2009 Saturn Aura

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 390 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
100,000 milesMedian miles at failure

331 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering162
101
Power Train46
200
Electronic Stability Control (esc)41
000
Service Brakes32
200
Electrical System28
021
Air Bags20
707
Engine10
000
Vehicle Speed Control9
000
Seats7
000
Fuel/Propulsion System6
000

5 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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System14V153000
Filed Mar 31, 20141,373,177 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift09V073000
Filed Mar 6, 2009276,729 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".

Risk. THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jun 18, 2026MN

Power steering quit working majority of the time but will randomly start working again but won't work for long.

Steering
Filed Mar 16, 2026MI

My steering wheel started to randomly shake while I was driving this car through a car wash that I go through monthly. all of a sudden my wheel locked up and flashing warning signals appeared on my dashboard “SERVICE ESC” making me at a loss of electric power steering assist. I never got in an accident or anything. It just happened while I was driving through a car wash.. I know my vehicle should be involved in the loss of electric power steering assist as it has had every symptom and have had multiple 3rd party mechanics tell me the same thing that this is under a recall, but when I check I do not see this recall for my VIN. I was very concerned for my well being and am confused why this is not covered as I had a special coverage for this under my VIN : [XXX] . 2009 Saturn aura XE SEDAN. It is a consistent message I get on my vehicle when I start and am unfortunately not able to drive it because I do not want to put others at risk. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering
Filed Jan 20, 202664,194 milesCA

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. The message "EPS Failure" was displayed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering); however, the contact related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 64,194.

Steering
Filed Jan 14, 2026150,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and making left or right turns on several occasions, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel became firm and required added effort to turn the steering wheel while driving. The contact stated that simultaneously, the EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted each time, but the failure reoccurred a short time later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 28, 2025FL

I was driving and all of a sudden I lost power steering and I had to get over pull over and I was freaking out I could have crashed my dash was saying service ecs

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2025TX

The car turned off while driving on the highway. The car just recently within the last year or so started giving us electrical problems. The mechanic on August 14, 2025. Replaced the alternator, the second within 3 years. The battery replaced twice within 3 years, as well. Internal dashboard light flickers. The car fails to start several times a month. The driver & passenger seats is not stable, it shifts or moves. The battery's pos and neg poles are extremely hot. Steering wheel stiffened up hard to maneuver. The above problems are ongoing throughout the years. My wife hears a popping sound coming from under the hood.

Steering
Filed May 29, 2025130,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at speeds of 20 MPH or slower, the power steering function failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the loss of power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and then restarted the vehicle to regain power steering functionality. The contact found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Steering
Filed May 27, 2025124,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while coming to a stoplight, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle jerked. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 2025IL

Lost power steering while driving. The power steering warning came on. I pulled over and turned the car off. When I turned it back on the power steering returned. An inspection at the Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood in Chicago on 4/19/2025 confirmed that the power steering column needs replaced. I'm having it replaced, so the part will not be available for inspection. Thankfully, I was able to pull over right away after I lost power steering, so no damage was caused. This is the first issue I've ever had with my power steering in this car.

Steering
Filed Nov 10, 2024MI

Electric power steering randomly disables assist but resumes with restart. Brake lights randomly illuminate and randomly stop working.

Steering
Filed Mar 4, 2024119,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering seized. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The message "Service ESC" was displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering became functional; however, the failure recurred while driving back to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the next available appointment was in 3 weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Steering
Filed Feb 12, 2024175,168 milesVA

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact turned off and inspected the vehicle and noticed that the power steering was electric. The contact's brother turned off, restarted the vehicle, and shook the steering wheel several times until the steering wheel became operable. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the electric power steering assist system had failed, and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,168.

Steering
Filed Jan 30, 202485,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering failed, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. After immediately turning the vehicle off and restarting, the power steering failure was corrected and operated as designed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 29, 2023OH

Transmission fluid leaking and sometimes doesn’t want to accelerate

Steering
Filed May 11, 2023171,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel became firm with a message stating that the steering fluid level was low. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 171,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 22, 2023126,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. Additionally, while driving 50-55 MPH, the transmission jolted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control), 14V153000 (Steering), 12V460000 (Power Train), and 09V073000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Steering
Filed Dec 28, 2022ME

Power steering keeps going off. Have to restart car to get it to work. Now it won’t work at all.

Steering
Filed Dec 23, 2022CA

Wife has repeatedly mentioned loss of power steering and for a petite woman each incident was quite scary for her. I drove it for two days before it happened to me. It was much worse than simply a car with no power steering, which I've owned before. It seemed like something was actively working to prevent the steering wheel from turning. The force required was at my own limits to steer adequately. The next time the car was started it was fine. However, it goes out while driving; about 40 MPH, in my case, as I was merging onto the highway. As others have mentioned, my VIN is not included in the recall for the torque angle steering sensor. I also must advocate for the recall to be widened. Obviously GM purposely narrowed the recall, knowing the later vehicles had parts that were not substantially different.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 3, 2022MI

I went to the shop, and they said that my transmission was slipping, & that I didn’t have a third gear. Also they stated that it was a recall. There are leaks

Electrical System
Filed Oct 26, 2022TN

Car will be driving fine and speed will drop dramatically .. safety issue in traffic can cause serious collision..

20 of 390 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20102200Routine
2009 — this page390521Fatalities reported
2008432511Fatalities reported
2007607460Above average
20055000Routine
20003000Routine

Compare every Aura year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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.