2007 Saturn Aura Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2007 Saturn Aura
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the power train:automatic transmission.
- Scores roughly in line with adjacent Saturn Aura years — consistency that often signals a stable platform generation.
- The system most likely to surface first: electrical system & power steering (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2007 Saturn Aura?
The 2007 Saturn Aura, while offering agreeable ride comfort and respectable V6 power, presents a moderate reliability risk primarily due to well-documented electrical and transmission vulnerabilities. If you're willing to address these known issues, it can be a decent used sedan, but careful pre-purchase inspection is paramount.
The 2007 Saturn Aura can be a comfortable and affordable used car, but its known electrical and transmission vulnerabilities demand a cautious approach. Be prepared for potential repairs and ensure any prospective purchase has a clean maintenance history and passes a stringent professional inspection. It's a risk/re…
Best Model Years
The 2008 and 2009 models saw minor improvements and often fewer reported issues, particularly with the 6-speed transmission, making them marginally better choices if available.
Years to Avoid
While the 2007 model is generally okay, it represents the first year of production and exhibits more prevalent issues; there isn't a specific 'year to avoid' within the Aura's short run, but earlier models carry higher risk.
Biggest Strengths
- Smooth ride quality and comfortable interior for its class.
- Available V6 engines provide ample power and generally robust mechanicals (with some caveats).
- Solid, quiet cabin experience for a mid-size sedan.
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2007 Saturn Aura, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The electric power steering (EPS) unit, often the steering column-mounted motor, is prone to failure, leading to a sudden loss of power assist (TSB 09-02-33-001A, GM recall 14041). Beyond that, body control module (BCM) issues, wiring ha…
Both the 4-speed (4T45-E, 4T65-E) and early 6-speed (6T70) automatic transmissions can develop problems. The 4-speeds are known for solenoid failures, harsh shifts, and premature wear. The 6-speed can exhibit delayed engagements, slippin…
Beyond the power steering motor, owners frequently report premature wear of front control arm bushings, sway bar end links, and tie rod ends. This leads to clunking noises over bumps, loose steering feel, and uneven tire wear. Rear suspe…
2007 Saturn Aura Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2007 Saturn Aura most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the car should feel relatively new, primarily requiring routine maintenance. Any issues arising here might be manufacturing defects or very early wear, often covered under original warranty.
Maintenance Zone
This is where normal wear items begin to show their age, and some common Saturn/GM issues may start to surface. Proactive maintenance is crucial here to prevent small problems from escalating.
Elevated Risk Zone
Key components are now well into their lifespan, and major repairs become more likely. This mileage often signifies the onset of more serious transmission issues, BCM failures, or timing chain problems on the 3.6L V6.
High Risk Zone
Beyond 120,000 miles, the Aura demands continuous vigilance and a budget for potentially significant repairs. Expect a higher frequency of component failures across all systems, including engine and transmission rebuilds.
2007 Saturn Aura Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2007 Saturn Aura on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-650
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,800 occasionally (e.g., power steering, control arms)
How Long Does the 2007 Saturn Aura Last?
Focus on Auras with under 80,000 miles for the best chance of avoiding major transmission or timing chain repairs, and plan to be proactive with electrical system checks and fluid changes.
What 2007 Saturn Aura Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Comfortable and quiet cabin, especially on highway drives.
- V6 engine options offer good acceleration and merging power.
- Attractive styling that holds up well for its age.
- Good value on the used market compared to rivals.
Common Frustrations
- Frustrating and unpredictable electrical issues (power steering, BCM).
- Transmission can feel unrefined, with noticeable shifts or occasional hesitation.
- Interior materials, while decent, show wear faster than some competitors.
- Suspension components (bushings, links) require more frequent replacement.
Who Should Buy the 2007 Saturn Aura?
Best For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped sedan.
- Drivers prioritizing ride comfort over ultimate reliability metrics.
- Individuals with some mechanical aptitude or access to affordable, trusted mechanics.
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute long-term, trouble-free reliability.
- Anyone without a contingency fund for unexpected, moderate-to-major repairs.
How the 2007 Saturn Aura Compares to Rivals
The Aura offers a more upscale feel than its Malibu sibling but falls short of the legendary reliability of Japanese competitors like the Accord and Camry. It's on par with its domestic peers, but often presents a better value on the used market.
More Reliable Than
- 2007 Chrysler Sebring
- Older generations of domestic sedans
Comparable To
- 2007 Chevrolet Malibu (shared platform)
- 2007 Ford Fusion (early models)
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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.
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.
What breaks on the 2007 Saturn Aura?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Saturn Aura by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Saturn Aura. Click any year for its full report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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