This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Saturn Outlook powertrain problems
moderate 123 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
123
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 123 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Saturn Outlook, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 123 powertrain 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.
Powertrain accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Saturn Outlook exhibits a well-documented pattern of transmission failure, most commonly caused by the 3/5R wave plate fracturing or shredding internal components. Owners consistently report this happens between 35,000 and 104,000 miles, frequently just outside the 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. When the wave plate fails, transmission fluid becomes contaminated with metal particles; the vehicle jerks, buckers, or loses gears entirely—sometimes refusing to shift out of first or second gear, or losing reverse without warning. Check engine codes P0700, P0752, P0776, P0989, and P2723 appear repeatedly.
GM repair facilities have confirmed this is a "universal problem" for this model, yet the manufacturer issued only a service bulletin recommending wave plate replacement during transmission service, not a recall. Transmission repairs or rebuilds cost $2,700 to $5,000; GM has offered partial assistance (typically $400–$450 co-payments) to some owners but denies coverage once warranty expires.
Beyond the wave plate, owners report transmission control module failures, timing chain breaks (sometimes after dealer reprogramming), and driveshaft bolts loosening at highway speeds. Several owners experienced near-accidents when the transmission failed mid-intersection or on the interstate. Water intrusion into the electrical system also appears in multiple complaints, causing stalling and electrical fires. Rebuilt transmissions have failed again within 10,000 miles in at least one documented case.
Same Saturn Outlook powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Wave Plate Failure (3/5R Wave Plate)
Internal wave plate component fractured or shredded, contaminating transmission fluid with metal particles and triggering complete transmission failure or loss of gear engagement.
When: Typically 35,000–104,000 miles; most commonly 59,700–85,000 miles; some failures occur just outside 5-year/100,000-mile warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking, bucking, or surging during acceleration or gear shifts; Transmission stuck in one gear (often 1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Loss of reverse; High engine RPMs without corresponding vehicle speed increase; Check engine light with transmission-related codes; Metal particles visible in transmission fluid; Transmission will not shift out of gear or engage properly
Codes mentioned: P0700, P0716, P0717, P0752, P0776, P0777, P0877, P0989, P2714, P2715, P2723
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuilt or full transmission replaced. Owner-cited repair costs: $2,700–$5,000; GM partial assistance in some warranty cases ($400–$450 co-payment or partial coverage); Service Bulletin TSB 09-07-30-012A recommends replacement of wave plate when any transmission work is performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Service Bulletin TSB 09-07-30-012A (1/12/2010) recommending wave plate replacement during transmission service. GM repair shops and dealers acknowledged the issue as 'universal problem' for this make/model. GM offered partial financial assistance in some cases (co-payments of $1,500 or assistance of $400–$450) but denied coverage when warranty had expired. No recall issued despite widespread consumer complaints.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) / Shift Solenoid Failure
Transmission control module malfunction or shift solenoid stuck position causing improper gear selection, jerking, or hesitation during acceleration.
When: Typically 63,000–95,000 miles, sometimes recurring 2+ years after earlier repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission not shifting gears properly; Check engine light; Hesitation during acceleration (up to 15-second delay); Engine jolting when taking off from a stop; Transmission stuck in one gear
Codes mentioned: P0752, P0989, P0700
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission Control Module replaced or reprogrammed. Owner-cited costs: $800–$1,250 (with GM assistance $400–$450 in some cases); Dealer-performed TCM reprogramming sometimes only temporary solution (lasted 2 weeks before recurrence).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered TSB for TCM reprogramming; some owners reported temporary relief. GM provided partial financial assistance in limited cases; out-of-warranty repairs were customer responsibility. No systematic recall for this issue.
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain broke or stretched, causing engine misfire, loss of compression, and catastrophic engine damage.
When: Approximately 75,600–172,000 miles; some failures shortly after dealer service bulletin reprogramming
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with cylinder misfire codes; Engine stalling or loss of power; Engine won't start; Clattering or high-pitched whine from engine; Loss of compression detected by mechanic; Blue smoke from engine
Codes mentioned: P0300 (cylinder misfire implied in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement or timing chain replacement required. Owner-cited repair costs: $4,700–$7,700; GM offered 10-year/120,000-mile warranty on timing chain issues, but some owners fell just outside these limits and were denied coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered extended 10-year/120,000-mile timing chain warranty coverage; owners just outside this window were denied coverage despite being within the 10-year timeframe. One owner reported dealer reprogramming (ECM service bulletin) may have worsened timing chain stretch, but GM denied responsibility.
Transmission Slipping, Erratic Shifting, or Engagement Loss
Transmission slips out of gear, hesitates on acceleration, or fails to engage smoothly from Park to Drive/Reverse.
When: Varies widely; some from initial purchase; others after 22,000–155,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips when shifting from Park to Reverse or Drive; Hard or jerky shifting at low speeds (20–40 MPH); RPMs spike without corresponding acceleration; Grinding or whinny noise during gear changes; Vehicle stuck in neutral or unable to move; Difficulty engaging reverse (slow response or multiple attempts needed)
Codes mentioned: P0716, P0776, P0717, P0700
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Remanufactured transmission approximately $500 cheaper than full replacement. Owner-cited costs: $3,000–$5,000 replacement; rebuilt transmissions in some cases failed again within 10,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No systematic manufacturer response or recall; dealers advised repairs at owner expense once warranty expired. Some owners reported rebuilt transmissions failed again; GM took no responsibility for recurring failures.
Driveshaft Bolts Loosening and Driveshaft Failure
Bolts connecting driveshaft loosened and fell off, causing driveshaft to strike pavement and disable vehicle suddenly while in motion, resulting in loss of control.
When: Approximately 60,170 miles in one documented case; incident recurred (first at low speed in 04/2010, second at highway speed on 08/13/2011)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud boom or noise from undercarriage; Vehicle lurching or loss of control; Driveshaft striking pavement ('like a catapult'); Complete loss of vehicle mobility
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement required. No owner-provided repair costs cited; owner had infant and two other children in vehicle during highway incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Saturn issued Technical Bulletin Instruction (TBI) for bolt maintenance, but per owner, issue recurred despite TBI, indicating fix was inadequate. No recall issued.
Water Intrusion and Electrical Damage
Water leaked into vehicle doors and interior during rain, causing electrical system damage, burning smell, fog on windows, and engine stalling.
When: Began shortly after purchase (June 2014 purchase, report filed summer 2014)
Symptoms owners cite: Water sloshing in doors and dashboard; Water pooling on floorboards (up to half inch); Burning smell from electrical system; Fans running intermittently; Crackling noise through radio speakers even when off; Windows fogging despite defrost; Vehicle won't start; key stuck in ignition; Intermittent electrical failures (lights, StabiliTrak, traction control, power liftgate)
Repairs/costs cited: Water damage required electrical system repair; specific repair costs not detailed in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reported GM recall 194,000 vehicles for similar water-intrusion issue (June 2014), but owner's 2007 Outlook was not included in recall notification despite experiencing the problem. No remedy offered.
Ignition Module Failure and Stalling
Ignition module failed, causing vehicle to stall sporadically and without warning over years of ownership.
When: Failure mileage unknown; stalling occurred intermittently over extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling without warning; Noise on driving; Service traction, service engine, service airbags, service ABS brake system lights illuminating; Multiple warning sensor illuminations
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided; vehicle never successfully repaired despite multiple dealer visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified multiple times but provided no remedy; vehicle not repaired.
Transmission Overheating and Pressure Issues
Transmission overheated or pressure system malfunctioned, triggering 'transmission hot' warning messages and loss of power.
When: Approximately 84,000 miles; recurring episodes over 1+ year
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with 'transmission hot' error message; Transmission unable to shift properly when hot; High RPMs without gear engagement; Vehicle must be turned off and restarted to recover; Sudden loss of power on highway at high speeds
Codes mentioned: P0700 (implied by 'engine power reduced' message)
Repairs/costs cited: Partial transmission repair (not specified); owner underwent additional repairs for windshield washer heater, airbag sensors, and timing chain, totaling approximately $3,200.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance or explanation provided.
Synthesized from 123 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
In may 2012 the torque converter failed, it was replaced - $1700 on december 10th the transmission failed, it was replaced (along with the torque converter-still under warranty) - $4235. *tr
Wave plate broke inside the transmission. Loose metal from wave plate damaged many parts throughout the transmission. Original estimate was $3500 due to being 3 months outside warranty. Gm agreed to cover remaining bill if I paid $1100 due to the relatively low mileage (78k). One small wave plate caused thousands of dollars of damage and gm knows this is a problem with the '07, '08, '09…
While driving my 2007 Saturn outlook the engine stalled and came right back on. The engine light came on and the transmission would not shift out of 2 nd gear. I pull over put it in park sat there for a few minutes. I put it in drive and it went into gear. I'm very upset to learn it will cost me 6000.00 to repair the transmission and timing chain which is a problem gm is very aware of. I think…
Transmission began slipping during long interstate trip. After a rest stop, transmission would not shift out of a low gear on freeway even when traveling at 60-70 MPH. Warning light (transmission overheat) came on and we were able to make it to the next exit. Power train completely failed and we had to have the car towed and find a hotel to stay at overnight. Gm dealer found 35r wave plate broken…
Vehicle's transmission suddenly lost traction. Driving my child to school and suddenly the vehicle's transmission slipped and would not run. Was caught in the middle of an intersection with 5 year old and baby on board. Thankfully oncoming traffic saw us and slowed down to go around us. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Saturn Outlook?
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 powertrain problem on the 2007 Saturn Outlook?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 123 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 109 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 60,170 and 103,000 miles, with the median around 80,589. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,170; a quarter make it past 103,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/Outlook.
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.