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2008 Saturn Aura

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Aura years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Saturn Aura are substantially higher than the model-year median of 197.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

363 reports with mileage · 69 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports1 fire reports8 injury reports

Power Train complaints

124 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2014
Power TrainSteering

2008 SATURN AURA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION RECALL NOTICE AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED

NHTSA ODI #10638962

66,728 miles · Sep 21, 2014
EnginePower Train

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, MY TEMP GAUGE SHOT UP JUST BEYOND THE 3/4 MARK INTO THE RED ZONE. I PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR ABOUT 14 MINUTES TILL THE GAUGE CAME DOWN TO JUST UNDER 1/2. I BEGAN TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE GAUGE KEPT JUMPING UP AND DOWN TILL I GOT HOME. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE RADIAT…

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WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, MY TEMP GAUGE SHOT UP JUST BEYOND THE 3/4 MARK INTO THE RED ZONE. I PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR ABOUT 14 MINUTES TILL THE GAUGE CAME DOWN TO JUST UNDER 1/2. I BEGAN TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE GAUGE KEPT JUMPING UP AND DOWN TILL I GOT HOME. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID RESERVOIR WAS ABOUT EMPTY. I ADDED RADIATOR FLUID AND LEFT THE CAR PARKED TILL THE NEXT DAY. DROVE THE CAR AROUND FOR ALMOST 29 DAYS WHEN IT BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AGAIN. ONCE AGAIN WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, THE RESERVOIR WAS ABOUT EMPTY AGAIN. I LOOK UP THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT A LOT OF GM OWNERS WITH VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE 3.5L OR 3.9L ENGINES HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT GM WILL NOT FIX THE ISSUE (GASKET LEAK AT THE SIDE OF THE BLOCK). ACCORDING TO WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE ENGINES BUT GM HAS NOT DONE A THING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637926

5,300 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT COULD NOT SHIFT FROM THE PARK TO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE AP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT COULD NOT SHIFT FROM THE PARK TO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,300.

NHTSA ODI #10637211

63,000 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Power Train

AFTER STOPPING THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY MY WIFE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR STARTED MOVING BACKWARDS. WHILE TRYING TO GET THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK IT CONTINUED TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE STREET. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE CAR PUT BACK INTO A FORWARD GEAR AND DRIVE BACK INT…

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AFTER STOPPING THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY MY WIFE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR STARTED MOVING BACKWARDS. WHILE TRYING TO GET THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK IT CONTINUED TO ROLL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE STREET. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE CAR PUT BACK INTO A FORWARD GEAR AND DRIVE BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE WHEN PUT BACK INTO PARK IT WAS IN REVERSE AGAIN (THE INDICATOR SHOWED PARK BUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN REVERSE). AT THAT TIME I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (FISHER CHEVROLET) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE HAD BROKEN. I THEN CHECKED THE RECALL LIST AND FOUND THAT THE SATURN AURA HAD A RECALL FOR THAT SPECIFIC ISSUE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000). WE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT OUR CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST!!? WE THEN CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CABLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED PRIOR TO THE RECALL AND WAS DETERMINED TO NOT BE A PROBLEM AND THEREFORE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. TALKING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND ASKING HIM ABOUT THE INSPECTION HE TOLD US THAT THEY HAD NOT INSPECTED THE CABLE AND HE DOESN'T KNOW WHY OUR CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. IF A VEHICLE MODEL IS RECALLED FOR A SPECIFIC PROBLEM AND A VEHICLE ACTUALLY HAS THAT ISSUE OCCUR WOULDN'T THAT INDICATE THAT VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10630866

130,000 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CABLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CABLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10621833

75,500 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Power Train

VEHICLE IS 2008 SATURN AURA XR WITH AUTO 6-SPEED TRANS. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARSHLY FROM 1 TO 2 THEN TO 3RD GEAR. IT REMAINED IN 3 GEAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TRANS REMAINS STUCK IN 3RD GEAR WHEN MOVING FORWARD. STILL CAN USE REVERSE GEAR. CALLED ONSTAR AND THEY SAID THE VEHICLE SHOWS FAULT C…

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VEHICLE IS 2008 SATURN AURA XR WITH AUTO 6-SPEED TRANS. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED HARSHLY FROM 1 TO 2 THEN TO 3RD GEAR. IT REMAINED IN 3 GEAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TRANS REMAINS STUCK IN 3RD GEAR WHEN MOVING FORWARD. STILL CAN USE REVERSE GEAR. CALLED ONSTAR AND THEY SAID THE VEHICLE SHOWS FAULT CODE P0700. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP VERIFIED FAILURE, SAID MOST LIKELY WAVE PLATE FAILED, AND THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE MODE FOR THIS TRANS. COMPONENT FOR LATER MODEL YEARS HAS BEEN MADE MORE ROBUST. FAILURES ARE COMMON FOR 2007-09 MODEL YEARS. REFERENCE GM TSB 09-07-30 012B. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621781

100,000 miles · Aug 6, 2014
Power TrainService BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO JERK AND FAIL TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10619277

107,000 miles · Jul 19, 2014
Power Train

FROM THE OWNER'S MANUAL: "THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SYSTEM. THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE IS DESIGNED TO: (1) PREVENT IGNITION KEY REMOVAL UNLESS THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN PARK (P) WITH THE SHIFT LEVER BUTTON FULLY RELEASED, AND (2) PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK (P), UNLESS THE …

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FROM THE OWNER'S MANUAL: "THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SYSTEM. THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE IS DESIGNED TO: (1) PREVENT IGNITION KEY REMOVAL UNLESS THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN PARK (P) WITH THE SHIFT LEVER BUTTON FULLY RELEASED, AND (2) PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK (P), UNLESS THE IGNITION IS IN ON/RUN OR ACC/ACCESSORY AND THE REGULAR BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED. THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE IS ALWAYS FUNCTIONAL EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF AN UNCHARGED OR LOW VOLTAGE (LESS THAN 9 VOLT) BATTERY. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS AN UNCHARGED BATTERY OR A BATTERY WITH LOW VOLTAGE, TRY CHARGING OR JUMP STARTING THE BATTERY. SEE JUMP STARTING ON PAGE 5-43 FOR MORE INFORMATION." THE CAR HAS A V6 ENGINE AND FROM PARK, WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION, I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKE. THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS BUT I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT BEFORE ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE OCCURRED. I WAS ALSO ABLE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE AND REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED AND DOES NOT HAVE LOW VOLTAGE. WHILE I'VE BEEN LUCK THERE HAS BEEN NO PERSONAL OR PROPERTY DAMAGE SUSTAINED, IT'S EASY TO SEE THAT IT CAN HAPPEN. ESPECIALLY IF AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CAN BE LEFT IN GEAR, THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE KEYS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR OCTOBER 10, 2007 AND THE DOOR LABEL INDICATES IT WAS BUILT IN OCTOBER 2007, SO THE BUILD DATE FOR THIS CAR WAS BETWEEN 10/1 AND 10/10/2007. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10614677

88,000 miles · Jul 15, 2014
Power Train

VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND WAS TOLD BY THEM THAT THE SHIFT CABLE AND BRACKET WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. THE DEALER SAYS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL 14152. CALLED GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE BUT WAS REFERRED BACK TO DEALER. THIS VEHICLE AND THE…

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VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND WAS TOLD BY THEM THAT THE SHIFT CABLE AND BRACKET WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. THE DEALER SAYS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL 14152. CALLED GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE BUT WAS REFERRED BACK TO DEALER. THIS VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE LISTED IN THE RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610687

90,000 miles · Jul 10, 2014
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING OUR CAR ALONG COASTAL HIGHWAY NEAR BETHANY, DE OUR TRANSMISSION BECAME DISENGAGED ( NO FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR). I WAS ABLE TO COAST ACROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC AND PARKED THE CAR ON A SIDE ROAD. AT THAT TIME I NOTICED AN ENGINE ALERT AND WE RECEIVED AN ON-STAR ALERT MESSAGE BUT COULD NOT GET THE INFORMATION WITHO…

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WHILE DRIVING OUR CAR ALONG COASTAL HIGHWAY NEAR BETHANY, DE OUR TRANSMISSION BECAME DISENGAGED ( NO FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR). I WAS ABLE TO COAST ACROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC AND PARKED THE CAR ON A SIDE ROAD. AT THAT TIME I NOTICED AN ENGINE ALERT AND WE RECEIVED AN ON-STAR ALERT MESSAGE BUT COULD NOT GET THE INFORMATION WITHOUT INTENT. WE CALLED AAA AND THEY TOWED MY CAR TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP IN BELIN, MD. AT THIS REPAIR SHOP I WAS INFORMED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS "TOASTED AND WOULD COST AROUND $4,800 TO REPLACE. I HAD TO RENT A CAR AND MOVE OUT OF MY RENTED CONDO AND THEN RETURNED TO MY HOME NEAR BALTIMORE, MD. I DISCUSSED MY PROBLEM WITH MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SUGGESTED THAT A TRANSMISSION COMPANY LOOK AT THE CONDITION OF THE TRANSMISSION IT COULD BE REPAIRABLE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION FOR MY CAR (XR 6-3.6L) HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE GM 6T70 IN THE WAVE PLATES. I ARRANGED AT GREAT EXPENSE TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED 150 MILES TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP NEAR MY HOME. WE HAVE BEEN GM OWNERS SINCE 1985 WITH MANY GOOD EXPERIENCES BUT THE 2008 AURA HAS BEEN HAD MANY PROBLEMS (LAST YEARFOR SATURN) AND WE HAVE NOT BEEN HAPPY WITH THE GM DEALERSHIP. IF GM HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION WHY WAS I NOT INFORMED TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE. MY SEARCHING THE INTERNET I SEE THAT MY CAR HAS SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES ( TRANSMISSION SHIFTING CABLE, STEERING POWER ASSIST SYSTEM ETC) BUT WE HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE ALTHOUGH WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS AND HAVE LIVED AT THIS ADDRESS FOR THE LAST 17-YEARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10609507

Official recalls

4

14V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 14, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

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.

Consequence: 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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

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.

Consequence: 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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

Consequence: 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.

14V224000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Apr 30, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 31, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

12V460000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Sep 18, 2012

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA11015 · Transmission Shift Cable Failure

Opened Nov 10, 2011 · Closed Jun 2, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift; Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch

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 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 actual transmission gear selection may not align.A complete loss of shift function can occur when the core wire fractures and fails fully.The failure data supports that the problem affects subject vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. Aura vehicles manufactured with other transmission types use a different shift cable assembly, as do four speed equipped Aura's manufactured after October 31, 2007.Transmission shift cable failure can cause multiple shift function failure modes.One involves an engine no-start condition where the gear shifter is in the park position but the transmission is actually in drive or reverse gear (engine starting is inhibited in this circumstance).A second involves non-powered vehicle movement where the driver turns the engine off and moves the shifter to park but the transmission fails to engage the park gear; the vehicle may roll away if the driver exits without setting the park brake.A third involves powered vehicle movements, where the driver moves the gearshift but the transmission fails to engage the intended gear, and the engine remains running.For instance the driver can shift to park but the transmission may remain in drive or reverse, resulting in vehicle movement when the driver does not expect it.Another failure involves the driver shifting to reverse but the transmission remains in drive, resulting in the vehicle moving in a direction opposite to that the driver intended.Another failure mode results in complete loss of shifting.Both NHTSA and GM have received complaints alleging one or more of these failure scenarios, and in some cases consumers report experiencing multiple problems over the course of several drive cycles.In one incident, the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward after the driver placed the gear selector in park resulting in the vehicle striking a fixed object (porch railing).Among the crashes identified above, nine involved property damage and two involved minor injuries when the vehicles rolled and struck the driver as they exited the vehicle.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10274914, 10404010, 10432953, 10446285, 10458417, 10495979, 10547333, 10354195 , 10404496, 10435560, 10447211, 10461922, 10498567, 10547683, 10374834, 10405577, 10435633, 10447303, 10464207, 10513116, 10553840, 10378975, 10409341, 10435653, 10449759, 10464388, 10513875, 10554335, 10382559, 10411913, 10435677, 10452089, 10467958, 10516001, 10565628, 10383044, 10412157, 10435996, 10452662, 10478887, 10522732, 10566451, 1039013

Additional source detail variants (3)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

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 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 actual transmission gear selection may not align.A complete loss of shift function can occur when the core wire fractures and fails fully.The failure data supports that the problem affects subject vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. Aura vehicles manufactured with other transmission types use a different shift cable assembly, as do four speed equipped Aura's manufactured after October 31, 2007.Transmission shift cable failure can cause multiple shift function failure modes.One involves an engine no-start condition where the gear shifter is in the park position but the transmission is actually in drive or reverse gear (engine starting is inhibited in this circumstance).A second involves non-powered vehicle movement where the driver turns the engine off and moves the shifter to park but the transmission fails to engage the park gear; the vehicle may roll away if the driver exits without setting the park brake.A third involves powered vehicle movements, where the driver moves the gearshift but the transmission fails to engage the intended gear, and the engine remains running.For instance the driver can shift to park but the transmission may remain in drive or reverse, resulting in vehicle movement when the driver does not expect it.Another failure involves the driver shifting to reverse but the transmission remains in drive, resulting in the vehicle moving in a direction opposite to that the driver intended.Another failure mode results in complete loss of shifting.Both NHTSA and GM have received complaints alleging one or more of these failure scenarios, and in some cases consumers report experiencing multiple problems over the course of several drive cycles.In one incident, the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward after the driver placed the gear selector in park resulting in the vehicle striking a fixed object (porch railing).Among the crashes identified above, nine involved property damage and two involved minor injuries when the vehicles rolled and struck the driver as they exited the vehicle.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10274914, 10404010, 10432953, 10446285, 10458417, 10495979, 10547333, 10354195 , 10404496, 10435560, 10447211, 10461922, 10498567, 10547683, 10374834, 10405577, 10435633, 10447303, 10464207, 10513116, 10553840, 10378975, 10409341, 10435653, 10449759, 10464388, 10513875, 10554335, 10382559, 10411913, 10435677, 10452089, 10467958, 10516001, 10565628, 10383044, 10412157, 10435996, 10452662, 10478887, 10522732, 10566451, 1039013

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

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 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 actual transmission gear selection may not align.A complete loss of shift function can occur when the core wire fractures and fails fully.The failure data supports that the problem affects subject vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. Aura vehicles manufactured with other transmission types use a different shift cable assembly, as do four speed equipped Aura's manufactured after October 31, 2007.Transmission shift cable failure can cause multiple shift function failure modes.One involves an engine no-start condition where the gear shifter is in the park position but the transmission is actually in drive or reverse gear (engine starting is inhibited in this circumstance).A second involves non-powered vehicle movement where the driver turns the engine off and moves the shifter to park but the transmission fails to engage the park gear; the vehicle may roll away if the driver exits without setting the park brake.A third involves powered vehicle movements, where the driver moves the gearshift but the transmission fails to engage the intended gear, and the engine remains running.For instance the driver can shift to park but the transmission may remain in drive or reverse, resulting in vehicle movement when the driver does not expect it.Another failure involves the driver shifting to reverse but the transmission remains in drive, resulting in the vehicle moving in a direction opposite to that the driver intended.Another failure mode results in complete loss of shifting.Both NHTSA and GM have received complaints alleging one or more of these failure scenarios, and in some cases consumers report experiencing multiple problems over the course of several drive cycles.In one incident, the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward after the driver placed the gear selector in park resulting in the vehicle striking a fixed object (porch railing).Among the crashes identified above, nine involved property damage and two involved minor injuries when the vehicles rolled and struck the driver as they exited the vehicle.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10274914, 10404010, 10432953, 10446285, 10458417, 10495979, 10547333, 10354195 , 10404496, 10435560, 10447211, 10461922, 10498567, 10547683, 10374834, 10405577, 10435633, 10447303, 10464207, 10513116, 10553840, 10378975, 10409341, 10435653, 10449759, 10464388, 10513875, 10554335, 10382559, 10411913, 10435677, 10452089, 10467958, 10516001, 10565628, 10383044, 10412157, 10435996, 10452662, 10478887, 10522732, 10566451, 1039013

Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch

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 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 actual transmission gear selection may not align.A complete loss of shift function can occur when the core wire fractures and fails fully.The failure data supports that the problem affects subject vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. Aura vehicles manufactured with other transmission types use a different shift cable assembly, as do four speed equipped Aura's manufactured after October 31, 2007.Transmission shift cable failure can cause multiple shift function failure modes.One involves an engine no-start condition where the gear shifter is in the park position but the transmission is actually in drive or reverse gear (engine starting is inhibited in this circumstance).A second involves non-powered vehicle movement where the driver turns the engine off and moves the shifter to park but the transmission fails to engage the park gear; the vehicle may roll away if the driver exits without setting the park brake.A third involves powered vehicle movements, where the driver moves the gearshift but the transmission fails to engage the intended gear, and the engine remains running.For instance the driver can shift to park but the transmission may remain in drive or reverse, resulting in vehicle movement when the driver does not expect it.Another failure involves the driver shifting to reverse but the transmission remains in drive, resulting in the vehicle moving in a direction opposite to that the driver intended.Another failure mode results in complete loss of shifting.Both NHTSA and GM have received complaints alleging one or more of these failure scenarios, and in some cases consumers report experiencing multiple problems over the course of several drive cycles.In one incident, the vehicle unexpectedly moved forward after the driver placed the gear selector in park resulting in the vehicle striking a fixed object (porch railing).Among the crashes identified above, nine involved property damage and two involved minor injuries when the vehicles rolled and struck the driver as they exited the vehicle.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10274914, 10404010, 10432953, 10446285, 10458417, 10495979, 10547333, 10354195 , 10404496, 10435560, 10447211, 10461922, 10498567, 10547683, 10374834, 10405577, 10435633, 10447303, 10464207, 10513116, 10553840, 10378975, 10409341, 10435653, 10449759, 10464388, 10513875, 10554335, 10382559, 10411913, 10435677, 10452089, 10467958, 10516001, 10565628, 10383044, 10412157, 10435996, 10452662, 10478887, 10522732, 10566451, 1039013