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 CAUSI…
2008 Saturn Aura electrical problems
moderate 73 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
73
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 ve…
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
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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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