This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Saturn Aura powertrain problems
moderate 57 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 57 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Saturn Aura, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 57 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 powertrain 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 bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2009 Saturn Aura describe a powertrain that can fail with little warning and at unpredictable mileage. The most serious complaints center on the 6-speed transmission's clutch wave plate fracturing, typically between 40,000 and 121,000 miles. When this part cracks, the transmission loses 3rd, 5th, or reverse gear. The engine revs to 5,000–7,000 RPM but delivers no power, or the car suddenly slows by 10+ mph while accelerating—both dangerous situations on highways. Owners cite transmission rebuilds costing $3,000–$4,900.
Shift cable breakage is equally common. The cable snaps, preventing the car from shifting into Park. Once parked, the vehicle rolls away unless the emergency brake is set, and owners must shift to Neutral to start the engine. Though GM issued recalls for this defect (numbers 09V073000 and 12V460000), many owners report their specific VINs are inexplicably excluded, despite owning the exact year and having the exact problem described in the recall.
Compounding these issues, owners report brake lights that stay illuminated constantly, ESC and traction control warnings, transmission hard shifts with RPM surges, and sudden power loss at highway speeds. The problems are often intermittent, making dealer diagnostics difficult. Owners express frustration that GM appears to know about these defects—some acknowledging service bulletins exist—yet denies coverage for their vehicles or refuses broader recalls.
Same Saturn Aura powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Clutch Wave Plate Fracture (3/5/R)
The clutch wave plate in the 6-speed automatic transmission (6T70, 6T75, 6T40) cracks or fractures, disabling 3rd, 5th, and/or reverse gears. Owners report loss of power during acceleration, high engine RPMs without forward motion, inability to reverse, and sudden deceleration while driving—all creating hazardous traffic situations.
When: Reported from 40,000 to 121,000 miles; failures documented at highway speeds (55–70 mph) and during city driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of 3rd, 5th, and/or reverse gear; Engine RPMs spike (5,000–7,000) without acceleration; Transmission slipping or not engaging; Sudden loss of forward momentum at highway speed; Severe deceleration (10+ mph drop) during acceleration; Harsh or no shift into higher gears; Inability to reverse; Vehicle limited to 20–35 mph
Codes mentioned: P0601 (Transmission Electro Control Module), Service codes for ESC, Traction Control
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or complete replacement; parts include wave plate, clutch plates, gears; costs $3,000–$4,900+; one owner cited replacement of output shaft
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Special Coverage Adjustment #14404 (March 3, 2015) extended warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for wave plate failure, but coverage excludes some 6-speed transmissions (e.g., MH8) and some 4-cylinder engines; Service Bulletin #307164 (March 1, 2011, Action #10038284) issued for harsh shifting/no reverse but does not address catastrophic gear failure
Transmission Shift Cable Breakage
The transmission shift cable breaks or fails, preventing the vehicle from shifting into or out of Park. The vehicle will roll away when parked, and owners must set the emergency brake to keep it stationary. Starting the vehicle requires shifting to Neutral instead of Park.
When: Failures reported from 42,800 to 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward or forward when placed in Park; Cannot shift into Park; Must shift to Neutral to start the vehicle; Gear position indicator does not match actual gear; Vehicle continues to roll even with brake applied; Doors fail to unlock when Park is engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Shift cable replacement; one owner cited cost of $554.90
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #12V460000 (Power Train: Transmission Shift Cable) issued, but many owners report their VINs excluded despite matching manufacture date and year; Recall #09V073000 similarly excludes some 2009 models even though defect is identical to earlier years
Transmission Hard Shifting and Shift Flare
Transmission exhibits harsh or delayed shifts between gears, with engine RPM surges before engaging the next gear. During highway passing, the transmission flares (stays in lower gear longer) instead of shifting up, slowing the vehicle unexpectedly and creating rear-end collision risk.
When: Intermittent, occurring during acceleration and gear changes; one report at 50,000 miles after transmission flush
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or jerky shift from 3rd to 4th gear; Engine RPM spikes 200–300 before shift engages; Transmission flare during passing maneuvers; Hesitation when shifting to 4th gear; Shaking in 5th and 6th gears above 50 mph; Delayed engagement after brake release
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flush; one owner reported issue persisted after flush; no major rebuild reported for this mode alone
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin #15356 issued to some owners; some owners report recall coverage denied
Multiple Electrical and Control System Faults (Brake Lights, ESC, Traction Control)
Brake lights illuminate constantly without brake pedal input, then fail to illuminate when brakes are applied. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control disable or malfunction, accompanied by transmission acceleration/shifting issues and check engine warnings.
When: Intermittent, some occurring at startup, others after extended driving
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights stay on continuously; Brake lights fail when pedal is pressed; Service ESC light illuminates; Traction control disengages; Panic braking assist disabled; Crash avoidance features disabled; Transmission hesitation and hard shifts coincide with warning lights
Codes mentioned: P0449, P2101, Service ESC warnings
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported temporary repair of shifter cable but core electrical issue unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners note recall #13036 (May 14, 2014) addresses similar symptoms but their VINs reported not included
Powertrain Surging and Power Loss at Highway Speed
During highway driving, the engine surges (RPMs spike suddenly) without acceleration, or the powertrain loses response entirely. Cruise control fails to engage. Vehicle enters reduced power/limp mode and may stall.
When: Occurs at highway speeds (55–75 mph); one case after 4+ hours of highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Tachometer spikes from 2,300 to 5,000 RPM repeatedly; No acceleration despite increased RPM; Sudden loss of forward momentum; Cruise control will not engage or malfunctions; Vehicle enters reduced power mode; Engine stalls without warning; Service ESC indicator illuminates
Codes mentioned: Service ESC codes
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics unable to reproduce; no confirmed repair costs cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Recall #13036 may address similar conditions but many VINs reported excluded
Transmission Will Not Engage (Stuck in Neutral or Lower Gears)
Transmission fails to shift out of current gear or remains stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. Vehicle cannot reach highway speeds and is difficult or impossible to reverse.
When: Reported at 60,500 to 85,000 miles; one case at low mileage (50,000) after transmission service
Symptoms owners cite: Gear stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear; Cannot shift above 2nd gear (limited to 25 mph); Cannot reverse; Vehicle stalls on highway and city streets; Harsh or delayed shift when transmission finally engages
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or replacement required; one case involved transmission fluid change (temporary relief only)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner's repair was covered under Recall #12V460000, but failure recurred; no ongoing warranty coverage confirmed for recurrence
Shift Lever Does Not Lock or Engage Properly
The shift lever fails to lock into gear positions or does not match the displayed gear. Gear position indicator is inaccurate or absent, creating confusion about vehicle status.
When: Reported from 1,000 to 89,000 miles; some cases present from new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever moves but does not lock into selected gear; Gear position indicator mismatches actual gear; Shifter cable tab fractures; Vehicle must be started in Neutral rather than Park; No mechanical resistance when shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Shift cable tabs require replacement; transmission tabs fractured in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated some design issues (e.g., lack of gear indicator light) are intentional; VINs often excluded from recalls despite matching defect descriptions
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Transmission clutch plate cracked per dealership. Car started shifting hard. Had the transmission failed on the expressway it could have caused an accident. *js
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while attempting to shift into PARK, the vehicle began to roll backward. The contact stated that the following day, the vehicle was unable to shift into PARK. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA…
Car stopped, no accident involved. Local mechanic inspected and told me that the transmission cable had broken. Brought to courtesy motors in lafayette, la.. I was informed that the 2009 model was not a part of the recall that involved other saturns that had been recalled through 2008. I purchased my 2009 in late 2008 and I would think that the same type part was used in the 2009. GMC will…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2009 Saturn Aura?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 57 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 51 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 67,782 and 107,244 miles, with the median around 83,109. A quarter of owners report trouble before 67,782; a quarter make it past 107,244. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.