This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Saturn Aura lighting problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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 service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Brake light failures dominate these complaints. Multiple owners report brake lights illuminating when the pedal isn't pressed and failing to illuminate when it is, reversing the expected behavior. This malfunction begins anywhere from 30,000 to 68,000 miles and can occur intermittently or repeatedly. Some owners say it recurs even after dealer repairs—one replaced the brake pedal switch, another replaced front brakes, neither fixed the lights. Three owners took their Aura to GM dealerships; none received a working repair, and at least one was charged a diagnostic fee with the dealer claiming the vehicle "drove fine."
Several owners report warning lights on the dash (Service Traction, Service ERC, ESC OFF) appearing alongside the brake light failures. One owner noted traction control malfunction that also disabled cruise control. A 2009 Aura falls within the manufacturing dates for GM Recall 14V252000, but multiple owners report their VINs were excluded from it.
Turn signals on at least two Auras won't auto-cancel when the turn is finished. Dealers quote $600 to replace the turn signal stalk, requiring steering wheel removal.
Headlight bulbs fail prematurely—one owner replaced them every four months at 115,000 miles. The right low beam is difficult to access; dealers charge over $300 in labor because the front bumper must be removed.
Same Saturn Aura lighting reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Brake lights illuminate opposite of pedal input
Brake lights turn on when the pedal is not pressed and turn off when the pedal is pressed, or fail to illuminate when pressed. This can occur intermittently or frequently throughout vehicle operation.
When: 30,000 miles to 115,000 miles; some complaints state failure begins within first month of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights on without brake pedal depressed; Brake lights off when brake pedal is depressed; Lights reverse on/off behavior while driving; Intermittent occurrence lasting one month or recurring frequently
Codes mentioned: Service Traction warning, Service ERC warning, ESC OFF warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced brake pedal switch at one location; another dealer replaced front brakes but refused to inspect brake lights; repairs did not correct the issue in reported cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V252000 / GM Recall 13036 issued for electrical system and electronic stability control, but some owners report their VINs were not included despite manufacturing dates within recall specifications. GM dealerships have charged diagnostic fees and claimed vehicle 'drove fine' without addressing the problem.
Turn signals do not auto-cancel after completing turn
Both turn signal lights remain on continuously after the turn is completed and do not automatically shut off. Requires manual cancellation.
When: Mileage not specified by owners
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signals stay illuminated after turn is completed; Manual intervention required to turn off signals
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers estimate $600 for removal of steering wheel and replacement of turn signal stalk; no owner reports successful repair
Headlight bulbs fail prematurely
Headlight bulbs, particularly the right low beam, fail repeatedly well before normal service life. Owner also reports right low beam is nearly impossible to access for replacement without dealer service.
When: 115,000 miles; one complaint reports replacement every four months
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulbs fail and require frequent replacement; Right low beam light out
Repairs/costs cited: Right low beam requires removal of front bumper and special tools to replace; dealer estimates over $300 for labor
Passenger airbag status indicator light malfunction
Passenger airbag indicator light on dashboard remains off at all times while the vehicle is running, providing no status feedback to the driver.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag light remains off continuously; No illumination when vehicle is running
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had lighting trouble with your 2009 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 lighting problem on the 2009 Saturn Aura?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 39,000 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,000; a quarter make it past 97,000. 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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/2009/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.