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:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
79,657 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2007 Saturn Aura Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #43

Sep 042015

Aura

  • 54,000 miles

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

Due to sudden loss of engine power, I nearly avoided a collision from oncoming traffic. This occurred while turning left at an intersection with regular traffic from an airport. The engine timing chain required replacement, which was rather costly. GM special coverage adjustment bulletin #11340C covers some but -conspicuously- not all GM vehicles with the same 3.6L engine for up to 10 years. I strongly feel that unexpected loss of engine power (due to worn timing chain or any other issue) in the middle of oncoming traffic is a safety issue. I don't understand why all vehicles with the same defective engine / timing chain are not being proactively repaired by GM.

- Waunakee, WI, USA

problem #42

Oct 032015

Aura

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While at a busy intersection and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After restarting the engine, the traction control and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The VIN was not available.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #41

Sep 162015

Aura

  • 99,707 miles
Vehicle has a timing chain problem, throwing a P0017 trouble code. My make, model and engine are included in GM special policy 11340A, covering the specific issue of a bad timing chain. This diagnosis was confirmed by a GM dealership. The dealership and GM refuse to cover my vehicle in any way. My vehicle cannot pass my Ohio E-check and runs rough, with running condition deteriorating.

- Tallmadge, OH, USA

problem #40

Jun 102015

Aura

  • 43,000 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 upon pressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was not able to replicate and diagnose the failure. The contact stated that the failure progressed and the traction control service warning light illuminated along with an additional warning lamp. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

- Ashburn, VA, USA

problem #39

Jun 182015

Aura 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While driving at approximately 60 mph, the service traction module light illuminated and the engine stalled. The contact merged to the side of the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 8/10/15 the consumer stated before merging to the side of the highway, the engine stalled and cut off. The consumer was almost rear-ended by a semi truck. Updated 11/31/2015

- Haines, FL, USA

problem #38

Jan 012015

Aura 6-cyl

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While driving at 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle took a longer distance to stop. The service traction light illuminated and engine power reduced was displayed across the message board. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the service traction module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000. Updated 8/10/15 the consumer stated the engine stalled while driving on the highway. Updated 08/20/15

- Haines City , FL, USA

problem #37

Jun 012015

Aura

  • 114,000 miles

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

'07 Aura xr. Purchased mid-January. Check engine light has been on since I bought it, with no issues other than an exhaust leak at the flex pipe. Started noticing loss of power on acceleration, attributed it to dirty injectors/bad fuel. Put in injector cleaner and premium fuel, car would not start. Finally started and took off only to have same issue, but now worse. Car would almost stall when accelerating from dead stop, have to keep accelerator pinned to the floor when starting, rough idle when running. Next step, replaced spark plugs. Did not fix problem, but still needed replacing. Checked codes: P0016 and P0017 (crankshaft position vs. Intake camshaft position correlation bank 1 fault). Have not taken to dealer to have assessed, but from everything I have read this is a stretched timing chain. Recall #11340C with special coverage for every other GM vehicle with the same problem, but not this one. What a joke. Would rather take the $2K-4K required for the repair and spend it on a competitor vehicle.

- Chesterfield, MI, USA

problem #36

Sep 262014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 145,619 miles
I was stopped one evening on my home from dinner when my car would not shift and had to make arrangements to get car to the dealership for the second costly repair...then six months later I received a special coverage letter in the mail. I had followed the process through the dealership for reimbursement and never so quickly got turned down due to the mileage at the time of repair. Prior to 2009, this transmission had issues caused by a very weak 3,5, R wave plate, which made this transmission prone to failure in GM products. Updated wave plates were released for many clutches in 6T70. The old design wave plates weren't stress relieved and could break with use. The updated wave plates are available. First course of action was a tsb number: Pip-4327A owners of 2007-2009 Saturn Aura and outlook, and 2008-2009 Saturn vue equipped with the 6T70/75 6-speed automatic transmission may experience no reverse and slip/flare/harsh shifts in 3rd and/or 5th gear. Codes P0776 clutch pressure control (pc) solenoid 2 stuck off and P0842 transmission fluid pressure 14404A " special coverage adjustment " transmission clutch wave plate I am requesting a recall due to having defective parts...knowingly and waiting until consumers/customers were over the mileage to get out of any type of reimbursement that is due to them. I have never been so disappointed with GM customer service and repeating the same answer back to me every time knowingly that my car repair was due to defective parts....I followed the steps and nothing...as if this is all made up. The incident date above was the replacement of the wave plate, piston and spring, reaction gear etc. I have spoke with [xxx] at GM customer service many times and like I have told her I 'm not going away anytime soon. Sincerely, [xxx] 'information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Camden, OH, USA

problem #35

May 062015

Aura 6-cyl

  • 55,503 miles
I was having an inspection and was informed that there was a problem with my camshaft correlation. They determined that the timing chain has stretched and needs to be replaced for $2000 dollars this is the same engine as other vehicles that have been repaired under service 11340C why is this engine not covered.

- Pawling, NY, USA

problem #34

Mar 182015

Aura 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
Remote start failed to turn over engine only signaled headlights to flash. Upon starting car with key in ignition the service engine illuminated and has not turned off to this day. Was able to bring into local Chevrolet service dept for recall 13036 for brake lamp malfunction and have diagnostic on service engine light on May 6th 2015. Dealer states current code of P0017 and history codes P2070 and P0019. Dealer claims cause is a stretched timing chain and worn guides and wants an engine tear down to replace timing chain, guides, covers and examine camshaft timing. Estimated cost is $3271 and 2-3 days to repair. Current mileage is 100,877 and manufacturer is refusing to cover any part of the repair. I have been researching this repair and seen complaint after complaint in regards to this engines timing chain failing. Complaints range over a series of makes, models, and engines and appears to be a known issue on General Motors part for years and there has been no recalls or corrective actions. I also have an issue with the passenger air bag sensor intermittently turning off the passenger air bag while an adult is sitting in the seat. I was informed by the dealer that this is caused by a failing sensor inside the passenger seat.the seat would need to be removed and disassembled to replace the sensor an appx $800 repair. Again another common complaint and repair the manufacturer is refusing to cover. My car is regularly maintained with records available. I can not afford to pay $4000 in repairs that should not need to be repaired at consumers cost. These serious conditions need to be addressed by General Motors and possible recalls issued. It's sad that the manufacturer dumps their consumers once they cease production of a brand or model. Please investigate and advise us unfortunate owners.

- Orlando , FL, USA

problem #33

Feb 062015

Aura

  • miles

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

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 #32

Oct 302013

Aura 6-cyl

  • 86,000 miles
The vehicle's engine shuts off while in the "on" position and moving. The electrical stays on, just no engine power and no warning lights. Worst of all, can not recreate the problem. It can happen a couple of times in a week or it can go months before it happens again. Went to two different mechanics & neither one can re-create the problem. You lose the engine, power brakes, & power steering and the car is still coasting along. Like trying to a fly a plane with no propeller. Since the car is coming into or going out of a "stop" position, you can be traveling through an intersection after coming from a "stop" lose the engine, & now you are stuck in the intersection. Action is to roll to a stop without getting hit. Put the car in "park". turn the switch to the "off" position even though the engine is already off & restart. Approximately 10 times (+) this has happened since Oct. '13. The car isn't on the GM recall so they won't look at it. They want a mechanic to find the problem, but a mechanic can't recreate the problem. The dealership doesn't want anything to do with it. I believe this is the 2nd time I have filed this complaint, it has happened more since the 1st time. This is a GM Saturn Aura. The ignition recall is only for Saturn ion. I have no idea what to do. All I want is a safe vehicle. Until today's event, is the car wants to stall/shut off before it does. So you get a warning that the car will shut off. Helps prepare for the inevitable stall + gives me a chance to record the stall. I have at least two videos of it occurring. The norm has been, coming into or out of a "stop" position: 1) wants to shut off but doesn't, 2) very shortly thereafter at a "stop" position - the engine will shut off, and 3) restart the car, 4) (not always) shuts off again at another "stop" very shortly thereafter, and 5) not happen again for some random period of time.

- Oxford, CT, USA

problem #31

Mar 042015

Aura

  • 113,000 miles
As I am driving all of a sudden the car cuts and reduced engine power comes on and traction service and then it won't go above 25 mph but starts at 5 mph and slowly goes up and shakes I have gone to GM dealer and other auto shops and they can't find the problem it's dangerous because it could lead to a re ending with my daughter in back and cause a crash. I have seen more people with this problem and they need to figure it out because someone could get hurt.

- Lino Lakes , MN, USA

problem #30

Nov 212014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
Engine light came on and then went off the same day. Engine light came on again a few weeks later. Took it for service, said it might be because an oil change was needed but if light came on again it was likely the timing chain and I should take it to the dealer. Light was on immediately after service and the service traction light came on at the same time (this was the first time that light came on). Took it to dealer and they confirmed it is the timing chain. Going to cost about $2700 and 2-3 days to fix. Not sure why this model wasn't recalled when the 2007 Saturn outlook was recalled for the exact same part.

- Phoenixville, PA, USA

problem #29

Jun 162012

Aura

  • 104,354 miles
My car engine would not stop running or turn-off at all with a key, without a key driver not able to stop the car at all.

- Cedar Knolls, NJ, USA

problem #28

May 052014

Aura

  • miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the check engine and traction warning lights illuminated. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). However, the part needed was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

- Hayward, CA, USA

problem #27

Oct 312013

Aura 6-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
The coolant crossover pipe started leaking serious antifreeze. I had it repaired in November of 2013 just to have it start leaking again a few months later. I need to have it repaired again but mechanic told me it was possible a flaw in the metal design from the manufacture not allowing the pipe to seal properly. I have contacted Saturn twice, once last year and then again a few weeks ago and they won't admit fault. I have done some research on this and it was a serious problem with the GM 3.5 motors on Buick, Chevy, Pontiac and others to numerous to list. They were aware of this problem and only put out a service bulletin. My most recent estimated is $1110 and last year I paid 430. This needs to be stopped from GM getting away with this.

- Windsor, WI, USA

problem #26

Oct 312013

Aura 6-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
The coolant crossover pipe started leaking serious antifreeze. I had it repaired in November of 2013 just to have it start leaking again a few months later. I need to have it repaired again but mechanic told me it was possible a flaw in the metal design from the manufacture not allowing the pipe to seal properly. I have contacted Saturn twice, once last year and then again a few weeks ago and they won't admit fault. I have done some research on this and it was a serious problem with the GM 3.5 motors on Buick, Chevy, Pontiac and others to numerous to list. They were aware of this problem and only put out a service bulletin. My most recent estimated is $1110 and last year I paid 430. This needs to be stopped from GM getting away with this.

- Windsor, WI, USA

problem #25

Mar 012014

Aura

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. While driving various speeds, the vehicle vibrated violently and the service check engine indicator illuminated. The failure recurred periodically. The dealer stated that the power train, crank shaft, and drive axle transfer case needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Richmond, CA, USA

problem #24

Apr 252014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
I've had my 2007 Aura since March 2013, never had issues until a year later in April 2014. I noticed when I got out of my car that my back break lights were still on, when I got in to start it up, I put the car into drive out of park and it jumped-no lurched forward so hard it felt as if I had been hit from the back. I had to slam my foot on the break to keep from running into the car parked in front of me! than comes July 2014 I receive a notice that my Aura is part of a recall #13036 which relates to the (BCM)-body control module, the (bas)-break apply sensor and the (ecs)-electronic stability control. All in which affects the issues I'm having at this very moment. Now as of a week ago (Aug 2014) my check engine light is on and my auto start is no longer working! I've called Saturn about me not feeling safe in my vehicle and what is the status on the parts coming in and all I'm told is that there is no set time when that will be. On top of that I'm told I may have to pay out of pocket for a diagnostic test and or repairs to my car to find out what is going on! I am a very dissatisfied customer. I just want my car fixed asap!!!! these are serious and can be dangerous issues!! this is my only vehicle and I must take myself and my child back and forth each and everyday.

- Bedford Heights, OH, USA

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