I've had plenty of Saturn in the bay over the years, and the engine complaints on these don't surprise me. 243 on the NHTSA record across 17 model-year entries (2005–2009) is not a fluke. The 2006 Saturn Ion leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 11 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 180 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 74,403 miles. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
ProblemsByVin SATURN / ENGINE
17 model-year entries · 2005–2009
Saturn engine problems
243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Saturn vehicles for engine issues. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
243
Recalls
0
Year-models
17
Avg fix
$3,100
3crashes
11fires
2injuries
Worst-affected Saturn model-years for engine Top 17 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
2006 Saturn Ion
41 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2007 Saturn Aura
30 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Saturn Outlook
24 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2007 Saturn Ion
23 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2008 Saturn Vue
22 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2005 Saturn Ion
20 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2007 Saturn Vue
16 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2009 Saturn Outlook
11 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2005 Saturn Vue
11 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2006 Saturn Vue
10 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2007 Saturn Outlook
8 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2009 Saturn Aura
6 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Saturn Aura
6 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Saturn Astra
5 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2009 Saturn Vue
4 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2008 Saturn Sky
3 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2005 Saturn Relay
3 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
Common questions
How many Saturn engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
243 complaints across 17 model-year entries from 2005 to 2009. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Saturn.
Which Saturn model has the most engine complaints?
The 2006 Saturn Ion leads with 41 complaints in this category. Next: 2007 Aura (30) and 2008 Outlook (24).
What does it cost to fix Saturn engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the Saturn lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Saturn engine recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover engine issues on Saturn vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Saturn.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.