CarComplaints.com Notes: The Saturn Aura was a mid-size car meant to replace the somewhat problematic L-Series. Unfortunately, the Aura brought its own problems: namely cheap brake parts that needed early replacement and a gear shifter that could say it’s in park while the transmission was still engaged.

Brake problems, including uneven wear and warped rotors that cause the car to wobble, are common complaints from 2007 owners. Did GM use metal for its rotors that can’t stand the heat? That’s what some say, and it’s hard to argue when reports show that rotors could start to warp as early as 500 miles off the dealer lot.

Meanwhile, a busted gear shifter cable lead to some unwanted rollaways. That’s because the shifter could say “Park” while the transmission was still in drive, reverse or neutral. A defect investigation into the issue was opened in 2011, eventually leading to a recall of 56,000 vehicles in 2014.

8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$550
Average Mileage:
28,150 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace rotors and calipers (3 reports)
  2. replace brakes (2 reports)
  3. not sure (1 reports)
  4. repair calipers (1 reports)
2007 Saturn Aura brakes problems

brakes problem

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2007 Saturn Aura Owner Comments

problem #7

Mar 012011

Aura LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had to replace brakes on all 4 wheels (pads, calipers and rotors) at only 30,000 miles and car was kept in a garage during nights and when not driven. That is ridiculous. What the heck kind of piece of crap parts is GM using?

- mblair, Toledo, OH, US

problem #6

Oct 152010

Aura XE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,400 miles

I have been to the dealer of the now defunct Saturn three times for rotors and brakes wearing prematurely. The first time was around 18000 miles when the front ones went. Replaced under warranty as they were deemed defective. Second set went this year in April (back ones this time) and they were again replaced under warranty deemed defective as well. Lo and behold here I am at 39400 miles and the front ones are in need of repair again. So let's see this averages out to a new set of brakes and rotors every 13000 miles? Saturn won't cover them as the regular waranty ran out, the extended doesn't cover rotors and they don't see a correlation between previous rotor problems and this one which is the exact same problem. They said I am "abusing" my car. This is stated by GM, who I called directly. Hmm GM not making Saturn doesn't care washes it's hands of the warped defective parts they left us with.

Now I have no recourse but to call the Attorney General, BBB or get a lawyer. SATURN and GM are AWFUL and shame on them for leaving us in the cold!!!!!!! Any other suggestions? Looks like a few of us have this same problem. UGH!

- vpa, Folcroft, PA, US

problem #5

Sep 272010

Aura EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,644 miles

This car is nice.....but after reading these complaints and having them myself, I've decide to upgrade my pads and rotors. Staring with the back and then the fronts when I save more money. With Satrun closed down, I can only hope there are enough complaints for someone to step in and RECALL these cars. Times are toough for everyone these days but I will get rid of my Aura the frist chace I get.....

- mrmoe, Lansdale, PA, US

problem #4

Mar 172010

Aura XE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I scheduled an appointment at the Saturn Service Center (since the dealership no longer exists) for an oil change. Shortly after scheduling the appointment (had not gone yet), I felt the rear brakes grabbing and grinding. I really had not seen or heard anything at all until then. I decided I would have them check it out when I went for the oil change. When I arrived they informed me it was time for a tire rotation, so I figured they would check the brakes then. At the end of the day I received a call stating I was in bad need of new brakes (at a cost of $480); they did not mention the rotors needed replacing, but on the bill it showed that was done. I tried to call them back to tell them I would need to wait to have the repair done; when I got there, they informed me that the brakes were so bad that I should not drive it until the repair was done. They also told me the rear brakes are going out on the Aura a lot sooner than normal. I am very surprised about this situation. I love the car, but cannot afford this problem!

- Glenda R., Lexington, KY, US

problem #3

Feb 062010

Aura XE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

I have had this car in the shop multiple times. First we were driving pretty close until Saturn closed. Then we were driving about 35 miles one way on the Dallas Freeway! FUN! We have found a dealership that has been wonderful with the service. We have had to take it in multiple times but the service manager has taken good care of us.

Now I have less than 33,000 miles on my car and it started making this horrible highpitched screaching noise so I took it in. I was told it was my back brake pads, that they needed to be change and the rotors needed to be turned. Had the service manager not been so helpful and honest with us the past several times, I would not have believed him as bad as it sounds. Of course it is not under warranty and I have to pay for this to be done. I bought an extended warranty but once my 36,000 mile warranty is up it is going to cost me everytime I take it in even with the warranty. It has been in the shop almost 30 days in less than a year!!! I can't imagine what I will do her in a few thousand more miles!!

- trhuntress, Wylie, TX, US

problem #2

Nov 112009

Aura XE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,800 miles

My 2007 Aura's brakes began squeaking and grinding a long time ago, around I would say 20,000 miles.... when I called to ask about this I was told it was moisture, or some other problem that would go away. I had the car in for other warranty issues and asked them to take a look because of the noise, I was told it's all fine, not to worry. The other day I noticed the rotars were rusty, gauged down and that they seemed to start the wobbling when I made quick stops, i.e. to avoid hitting a deer. Back to the dealership I went, had to take the day off work because the dealership is far from my house and who knew how long it would take.. I was told basically to bad, so sad, yes we will take a look for 50 bucks inspection fee, IF we determine it is a warranty issue, then we will fix and you don't pay.. I found all of these complaints and realized nobody else was getting it paid out of warranty so I told them to forget it and I would go another route. First I MUST have these repaired to make the car safe, so I will do this thru a private mechanic.. but SATURN SHOULD BE TAKING A LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM.. THE BACK BRAKES SHOULD NOT BE WEARING OUT TO THIS LEVEL BEFORE THE FRONT ONES EVEN SHOW WEAR AND TEAR. I AM SO FRUSTRATED THAT I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE MY CAR THRU THE WINDOW OF THE DEALERSHIP AND TELL THEM THEY LIED TO ME ABOUT BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. THESE BRAKES HAVE A PROBLEM, IT IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR... IT IS CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID, WARPED ROTORS, OR CHEAP MADE PARTS.. BUT NOT WEAR AND TEAR. BEWARE PEOPLE!

- Tammy W., Olivet, MI, US

problem #1

Jul 282009

Aura XE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,568 miles

Rear brakes ONLY??? The San Jose Saturn dealer suggested over $550 worth of repairs including new rotors, pads and calipers. I was shocked to hear that none of this is covered by warranty. The service rep said "normal wear & tear". I have been to 4 certified repair shops, and they all say that something is very wrong with Saturn with only 17,500 miles to have that much wear.

I intend to follow up with letters of concern to Saturn Corp office with cc: to general manager at the dealership. This is the first real problem I'v had with the 5 Saturns I've owned over the years. Maybe Small Claims Court will get Saturn's attention.

- mullaly, San Jose, CA, US

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