2008 Saturn Aura Problems: 8 Known Issues

On the 2007-2009 Saturn Aura 3.6L V6 (LY7), the early GM 3.6L high-feature V6 (used in Aura XR) is prone to premature timing chain stretch, sometimes appearing as early as 50,000-100,000 miles. As the chains wear, camshaft-to-crankshaft timing drifts out of spec, setting correlation codes and eventually causing rough running, reduced power, and potential engine damage if ignored. A cold-start rattle is a common early warning sign.

On the 2007-2009 Saturn Aura 3.6L V6 (LY7), the 3.6L V6 Auras are reported to throw misfire codes, frequently as a downstream symptom of the stretched timing chains but also from worn ignition coils/spark plugs. Owners experience rough idle, hesitation, and a check engine light. P0300 with cylinder-specific misfire codes is common.

On the 2007-2009 Saturn Aura 2.4L I4 Ecotec, auras with the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder (the Green Line hybrid from 2007, and the XE four-cylinder from 2008) can develop high oil consumption as they age, often attributed to worn piston oil-control rings allowing oil past the rings into the combustion chamber. Owners report burning roughly a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles, which can lead to low-oil conditions and engine wear if not monitored. This is a known weakness across the GM 2.4L Ecotec family.

On the 2008-2009 Saturn Aura, the electric power steering (EPS) system on certain 2008-2009 Auras can suddenly lose assist while driving due to a faulty torque sensor or EPS motor/controller. Drivers reported the steering going heavy without warning, sometimes mid-turn, greatly increasing steering effort at low speeds. GM was criticized for being slow to recall the affected Saturn cars.

On the 2007-2010 Saturn Aura, on Auras with the 4-speed automatic, the locking tabs on the shift cable end fitting can fracture and separate (recall 12V460000, 2007-2010), and on 2007 and some 2008 cars a torn cable jacket can let moisture corrode the steel inner wires until the cable breaks (recall 14V224000). When this happens, the gear indicator may show 'Park' (or the wrong gear) while the transmission is actually still in Drive, Reverse, or Neutral, and the driver may be unable to shift to Park or remove the key. This created a serious vehicle rollaway hazard and was linked to multiple crashes and injuries. It is the single most-documented and safety-critical defect on the Aura, addressed by two NHTSA recalls.

On the 2007-2008 Saturn Aura, first-generation Auras (especially 2007) are widely reported to warp their front brake rotors prematurely, producing steering-wheel and front-end shimmy under braking. Owners report rotors warping within a few thousand miles and needing repeated resurfacing or replacement, in some cases every 10,000 miles. Some owners say dealers blamed the rotor material, though others were told it was not a factory defect; no GM bulletin or recall was found.

On the 2007-2010 Saturn Aura, increased resistance can develop in the Body Control Module (BCM) electrical connection on 2007-2010 Auras, causing voltage fluctuations. This can affect exterior lighting (including brake lights), electronic stability control, vehicle speed control (cruise), and related systems, creating intermittent electrical faults. It was significant enough to prompt a safety recall.

On the 2007-2009 Saturn Aura, auras commonly throw EVAP emissions faults, most often from a stuck-open or failing canister purge solenoid/valve (and sometimes a clogged charcoal canister or faulty fuel-tank pressure sensor). The result is a persistent check engine light and potential emissions-test failure. The gas cap is worth checking first but is usually not the cause of the P0496 flow-during-non-purge code.