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Vehicle safety record

2007 Saturn Aura Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 608 complaints about the 2007 Saturn Aura with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (184) and the brakes (109). Those complaints describe 13 crashes, 6 fires and 10 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in July 2014 for the steering. For comparison, the 2008 has 433.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Aura year, for its age

#23 most complained-about 2007 vehicle

Complaints
608
Recalls
4
Crashes
13
Fires
6
Injuries
10
Deaths
0

Most common 2007 Saturn Aura problems

Share of all 608 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2007 Saturn Aura recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Steering

14E0440007,304 vehicles affected

The problem
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
The risk
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

Electrical system: wiring

14V2520002,440,524 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
The risk
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Power train: automatic transmission

14V2240001,131,113 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
The risk
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

12V460000426,240 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
The risk
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

What owners say

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608 complaints about the 2007 Saturn Aura

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 25.

Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

Unknown Shifter locks and won't start. Driving on interstate and the engine started to rev up. The tac showed excessive pressure. Esc and traction lights appear. This car has only 110,000 miles on it.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11749533
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemLights

The automatic transmission shift cable, has malfunctioned. The center piece that connects to the gear shift has melted, and prevents the car from starting and shifting gears. The damage was created due to high temperatures from the motor, being that it is very close to it. This should be replaced by the manufacturer.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11714057
Other & unknown

My car gear shift slides through the gears but wont shift out of park. Something is wrong with the transmission shift cable. I see an active recall for this exact problem on my type of car (NHTSA 14V224) but for some reason my vin isn't showing up.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11707259
BrakesEngine & coolingFuel system

Several Issues

Filed Incident Service brakes · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11653047
Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission seized. The contact stated that the engine was still running however, the transmission and the power steering were inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11574842
Fuel system

The car has gas fumes at the trunk of car but the check engine light doesn't come on! We are concerned because the fumes enter the car while driving! I know Saturn Ion's were recalled for this reason

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 11572986
BrakesDriver assistance

The brake lights are illuminated when I'm not breaking, and when I do break, the brake lights will go off and I cannot set my cruise control because of it.

Filed Incident Service brakes · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11511670
Steering

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the power steering failed, and the steering wheel separated from the steering shaft. Additionally, the contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle started to shake. The contact applied excessive pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags, check engine, and other unknown warning...

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lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall for the failure. The contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage approximately 228,078.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11507048
BrakesTransmission & drivetrain

While driving the car doesn't switch gear properly. The car made a stalling noise and as soon as I remove my foot from the gas pedal it's automatically braking.

Filed Incident Service brakes · Power trainNHTSA 11482711
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated all the door locks and trunk functionality stopped due to the battery drainage from an electrical failure. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the battery drained again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11465495
Electrical systemLightsBrakes

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that she was calling on behalf of her deceased son. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing failures with the electrical system. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights would fail to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that her son had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who had informed him that the brakes needed to be...

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replaced; however, the vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakesNHTSA 11454828
SteeringSeats & seat belts

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that the front driver's side seat belt would not lock or remain secured. Additionally, the power steering was inoperable causing the steering wheel to be very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Incident Steering · Seat beltsNHTSA 11432267
Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while trying to pull into a parking spot, the vehicle would not shift into gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed and repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V224000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11431495
SuspensionElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH in the rain, the "Traction Control Off" and "Stability Control Off" messages appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle inadvertently shifted to third gear independently. The contact also stated that when he depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle switched gears to neutral and the windows opened. The contact stated that the vehicle was hydroplaning while driving. The vehicle was taken to a Pepboys location to be diagnosed. The...

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contact was informed that the vehicle had lost connection with the body control module. The contact stated that he became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repair. The contact stated the dealer completed the recall repair however, the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that they could no longer assist because the vehicle was already repaired per the manufacturer's instructions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 194,800.

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11430388
Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking spot, the gear shifter failed to shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V460000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11419513
Transmission & drivetrain

When attempting to park, automatic gear shift would not engage and vehicle started to roll backwards. Once vehicle was turned off gear shift move freely but would not engage the transmission. Had to have vehicle towed as it would not start since the shift cable would not move into the parked position.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11419493
LightsBrakes

I've recently bought this car and the brake lights keep illuminating when not pressed and has destroyed two brand new sets of rotors in less than 3 months due to hot spots and stress fractures. I have noticed it happens all the time whether I'm doing city or country driving. Also the third brake light will fail to light up some of the times whenever I'm only pressing the accelerator but it will refuse to light up when the brake pedal is pressed when this is happening.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Service brakesNHTSA 11414382
SuspensionElectrical system

My battery keeps going dead my door locks will not unlock with key fob only driver door have to manually unlock passenger and back locks .Front suspension keeps vibrating and making clinking noises.

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical systemNHTSA 11405222
Steering

Power steering high pressure line failed when the hose became disconnected from the end crimp. The power steering system lost all of its fluid resulting in the complete loss of power steering. The failure occurred when traveling in reverse at a slow speed and maneuvering out of a garage.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11397402
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainBrakes

So today driving to work car ran fine got off my exit came to the red light and stopped. When I gave it gas to go the engine reved up and went but very slowly then it stopped reving and drive fine. Then on my way home did the same thing till I went to pull on to the street I live on and had to wait for traffic my car would not move but rev the engine. Husband is checking transmission fluild levels. But has never dun this in the year I have had this used car. Not sure what to do now. Have ready a lot of fourms and alot of people having the same issues. But no recall

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Service brakesNHTSA 11387971
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise control

Will not easily shift into 2nd or 3rd while driving it shifts very hard and at high rpm

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11387659
LightsAirbags

HEAD LIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT. AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Air bagsNHTSA 11387456
Electrical systemLights

Since the car was repurchased from another buy the car has had electrical issues with it. It blows a fuse constantly causing the rear taillights not to work when the fuse is then replaced it last a day or so then blows again. This c not in nuesbto happen even after replace the taillights with new ones. We replaced the entire thing not just the bulbs. The headlights even though we have had attempted to replace them the driver side headlight continues to come on and go off as if it's got a short in it some where. The...

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battery has a short some where I think. At times after driving it we go to shut it off and we'll go in the store and come and the car won't start. We have had to wait 2-3 hours before it would start up again. So since we live in the desert it being hot we started checking things. When the battery is lifted up on or my bed around the car will then attempt to start but it just makes the noise like it is trying to crank over and there's been multiple times that the ignition has attempted to start itself while messing with the battery. And the ignition gets stuck. Soon as we let go of the battery it stops trying to do anything. We have replaced the starter the battery and other things and nothing's works to fix it. Also the door locks like to engage and disengage randomly on their own as if the car is haunted. Causing us to disconnect them all together.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11373538
Electrical systemLightsDriver assistance

Service esc warning light will come on randomly causing the brake lights to illuminate without pushing the brakes. Brake lights will sometimes turn off when the brake pedal is depressed. This has been the subject of a recall and has been in for the recall twice but still having issues. The transmission can be moved from park without depressing the brake pedal. The lights will malfunction while driving.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11354046
Airbags

I have owned this 2007 saturn aura since 2017 and the service airbag light will come on intermittently whether there is a front passenger or not, sometimes the light will remain on for the entire time I'm using the car that day and then other times the light come on for a brief period and on rare occasions the light will remain off that entire day. It doesn't seem to matter if the car is in motion or at what speed this occurs, it seems to be totally random. This has been happening as long as I have owned the car that currently has 109,00 miles on it. As far as I know this car has never been in any accidents.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11350469

Saturn Aura: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20102210AirbagsA
20093905122SteeringD
20084335181Transmission & drivetrainF
20076084136Transmission & drivetrainF
20055000AirbagsA
All Aura years

2007 Saturn Aura vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2007 Saturn Aura608413F
2007 Saturn Ion876738CCompare
2007 Saturn Outlook51155DCompare
2007 Saturn Vue312011CCompare
2007 Saturn Sky284510FCompare
2007 Saturn Relay1210ACompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2007 Saturn Aura

Does the 2007 Saturn Aura have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2007 Saturn Aura: steering (July 2014); wiring (May 2014); automatic transmission (April 2014); gear position indication (prndl) (September 2012). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2007 Saturn Aura?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (184), brakes (109), electrical system (105).

How many complaints has the 2007 Saturn Aura had?

608 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 28, 2006 and the latest on July 10, 2026. Of these, 13 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 10 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2007 Saturn Aura a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Saturn Aura year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Saturn Aura years have the most complaints?

2007 (608), 2008 (433), 2009 (390). See every Saturn Aura year compared.

What should I do if my 2007 Saturn Aura has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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