I've had plenty of Saturn in the bay over the years, and the transmission and driveline complaints on these don't surprise me. 873 on the NHTSA record across 18 model-year entries (2005–2009) is not a fluke. The 2007 Saturn Aura leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 6 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 741 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 79,473 miles. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin SATURN / POWERTRAIN
18 model-year entries · 2005–2009
Saturn powertrain problems
873 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Saturn vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
873
Recalls
0
Year-models
18
Avg fix
$2,500
25crashes
6fires
8injuries
Worst-affected Saturn model-years for powertrain Top 18 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
2007 Saturn Aura
167 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Saturn Outlook
123 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Saturn Aura
114 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2008 Saturn Outlook
111 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Saturn Vue
107 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Saturn Aura
57 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Saturn Vue
27 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Saturn Ion
25 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Saturn Vue
24 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2005 Saturn Ion
24 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Saturn Vue
19 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Saturn Astra
17 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2009 Saturn Outlook
16 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Saturn Ion
14 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Saturn Vue
12 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Saturn Sky
9 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2006 Saturn Relay
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Saturn Relay
3 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
Common questions
How many Saturn powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
873 complaints across 18 model-year entries from 2005 to 2009. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Saturn.
Which Saturn model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2007 Saturn Aura leads with 167 complaints in this category. Next: 2007 Outlook (123) and 2008 Aura (114).
What does it cost to fix Saturn powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain 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.