The Most Common Saturn Problems
Transmission issues and A/C malfunctions are two common problems across Saturn car models.
Written by Nick Kunze
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
A few of the most common issues for Saturn models include transmission problems, poorly-made gas caps, power steering issues, and more.
Saturn was a subsidiary of General Motors from 1985 until 2010. They produced a wide array of cars, many of which are still on the road today. Like any car, Saturn cars had their share of issues and malfunctions. What were the most common problems, however?
Jerry
, the super app for car insurance
, has compiled this guide to teach you about the most common problems experienced by Saturn owners. We also explain how to find low Saturn insurance costs
, in spite of these problems.What are the most common Saturn problems?
While a Saturn can experience the same issues as any other car, there are a few recurring issues that Saturn owners have reported over the years.
Saturn owners are more likely to deal with transmission issues, gas cap problems, power steering issues, and powertrain control module malfunctions.
However, the issues that each Saturn deals with can be broken down even further. Check out the table below for a detailed listing of the most common Saturn problems in popular used models.
Model | Starting price | J.D. Power reliability rating | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ion | $12,725 | 82/100 | Power steering, gas cap issues, ignition module failure | 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 |
Aura | $23,375 | 81/100 | Transmission issues, wheel bearing failure, blown cooling fan fuse | 2007, 2008, 2009 |
Outlook | $31,400 | 73/100 | Transmission issues, powertrain control module, gas cap issues | 2007, 2008, 2009 |
Vue | $24,025 | 78/100 | Transmission issues, gas cap issues, A/C malfunctions | 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 |
Sky | $28,265 | 81/100 | Gas cap issues, problems with direct injection injectors | 2008 |
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds (Title in payload)
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversMost common Saturn Ion problems
Average annual repair cost: $338
CarComplaints.com complaints: 331
The
Saturn Ion
has issues with its power steering systems. In fact, Saturn extended the warranty on its power steering system due to substantial issues. Without proper power steering, you'll have more difficulty controlling your vehicle.Also common are issues with the ignition module or
ignition coil
. This can cause your engine to misfire and require a trip to the mechanic.A less serious problem is that the Ion’s gas cap can cause the
Check Engine warning light
to turn on when worn or loose. MORE: Are Saturns expensive to maintain?
Most common Saturn Aura problems
Average annual repair cost: $439
CarComplaints.com complaints: 181
The
Saturn Aura
has issues with its automatic transmission system. This is usually due to the 3-5-R waveplate breaking and causing internal damage. This can lead to rough or nonexistent shifting.The cooling fan fuses also blow easily. This leads to broken A/C or an overheating engine.
Finally, the Aura is known for its
wheel bearing
failures, which can require you to have the entire wheel hub assembly
replaced. Most common Saturn Outlook problems
Average annual repair cost: $703
CarComplaints.com complaints: 77
The
Saturn Outlook
has similar issues to the Saturn Ion—common problems with the transmission and the gas cap.One unique problem with the Outlook is having frequent engine codes triggered by an issue with the powertrain control module. You’ll often need a software update to resolve this issue.
Most common Saturn Vue problems
Average annual repair cost: $564
CarComplaints.com complaints: 288
The
Saturn Vue
has issues common across the Saturn brands. Transmission issues are common, which can cause problems when shifting. Plus, the gas cap can become worn or loose, which can confuse the car’s computerized systems.Finally, air conditioning malfunctions have been reported, which can cause engine overheating (along with discomfort for those in the car).
Most common Saturn Sky problems
Average annual repair cost: $459
CarComplaints.com complaints: 19
The Sky also had issues with its fuel injectors. The Sky’s 2.0L engine has fuel directly injected into its combustion chambers. These fuel injectors are known to make a
loud clicking noise
when in action. Are Saturn cars reliable?
Saturn cars regularly get respectable reliability ratings from sources like J.D. Power. Of the five models examined above, their reliability ratings ranged from 73/100 to 82/100.
RepairPal reports that the average annual maintenance cost across all Saturn brands is $553. This puts Saturn above the average repair costs for all car models.
The least reliable Saturn model: 2004 Ion
Most common problem: Power Steering Failure
NHTSA complaints: 893
The 2004 Ion had many issues and it goes down in history as the least-reliable Saturn model. This compact car was sold from 2003 until 2007, although it's the sophomore effort that was considered the most problematic.
Common issues with the 2004 Ion include power steering failure, engine misfires due to ignition coil failures, problems with the gas cap, and brake fluid problems.
The most reliable Saturn model: 2009 Sky
Most common problem: Gas cap issues
NHTSA complaints: 41
On the opposite end of the Saturn roster is the 2009 Saturn Sky, which historically has the least problems.
Its most historic failing was a gas cap that could easily become worn or loose, leading to a dashboard light turning on. However, this is an extremely minor problem compared to the transmission and power steering flaws that affected other Saturn models.
How to buy hassle-free car insurance
There are plenty of possible issues and hassles that arise from being a Saturn owner. Thankfully, buying
car insurance
doesn’t have to be one of them.Jerry
, the expert app for car insurance, is here to simplify all your insurance shopping needs. One quick, free sign-up gives you access to the best insurance quotes from a litany of top providers. Just choose the policy that best fits your needs and Jerry is here to help with all your sign-up, switchover, and cancellation paperwork. Join now and see why Jerry is the number one insurance app on the App Store!
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
FAQ
How long do Saturns last?
If properly maintained, Saturns can last up to 20 years or 300,000 miles. Major repairs, like an engine replacement, can greatly extend this timeline.
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
4.7You might also be interested
