This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Saturn Aura electrical problems
severe 79 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
79
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 79 electrical complaints filed for the 2007 Saturn Aura, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 79 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2007 Saturn Aura describe a pattern of electrical gremlins tied mostly to the body control module connector. The most common complaint: brake lights that operate in reverse—staying on while driving, shutting off when the pedal is pressed—creating a genuine hazard since following drivers get a false "stop" signal. This happens intermittently or persistently and can affect cruise control engagement and gear shifting.
ESC and traction control warnings flicker on and off unpredictably, sometimes every winter. Power loss episodes occur suddenly at highway speeds, dropping the car into limp mode (25–40 mph max) with the engine running rough or stalling outright. Owners report multiple dealer visits, ECM updates, and even engine replacements without lasting fixes.
Airbag warnings plague many vehicles. The "Service Airbag" light comes on and stays on, and one owner's airbags failed to deploy in a 55 mph collision despite years of warning. Door locks cycle themselves randomly. Fuses blow repeatedly. One heated seat caught fire on a brand-new vehicle. Dashboard lights and gauges black out intermittently. Seat belt alerts sound falsely even with the belt buckled.
Dealers typically apply dielectric grease to connectors as a temporary patch—it holds for weeks or months, then fails again. BCM replacement doesn't cure the root corrosion. GM issued Recall 14V252000 to address brake lights and other BCM-linked faults, but many owners report the recall parts were unavailable for months, repair attempts failed, or their VIN wasn't included despite matching the problem profile.
Same Saturn Aura electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Brake Lights Inverted/Malfunctioning
Brake lights illuminate when accelerating or cruising without brake pedal applied, then extinguish or fail to illuminate when brake pedal is depressed. Reverse of normal operation. Occurs intermittently or persistently; affects safety by preventing following drivers from seeing brake intent.
When: Recurring across vehicle lifespan; multiple complaints span 2007 model year through 6-7 years of ownership at various mileages (18k to 128k miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Center brake light and rear brake lights remain on while driving, go off when brake pedal pressed; Brake lights stay on continuously until brake pedal depressed further; Brake lights do not illuminate when brake pedal applied; Cruise control cannot set or disengages due to faulty brake signal; Difficult to shift out of Park or requires excessive brake pedal pressure to shift
Codes mentioned: C0561
Repairs/costs cited: BCM connection system develops increased resistance; dealers apply dielectric grease to connectors (temporary fix lasting weeks to months), replace brake switch/wiring, calibrate brake pedal position, or replace Body Control Module ($535–$1000+ per owner reports). Recall 14V252000 remedy involves attaching wiring harness to BCM with spacer and dielectric lubricant application, relearning brake pedal position—free under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V252000 (NHTSA campaign); TSBs exist; GM has known issue affecting 2004–2012 Malibu, 2004–2007 Malibu Maxx, 2005–2010 Pontiac G6, 2007–2010 Saturn Aura
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Traction Control Warnings
ESC and traction control warning lights illuminate intermittently or continuously, sometimes flashing under braking. System disables or reports false warnings. May recur seasonally (especially at winter onset) or unpredictably while driving.
When: Onset at various mileages; some recurring annually in winter; complaints span multiple years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ESC warning light flashes constantly, especially under braking; Traction control OFF indicator comes on while driving; Service ESC and traction control tell-tales illuminate; ESC/traction control disables, affecting vehicle handling; Warnings appear intermittently and clear without intervention
Codes mentioned: 0641, 0107, 0106, 1682, 0452
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace harness connectors, apply dielectric grease, replace dash/gauge cluster, or update ECM. One report notes failure recurs seasonally (winter) despite harness repair. No specific part costs cited; some dealers unable to replicate or diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Included in Recall 14V252000; no separate TSB mentioned for ESC alone
Power Loss and Engine Stalling (Reduced Engine Power / Limp Mode)
Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving (drops from highway speed to 25–40 mph or below), triggering 'Reduced Engine Power' and 'Traction Control OFF' warnings. Engine runs rough, stalls, or dies. Some vehicles drop to near-zero acceleration. Occurs intermittently or repeatedly; some reports follow throttle-body cleaning or ECM updates without lasting resolution.
When: Unpredictable; reported at highway speeds (55–65 mph) and in traffic; some onset after 3,600 miles, others after years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration at highway speed (65 to 40 mph drop); Check Engine light and Reduced Engine Power warning illuminate; Engine stalls or cuts out completely; Engine runs rough with loud noises under hood; RPM gauge shuts down or acts erratically; Increased steering and brake resistance when power drops; Slow acceleration from stops (5 mph climb, shaking); Burning smell from under hood after failure
Codes mentioned: 0641, 0107, 0106, 1682, 0452
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers clear codes, update ECM, replace engines in some cases (problem recurred within weeks), clean throttle body ($150 noted). One owner reports dealer diagnosed engine seizure after stalling event; another required tow after loud noise and failed restart attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Included in Recall 14V252000 (BCM connection related); one owner cites recall referencing BCM fix for this issue
Airbag System Warnings and Non-Deployment
Service Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently or constantly; passenger sensing system indicates no passenger present when seat occupied; airbags fail to deploy in collisions. One case of passenger seat airbag light turning on/off based on occupied/unoccupied status despite inconsistent behavior. One report: airbag did not deploy at 55 mph collision impact despite light warning for years.
When: Started early (2010 or within first year of ownership); one collision at 55 mph in October 2015 with no deployment despite year-long warning light
Symptoms owners cite: Service Airbag Soon light annunciates, sometimes while in motion, sometimes while stationary; Passenger sensing system reads no passenger when passenger present; Airbag warning beeps repeatedly on startup; Passenger seat airbag light flashes on and off intermittently; Airbags fail to deploy in collision (55 mph impact, passenger front/side, no injuries reported but bumper replacement needed); Driver's seat belt sensor malfunction: beeps and red light flash even when belt buckled
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend ignoring light or canceling via steering wheel button, or replace entire passenger seat and/or ACM (Air Curtain Module), sensing mat, and seat heater (~$1,000 reported). Seat belt sensor malfunction required dash cluster replacement under warranty, now recurring with GM refusing further repair. One owner states dealer told him to 'ignore the light.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known TSB for 7+ years per owner report; Chrysler initiated similar airbag recall; GM has not issued broad recall despite widespread reports; vehicle not included in some recalls despite matching complaint profile
Heated Seat Electrical Fire
Driver-side heated seat caught fire while driving at 11 PM on highway. Seat caught fire from inside, burning hole larger than quarter through cushion, causing driver burn injury to rear; fire suppressed only when heater turned off.
When: December 9, 2007, approximately 0 miles from purchase (vehicle was brand new)
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seat element ignited without warning; Fire burned from inside out (confirmed by police officer); Electrical smell noted; Fire self-extinguished when heater turned off; Driver unable to sit in seat due to burns and heat
Repairs/costs cited: Seat would be replaced; engineers were to be called but no follow-up recalled. No repair completed; safety concern unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Saturn offered seat replacement only; engineers notified but no formal recall or TSB mentioned
Body Control Module (BCM) Connection/Corrosion Issues
BCM connector develops increased resistance and corrosion over time, causing intermittent voltage fluctuations. Root cause of brake light, cruise control, shifting, and ESC issues. Temporary fixes (dielectric grease) require reapplication every few months. Module replacement does not permanently resolve because connector corrosion recurs.
When: Progressive over vehicle lifespan; issues begin within 1–2 years; recur months to years after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent electrical faults affecting multiple systems; Voltage fluctuations in BAS (Brake Apply Sensor) circuit; Multiple warning lights flickering on and off; Systems fail and recover unpredictably
Codes mentioned: C0561
Repairs/costs cited: GM service bulletin recommends applying dielectric grease to BCM and harness connector contacts; this is acknowledged as temporary fix requiring reapplication every few months. Replacing BCM alone does not resolve because connector itself corrodes; some shops charge $300+ labor for module replacement. Recall 14V252000 remedy: attach harness to BCM with spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both BCM and BAS connectors, relearn brake pedal position (free).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V252000; multiple technical service bulletins exist; GM acknowledges connector corrosion as root cause
Door Lock and Keyless Entry Malfunctions
Power door locks engage and disengage randomly while driving or parked, independent of driver action. Keyless entry (key fob) fails or becomes intermittent. Doors lock/unlock on their own; some owners disconnected locks entirely. Anti-theft system engages without warning, preventing door lock and radio shutdown.
When: One case triggered by door exposure to snow/moisture; others spontaneous; recurring over years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock and unlock themselves repeatedly while driving or parked; Key fob remote unlock does not work or works intermittently; Doors lock without driver input when shifting in/out of Park; Anti-theft system engages unexpectedly, disabling locks and radio; Inability to open trunk; trunk release fails
Repairs/costs cited: BCM module replacement attempted but failed to resolve; one owner reports locks now unhooked/disabled to prevent random cycling. No successful repair path documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB specific to door locks mentioned; likely related to BCM connection issue
Dashboard Lights and Instrument Cluster Failures
Instrument panel fails to illuminate; gauges malfunction or display inaccurately. Dashboard lights dim randomly or fail to illuminate. Odometer and speed gauge failures. Center brake light reflection not visible in rear window.
When: Intermittent; one case reported at 54k miles; may recur without clear trigger
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster goes dark intermittently; All gauges fail or malfunction; Dashboard warning lights flicker or dim without cause; Odometer stops working or resets; Speed gauge unresponsive or erratic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced dash cluster under warranty for seat belt alert malfunction; now recurring and GM refusing further repair. One owner could not replicate failure at dealer, no diagnosis attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under initial warranty for cluster replacement; refused on recurrence
General Electrical Shorts and Fuse Failures
Rear taillight fuses blow repeatedly (every day or two) despite bulb and fixture replacement. Driver-side headlight turns on and off intermittently as if shorted. Battery drains spontaneously, preventing restart for 2–3 hours. Ignition attempts to start vehicle on its own when battery is manipulated. Radio loses power after jump-start despite no visible damage.
When: Various; one case triggered by accidental lights-left-on overnight and jump-start; taillight fuse failure recurring over extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Rear taillight fuse blows repeatedly despite new bulbs and complete fixture replacement; Driver-side headlight flickers on/off intermittently, suggesting short; Battery drains; vehicle will not start for 2–3 hours without intervention; Lifting battery off engine bed triggers ignition attempts; Ignition engages/disengages randomly when battery is touched; Radio/CD player loses power and cannot be restored after jump-start
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced starter, battery, and other components without resolving fuse/electrical drain. One owner suspects BCM short. Radio replacement recommended by dealer despite no visible fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall mentioned; dealer blamed owner for radio failure post-jump-start
Seat Belt Alert Sensor Malfunction
Dash displays continuous or intermittent seat belt warning (light and/or beeping) even when driver's seat belt is properly buckled. Recurring issue: replaced under warranty once, now recurring with manufacturer refusing further service.
When: Recurring over years of ownership; first occurrence resolved under warranty, recurrence after extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt alert light flashes on dash; Audible warning beep sounds (5 times) despite belt being buckled; Red light blinks on dashboard continuously or intermittently during drive; False alert persists for miles of driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dash cluster replaced under warranty initially. Recurrence: GM refuses diagnosis or replacement, citing vehicle age. Owner expresses safety concern (seat belt may not lock in accident if sensor fails).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty replacement offered once; refused on recurrence
Remote Keyless Entry and Accessories Intermittent Failures
Remote control buttons (unlock, lock, other functions) fail to respond or respond intermittently. Power windows (driver-side auto window) malfunction intermittently; resetting does not fix; sometimes requires car off for hour to restore function.
When: Intermittent; driver-side window failure: 'every once in a while'
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob remote does not unlock doors; other buttons intermittent; Driver-side auto window fails to operate despite lever set to auto; Power window resetting ineffective; Functions sometimes restore after car turned off for extended period
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repair documented; intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned
Synthesized from 79 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My 2007 Saturn aura hybrid constantly has problems with the electrical system. Various components go off and on at seemingly random occasions. For example, I'll get halfway to work and the "check air bag" light will go on; when I get back in my car after work, the same light will be off and won't go back on. In another example, I might be driving to the store and the traction control will stop…
I keep receiving a code p1a6f, p1a92 my car keeps cutting off and coming back on loss of power loss of fuel.
Had electrical trouble with your 2007 Saturn Aura?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2007 Saturn Aura?
It's a meaningful issue. 79 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 59 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 55,000 and 117,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 117,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Saturn/Aura.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.