← New search

2008 Saturn Aura

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Aura years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Saturn Aura are substantially higher than the model-year median of 197.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

363 reports with mileage · 69 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports1 fire reports8 injury reports

Engine complaints

19 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2017
EngineSteering

ON THE GROUND I WOULD SEE SMALL AMOUNTS OF OIL. I TOOK IT TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND THE MECHANIC SAW AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE OIL WAS COMING FROM. I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE A VALVE LEAK FROM THE ENGINE AND SHOWED ME. I ONLY HAVE 73,879 MILES ON THE CAR AND FEEL THIS SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM. I ONLY USE THE CAR TO GO ABOUT 8 HRS OF DRI…

Read full complaint

ON THE GROUND I WOULD SEE SMALL AMOUNTS OF OIL. I TOOK IT TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND THE MECHANIC SAW AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE OIL WAS COMING FROM. I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE A VALVE LEAK FROM THE ENGINE AND SHOWED ME. I ONLY HAVE 73,879 MILES ON THE CAR AND FEEL THIS SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM. I ONLY USE THE CAR TO GO ABOUT 8 HRS OF DRIVING A WEEK. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THE ENGINE? I HAVE A NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT MAKES ME FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND I HEAR IT EVERY TIME I BACK THE CAR UP. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT. WOULD SOME ONE PLEASE GET BACK TO ME CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. I AM ASKING BECAUSE I KNOW THAT I AM STILL UNDER THE MANUFACTURE WARRANTY. THANK YOU [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*JB

NHTSA ODI #10956553

130,000 miles · Jun 28, 2016
EngineService BrakesTraction Control System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TRACTION AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT 4 RPMS. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT M…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TRACTION AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT 4 RPMS. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10877123

112,000 miles · Jun 9, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT LOCKED AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIR…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT LOCKED AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #10873489

52,000 miles · Mar 28, 2016
Engine

WHILE PASSING ANOTHER CAR TO MERGE ONTO AN OFF RAMP, I ACCELERATED AND THEN LET UP ON THE GAS PEDAL AS I EXITED. IMMEDIATELY THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD TICKING NOISE WHICH CONTINUED AS I DROVE HOME ON SURFACES STREETS. UPON STARTING THE CAR THE NEXT DAY I HEARD A LIGHT KNOCKING NOISE. I DROVE TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THE KN…

Read full complaint

WHILE PASSING ANOTHER CAR TO MERGE ONTO AN OFF RAMP, I ACCELERATED AND THEN LET UP ON THE GAS PEDAL AS I EXITED. IMMEDIATELY THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD TICKING NOISE WHICH CONTINUED AS I DROVE HOME ON SURFACES STREETS. UPON STARTING THE CAR THE NEXT DAY I HEARD A LIGHT KNOCKING NOISE. I DROVE TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THE KNOCK GOT LOUDER. THEY ADVISED TEARING THE ENGINE DOWN FOR $1,000 TO DETERMINE THE ISSUE. THEY SAID THERE WAS METAL IN THE OIL. I BELIEVE MY ISSUES ARE THE SAME AS MANY 3.6LTR VVT ENGINE OWNERS, THE TIMING CHAINS AND SUPPORTS FOR THEM. THE NOISE IS PERSISTENT AND VARIES IN TONE. I HAD BARELY 50,000 MILES ON IT AND HAVE KEPT THE OIL CHANGES REGULAR, I EVEN HAD MOBILE 1 SYNTHETIC PUT IN ITS LAST OIL CHANGE. I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED AS THIS WAS MY FIRST AMERICAN MADE NEW CAR PURCHASE AND THERE WERE ONLY EIGHT MONTHS AFTER IT WAS PAID OFF WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURED. I AM A USAF VET AND RETIRED FROM A CITY JOB OF 30 YEARS. AFTER SPENDING $32,000 ON THIS CAR, I EXPECTED SO MUCH MORE.

NHTSA ODI #10852079

85,000 miles · Nov 6, 2015
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAG…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 1/13/16 LN *TR

NHTSA ODI #10788816

92,000 miles · Oct 24, 2014
EnginePower Train

MY 2008 SATURN AURA XR HAD SHIFTED VERY HARD FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR BUT THEN SEEMED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. DROVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES AND HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ONCE AGAIN SHIFT VERY HARD FROM ONE GEAR TO THE NEXT. WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY DID ONE LAST VERY HARD SHIFT.…

Read full complaint

MY 2008 SATURN AURA XR HAD SHIFTED VERY HARD FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR BUT THEN SEEMED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. DROVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES AND HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ONCE AGAIN SHIFT VERY HARD FROM ONE GEAR TO THE NEXT. WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY DID ONE LAST VERY HARD SHIFT. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND PROCEED TO POWER DOWN ON ITS OWN. CAME TO A FULL STOP AND THE VECHICLE WOULD NO LONGER MOVE FORWARD. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH GM AND ACCORDING TO THEM, MY VIN# DOES NOT CURRENTLY HAVE ANY RECALLS REGARDING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ATTACHED TO IT. I WILL HAVE TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS MYSELF. ALTHOUGH MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY CURRENT OR PAST RECALLS REGARDING ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION ISSUES, THERE ARE RECALLS LISTED OUT THERE FOR OTHER SATURN AURAS. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE AND GM SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF IT. I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT THIS DID NOT OCCURR WHILE I WAS STILL ON THE HIGHWAY OR IT MAY HAVE ENDED UP BEING A VERY DIFFERENT OUTCOME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649617

66,728 miles · Sep 21, 2014
EnginePower Train

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, MY TEMP GAUGE SHOT UP JUST BEYOND THE 3/4 MARK INTO THE RED ZONE. I PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR ABOUT 14 MINUTES TILL THE GAUGE CAME DOWN TO JUST UNDER 1/2. I BEGAN TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE GAUGE KEPT JUMPING UP AND DOWN TILL I GOT HOME. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE RADIAT…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, MY TEMP GAUGE SHOT UP JUST BEYOND THE 3/4 MARK INTO THE RED ZONE. I PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR ABOUT 14 MINUTES TILL THE GAUGE CAME DOWN TO JUST UNDER 1/2. I BEGAN TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE GAUGE KEPT JUMPING UP AND DOWN TILL I GOT HOME. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID RESERVOIR WAS ABOUT EMPTY. I ADDED RADIATOR FLUID AND LEFT THE CAR PARKED TILL THE NEXT DAY. DROVE THE CAR AROUND FOR ALMOST 29 DAYS WHEN IT BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AGAIN. ONCE AGAIN WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, THE RESERVOIR WAS ABOUT EMPTY AGAIN. I LOOK UP THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT A LOT OF GM OWNERS WITH VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE 3.5L OR 3.9L ENGINES HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT GM WILL NOT FIX THE ISSUE (GASKET LEAK AT THE SIDE OF THE BLOCK). ACCORDING TO WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE ENGINES BUT GM HAS NOT DONE A THING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637926

80,000 miles · Jun 19, 2014
EnginePower TrainSteering

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 14 MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I MOVED THE FLOOR GEAR SHIFT DEEPER INTO THE PARK POSITION AND IT STARTED. ON MONDAY, JUNE 16 I PARKED MY CAR AFTER PURCHASING AN ITEM AT DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START IT, IT WOULD NOT START. THE GEAR SHIFT MOVED THROUGH ALL OF THE INDICATORS (PRD...) AND THE CAR BE…

Read full complaint

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 14 MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I MOVED THE FLOOR GEAR SHIFT DEEPER INTO THE PARK POSITION AND IT STARTED. ON MONDAY, JUNE 16 I PARKED MY CAR AFTER PURCHASING AN ITEM AT DRIVE-THROUGH WINDOW. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START IT, IT WOULD NOT START. THE GEAR SHIFT MOVED THROUGH ALL OF THE INDICATORS (PRD...) AND THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS NEARLY HITTING ANOTHER CAR. I CALLED FOR A TOW, AND THE DRIVER NOTED THE PROBLEM. TODAY, PEP BOYS COMPLETED REPAIR OF THE THE GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY. THERE WAS A MISSING PART. THE INCIDENT NOTICE (HTTP://WWW.MOTORTREND.COM/CARS/2008/SATURN/AURA/RECALLS/) RECALL ID # 103875 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFTPLUSHIDE DETAILS RECALL DATE: APR 30, 2014 MODEL AFFECTED: 2008 SATURN AURA SUMMARY: GENERAL MOTORS LLC (GM) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY ON APRIL 29, 2014, THAT THEY ARE RECALLING 56,214 MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 SATURN AURA VEHICLES. CONSEQUENCES: IF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE FRACTURES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTION MAY NOT MATCH THE INDICATED GEAR AND THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED OR UNEXPECTED DIRECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. FURTHERMORE, WHEN THE DRIVER GOES TO STOP AND PARK THE VEHICLE, DESPITE SELECTING THE 'PARK' POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE IN 'PARK.' IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN THE "PARK" POSITION THERE IS A RISK THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL AWAY AS THE DRIVER AND OTHER OCCUPANTS EXIT THE VEHICLE OR ANYTIME THEREAFTER. A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO EXITING OCCUPANTS AND BYSTANDERS. REMEDY: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND GM DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING BRACKET, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GENERAL MOTORS AT 1-800-553-6000. GM'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS 14152. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10604535

99,000 miles · May 30, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

BACK IN JAN 2014 CAR WAS PUT IN PARK AT SHOPPING MALL PARKING LOT ENGINE SHUT OFF EXITED VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM ENGAGED WITH REMOTE I WAS HAVING DINNER WHEN POLICE CAME IN TO ASKED WHO OWNED THE SATURN AURA AND THAT MY CAR WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE ISSUES . AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS CONSTANTLY LOCK…

Read full complaint

BACK IN JAN 2014 CAR WAS PUT IN PARK AT SHOPPING MALL PARKING LOT ENGINE SHUT OFF EXITED VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM ENGAGED WITH REMOTE I WAS HAVING DINNER WHEN POLICE CAME IN TO ASKED WHO OWNED THE SATURN AURA AND THAT MY CAR WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE ISSUES . AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS CONSTANTLY LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE CAR HAS BEEN OFF FOR HOURS . AUTOMATIC START MALFUNCTIONED NOW CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL EVEN WITH USING THE KEY . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595145

Official recalls

4

14V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 14, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Electrical System:wiring

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

14V224000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Apr 30, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 31, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

12V460000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Sep 18, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA11015 · Transmission Shift Cable Failure

Opened Nov 10, 2011 · Closed Jun 2, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift; Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch

On April 29, 2014, GM submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 14V-224 to remedy the subject vehicles equipped with four speed automatic transmissions manufactured before October 31, 2007.On May 22, 2014 GM expanded 14V-224 to include MY 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx and MY 2005 - 2008 Pontiac G6 (total recall population 1,131,113).GM will install a replacement shift cable assembly to remedy the affected vehicles.The subject shift cable's protective outer conduit (jacket) deteriorates with time and use.Jacket deterioration could lead to a tear of the conduit material which allows moisture to reach the lay wires, potentially causing them to corrode and weaken.The lay wires provide support to the inner core wire that performs the shift detent actuation of the transmission.Without sufficient lay wire support, the shifter position inside the vehicle and the actual transmission gear selection may not align.A complete loss of shift function can occur when the core wire fractures and fails fully.The failure data supports that the problem affects subject vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. Aura vehicles manufactured with other transmission types use a different shift cable assembly, as do four speed equipped Aura's manufactured after October 31, 2007.Transmission shift cable failure can cause multiple shift function failure modes.One involves an engine no-start condition where the gear shifter is in the park position but the transmission is actually in drive or reverse gear (engine starting is inhibited in this circumstance).A second involves non-powered vehicle movement where the driver turns the engine off and moves the shifter to park but the transmission fails to engage the park gear; the vehicle may roll away if the driver exits without setting the park brake.A third involves powered vehicle movements, where the driver moves the gearshift but the transmission fails to engage the intended gear, and the engine remains running.For instance the driver can shift to park but the transmission may remain in drive or reverse, resulting in vehicle movement when the driver does not expect it.Another failure involves the driver shifting to reverse but the transmission remains in drive, resulting in the vehicle moving in a direction opposite to that the driver intended.Another failure mode results in complete loss of shifting.Both NHTSA and GM have received complaints alleging one or more of these failure scenarios, and in some cases consumers report experiencing multiple problems over the course of several drive cycles.In one incident, the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward after the driver placed the gear selector in park resulting in the vehicle striking a fixed object (porch railing).Among the crashes identified above, nine involved property damage and two involved minor injuries when the vehicles rolled and struck the driver as they exited the vehicle.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10274914, 10404010, 10432953, 10446285, 10458417, 10495979, 10547333, 10354195 , 10404496, 10435560, 10447211, 10461922, 10498567, 10547683, 10374834, 10405577, 10435633, 10447303, 10464207, 10513116, 10553840, 10378975, 10409341, 10435653, 10449759, 10464388, 10513875, 10554335, 10382559, 10411913, 10435677, 10452089, 10467958, 10516001, 10565628, 10383044, 10412157, 10435996, 10452662, 10478887, 10522732, 10566451, 1039013

Additional source detail variants (3)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

On April 29, 2014, GM submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 14V-224 to remedy the subject vehicles equipped with four speed automatic transmissions manufactured before October 31, 2007.On May 22, 2014 GM expanded 14V-224 to include MY 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx and MY 2005 - 2008 Pontiac G6 (total recall population 1,131,113).GM will install a replacement shift cable assembly to remedy the affected vehicles.The subject shift cable's protective outer conduit (jacket) deteriorates with time and use.Jacket deterioration could lead to a tear of the conduit material which allows moisture to reach the lay wires, potentially causing them to corrode and weaken.The lay wires provide support to the inner core wire that performs the shift detent actuation of the transmission.Without sufficient lay wire support, the shifter position inside the vehicle and the actual transmission gear selection may not align.A complete loss of shift function can occur when the core wire fractures and fails fully.The failure data supports that the problem affects subject vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. Aura vehicles manufactured with other transmission types use a different shift cable assembly, as do four speed equipped Aura's manufactured after October 31, 2007.Transmission shift cable failure can cause multiple shift function failure modes.One involves an engine no-start condition where the gear shifter is in the park position but the transmission is actually in drive or reverse gear (engine starting is inhibited in this circumstance).A second involves non-powered vehicle movement where the driver turns the engine off and moves the shifter to park but the transmission fails to engage the park gear; the vehicle may roll away if the driver exits without setting the park brake.A third involves powered vehicle movements, where the driver moves the gearshift but the transmission fails to engage the intended gear, and the engine remains running.For instance the driver can shift to park but the transmission may remain in drive or reverse, resulting in vehicle movement when the driver does not expect it.Another failure involves the driver shifting to reverse but the transmission remains in drive, resulting in the vehicle moving in a direction opposite to that the driver intended.Another failure mode results in complete loss of shifting.Both NHTSA and GM have received complaints alleging one or more of these failure scenarios, and in some cases consumers report experiencing multiple problems over the course of several drive cycles.In one incident, the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward after the driver placed the gear selector in park resulting in the vehicle striking a fixed object (porch railing).Among the crashes identified above, nine involved property damage and two involved minor injuries when the vehicles rolled and struck the driver as they exited the vehicle.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10274914, 10404010, 10432953, 10446285, 10458417, 10495979, 10547333, 10354195 , 10404496, 10435560, 10447211, 10461922, 10498567, 10547683, 10374834, 10405577, 10435633, 10447303, 10464207, 10513116, 10553840, 10378975, 10409341, 10435653, 10449759, 10464388, 10513875, 10554335, 10382559, 10411913, 10435677, 10452089, 10467958, 10516001, 10565628, 10383044, 10412157, 10435996, 10452662, 10478887, 10522732, 10566451, 1039013

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

On April 29, 2014, GM submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 14V-224 to remedy the subject vehicles equipped with four speed automatic transmissions manufactured before October 31, 2007.On May 22, 2014 GM expanded 14V-224 to include MY 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx and MY 2005 - 2008 Pontiac G6 (total recall population 1,131,113).GM will install a replacement shift cable assembly to remedy the affected vehicles.The subject shift cable's protective outer conduit (jacket) deteriorates with time and use.Jacket deterioration could lead to a tear of the conduit material which allows moisture to reach the lay wires, potentially causing them to corrode and weaken.The lay wires provide support to the inner core wire that performs the shift detent actuation of the transmission.Without sufficient lay wire support, the shifter position inside the vehicle and the actual transmission gear selection may not align.A complete loss of shift function can occur when the core wire fractures and fails fully.The failure data supports that the problem affects subject vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. Aura vehicles manufactured with other transmission types use a different shift cable assembly, as do four speed equipped Aura's manufactured after October 31, 2007.Transmission shift cable failure can cause multiple shift function failure modes.One involves an engine no-start condition where the gear shifter is in the park position but the transmission is actually in drive or reverse gear (engine starting is inhibited in this circumstance).A second involves non-powered vehicle movement where the driver turns the engine off and moves the shifter to park but the transmission fails to engage the park gear; the vehicle may roll away if the driver exits without setting the park brake.A third involves powered vehicle movements, where the driver moves the gearshift but the transmission fails to engage the intended gear, and the engine remains running.For instance the driver can shift to park but the transmission may remain in drive or reverse, resulting in vehicle movement when the driver does not expect it.Another failure involves the driver shifting to reverse but the transmission remains in drive, resulting in the vehicle moving in a direction opposite to that the driver intended.Another failure mode results in complete loss of shifting.Both NHTSA and GM have received complaints alleging one or more of these failure scenarios, and in some cases consumers report experiencing multiple problems over the course of several drive cycles.In one incident, the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward after the driver placed the gear selector in park resulting in the vehicle striking a fixed object (porch railing).Among the crashes identified above, nine involved property damage and two involved minor injuries when the vehicles rolled and struck the driver as they exited the vehicle.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10274914, 10404010, 10432953, 10446285, 10458417, 10495979, 10547333, 10354195 , 10404496, 10435560, 10447211, 10461922, 10498567, 10547683, 10374834, 10405577, 10435633, 10447303, 10464207, 10513116, 10553840, 10378975, 10409341, 10435653, 10449759, 10464388, 10513875, 10554335, 10382559, 10411913, 10435677, 10452089, 10467958, 10516001, 10565628, 10383044, 10412157, 10435996, 10452662, 10478887, 10522732, 10566451, 1039013

Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch

On April 29, 2014, GM submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 14V-224 to remedy the subject vehicles equipped with four speed automatic transmissions manufactured before October 31, 2007.On May 22, 2014 GM expanded 14V-224 to include MY 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx and MY 2005 - 2008 Pontiac G6 (total recall population 1,131,113).GM will install a replacement shift cable assembly to remedy the affected vehicles.The subject shift cable's protective outer conduit (jacket) deteriorates with time and use.Jacket deterioration could lead to a tear of the conduit material which allows moisture to reach the lay wires, potentially causing them to corrode and weaken.The lay wires provide support to the inner core wire that performs the shift detent actuation of the transmission.Without sufficient lay wire support, the shifter position inside the vehicle and the actual transmission gear selection may not align.A complete loss of shift function can occur when the core wire fractures and fails fully.The failure data supports that the problem affects subject vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. Aura vehicles manufactured with other transmission types use a different shift cable assembly, as do four speed equipped Aura's manufactured after October 31, 2007.Transmission shift cable failure can cause multiple shift function failure modes.One involves an engine no-start condition where the gear shifter is in the park position but the transmission is actually in drive or reverse gear (engine starting is inhibited in this circumstance).A second involves non-powered vehicle movement where the driver turns the engine off and moves the shifter to park but the transmission fails to engage the park gear; the vehicle may roll away if the driver exits without setting the park brake.A third involves powered vehicle movements, where the driver moves the gearshift but the transmission fails to engage the intended gear, and the engine remains running.For instance the driver can shift to park but the transmission may remain in drive or reverse, resulting in vehicle movement when the driver does not expect it.Another failure involves the driver shifting to reverse but the transmission remains in drive, resulting in the vehicle moving in a direction opposite to that the driver intended.Another failure mode results in complete loss of shifting.Both NHTSA and GM have received complaints alleging one or more of these failure scenarios, and in some cases consumers report experiencing multiple problems over the course of several drive cycles.In one incident, the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward after the driver placed the gear selector in park resulting in the vehicle striking a fixed object (porch railing).Among the crashes identified above, nine involved property damage and two involved minor injuries when the vehicles rolled and struck the driver as they exited the vehicle.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10274914, 10404010, 10432953, 10446285, 10458417, 10495979, 10547333, 10354195 , 10404496, 10435560, 10447211, 10461922, 10498567, 10547683, 10374834, 10405577, 10435633, 10447303, 10464207, 10513116, 10553840, 10378975, 10409341, 10435653, 10449759, 10464388, 10513875, 10554335, 10382559, 10411913, 10435677, 10452089, 10467958, 10516001, 10565628, 10383044, 10412157, 10435996, 10452662, 10478887, 10522732, 10566451, 1039013