10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
101,290 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.

2009 Saturn Aura steering problems

steering problem

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2009 Saturn Aura Owner Comments (Page 7 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #78

Feb 052016

Aura

  • 148,000 miles

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

I have a 2009 Saturn Aura xr, I was driving to get on the freeway going about 40-45mph then the light can on saying "ESC traction" "engine power reduce" the car started to lose power and the brakes felt really tight. I tried to accelerate but it wouldn't go no faster than 30mph. I exited the freeway parked the car turned if off and turned it back on. When I turned it back on the same problem "ESC traction" "engine power reduce" and the check engine light was on, the car was on parked position and the car started to jolt forward. I had to wait for about 1-2 hours before the car was back to itself but this time it felt different driving it. The car felt like it was accelerating too quickly and I wasn't going no more than 15mph. This has happened 3 times in the past month. Is there a recall on this car because its unsafe to drive not knowing when the 'ESC traction" "engine power reduce" lights will come on again.

- East Palo Alto, CA, USA

problem #77

Apr 092015

Aura

  • 135,000 miles
My hope is that GM will offer an extended warranty to subsidize me for some, if not all, of the cost to repair my vehicle - estimated by feldman Chevrolet @ $1,350. Prior to setting up the service appointment with feldman Chevrolet, I was informed by a GM representative (named casey) that if my vehicle issues, after being formerly diagnosed by GM dealer, were consistent with the problems covered under the extended warranty, my vehicle might very well be covered. I'm still awaiting a call back from casey after having called last week. My power steering problems began in April 2015 when I had approximately 135,000 miles on the vehicle. At that time the power steering would intermittently fail when starting the vehicle but I could always fix the problem by simply shutting off the engine and restarting. This problem would re-occur about once every other month over the next nine months and I was always able to immediately resolve the problem by turning the power off and restarting. It was an inconvenience but not significant enough to cause me to be alarmed or to consider a service call. In early February of this year my power steering completely failed and I can no longer fix the problem. In addition to the power steering warning light the ESC warning light is constantly on. The advisor at the dealership told me the condition wouldn't worsen so I have continued using the car. Regrettably, I received no notification from GM about this issue nor was I offered the extended warry coverage at any time in writing or otherwise. Had I been made aware of the extended warranty, in August 2015 when it was offered, I would have qualified for the extended warranty coverage and would have had the necessary repairs done.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #76

Feb 222016

Aura

  • 53,000 miles
2009 Saturn Aura. Complete loss of power steering functionality. Warning message on dashboard indicated loss of power steering.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #75

Jan 172016

Aura

  • 200,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel would seize. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

- Medina, NY, USA

problem #74

Dec 082015

Aura

  • 120,000 miles
My car pulls to the left despite having it aligned 3 times at 2 different shops. The power steering has failed completely 3 times within the last 3000 miles. Failure was noted as power steering whine followed by a blown hose or seal and loss of all fluid and power steering assistance. There is a recall #14116 for my make model and year which matches the symptoms of my problems but when contacting the manufacturer I was informed my VIN was not part of the recall.

- Loveland, OH, USA

problem #73

Sep 022015

Aura

  • 54,000 miles
My steering is super tight. I can't turn my wheel very easily. I have to use 2 full hands to make turns and I believe my power steering is effected. It seems very unsafe to me and makes me nervous like it may lock up. I've done some research and I see there are recalls on other years of this car for the exact same problem, yet my car is not falling under the recall.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #72

Sep 032015

Aura

  • 100,055 miles

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

This is the second time in the last year I lost use of my steering wheel. The first time, I was backing up and lost all control of my steering. I did not report it because there was not a warning light. Today, Sept. 3,2015 I was driving through the parking lot of the school (May 2 to 5 mph) when I lost all control of the steering. I wasn't able to turn the wheel either way, it was completely locked up. I stopped the car and turned off the ignition. After a copy of minutes, I restarted the car and it was fine. It was very scary knowing I could not control the car. I noticed older vehicles had the same issue and they had a recall. I believe the 2009 Aura should be investigated for the same recall.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #71

Aug 092015

Aura

  • 114,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. While driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle power steering failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to a service station and was diagnosed that the torque sensor assembly failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

- Chelmsford, MA, USA

problem #70

Jul 262015

Aura

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. While driving at approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road, where the steering wheel resumed normal operation after many attempts. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

- Naugatuck, CT, USA

problem #69

May 182015

Aura

  • 67,500 miles
Looses power steering on and off. Never know when there could be a serious accident. Had it diagnosed and the mechanic said it sounds like a defective part. Very costly to repair. Very dangerous. Going to attempt to get the problem resolved at the Chevy dealership in howell. Have seen thousands of other Auras on the recall list, but not this particular VIN. Vehicle came from Canada.

- Pinckney, MI, USA

problem #68

Dec 172014

Aura

  • 49,796 miles

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

Loss of power steering at intermittent times while driving. Not dependent on weather conditions - I.e. has occurred during cold and warm weather conditions, and still have intermittent problem now in warm weather. Steering becomes difficult, as power steering cuts out, and requires greater effort to control vehicle under manual steering condition, creating a safety hazard. Power steering warning light is displayed on dash once power steering is lost. Checked with dealer and GM site, no recall listed at this time, but should be.

- Willoughby, OH, USA

problem #67

Jun 022014

Aura

  • 210,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

- Patterson, CA, USA

problem #66

Mar 022015

Aura 4-cyl

  • 149,000 miles
Driving home and power steering suddenly failed making the car very difficult to steer. Pulled over to the side of the road and shut the car off. Restarted the car a few minutes later and it worked fine. This has happened many times. It happens almost every time I drive this vehicle now. GM has recalled this mode/year car for this very problem but my cars VIN number is not on their list. Why can't they repair all of the cars with this problem, rather than just a select few.

- Lake In The Hills, IL, USA

problem #65

Sep 162014

Aura 4-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
The power steering failed and a warning message appeared on the dash message. I contacted GM since this model is known to have this problem, and they said my VIN is not one that should have the issue and there are no repairs available for it. I cannot afford to replace everything on my own and I am scared of the car now. Please help!

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #64

Apr 092015

Aura

  • 145,952 miles
Traveling down the road at highway speed the power steering went out and we received a 'service power steering' message. It was discovered that the torque sensor in the steering column needed to be replaced. This was a recall on several 2009 Saturn Auras outside of my VIN number"!? why wasn't my VIN included!?!"!

- Orr, MN, USA

problem #63

Apr 092015

Aura 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,940 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel vibrated aggressively and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the torque control sensor failed. As a result, the dealer installed a sensor kit and replaced the steering shaft. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,940. Updated 5/26/15 updated 06/04/15

- Orr, MN, USA

problem #62

Apr 122015

Aura 4-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
As I pulled out of a parking lot to go left, my power steering went off. "ESC" came up in the message window, then "power steering" showed up. I could hardly turn the wheel. I pulled into a driveway, then drove home (which was only a block away). The car was difficult to turn the whole time. I parked in my garage, then wanted to check the car a few minutes later. I pulled out again then was able to steer with no problem. The notifications were gone. I rented a car for safety. When I called a dealer to ask about the recall I saw online for GM and Saturn, the receptionist told me it didn't affect my vehicle, per the VIN. I find it hard to believe that, coincidentally, the recalled issue is happening to my vehicle but I can't have it repaired per the GM recall.

- Dublin, OH, USA

problem #61

Apr 062015

Aura 4-cyl

  • 124,600 miles
I was making a right turn and the power steering failed and a warning message appeared on the dash message. I contacted GM since this model is known to have this problem, and they said my VIN is not one that should have the issue and there are no repairs available for it. I cannot afford to replace everything on my own and I am scared of the car now. Please help!

- Rainelle, WV, USA

problem #60

Mar 092015

Aura

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, which prevented the vehicle from completing the left turn. The contact mentioned that the slippery warning light illuminated as the failure occurred. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer advised that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14E044000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Rockford , IL, USA

problem #59

Mar 202015

Aura

  • 37,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Aura. While driving at approximately 10 mph and making a right turn, the power steering seized and the power steering light illuminated. The failure occurred once. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000.

- Mckeesport, PA, USA

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