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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,359 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Saturn Aura brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2007 Saturn Aura:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2007 Saturn Aura Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #61

Nov 172016

Aura

  • 85,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the exterior brake lights failed to illuminate and an abnormal noise was heard after the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was remedied per NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #60

Sep 202007

Aura

  • 150 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. When the vehicle was started, the ESC and brake indicators illuminated. The contact also stated that the air bag indicator flashed on and off. The dealer diagnosed that the harness needed to be weathered. The contact did not remember the second part that the dealer replaced. The failures recurred every year since 2007, at the onset of winter. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 150.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #59

May 142016

Aura

  • 148,500 miles
Takata recall the ECM light was on the brake lights stay on when car is on and when applying the brakes the brake lights go out. It his difficult to move the shifter from park to another gear. I have this car for 2 years and every time I check there is no recall on my car. The air bag light on passenger side comes and goes all the time.

- Spout Spring, VA, USA

problem #58

Sep 012014

Aura

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Spring City, TN, USA

problem #57

Oct 122015

Aura 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the brakes locked randomly without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake booster and the master cylinder needed to be replaced. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 06/29/16

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #56

Feb 062015

Aura

  • miles
I own a 2007 Saturn Aura xr I bought in 2008. It has 69,600 miles and the service engine light is illuminated. I was told I needed a timing chain replacement for $2400 because it had stretched. I have since found out that GM has a special coverage adjustment #11340C on the 2007 Saturn outlook and numerous other vehicles, for the same issue. My engine code is LY7, same as the outlook and other vehicles. Additionally I've already had 1 recall on this vehicle for a brake light issue, just got a notice of a transmission issue, and I'm on my third set of complete brakes in just 69,600 miles and I need all new brakes again. Rotors are warped after10 to 15,000 miles! also the "service traction" light keeps illuminating periodically for no apparent reason. I'm getting no answers or help from GM or it's dealers.

- Merrimack, NH, USA

problem #55

Mar 192015

Aura

  • 78,500 miles

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

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While driving approximately 25 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the third brake light failed to illuminate. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control); however, the failure recurred two days later. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 78,500.

- Auburn, NH, USA

problem #54

Jan 282015

Aura

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), the brake warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

- Brookesville, FL, USA

problem #53

Nov 032014

Aura

  • 103,622 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the brake and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the instrument cluster failed when attempting to change gears. In addition, the rear passenger door lock failed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic and vehicle speed control) and 14V224000 (power train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,622.

- Greenbay, WI, USA

problem #52

Oct 132014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 108,500 miles
The master cylinder failure due to rod shifting and locked up front right brake. Burnt up the caliper, brake pads and over heated brake rotor. May have also caused brake fluid to overheat. Dealer charged for brake pads, caliper, machining of rotors, installation, etc. They misdiagnosed the ABS hydraulic pump (which I also had to purchase) before ultimately replacing faulty master cylinder.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #51

Sep 212014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 143,500 miles

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

Since purchased issue with steering, had alignment before purchase but steering is just simply off. The cruise works when want and scare me when pick up speed goes too fast. We were in a group following one another and person behind me said my brake lights were not working. They were working backwards, when not applying brake, brake light was on, when applied brake lights on. There was mechanic in group he checked, said could be wiring and take to dealer. When put on signal have to hold and when it does work have to cut off. I would really enjoy this car, but do have some issues. Looked up recalls had nine, called dealership only 2 came up, but one had to do with brakes. New or used look up recalls before you make a purchase.

- Graham, NC, USA

problem #50

Aug 112014

Aura 6-cyl

  • miles
I have not 1 but 2 recalls on my 2007 Aura Saturn. The one in concern is the brake apply sensor which causes the service brake lamp malfunction. When I apply my brake the lights do not illuminate and when I do not apply the brakes the brake lights go on. I have been almost rear ended twice in the past week due to my break lights not illuminating. I have also been yelled at by the drivers who have almost hit me because they think my break lights are not working - which they are right. I have called GM to no avail. They tell me they are waiting for the part to be made and there is nothing they can do. I received my recall notice in July 2014 and it is now August 13, 2014 and still they can not tell me when the part will even be available. So every day I put myself in danger and risk my life only to find out that GM does not seem to be concerned. I wonder if it were their child behind the wheel if they would feel the same way"?????" I will never buy another GM product and will put my story on facebook for all to see so they are aware.

- Wakarusa, IN, USA

problem #49

Jul 292014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 141,000 miles
I was coming to a street to make a left hand turn and the car behind did not realize I was turning because as I applied my brakes the brake light turned off instead of coming on. I have come to realize that my brake lights are on when driving and when I apply the brake then the brake light is off. A car behind stopped and told me of the incident and only slowed down because he saw my turn signal was on. This incident could of lead to a serious rear ending accident and could of even caused a death. I did notice at the time of the incident the electronic stability control light was on.

- Salem , NH, USA

problem #48

Oct 232008

Aura

  • miles
I own a 2007 Saturn Aura. The mileage is approximately 132K. I have multiple brake issues I have replaced the brakes 4 times since I bought the vehicle brand new in 2007. The dealership has told me that with this mileage the average would have been to replace the brakes two times and that four times was unheard of. I request that an investigation be done on this situation. I see from other posting that I'm not the only one with this problem.

- Walnut Cove, NC, USA

problem #47

Jan 012014

Aura

  • 13,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the brake lights would remain illuminated. The contact also mentioned that when the brake pedal was applied, the brake light would fail to illuminate. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) however, the part to perform the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 13,000. Updated 9/4/14

- Dillon, SC, USA

problem #46

Jul 072014

Aura 6-cyl

  • miles
Received 2 recall notices, recall # 14152; and recall # 13036. Recall# 14152, has been replaced I'm assuming. My concern is that my vehicle accelerates at an higher speed than what I'm driving, the RPM dial shoots up to 5 or 6 on the RPM dial then gradually go down to 1. when I am at an complete stop, my vehicle is slow about accelerating, which can be scary because people behind me are driving faster than I'm moving, then all of a sudden my vehicle accelerates at a higher speed than I'm driving. I pray that this recall will resolve this issue I am an 65 year old lady, with 2 grandchildren that I take on different events. I'm concerned about an potential safety default in my vehicle could cause an fatal accident to myself or someone else especially my grandchildren. This letter is notice to you of my concern driving this vehicle. I can't purchase another car I'm on an fixed income. Thank you. Oh by the way recall #13036 is not in stock yet, I'm waiting for part to come in.I pray it will come in before my car breakdown permanently.

- Gurnee, IL, USA

problem #45

Mar 172014

Aura

  • 126,622 miles
Brake lights do not come on all the time when brakes are applied. Brake lights come on when brakes are not applied. Cruise control shuts off when brake lights come on randomly. Called GM and they claim to know nothing about it.have taken to local GM dealership 3 times. 1st time they replaced brake pedal position switch(did not correct problem)2nd time replaced 2 bulbs that were "dim"(did not correct problem)3rd time applied dielectric lubricant to bas connector, still not fixed.why is there a recall for this on motortrend website dated 5/14/2014 but GM and their dealers play dumb"how can people get this fixed"

- Mansfield, MA, USA

problem #44

May 152012

Aura 6-cyl

  • 37,000 miles
We bought the vehicle used in 2012, with approx. 37K miles on it. Within 50 miles, we realized the brakes had an issue & took it back to the Chevy dealer, who did the repairs free of charge. Since that time, we have had to replace/repair the brakes (specifically the rotors) 3 times- approx. Every 10K miles, as the vehicle now sits at 63K miles. I understand brake pad wear- but replacing the *rotors* that often is ridiculous and expensive. Something is causing the rotors to warp, either poor quality materials or a problem with the hydraulics causing uneven braking- please investigate & start a recall!

- Lynnwood, WA, USA

problem #43

Apr 022013

Aura 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
Had brakes change the first time under warranty for faulty brake pads. Same thing with the brakes in about a little over a year. Power steering whines and leaks somewhere. No power steering. And now wheel bearing hubs humming and bad. Went to dealer for brakes they replace both times but not without a fight. Told them I believe both wheel bearing are bad only replace one. And know other one is worse then before. And also told them power steering was not good they told me it was the braking not the steering. Also I had told the tires lost air the replaced one of the tire sensors because of manufacture defect. Now have problem with the other ones. And now all is not covered under warranty. Everything I told the dealership and they denied is what needs to be replaced.

- South Boardman, MI, USA

problem #42

Mar 052011

Aura 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
The first time I noticed my brake lights illuminated when I didn't have my foot on the brake was while driving on the garden state parkway. I was passing through the toll booth and began to accelerate when I noticed through my rearview mirror that my brake lights were on. I stepped on the break and the went off. I must say because feared it would be a costly fix I ignored it for a long time until I saw another Saturn Aura with the same issue. I drove behind the elderly woman until we both at a traffic light and I pulled along side her to inform her of what I saw. I also told her my car was doing the same thing. She thanked me for telling her a drove off. I took my car to a mechanic who told me he did believe it was a electrical problem but could be absolutely sure until he was able to keep the car for the day. Again not really in a position to fix what may be costly, I continued to drive. Finally I was stopped by another motorist and he explained that while driving behind me he noticed the brake lights came on but as we approached the traffic light which was red I slowed down( stepping on the brake) and the light went off until I was at a full stop and my foot was pressed firmly on the break then the break light come back on. As soon as I saw the recall I called my local GM dealer right away and told them what was happening with my brakes and the fact that when I try to move my gear out of park into drive I sometimes have to force it because it seems stuck.they said they would check to see if my car was included in the recall. Well what do you know its not. This I find very hard to believe, that my car would be doing almost exactly what was described in two recalls but my car(based on my VIN#) is not included. I believe GM is tying to minimize their responsibility for the repair of the cars they willing sold knowing they had issues.

- Mays Landing, NJ, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?