2008 Saturn Aura Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2008 Saturn Aura
- Has 5 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: electric power steering (eps) (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2008 Saturn Aura?
The 2008 Saturn Aura presents a challenging ownership proposition, primarily due to its prevalent electrical and power steering issues. While its powertrains can be robust, these common faults mean potential buyers must proceed with significant caution and thorough pre-purchase inspection to avoid frustrating and costly repairs.
While the 2008 Saturn Aura offers good value on the used market, its well-documented reliability weaknesses, particularly with the power steering and electrical systems, make it a risky purchase. Unless you find an impeccably maintained example with documented repairs for these common issues, prepare for potential f…
Best Model Years
N/A (Reliability concerns apply broadly to the platform)
Years to Avoid
All model years (2007-2009) due to persistent platform-wide issues.
Biggest Strengths
- Generally robust V6 engines (when maintained)
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality
- Good fuel economy for its class (especially I4)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2008 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 motor or control module is highly prone to failure, leading to sudden loss of power assist, a warning light, and extremely heavy steering. This is a significant safety and reliability concern.
Owners frequently report issues with the Body Control Module (BCM) causing various electrical anomalies, including malfunctioning gauges, intermittent lights, power window regulator failures, and non-starting conditions. Tracing these is…
The 4-speed automatic transmission (paired with the 2.4L I4 and 3.5L V6) can exhibit rough or delayed shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear. Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid failures are known contributors, leading to shudd…
2008 Saturn Aura Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2008 Saturn Aura most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the vehicle should still be relatively trouble-free, assuming regular basic maintenance. Focus on fluid changes and tire rotations.
Maintenance & Watch Zone
Key maintenance items like spark plugs (if V6) and transmission fluid (if not done) become important. This is when the first signs of common Aura issues can begin to surface.
Elevated Risk Zone
Expect to encounter several of the Aura's known weaknesses. Budget for more significant repairs and be diligent with inspections.
High Risk Zone
Major component failures become increasingly likely. Ownership costs will escalate, and the vehicle will require a significant amount of preventative and reactive maintenance.
2008 Saturn Aura Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2008 Saturn Aura on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-2,000 annually (due to common issues like EPS/transmission/BCM)
How Long Does the 2008 Saturn Aura Last?
Given the common pitfalls, it's advisable to seek an Aura with lower mileage (under 80,000) that has a comprehensive service history and ideally, records indicating prior repair of the power steering or BCM.
What 2008 Saturn Aura Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Smooth, comfortable highway ride quality
- Spacious and quiet interior for its class
- Decent fuel economy, especially with the 2.4L engine
- Understated styling that still looks good to some
Common Frustrations
- Frustrating and costly power steering failures
- Electrical gremlins leading to unpredictable behavior
- Subpar interior materials that show wear quickly
- Lack of perceived quality compared to rivals
Who Should Buy the 2008 Saturn Aura?
Best For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable daily commuter
- DIY mechanics willing to tackle common electrical/steering repairs
- Drivers prioritizing a comfortable ride over ultimate reliability
Not Ideal For
- Drivers seeking worry-free, long-term reliability
- Anyone who cannot afford unexpected major repair bills
How the 2008 Saturn Aura Compares to Rivals
The Aura struggled to compete with its Japanese rivals in terms of overall long-term reliability and build quality. It fares better against some domestic and other imports of the era, but its specific pervasive issues hold it back significantly from top-tier reliability.
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Altima (2007-2012, CVT issues)
- Chrysler Sebring (overall reliability)
- Dodge Avenger (overall reliability)
Comparable To
- Ford Fusion (2006-2009, some steering/transmission issues)
- Chevrolet Malibu (2008-2012, shared platform issues)
NHTSA Recalls
5 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 2008 Saturn Aura?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2008 Saturn Aura? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Saturn Aura by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Saturn Aura. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2008 Saturn Aura
Parts and accessories matched to your 2008 Saturn Aura
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2008 Saturn Aura? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Saturn Aura's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Saturn Aura
Most Reliable Cars to Buy Used (Top 10 Ranked)
Get our expert-ranked list of the 10 most reliable used cars you can buy today, saving money and avoiding future headaches with smart choices.
Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Lasts Longer?
Get the definitive answer: Which truly lasts longer, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner? Our comparison reveals their long-term durability.
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevy Colorado: Reliability Compared
Explore a head-to-head reliability comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado. Discover which truck truly stands out for long-term dependability.