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 ↗2008 Saturn Sky airbags problems
moderate 84 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
84
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
1crash
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 84 airbags complaints filed for the 2008 Saturn Sky, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Airbags accounts for 45% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 84 airbags 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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 informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPDATED 8/16/10. UPDATED 3/12/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOOR DOES NOT FLUSH WITH DASH PAD/WARPED. (REPOSITION LOCKING TABS ON AIRBAG PANEL). UPDATED 10/5/07. UPDATED 9/12/08.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. UPDATED ON 12/13/07.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The passenger seat pressure sensor fails on 2008 Saturn Sky models across a wide mileage range, starting as early as 6,000 miles but typically occurring between 25,000 and 120,000 miles. When the sensor fails, the airbag warning light illuminates and a "SERVICE AIRBAG" message appears on the driver information center. Critically, the passenger-side airbag becomes disabled—it will not deploy in a crash even if an occupant is seated.
Owners describe the failure as happening without warning, sometimes intermittently. Replacement by a dealer runs $800–$1,100 out of warranty, yet new sensors fail again within months to years. GM issued NHTSA Campaign 17V061000 to address the defect, but for over a year parts remained unavailable nationwide. Some dealers closed the recall as "completed" without performing any work.
Owners report GM recalled identical sensors in other models (Cadillac CTS 2003–2007, BMW vehicles) but refused to expand the recall for the Sky and its platform twin, the Pontiac Solstice. This is especially dangerous in a roadster with no back seat—a passenger must occupy the front passenger seat where the airbag is now disabled.
Same Saturn Sky airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) Sensor Failure
The passenger seat pressure sensor (occupant classification system) fails, disabling the passenger-side airbag. The sensor module triggers an airbag warning light and 'SERVICE AIRBAG' message. Failures occur as single events or intermittently, and often recur even after dealer replacement attempts.
When: Low mileage (25,000–101,000 miles); some failures occur under 45,000 miles; failures reported as early as 6,027 miles and as late as 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates on dashboard; 'SERVICE AIRBAG' message displayed on driver information center; Passenger airbag off indicator lights when occupant is seated; Intermittent on/off cycling of warning lights with passenger occupancy; Sensor fails without warning while driving
Codes mentioned: B0081 (Defective Passenger Seat Pressure Sensor), B0036 (OCS Sensor failure), 004A-00 (Communication fault), 0033-00 (Internal electronic performance 1), 0031-00 (Internal electronic performance 2), 0039-00 (Internal electronic performance 1), 0034-00 (Internal electronic performance 1), 0059-00 (Preload failure region 1), 2036 1063 (PPS Assembly shorted internally)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair costs $800–$1,100 out of warranty. OCS sensor replacement P/N 19124219 costs ~$400 parts plus $200–$500 labor. Multiple owners report replacement sensors fail again within months to years. Recall 17V061000 attempted remedy but parts remained unavailable for extended periods; some dealers reported recalls 'closed manually' without repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V061000 (Takata recall for OCS); Campaign 17V006000 cited in one complaint. GM stated remedy covered under warranty for some owners but denied coverage beyond 12 months. Acknowledged defect exists in other GM models (Cadillac CTS 2003–2007, others) and issued recalls for them. Offered temporary fixes in some cases but parts distribution remained problematic. GM did not confirm a permanent systemic fix or expanded recall for Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice platform.
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator Malfunction
The passenger airbag 'off' indicator light fails to illuminate when an occupant sits in the passenger seat, creating uncertainty about whether the airbag system will deploy in a crash.
When: Low mileage (6,027 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag 'off' indicator does not light when seat is occupied; Failure occurs sporadically, intermittently
Codes mentioned: Passenger Presence System (PPS) sensor/module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Passenger Presence System sensor and Sensing Diagnostic Module replaced at dealer on multiple visits (at least five separate occasions reported in one case) without resolving the intermittent failure.
Recall Parts Unavailability (Campaign 17V061000)
Owners received recall notifications for NHTSA Campaign 17V061000 (passenger airbag OCS defect), but dealers reported parts were on backorder or unavailable for months, preventing completion of the recall remedy.
When: Recall issued 2017–2018; delays extended into 2017–2018 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Owner receives recall notification; Dealer states parts unavailable; Extended delays (6+ months in multiple reports) with no repair completion; Some dealerships closed recalls manually without performing repairs; VIN tool confirms parts not available
Repairs/costs cited: Parts were ordered but remained on backorder. One owner waited 6+ months post-appointment with no parts delivery. One recall was marked 'closed manually' without repair. Owners were advised to wait for a second notice; some received two or more notices without remedy available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V061000 (Air Bags). Manufacturer stated parts would become available but failed to deliver timely supply. GM offered no reimbursement for owners who pursued independent repair due to parts delays. Dealers stated the remedy was 'not authorized' at some locations.
Synthesized from 84 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Faulty passenger side seat sensor causing airbags to disarm.
I'm a single woman, and hardly anyone ever sits in my passenger seat. The "service air bag" light has come on out of nowhere. No one was sitting in the car when the warning light goes on. Nothing heavy (besides a few groceries from time to time) has ever been put in the seat. *tr
The passenger air bag seat sensor is no longer working. The car is low on miles and has been well maintained and cared for. Gm apparently has a high failure rate for this part and is charging $800-$900 for the fix. I cannot afford the replacement of the broken sensor. If I have an accident, the passenger airbag will not deploy.
This is my third Pontiac solstice or Saturn sky that has had the passenger air bag service light activate in the 50k miles range. Very seldom does anyone sit in the passenger seat, so wear does not seem the be the problem.
Passenger presence module not working
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 Saturn Sky?
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 airbags problem on the 2008 Saturn Sky?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 84 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 56 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 37,950 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,950; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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/Sky.
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.