power steering indicator light (for the first time). Immediately, there was loss of power steering control. With great difficulty, I drove the car about 3 blocks and attempted to park. It took about 15 minutes to parallel park in a large space, with great difficulty. I turned off the engine and let the car sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, then restarted the car, which then seemed to be fine (at least drivable) -- though the check engine and traction control lights remained on. (Still, I was afraid to drive -- thinking the power steering could go out at any time, knowing it could easily result in no control of the car, grave danger, and serious accident. Anyway, with trepidation, I drove the car back home, where it has sat since. I find the host of this car's repairs troublesome and expensive. As for the loss of power steering -- I find this unconscionable.

Filed Jul 10, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 93,986 miles · OH

Traction and ESC service warnings come on randomly. Car reduces engine power randomly. Car jerks randomly and will not accelerate in traffic. Coolant leaks but coolant warning does not activate, car overheats.

Filed Jun 21, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 124,000 miles · WI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn aura. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH down a hill, when brake pedal was depress and failed to stop/low down the vehicle. The contact stated she heard an abnormal noise while trying to divert the vehicle to the right shoulder of the road. The contact stated after pumping the brake pedal several times she was able to slow the vehicle to a stop. The contact stated she saw smoke coming from vents on the dashboard. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely and saw fire coming from the engine. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Filed May 18, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · TX

When in motion at any given time the motor going into reduced engine power and drives slow. I have replaced throttle body and the car still goes into reduced power. This is s safety concetta's I am afraid of getting into a accident because of this issue. I have researched this issue and it is a well known issue that still can not be pinpointed.

Filed Aug 24, 2018 · Engine · 106,000 miles · WI

My car has 106,000 miles, and engine is bad, always took great care of my car, and had oil changes on time etc. Why is there not recalls when there is so many isssues with there engines?

Filed May 30, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · MO

My trunk button only works on occasions and 2 of my door won't lock or unlock if it's hot outside. If it's cold all my doors work. It's crazy! I have to walk around my car locking all my doors. Although locked or not the alarm will go off. I have had to change my water pump 2 times in this car. I took it in for brakes & they're saying it needs to be changed again! There's no way I should be doing this. The water pump was changed twice by an actual dealership. This car has serious issues especially in the heat!

Filed May 22, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 12,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn aura. The contact stated that there was an intermittent failure in which the vehicle failed to shift, and the transmission and engine warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the dtc indicated a failure with the transmission module. The contact replaced the module, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14v224000 (power train) and 12v460000 (power train); however, the contact experienced the same failures related to the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failures to determine if they could provide a solution. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 160,000 miles · CA · crash

While parking my saturn any parking spot I attempted to put car in reverse and the clip broke for the transmission in the car continue rolling and left the car in operable and I noticed other recalls on the transmission for the same description regarding the transmission I believe that my ven should be added to the recall regarding the transmission having issues at this point we are having difficulty finding a replacement clip for the transmission wire which operates from park to drive to neutral.

Questions about the 2008 Saturn Aura engine

Does the 2008 Saturn Aura have engine problems?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Saturn Aura, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2008 Saturn Aura engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 93,986 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2008 Saturn Aura engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2008 Saturn Aura problems

Transmission 124Steering 112Electrical 93Brakes 62Driver assistance 47Lights 45Airbags 26Acceleration 22Locks 19Seats 19Body 18Fuel system 10Suspension 9Wheels 6Tires 3Visibility 3Seat belts 2

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