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 Outlook powertrain problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 16 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Saturn Outlook, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 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 2009 Saturn Outlooks report 35R transmission wave plate breakage as the primary issue, happening as early as 63,000 miles and as late as 186,000 miles. The failure typically occurs during acceleration or normal highway driving, causing a loud bang, stuck gear (often 3rd), loss of power, and inability to shift. Several owners document dealer estimates of $3,500–$4,600 for full transmission replacement; one owner had the wave plate replaced under warranty in April 2013 but needed replacement again by August at 63,000 miles. Owners cite finding thousands of online complaints about the same failure across GM vehicles (Acadia, Traverse) dating to 2008, with no factory recall issued.
Separate complaints describe transmission control failures where parked vehicles roll backward despite Park engagement, engines that won't shut off when the key is turned, and sudden loss of all electrical power during acceleration (causing dashboard lights, door locks, and GPS to malfunction together). One case at 186,000 miles was tentatively diagnosed as fuse box failure. A 2.0L engine owner reported timing chain and catalyst fault codes flagged as a known GM issue but not recalled.
Owners consistently report denied coverage and no manufacturer response beyond directing them to NHTSA.
Same Saturn Outlook powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
35R Transmission Wave Plate Failure
The 35R clutch wave plate breaks internally, causing complete or partial transmission failure. Owners report this as a widespread issue affecting multiple GM vehicles (Outlook, Acadia, Traverse). The failure often occurs during acceleration or normal driving and can leave the vehicle stuck in a single gear or without power.
When: Typically 60,000–186,000 miles; one owner had repeat failure at 63,000 miles after replacement in April 2013
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang followed by vehicle stuck in one gear (commonly 3rd); Vehicle unable to shift up or down in Drive; Loss of power and inability to accelerate beyond 40–50 mph; Loss of reverse and lower gears; Transmission slipping, bucking, or shuddering at 1400–1600 rpm; Hesitation and stuttering at high speeds (60–65 mph); Wave plate shavings circulating in transmission
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission pull diagnostic: $500. Full transmission replacement: $3,500–$4,600. One owner had wave plate replaced in April 2013 but required replacement again by August 2013 at only 63,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints dating back to 2008. One complaint references NHTSA campaign 09V073000 (Powertrain) but VIN was not included. Dealer denied knowledge of pattern.
Transmission Control Electronics / Fuse Box Failure
Vehicle experiences loss of engine power control, inability to shut off the engine when key is turned, and unintended vehicle rollback. One case involved complete loss of electrical control when parked on a slight incline.
When: 186,000 miles (one case); timing of other electrical loss events not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when parked in Park, despite keys removed; Engine fails to shut off when key turned in ignition; Complete loss of power to vehicle systems during acceleration; All dashboard lights illuminated simultaneously; Door locks cycling on and own involuntarily; GPS rebooting multiple times during power loss episode
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, No diagnostic codes obtained in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as fuse box failure; repair status unknown. Another vehicle required torque converter replacement after five days in shop; check engine light returned afterward.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact to call NHTSA. One complaint references NHTSA campaign 09V073000 (Powertrain). No recalls issued for this failure mode.
Timing Chain and Catalyst Converter Codes (2.0L Engine)
Check engine light triggered by timing chain and catalyst converter fault codes on 2.0L engines. Mechanics identified this as a known GM engine issue but not under recall. No specific failure mechanism described by owners.
When: Early October 2018 (on 2009 model purchased used in May 2018)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Fault codes for timing chain and catalyst converter
Codes mentioned: Timing chain fault code, Catalyst converter fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Estimated repair cost over $2,000. Owner unable to afford repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not on recall despite mechanic stating it is a known issue with GM engines.
Speed Sensor Failure (With Wave Plate)
Speed sensor malfunction occurring concurrently with wave plate wear at highway speeds. One independent diagnosis recommended speed sensor replacement along with wave plate.
When: 98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal movement felt from front of vehicle at 70 mph; No visual indicators identified by owner
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed need for wave plate and speed sensor replacement; vehicle not repaired.
Transmission Park Lock Disengagement
Vehicle rolls backward when placed in Park, indicating the park lock does not engage properly. One case involved vehicle rolling several feet downhill on slight incline after being placed in Park with parking brake not applied.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when in Park; Parking brake must be used to prevent rollback
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Transmission slips and car bucks,shutters, and skips at a RPM at around 1400-1600 RPM's. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 Saturn Outlook?
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 Outlook?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 54,524 and 122,000 miles, with the median around 78,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,524; a quarter make it past 122,000. 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 $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/Outlook.
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.