This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Saturn Aura brakes problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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 changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗16188 Special Coverage. Some vehicles may have a condition where increased resistance in the body control module (BCM) connection system can result in voltage fluctuations or intermittency in the brake apply sensor (BAS) circuit that can cause brake lamp malfunction. Specifically, the brake lamps may either illuminate without the brake pedal applied, or turn off when the pedal is applied. If this condition occurs within the stated terms, dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to the BCM X2 (C2) connector and the BAS harness connector, and relearn the brake pedal home position. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Brake light malfunction dominates the complaint cluster. Multiple owners describe lights staying illuminated when the brake pedal is not pressed, then shutting off when brakes are applied—the opposite of normal operation. This happens intermittently or frequently and disables cruise control. Owners cite safety concerns because following drivers cannot tell whether brakes are actually applied. One owner had this exact failure repaired under recall in 2014 but the condition returned.
Diagnostic attempts by dealers have been inconsistent. One shop identified a brake apply sensor circuit failure; another could not generate a diagnostic code due to the intermittent nature. Some affected vehicles were not included in the Body Control Module recall despite identical symptoms.
Beyond light issues, owners report actual brake failure—pedal depression with no stopping response—leading to at least one collision. One owner experienced brake fluid leaks from corroded braided steel lines and a ruptured plastic hose at 45,000 miles, causing total brake failure; both lines were replaced under extended warranty. Brake rotor warping starting at 15,000 miles causes shudder and intermittent braking; rotors require repeated turning and eventually replacement. Rear caliper leaks also appear in the complaint set.
Same Saturn Aura brakes reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Brake light malfunction—intermittent illumination without pedal input
Brake lights remain on or illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed, then go off when the pedal is engaged—the reverse of normal operation. Owners report this happens intermittently or frequently. The condition interferes with cruise control and creates a safety hazard for following traffic who cannot distinguish actual braking.
When: Reported from 40,000 miles onward; some owners note it affects daily driving; one case at 73,985 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights illuminated at rest or while driving without brake application; Brake lights turn off when brake pedal is pressed; Cruise control disengages or does not function due to false brake signal; Service traction and ESC Off warnings displayed; Intermittent behavior on same trip
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer in narrative #1 refused to repair, citing recall limit policy. Narratives #5 and #6 mention diagnostics—#5 unable to generate a failure code due to intermittent nature; #6 identified brake apply sensor circuit failure. Narrative #3 states dealer applied grease with no resolution. Narratives #7 confirmed vehicle not covered by NHTSA Campaign 14V252000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V252000 (Body Control Module recall, Oct 2014) addressed in narrative #1; same problem recurred after repair. Narratives #6 and #7 note vehicles not included in Campaign 14V252000 despite similar symptoms.
Total brake failure—loss of pedal pressure and stopping ability
Owner reports brake system did not respond when brake pedal was depressed during driving. In one case, brakes failed during heavy traffic use, resulting in collision. Another case involved brake warning indicator illuminating with brake failure at high mileage.
When: One case at collision speed (back-to-back traffic); another at 154,016 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but brakes do not respond; Brake warning indicator illuminated; Loss of vehicle control during braking attempt; Collision with vehicle ahead
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #2 resulted in totaled vehicle. Narrative #9 was not diagnosed or repaired.
Brake fluid leaks from braided steel brake lines and plastic hose
Brake line under master cylinder ruptured, releasing fluid into engine bay. Steel braiding showed chemical corrosion; plastic hose bubble/aneurysm rupture observed. Resulted in total brake failure within a few pedal pumps.
When: At 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid leak from engine bay; Braided steel brake line rupture (under 1/8 inch hole); Blue plastic brake hose bubble/aneurysm rupture; Total brake failure; Corrosive pitting visible on steel braid
Repairs/costs cited: Both brake lines replaced under extended warranty by GM dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under extended warranty.
Brake rotor warping and shudder
Rotors warp prematurely, causing brake shudder and intermittent braking problems. Owner reports rotors require turning; once maximum thickness reached, rotors cannot be salvaged and must be replaced. Pattern repeats.
When: First occurrence at 15,000 miles; recurring issue requiring multiple repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Brake shudder during braking; Intermittent braking problems; Warped rotors; Recurrent warping after turning
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: rotors turned until minimum thickness reached; repeated replacements and turns required (narrative #15 reports third repair needed). Original rotor durability questioned by owner.
Rear caliper brake fluid leaks
Both rear brake calipers leak brake fluid, requiring replacement.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid leakage from rear calipers
Repairs/costs cited: Both rear calipers replaced.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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.
Had brakes trouble with your 2008 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 brakes problem on the 2008 Saturn Aura?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 45,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2008/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.