2007 Saturn Aura

Above average

Owners filed 607 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

508 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000105,000 miles; the median is 78,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train123
403
Air Bags84
304
Service Brakes70
100
Electrical System54
010
Engine38
000
Steering36
000
Seats26
010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)21
100
Fuel/Propulsion System20
000
Exterior Lighting18
010

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering14E044000
Filed Jul 21, 20147,304 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.

Risk. A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)14V252000
Filed May 14, 20142,440,524 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift14V224000
Filed Apr 30, 20141,131,113 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 › Gear Position Indication (prndl)12V460000
Filed Sep 18, 2012426,240 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2026UT

Unknown Shifter locks and won't start. Driving on interstate and the engine started to rev up. The tac showed excessive pressure. Esc and traction lights appear. This car has only 110,000 miles on it.

Power Train
Filed Jan 28, 2026TX

The automatic transmission shift cable, has malfunctioned. The center piece that connects to the gear shift has melted, and prevents the car from starting and shifting gears. The damage was created due to high temperatures from the motor, being that it is very close to it. This should be replaced by the manufacturer.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 27, 2025KS

My car gear shift slides through the gears but wont shift out of park. Something is wrong with the transmission shift cable. I see an active recall for this exact problem on my type of car (NHTSA 14V224) but for some reason my vin isn’t showing up.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 6, 2025MS

Several Issues

Power Train
Filed Mar 1, 2024150,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission seized. The contact stated that the engine was still running however, the transmission and the power steering were inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 20, 2024CA

The car has gas fumes at the trunk of car but the check engine light doesn’t come on! We are concerned because the fumes enter the car while driving! I know Saturn Ion’s were recalled for this reason

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 13, 2023TN

The brake lights are illuminated when I’m not breaking, and when I do break, the brake lights will go off and I cannot set my cruise control because of it.

Steering
Filed Feb 13, 2023228,078 milesFL

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the power steering failed, and the steering wheel separated from the steering shaft. Additionally, the contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle started to shake. The contact applied excessive pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags, check engine, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall for the failure. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage approximately 228,078.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 3, 2022MS

While driving the car doesn’t switch gear properly. The car made a stalling noise and as soon as I remove my foot from the gas pedal it’s automatically braking.

Electrical System
Filed May 20, 2022MO

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated all the door locks and trunk functionality stopped due to the battery drainage from an electrical failure. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the battery drained again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 2, 2022128,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that she was calling on behalf of her deceased son. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing failures with the electrical system. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights would fail to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that her son had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who had informed him that the brakes needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 9, 2021180,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that the front driver’s side seat belt would not lock or remain secured. Additionally, the power steering was inoperable causing the steering wheel to be very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 2, 2021103,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while trying to pull into a parking spot, the vehicle would not shift into gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed and repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 24, 2021194,800 milesMI

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH in the rain, the "Traction Control Off" and "Stability Control Off" messages appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle inadvertently shifted to third gear independently. The contact also stated that when he depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle switched gears to neutral and the windows opened. The contact stated that the vehicle was hydroplaning while driving. The vehicle was taken to a Pepboys location to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had lost connection with the body control module. The contact stated that he became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repair. The contact stated the dealer completed the recall repair however, the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that they could no longer assist because the vehicle was already repaired per the manufacturer's instructions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 194,800.

Power Train
Filed Jun 3, 2021MI

When attempting to park, automatic gear shift would not engage and vehicle started to roll backwards. Once vehicle was turned off gear shift move freely but would not engage the transmission. Had to have vehicle towed as it would not start since the shift cable would not move into the parked position.

Power Train
Filed Jun 3, 2021140,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking spot, the gear shifter failed to shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V460000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 29, 2021104,128 milesTN

I'VE RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP ILLUMINATING WHEN NOT PRESSED AND HAS DESTROYED TWO BRAND NEW SETS OF ROTORS IN LESS THAN 3 MONTHS DUE TO HOT SPOTS AND STRESS FRACTURES. I HAVE NOTICED IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHETHER I'M DOING CITY OR COUNTRY DRIVING. ALSO THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WILL FAIL TO LIGHT UP SOME OF THE TIMES WHENEVER I'M ONLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR BUT IT WILL REFUSE TO LIGHT UP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 28, 2021KY

MY BATTERY KEEPS GOING DEAD MY DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY FOB ONLY DRIVER DOOR HAVE TO MANUALLY UNLOCK PASSENGER AND BACK LOCKS .FRONT SUSPENSION KEEPS VIBRATING AND MAKING CLINKING NOISES.

Steering
Filed Feb 22, 202168,000 milesWI

POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE LINE FAILED WHEN THE HOSE BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE END CRIMP. THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM LOST ALL OF ITS FLUID RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN TRAVELING IN REVERSE AT A SLOW SPEED AND MANEUVERING OUT OF A GARAGE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 13, 2021268,000 milesLA

SO TODAY DRIVING TO WORK CAR RAN FINE GOT OFF MY EXIT CAME TO THE RED LIGHT AND STOPPED. WHEN I GAVE IT GAS TO GO THE ENGINE REVED UP AND WENT BUT VERY SLOWLY THEN IT STOPPED REVING AND DRIVE FINE. THEN ON MY WAY HOME DID THE SAME THING TILL I WENT TO PULL ON TO THE STREET I LIVE ON AND HAD TO WAIT FOR TRAFFIC MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE BUT REV THE ENGINE. HUSBAND IS CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUILD LEVELS. BUT HAS NEVER DUN THIS IN THE YEAR I HAVE HAD THIS USED CAR. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO NOW. HAVE READY A LOT OF FOURMS AND ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. BUT NO RECALL

20 of 607 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20102200Routine
2009390521Fatalities reported
2008432511Fatalities reported
2007 — this page607460Above average
20055000Routine
20003000Routine

Compare every Aura year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 21, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.