2009 Saturn Aura problems
Owners have filed 588 complaints about the 2009 Saturn Aura with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 36.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of power train at 11.2%.
Complaints588
Crashes19
Fires5
Injuries15
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Steering 36.2% · 213
Power train 11.2% · 66
Electrical system 10.0% · 59
Electronic stability control (ESC) 10.0% · 59
Service brakes 6.8% · 40
Vehicle speed control 4.9% · 29
Exterior lighting 4.4% · 26
Air bags 3.6% · 21
Severity
Of those complaints, 19 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire, 15 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Saturn Aura in this data, 2009 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2007 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 20 in the last three years against 49 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 100,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. While driving various speeds, the power steering and service required warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Immediately after the failure, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The failure mileage was 130,000. Steering · reported at 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the power steering seized as the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 63,000. Steering · reported at 58,000 miles
My power steering keeps locking up and the light on the dash board comes on. It has happened 3 times now while driving on a city street, the highway while driving and when exiting it was hard to turn and the 3rd time when I started the car the light lit up on the dashboard. I do not have a photo but I did stop at an auto zone and have the code read. I haven't been in an accident yet, but am afraid it will happen. Steering
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…