2008 Saturn Aura steering problems

Power steering fails suddenly or intermittently, with warning light appearing on the driver information center. Steering wheel becomes extremely hard or impossible to turn. In many cases, turning the engine off and restarting restores assist temporarily.

When: Occurs at various speeds (5 to 45 mph documented), sometimes while driving, sometimes when stopped at a light or in parking lots. Some failures recur within days or weeks of initial event.

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light flashes or stays on; Steering wheel becomes very hard or impossible to turn; Message 'POWER STEERING' or 'SERVICE POWER STEERING' appears on instrument cluster; Brief loss of control requiring pulling over; Assist returns after engine shutdown and restart (temporary fix)

Codes mentioned: C0478 (Electric steering motor circuit high), C0550, C0460

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement of power steering control module (part 22837369 cited, cost $715.54), power steering assist module, power steering motor, and power steering fluid top-offs. Dealers initially said parts were unavailable under recall 14V153000 (steering). Some repairs were performed free under recalls; others owners paid out of pocket.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V153000 (steering, electric power assist system) and recall 14E044000 (steering, wheel stiff/hard to turn) cited by multiple owners. Transport Canada recall 2012331 mentioned for 2008 model year vehicles—dealers to replace power steering motor control module. Some owners report GM refused to cover repairs despite vehicles having same VIN-matching recalls, or warranty expired one year after recall repair.

Clicking, popping, clunking, or groaning noise from the steering column or intermediate shaft, especially during turns at low speeds. Sometimes accompanied by vibration or a jerky feel in the wheel. Early complaints were monitored but not repaired, then escalated.

When: Occurs during slow-speed turns, both left and right. One owner reported original complaint in 2009 with recurring problem after tech bulletin service; another had initial complaint in 2013, recall issued July 2014.

Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or popping noise during low-speed turns; Clunking or groaning sound when wheel is turned right or left; Vibration in steering wheel or brake pedal; Jerky or jumpy steering feel; Loud noise from steering shaft

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement of intermediate steering shaft (tech bulletin 06-02-32-002D and 06-02-32-007G referenced). One dealer replaced shaft but problem recurred. Another owner was told replacement cost $500 by dealer but paid $312 at independent shop; noise returned. Power steering gear assembly and rack-and-pinion replacement mentioned. One owner noted replacement bushings unavailable even from other GM models (Malibu, Pontiac G6).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14E044000 (steering, wheel stiff and hard to turn) cited. One owner's VIN was not included in recall eligible list despite dealer confirming shaft was defective. Tech bulletins mentioned but owners report dealerships did not pursue service until recall was issued.

Steering wheel oscillates side-to-side or moves on its own while the vehicle is parked, stopped, or being driven. Wheel shakes or vibrates and does not hold a straight line. Owner feels jerky control and difficulty maintaining straight alignment.

When: Occurs while parked, at traffic lights, during slow turns, and at various driving speeds (above 50 mph or below 20 mph noted).

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel moves or oscillates from side to side without driver input; Steering wheel vibrates or shakes at various speeds; Wheel feels jerky and does not feel smooth or tight; Vehicle sways side-to-side dangerously; Difficult to maintain straight-line control

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported steering wheel module was recalled and replaced, but oscillation persisted, suggesting the recall repair may have affected other steering components not yet recalled. No repairs completed for this symptom in narratives.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners referenced general steering recalls but noted oscillation issue was not addressed. One owner mentioned seeing YouTube videos of other owners with the same problem and questions when it will be recalled.

Steering becomes difficult to turn at slow speeds, requiring more effort than normal. Once turned, the wheel does not return straight on its own and requires forceful manual correction.

When: Occurs at slow speeds and low-speed turns. One owner noted problem getting worse over time.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stiff and hard to turn; Requires excessive manual effort to steer; Wheel does not self-center; must be forcefully returned to straight; Problem appears to worsen over time

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported mechanic said this is a known issue for many GM cars of that era. No successful repairs documented in narratives.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple owners noted other GM models (Malibu, other vehicles) have same issue and have been recalled, but their 2008 Aura was not included in recall list.

Power steering fluid leaks from the power steering system, sometimes severely. Owners must refill frequently. One case documented fluid leaking onto hot exhaust.

When: One owner reported starting approximately January–March 2013, with total failure by April 2014. Another occurred within 2 days of battery replacement.

Symptoms owners cite: Small to large amounts of oil visible on ground under vehicle; Power steering fluid leaks rapidly after starting ignition; Steering wheel stiff and hard to turn despite adding fluid; Smoke under hood reported in one case

Repairs/costs cited: One owner received temporary fixes but total failure occurred at 86,000+ miles. Estimate for repair was over $1,200. Another owner had to refill power steering fluid frequently and was advised by mechanic that fluid was leaking on exhaust and vehicle could catch fire.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reported hoping vehicle would be included in recall for power steering fluid leaks but it was not. Owner was highly disappointed that recall did not cover their vehicle despite apparent widespread issue.

Power steering stops functioning when outside temperature drops to around 40°F or below. Warning light illuminates, and the steering wheel becomes hard to turn. Problem resolved temporarily by cycling ignition multiple times, but not always successfully.

When: Occurs in cold weather (approximately 40°F and below). Reported after recall repair was completed.

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light illuminates on cold startup; Steering wheel becomes 'dead in the hands'; Power steering assist does not activate immediately on startup; Multiple engine restart cycles may be needed to activate steering

Repairs/costs cited: Owner had recall work performed but steering failed in cold. No repair completed. Owner frustrated that warranted part (from recall) had only 1-year warranty, and failure occurred approximately 1.5 years after recall repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V153000 work was performed; parts warranted for 1 year only. Owner concerned about safety, especially for other drivers and occupants.

Transmission shift cable fractures, causing mismatch between indicated gear position and actual transmission gear. Vehicle can roll unexpectedly when parked despite selector being in 'park' position. One owner nearly hit another car when car began rolling backward without warning.

When: Occurs at unpredictable times. One owner's car would not start initially (resolved by moving shift deeper into park), then failed to start days later and began rolling backward.

Symptoms owners cite: Car will not start or requires shifting to deeper park position; Gear shift moves through all indicators without vehicle responding; Vehicle rolls backward or forward when parked in park position; Transmission may not be in park despite selector indicating park

Repairs/costs cited: Pep Boys completed repair for one owner—issue was missing part in gear shift assembly. Cost not specified.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 103875 (power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shift) issued April 30, 2014. GM to replace shift cable assembly and mounting bracket free of charge. Remedy did not yet have notification schedule at time of first complaint.

U-joint in steering shaft separates, causing complete loss of steering control. Owner involved in collision with tree, causing vehicle damage and personal injury.

When: Occurred while making a turn after owner heard constant rattling and shuddering for weeks. Initial incident occurred 11/16/23.

Symptoms owners cite: Constant rattling noise while driving; Vehicle shudders or vibrates; Complete loss of steering control; Vehicle hits tree or other obstacle

Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed damaged joint bearing and separation of u-joint. Owner paid for u-joint and transmission shift cable replacement (cost not specified).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Owner was unable to find free legal counsel and could not afford body damage repairs.

Check engine, ABS, traction control, and service electronic stability control (ESC) warning lights illuminate intermittently or persistently. Some owners report lights remain on 96% of the time after recall service. Traction control light cycles on and off. Associated with power steering failures in several cases.

When: Intermittent initially, then persistent. One owner reported issue continuing 96% of the time after recall 13036 service in 2014. Another experienced failures years after recall completion.

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on intermittently or persistently; ABS warning light illuminates; Traction control light on/off cycling; Service ESC and ESC OFF lights come on; Audible chime when warning lights activate; Lights go off briefly when brakes applied, return when stopped

Repairs/costs cited: One owner had fuses replaced (one blown, one missing in fuse compartment) which resolved check engine light temporarily. Dealer had broken fuse compartment cover during recall service 13036 and tried to glue it back. Owner later found service brakes and electronic stability control indicators illuminated along with power steering malfunction.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13036 (traction control, ABS, ECS issues) performed 9/2/2014 at Ed Bozarth Chevrolet—included BCM and BPPS harness connector repair and installation of adhesive promoter, clips, and retainers. Lights persisted after recall. One owner reported that lights return despite recall having been performed and extended warranty coverage expired.