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 ↗2008 Saturn Aura electrical problems
moderate 73 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
73
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 73 electrical complaints filed for the 2008 Saturn Aura, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 73 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 6 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 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 ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Saturn Aura has a widespread electrical problem that cascades through multiple systems. Owners report brake lights that work backwards—staying on when not braking, turning off when the pedal is pressed—creating a genuine collision hazard. Cruise control randomly disengages. Power door locks fail intermittently or cycle continuously on their own, leaving some owners unable to secure the vehicle while passengers sit trapped. The tire pressure monitoring system loses function after low-voltage events, typically when batteries are replaced. Dashboard lights dim or cut out entirely while driving. The driver's seat power motor burns out repeatedly. The Under Body Electrical Center and Body Control Module short out or lose power, triggering cascading failures across traction control, ESC, airbag, and fuel gauge displays.
Many owners describe chasing this problem across multiple shops and multiple component replacements—alternators, starters, batteries—only to find the root cause was a hardwired electrical fault in the vehicle's control architecture. Owners found online forums with over 100 complaints about identical failures. Some vehicles have received recall work but the issues persist or resurface years later. One owner's vehicle caught fire while she was driving. Parts availability for recall repairs remains critically constrained, with dealerships unable to provide timelines or loaner vehicles while customers wait, yet GM refuses to expand the recall to cover all affected build dates.
Same Saturn Aura electrical reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Brake lights inoperative or inverted
Brake lights illuminate without brake pedal pressure; fail to illuminate when brakes are applied. This directly contradicts driver intent and safety signals to following traffic.
When: Typically occurs after battery replacement or during the 50,000–160,000 mile range
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights stay on constantly while driving without brake pedal input; Brake lights turn off when brake pedal is pressed; Brake lights flicker or dim intermittently; Third brake light (center high-mounted) comes on and stays on without braking
Codes mentioned: P0571 - Brake Switch A/B Correlation; BCM voltage instability
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite BCM reprogramming, dielectric grease application, and harness spacer installation under recall. Dealers have charged $600+ for BCM replacement when recall repair failed. One complaint noted fire occurred at 124,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 14V252000 (2014). GM added dielectric lubricant to BCM and harness connector; some dealers used spacer. Many vehicles were excluded from recall based on manufacture date, despite showing identical symptoms. Recall parts became unavailable months after notice issued.
Power door locks fail/cycle continuously
Door locks either refuse to respond to remote or physical buttons, or cycle (lock/unlock) repeatedly on their own without driver input. Rear doors have no manual locks on some models, leaving passengers potentially trapped.
When: Some failures reported as early as 30,000 miles; recurring throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks engage and disengage repeatedly, sometimes with clicking sound; Doors fail to unlock via remote key fob; Driver's door or rear doors become completely unresponsive to power lock controls; Locks work intermittently: some days functional, other days dead; Door locks lock automatically when shifting into drive, then malfunction
Codes mentioned: BCM/body control module faults; wiring harness short or corrosion
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report paying $500–$1,000 for replacement of all four door actuators and locks. One owner noted replacement parts cost only $5–$10 per actuator, suggesting pricing markup. One complaint noted GM offered half-price ($500) replacement only after owner pushed back.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered owners half-price lock replacement ($500 out of $1,000) in at least one case; no formal recall issued. Saturn brand ceased production; GM cited brand closure as reason to avoid broader recall.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) failure
TPMS control module loses memory and becomes inoperative after low-voltage events, typically following battery replacement. Module cannot be reset manually.
When: Occurs after battery replacement or low-voltage incident; vehicle age 8+ years increases probability
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light remains on continuously; TPMS will not reset manually; Low tire pressure indicator displays even after tire pressure confirmed normal by technician
Codes mentioned: TPMS module loss of memory due to low-voltage event
Repairs/costs cited: GM issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) indicating fix required module reprogramming with updated software. Owner paid ~$60 for reprogram; GM refused warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB acknowledges known condition affecting 2008 Saturn Aura, Pontiac G5/G6, and Chevy Cobalt. GM refused to recall or cover repair costs despite prior NHTSA recalls on other GM vehicles for similar TPMS programming errors.
Under Body Electrical Center short/malfunction
The Under Body Electrical Center (likely the Under Hood Electrical Center or BCM) shorts out or loses power supply, causing widespread cascading electrical failures across multiple systems simultaneously.
When: Occurs unpredictably; owner noted pattern began after various component replacements (battery, starter, alternator)
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights flash on and off: ESC traction light, check airbag light, fuel tank/engine gauges jumping to zero and back; Security system locks up and cannot disengage; Owner found 100+ online complaints describing identical sequence of failures
Codes mentioned: BCM/electrical center short circuit; intermittent power loss
Repairs/costs cited: GM dealership diagnosis: 'Under Bus Electric Center has shorted out/malfunctioned and is not getting any power to it when tested.' No repair pricing documented; owner filed complaint before repair attempt completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite 100+ documented complaints on online forums. GM stated they are aware of the problem but took no action.
Cruise control malfunction
Cruise control fails to engage, randomly disengages while active, or disengages intermittently. Often occurs in tandem with brake light failures.
When: Intermittent; no clear mileage pattern noted in narratives
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control does not engage at all; Cruise control engages then randomly disengages while driving; Cruise control works intermittently; Cruise control disables when 'Service Traction' warning appears
Codes mentioned: Service Traction message; BCM voltage irregularity
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair costs documented. One owner noted they 'can live without cruise control' but considered the malfunction inappropriate for a well-maintained vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under NHTSA Recall 14V252000 for vehicles affected by BCM voltage issues. Repair availability constrained.
Traction Control and ESC warning lights—persistent or intermittent
Service Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights illuminate persistently or flash intermittently. Sometimes accompanied by actual loss of traction control function or limp mode power reduction while driving.
When: Intermittent; some narratives note higher frequency in wet/rainy conditions or after specific repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Service Traction and/or ESC warning lights illuminate and remain on; Lights flash on and off randomly or continuously; Warning lights display at random times with no discernible pattern; Check Engine light and 'Engine Power Reduced' message appear; vehicle speed drops to 45 mph on highway; Traction control engages continuously, especially in wet conditions; ESC activates during light acceleration, preventing vehicle from reaching speed (near-collision hazard)
Codes mentioned: P0571, P0656 (voltage/module faults); sensor faults (throttle body position, MAF)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced catalytic converter, fuel injection, fuel tank, air mass flow sensor, and intake shaft sensor—only to have the warning reappear months later. One dealer cited throttle body position sensor failure. Repairs have ranged from $60–$1,000+ and often did not resolve the underlying issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13036 (electrical system) and 14V252000 (brake/electrical) address some instances. Many vehicles were excluded from recalls based on manufacture date despite exhibiting identical symptoms.
Dashboard lights dimming, cutting out, or flickering
Interior and dashboard lighting dims completely, cuts out entirely, or flickers erratically during operation. Often combined with radio/speaker malfunction.
When: Intermittent; some narratives link to high humidity or rain
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights and radio go out while driving, then return after manipulating dimmer switch; Interior lights dim or go completely dark for several minutes; Lights flicker on and off in sync with power seat or window operation; Radio lights/buttons do not illuminate; Instrument cluster gauges become unreadable or show erratic readings
Codes mentioned: BCM voltage regulation fault; wiring harness corrosion
Repairs/costs cited: One owner noted pulling the instrument cluster fuse was the only temporary fix for stuck speedometer/gauges. Issue would recur after heavy rain or high humidity.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; no recalls specifically address lighting system electrical faults.
Radio and speaker electrical failure
Radio loses power, speakers cut in and out, radio lights malfunction, or static/noise appears in audio output. Often occurs alongside other electrical shorts.
When: Intermittent; some narratives link to power lock cycling or window operation
Symptoms owners cite: Radio lights do not illuminate; Radio buttons flicker on and off rapidly (especially during power seat or window operation); Radio volume decreases by itself; Speakers come on and off on their own; Static and scratchy noise in radio output, especially when playing MP3s; All audio (OnStar, stereo, warning chimes) at barely audible scratchy level
Codes mentioned: Wiring harness short; BCM power distribution fault
Repairs/costs cited: One owner noted mechanic diagnosis: wiring harness fault caused radio to remain powered, draining battery and preventing starts. No repair cost documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Vehicle stalling and no-start conditions
Engine stalls unexpectedly during driving or fails to start/crank. Sometimes requires waiting 30 minutes to an hour for vehicle to cool before starting again.
When: Recurring episodes; one owner reported 6 occurrences in 4 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Car shuts off like ignition was turned off while driving at highway speed (35–55 mph); Engine will not crank/start after stalling; No-start condition after sitting in park; resolves after 30–60 minutes; No-start when engine is hot; starts after cooling; Engine will not crank even with key inserted; must wait 30+ minutes
Codes mentioned: Ignition relay replaced without success; root cause undiagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced ignition relay but problem persisted. No definitive repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Power seat motor failure
Driver's seat power adjustment motor stops working. Fuse blows repeatedly when higher-voltage fuse installed. Seat becomes immobile.
When: Early in ownership; one complaint noted failure within months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's seat stops moving; cannot adjust forward/backward or height; Seat fuse blows within one day of replacement; Higher-voltage fuse provides momentary function then burns out
Codes mentioned: Short circuit in seat motor wiring
Repairs/costs cited: Owner could not afford dealer diagnostic; chose to leave seat unmovable rather than pursue repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Ignition switch/starter malfunction
Key sticks in ignition, cannot be removed easily, or will not insert fully. Engine remains running after key is turned off and removed.
When: Occurs in various weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not go in fully or gets stuck in ignition; Key difficult to remove without manipulating shift mechanism and ignition; Engine continues running after key is turned off and removed from ignition; Must reinsert key and turn off again to shut off engine
Codes mentioned: Ignition switch fault
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner noted GM's large recall on Saturn/Chevy/Pontiac ignition switches but received no follow-up on this specific vehicle.
Shifter malfunction and transmission issues
Shifter becomes unresponsive or locks in gear. Vehicle stuck in drive; cannot shift or restart. Transmission slips or has difficulty shifting.
When: Intermittent; one incident during parking attempt at city street
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter malfunctions; vehicle becomes stuck in drive while parked; Cannot shift gears; vehicle locked in drive at city street; Car cannot be restarted after shifter locks in drive; Transmission appears to slip; vehicle accelerates to reverse when shifting from park to drive; Transmission difficulty shifting; RPMs fluctuate
Codes mentioned: Shifter cable tab failure (known recall component)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner initially told VIN was not covered by recall; later found 'loophole' allowing free replacement. Dealer and GM initially refused to cover repair despite known issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall (shifter cable tab) exists but many owners were not notified. GM denied coverage initially, citing VIN exclusion.
Vehicle fire
Engine fire while vehicle was in operation, requiring fire department response.
When: At 124,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal failed to slow vehicle while descending hill at 55 mph; Abnormal noise from braking system; Smoke coming from dashboard vents; Fire visible coming from engine bay
Codes mentioned: Unknown; vehicle destroyed before diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; fire department extinguished. Police report filed. No injuries.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not informed of failure. No investigation documented.
Synthesized from 73 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Ets or etc comes on randomly when it's wet and rainy traction control comes on constantly brakes are sticking trouble shifting gears power steering locked up has to have the power steering pump changed I recently bought this 08 aura and approximately 1month of having it the front passenger wheel broke off including control arm throwing myself in the car into the other lane of traffic almost…
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle lost cruise control functionality with the "Service Traction" message displayed. Additionally, the brake lights turned on unintendedly. The contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated; however, the brake lights would turn off while depressing the brake pedal. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn aura. While driving, the brake lights randomly illuminated without warning and various indicators flashed on and off on the instrument panel. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Saturn aura. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
I took my vehicle in for an "electric power steering assist" recall. Drove it there, but had to tow it off because the shift cable broke. It will not shift into any gear, just stuck in drive. Also wont start now I assume because it wont go in park. The lock buttons/ windows dont work either
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2008 Saturn Aura?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 73 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 50 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 60,000 and 118,056 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 118,056. 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/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.