Owners have filed 950 complaints
about the 2007 Saturn Aura with NHTSA between 2006 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 64
Against the median year of the Saturn Aura. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 25
4.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 27
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
1935.8%
Brake Lights
917.0%
Frontal
815.1%
Cruise Control
611.3%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
35.7%
Switch
35.7%
Column Shift
35.7%
ARM
23.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
172.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
202.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
506.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
10013.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
16721.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
16621.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
19024.6%
150,000+ miles
628.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2006peak 39Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2007 Saturn Aura
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA11015Opened 10 Nov 2011Closed 2 Jun 2014POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Transmission Shift Cable Failure
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 con...
PE11021Opened 20 May 2011Closed 22 Nov 2011POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Transmission Cable Failure
GM advised that the shift cable's protective outer conduit (jacket) deteriorates with time and use.Variables that affect jacket life include installation variability (routing, etc), environmental and temperature effects, and material quality.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...
Recalls on the 2007 Saturn Aura
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14E044000
STEERING
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.
14V252000
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.
Risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
14V224000
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.
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.
12V460000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2014173194,314 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, intermittent electrical connection faults may cause the brake lamps to illuminate without the brake pedal being depressed, or not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. This could also interfere with cruise control, ABS and/or vehicle stability control function. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or erratic brake lamp function could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 2014160109,110 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with 4 speed automatic transmissions, the shift cable could fracture without warning. If this occurs, the driver may not be able to select a different gear position, remove the key from the ignition, or place the transmission in the PARK position. If the driver cannot place the vehicle in the PARK position and exits the vehicle without applying the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away, which could result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a revised shift cable and mounting bracket.
Recall 201230740,045 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, shift cable locking tabs could fracture without warning. If this occurs, the transmission may not be in the PARK position and may not match the gear position indicated by the shift lever. The driver would be able to remove the key from the ignition, but the door locks may not unlock automatically and the PARK indicator lamp would not be illuminated. 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 which may cause property damage or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a shift cable retainer clip, or replaced the shift cable, as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 73,000 milesLincoln, NEFire
SEATS
TODAY MY DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT A WHOLE ALL THE WAY THROUGH MY SEAT
NHTSA complaint #11309616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesOmaha, NECrash2 injured
POWER TRAIN
THE CAR DOES NOT SEEM TO GO INTO PARK WHEN YOU DO THINK YOU HAVE IT IN PARK IT ISN'T ANOTHER GEAR AND AS LURCHED OUT AND ALMOST SMASHED A COUPLE PEOPLE THAT HAVE HELPED ME WITH THE CAR IT ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE A TENDENCY TO ROLL BECAUSE IT IS NOT FULLY GOING IN THE PARK AND I CANNOT EVEN START IT
NHTSA complaint #11192131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMillbrook, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN AURA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED MODERATE NECK PAIN AND STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE RECEIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11115169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor Mills, MDCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS GOING AT SLOW SPEEDS, I STEP ON THE BRAKS AND THE CAR JUMPS AND GO AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN I AM IN TRAFFIC. IN HAPPENS WHEN THE TRAFFIC IS SLOW AND THEN BEGINS TO MOVE. THE LAST OCCASION RESULTED IN MY CAR BEING TOTALED. IT ALWAYS THE FRONT END.
NHTSA complaint #11104530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor Mills, MDCrash
ENGINE
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS GOING AT SLOW SPEEDS, I STEP ON THE BRAKS AND THE CAR JUMPS AND GO AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN I AM IN TRAFFIC. IN HAPPENS WHEN THE TRAFFIC IS SLOW AND THEN BEGINS TO MOVE. THE LAST OCCASION RESULTED IN MY CAR BEING TOTALED. IT ALWAYS THE FRONT END.
NHTSA complaint #11104530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor Mills, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS GOING AT SLOW SPEEDS, I STEP ON THE BRAKS AND THE CAR JUMPS AND GO AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN I AM IN TRAFFIC. IN HAPPENS WHEN THE TRAFFIC IS SLOW AND THEN BEGINS TO MOVE. THE LAST OCCASION RESULTED IN MY CAR BEING TOTALED. IT ALWAYS THE FRONT END.
NHTSA complaint #11104530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mount Pleasant, UT
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Pleasant, UT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Pleasant, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Converse, TX
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11714057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Converse, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11714057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Converse, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11714057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichitaa, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11707259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MS
ENGINE
Several Issues
NHTSA complaint #11653047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MS
SERVICE BRAKES
Several Issues
NHTSA complaint #11653047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Several Issues
NHTSA complaint #11653047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBemidji, MN
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11574842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11572986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11511670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, TN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11511670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 228,078 milesJacksonville, FL
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11507048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Horn Lake, MS
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11482711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Horn Lake, MS
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11482711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11465495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesEvansville, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11454828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesEvansville, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11454828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesEvansville, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11454828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesDaytona Beach, FL
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11432267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesDaytona Beach, FL
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11432267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesTampa, FL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11431495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 194,800 milesAlmont, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11430388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.