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.
I wouldn't normally go through the hassle of registering to an Online site, however my hopes are that there exist sufficient consumer complaints to warrant dealer (now defunct) action. With only 28,000 miles, I've had to change the brakes twice. The second time I've upgraded to ceramic pads because of longevity - not with this car, however!!!!! Moreover, I purchased these more expensive brakes because they came with a lifetime wear-out warranty. I know brakes wear out, however if these wear out, simple return the brakes for an exchange. It's worked well for me before with other vehicles (during their lifetime). However, the auto parts store won't honor the warranty because their records suggest that if their ceramic brakes wore out within a year, than there must be mechanical issues with the brakes and NOT the brake pads. Therefore, warranty void! So, with Saturn belly up, and the auto parts store not honoring the brake pads warranty, I've got to drop another $80, and hour or so to do something that shouldn't need to be done for another 30,000 miles or so! We love our Saturn, but the brake issue is driving me nuts - no pun intended! Lastly, the wear on the rotors is so uneven. Each and every rotor has a different wear pattern to them. My wife drives the car. She averaging less than 6,000 miles a year in the flat part of San Francisco. She drives very conservatively, being a mild-manner psychiatrist (shrink : ) My point to all this is - the only thing that can attribute to such premature and uneven wear is the vehicle/brakes themselves. This rant session felt good, now I'm off to change them damn brakes again!
At the time, I just though I was cause of lack of the car being driven. The deler treated well...so I payed no attention to this becoming a big problem.
- mrmoe,
Lansdale, PA, US
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I wouldn't normally go through the hassle of registering to an Online site, however my hopes are that there exist sufficient consumer complaints to warrant dealer (now defunct) action. With only 28,000 miles, I've had to change the brakes twice. The second time I've upgraded to ceramic pads because of longevity - not with this car, however!!!!! Moreover, I purchased these more expensive brakes because they came with a lifetime wear-out warranty. I know brakes wear out, however if these wear out, simple return the brakes for an exchange. It's worked well for me before with other vehicles (during their lifetime). However, the auto parts store won't honor the warranty because their records suggest that if their ceramic brakes wore out within a year, than there must be mechanical issues with the brakes and NOT the brake pads. Therefore, warranty void! So, with Saturn belly up, and the auto parts store not honoring the brake pads warranty, I've got to drop another $80, and hour or so to do something that shouldn't need to be done for another 30,000 miles or so! We love our Saturn, but the brake issue is driving me nuts - no pun intended! Lastly, the wear on the rotors is so uneven. Each and every rotor has a different wear pattern to them. My wife drives the car. She averaging less than 6,000 miles a year in the flat part of San Francisco. She drives very conservatively, being a mild-manner psychiatrist (shrink : ) My point to all this is - the only thing that can attribute to such premature and uneven wear is the vehicle/brakes themselves. This rant session felt good, now I'm off to change them damn brakes again!
- Dave M., San Francisco, CA, US