2008 Saturn Outlook: engine overheating

Filed Nov 25, 2016 · Engine, Steering · 136,000 miles · SC

During transit on interstate the engine stop providing power to the transmission and RPM decreased to 1,000 while decelerating the vehicle from 70mph to 45mph making it difficult to change lanes to pull off the road almost resulting in a fatal motor vehicle accident. After about 30-45 seconds the engin reengaged. 30 minutes later the vehicles system alerted that the transmission is overheating and recommended that we place the vehicle in nutral. This is the second time this has happened.

Filed Apr 1, 2015 · Driver assistance, Steering · TX

I am writing this letter to express my disappointment with the saturn outlook. I purchased a 2008 saturn outlook xe from a local dealership in houston, tx. This car has been a nightmare. My list of problems/repairs: - it overheated twice. The first time it happened, I replaced the radiator cap. The second time it happened, I replaced the thermostat, which in turn caused the water pump to leak. - I replaced an engine solenoid valve. While inspecting my car, the mechanic also noticed I had a transaxle leak. - the throttle body shorted. - the brake master cylinder leaked. - I replaced the cv joints. Actually, the mechanic told me my front end needed repairing - cv joints, struts and steering bushing. I could only afford to repair the cv joints and am currently getting quotes for repairs on the struts. - I had an oil leak (from the oil pan). A car that is only 7 years old has had to have these kinds of repairs - and some within a couple of years of ownership. This is absolutely horrid! The federal safety agency should google the reviews on this car. Owners complain of the same problems regardless of model/year (xe/xr, 2007-2010) - leaking roofs (luggage rack), brake master cylinder leaks, power steering issues, thermostat/water pump leaks, transmission issues, etc. Gm's response to this has been abysmal. This car is a lemon. Instead of recalling it, gm would rather sparsely send recalls for specific failures a day late and a dollar short - after folks have spent their hard earned money on repairs. The federal safety agency should launch an investigation into this. Gm clearly covered up horrific supply chain, manufacturing and assembly issues and intentionally installed defective parts in these cars.

Filed Mar 20, 2014 · Transmission, Visibility · 67,000 miles · TX

Driving to a doctor appt and pulled into a parking lot to use my phone. Put car in park, engine on. Sat for 5 min, then put car in drive and engine revved and revved but did not move but a few feet. Put car in park and turned off the car for a few minutes. Upon restart, drove just fine for about 20 miles until check engine light went on. Went immediately to have to code read at a nearby auto zone. Gave 2 codes, one about a transmission problem and the 2nd about a computer self-repair completed. Never had the problem again. Then 3/5/14, at now 71,000 mi or so, while entering the on ramp to the freeway and now in the far left lane, attempted to accelerate, engine revved and car went maybe 25 MPH if that. A large big rig slammed on its brakes and swerved to miss rear-ending us. Car was turned off and turned back on. Same problem-revved very high and would go only 25-35 MPH in drive. Had to get off the freeway! Vehicle overheated and smoking. Towed to mechanic shop and was told it was a miracle that we have been able to drive it as all the gears were stripped and it needed a new transmission. Gm dealership said manufacturer warranty 5yr or 100,000 mi just expired 2/13. $2,500-$3,500 in cost...grrrr! Along with a dual sun/moon roof leak!

Filed Sep 27, 2012 · Lights · NM

My passenger side headlight suddenly went out, about the same time my heat sensor began reading high as if vehicle was overheating. I took it to the dealer and they could not recreate problem with overheating and they replaced the projector beam. *tr now a month later im having the same exact problems only now I notice a coolant leak. I replaced coolant and car still acts like its overheating, also the headlight is once again out.

Filed Sep 17, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 47,500 miles · NY

The drivers side headlamp assembly overheated and melted causing the light to fail . This is the second time this happened with this automobile . The last incident was the passenger side headlamp assembly same exact thing happened overheated and melted causing light to fail.

Filed Jan 8, 2011 · Electrical · 36,555 miles · MD

Overheating of low beam headlamp wiring causing melting of plastic components. Headlamps will loose electrical connection and all lamp light will be lost.

Filed Dec 29, 2010 · Electrical, Lights · 52,000 miles · ND

2008 saturn outlook wiring harness on headlight overheated and headlight no longer works. Already had at service center twice. Paid for replacement headlight which went out a day or two later; then paid for a diagnosis. Already pulled over twice by law enforcement for having headlight out.

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Lights · 38,000 miles · TX

I have a 2008 saturn outlook xr and the drivers side front headlight harness melted due to overheating likely caused by the very small gauge of wire they used in this harness. This occurred about 6 weeks ago when the vehicle had about 38000 miles on it. I purchased the part from the dealer, which had a larger gauge wire, and crimped it into place. This was very difficult because there is little to no room around the headlight. Most internet forums suggested that the entire front bumper must be removed for this fix. I did find a way to do it without removing the bumper, but I doubt that this could be done by most people without removing the bumper.

Filed Nov 16, 2010 · Electrical · 46,600 miles · OH

Drivers side light bulb burned out. After investigation, the wire bundle to the light overheated/burnt and melted, resulting in the halogen bulb failure. Unbelievable amount of online complaints involving the same issue, which repeats itself, even after the dealer replaces the wiring harness. The wiring harness is plastic, under-engineered and repeatedly fails. This item needs to be recalled and repaced with a metal wiring harness. Reference saturn' s tsb #09-08-42-004. This is a known problem and a serious safety issue.

Filed Sep 24, 2010 · Lights · 43,000 miles · LA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 saturn outlook. The contact was driving 35 MPH when the headlights failed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was discovered that the wiring harness had overheated and melted. The dealer replaced the passenger side headlights at the contact's expense. The driver side headlight was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 43,000 and the current mileage was 48,000.

Filed Aug 27, 2010 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 saturn outlook. The contact stated that the driver side headlamp failed. The contact attempted to change the light bulb and discovered that the wiring harness had overheated and burned. The dealer advised that the vehicle could be repaired but at the contacts expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 70,458. Updated 12/01/10. *lj updated 12/14/10

Filed Aug 21, 2010 · Lights · 17,000 miles · FL

Headlight harness wiring burning out from overheating. Insufficient strength in the wiring. Numerous complaints with the other saturn owners.