TRANSMISSION CLUTCH PLATE CRACKED PER DEALERSHIP. CAR STARTED SHIFTING HARD. HAD THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON THE EXPRESSWAY IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *JS
2009 Saturn Aura powertrain problems
moderate 57 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 Camp…
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 NO…
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?
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 $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.
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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