I've had plenty of Saturn in the bay over the years, and the lighting complaints on these don't surprise me. 418 on the NHTSA record across 11 model-year entries (2005–2009) is not a fluke. The 2008 Saturn Outlook is carrying most of the weight on this category — about 39% of every lighting complaint filed against Saturn comes from that one truck. The pattern shows up across the lineup, but that year-model is where it concentrates. 11 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 348 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 54,336 miles. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin SATURN / LIGHTING
11 model-year entries · 2005–2009
Saturn lighting problems
418 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Saturn vehicles for lighting issues. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
418
Recalls
0
Year-models
11
Avg fix
$250
2crashes
11fires
2injuries
Worst-affected Saturn model-years for lighting Top 11 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
2008 Saturn Outlook
161 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 Saturn Outlook
97 complaints · ~$250 severe
2009 Saturn Outlook
53 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 Saturn Aura
41 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Saturn Aura
27 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Saturn Ion
16 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 Saturn Aura
11 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Saturn Vue
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 Saturn Sky
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Saturn Ion
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Saturn Vue
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Common questions
How many Saturn lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
418 complaints across 11 model-year entries from 2005 to 2009. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Saturn.
Which Saturn model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2008 Saturn Outlook leads with 161 complaints in this category. Next: 2007 Outlook (97) and 2009 Outlook (53).
What does it cost to fix Saturn lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting 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 lighting recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover lighting 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.