Transmission Failure

2007 Saturn Aura

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Saturn dealer.

CarComplaints.com Seal Of This Might Hurt

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
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,900
Average Mileage:
84,000 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. rebuilt transmission (2 reports)
2007 Saturn Aura transmission problems

transmission problem

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2007 Saturn Aura Owner Comments

problem #6

Mar 162016

Aura XR V6 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,100 miles

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

On March 16, 2016, my Saturn Aura XR check engine light came on AGAIN at 81,160 Miles. I drove vehicle to my local GM dealer Service Advisor, indicated the diagnosis code as P0777 –Transmission Control Module & Transmission Lines need replacement. Repair Cost $ 1858.68 On March 29, 2016, I went to pick up car. Drove car 2 miles and returned to Dealer. Spoke to Service Supervisor, he test-drove vehicle. I stated steering was tight & harder to move. He stated, little tight but ok. I stated that the Engine was laboring, whistling, & rattling. When down shifting transmission squeals and not engaging. Service Supervisor stated it takes about 1,000-2,000 miles before the New Transmission Control reprograms itself. It will do that. Really?

In February 2016, I replaced timing chains, bushings, & tensioners for second time in 2 1/2 years for $2,600. The certified warrantable GM replacement parts are defective.

After just spending another $1,858.68 to replace the Transmission Control module & lines. The car drives WORSE than before repairs & is dangerous to drive. I was told to wait another 1,000-2,000 thousand miles and it will drive better. Really?

My Saturn Aura XR is well maintained & has 81,000 miles. This engine is defective straight out of the factory. Today I was told by my Dealership it is filing a letter of indemnity to General Motors waving liability.

I am seeking mediation/arbitration between General Motors and myself. Alleging the Engine/Transmission and replacement parts (Timing chains, Transmission Control Module & Lines) and parts are warrantable by the manufacturer (General Motors). The certified GM Engine & Parts have inherent non-conformities and defects in materials and workmanship. Also Requesting General Motors honor the 10 year or 100,000 engine/transmission warranty and to repair/ replace this defective engine. Or simply reimburse my $ 4,500 for unnecessary repairs. This engine is a Dangerous.

- relindenau, Rochester, NY, US

problem #5

Aug 312014

Aura XR 3.6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

Transmission went out at 135000 miles, 90% of which are no traffic highway miles. Car wouldn't shift out of 1st gear and shuddered when put in reverse. Later on that day lost reverse completely tried to drive to shop and lost all gears. Eventually had to call a tow truck. Got quoted 3200 for a rebuilt transmission with 90000 miles or 3600 for a new one with 3yr/100000 mile warranty.

- Brian S., Bloomington, IL, US

problem #4

Jul 062014

Aura XR 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,950 miles

I have a 2007 Aura XR and on July 6, I experienced slippage, hard shifting and shuddering in reverse with the transmission. Made an appointment for the following Thursday with a GM dealer to have it checked. On July 8, the problem intensified to the point where I drove it to the closest transmission shop since I wasn't close to the dealer. The transmission shop diagnosed that Reverse, 3rd and 6th gears were gone. Ended up having the car towed to my regular mechanic who was able to do the job for quite a bit less than the transmission shop.

The end result was 3-5 reverse wave broken, planetary damaged, input drum damaged, 2 EPC codes present, completely rebuilt transmission and installed new solenoid. The mileage on the car at time of service was 82950. Up until July 6, this problem did not present itself. I have owned many vehicles over the last 30+ years and have never experienced anything like this. I have enjoyed this car and had hoped to keep it for a long time. That will change soon.

- Stephanie S., Roseville, CA, US

problem #3

Feb 022010

Aura XR

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

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

This car sucks. It's a Lemon.

Transmission was ruined from basic driving. They said everything inside was completely ruined. Thanks GM. Where's my bail out?

* I've had the car for less than 3 years and 40,000 miles and put in $10,000 worth of repairs. Buy Japanese cars from now on.

- Brad C., Melbourne, FL, US

problem #2

Jun 162013

Aura XR 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Car was driving normally and fine and then would not shift past 1st gear.

- Lillie E., Pembroke Pines, FL, US

problem #1

Apr 192011

Aura XR 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,710 miles

2007 Aura Car of the year. My research and contacts said this was teh car to buy North Amercian Made Plus a call from the friendly GM CSR from HQ touting the fine quality of their product and I should be proud that it was made in the USA and not a foreign country and I was keeping the jobs in North America and supporting them. GM per my sales person had equipped it with an engine and transmission from the Cadillac CTS which I thought was a good thing since Cadillac is GM's premium brand. is it?? The car has worked well except for replacing the brakes $1000.00 the rotors were warped the dealer as usual "SUCKED" and got nme to pay no way to find a GM rep. to make things good.

As I was cruising to work after making a right hand turn the car rolled to a stop engine light came on and that was it. The car engine still running and me stepping on the accelerator to move it but to no avail. I should have have knopw something was up since I kept getting letters from GM and a call from the dealer telling me that thay had a great trade in deal for me. Dummy me for not reading something into it. Of course the minor irritating issue of the gas gauge fluctuating from full to 3/4 and back to full which I did not even bother with.

In closing I needed a car I thought support my local GM North America which now has closed the Saturn division in Canada has closed dealers but has not been able to convince the and train the local GM dealer that customers come first at least the one I am obliged to work with. Of course in hind sight when others told me beware as your warranty starts to run out your Saturn/GM will be start to stop running but I laughed “Now Who Is Laughing at Me”.

My major beef is that the dealer I bought the car from just a block north of Steeles on Yonge has not mastered the art of customer satisfaction. Even Today Of course I am obliged to rent a GM vechile froom the rental company which has givem me a gas guzzler. Way to go GM

In closing "Lessorn Learnt"

- Ernie F., Vaughn, Ontario, Canada

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