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Vehicle safety record

2009 Saturn Sky Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 2009 Saturn Sky with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (38) and the electrical system (6). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in January 2017 for the occupant classification. For comparison, the 2008 has 186 and the 2010 has 0.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical Sky year, for its age

#134 most complained-about 2009 vehicle

Complaints
46
Recalls
4
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2009 Saturn Sky problems

Share of all 46 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2009 Saturn Sky 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

Air bags: occupant classification

17V06100091,007 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
The risk
In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
The fix
The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.

Electrical system: switch

14E02100014,529 vehicles affected

The problem
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
The risk
If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
The fix
UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).

Electrical system: ignition

14V1710002,191,014 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
The risk
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
The fix
General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Air bags

14V0470002,190,934 vehicles affected

The problem
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
The risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

What owners say

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46 complaints about the 2009 Saturn Sky

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

AirbagsBrakes

Ignition was replaced under recall and now the passenger air bag light is on and will not go out and passenger side airbag is inop. ABS Ecm failed and replacement cost was $1300.00. This is a known issue and should be investigated. Thank you [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Air bags · Service brakesNHTSA 11547350
Airbags

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags); for which a temporary repair was performed, but later the manufacturer refused to permanently repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,500.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11502816
Airbags

Vehicle only has 5000 miles on it purchased new in 2009 has ignition problem and airbag service problem

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11498028
AirbagsBrakes

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag and electronic brake control module (EBCM) warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side air bag and EBCM needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the EBCM; however, the passenger's side air bag was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Filed Incident Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11467985
Airbags

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated, with the service air bag message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bag). The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11465406
Airbags

In 2019 I took my car in for a recall I had received. It was for the PPS. Instead of replacing the faulty system, they simply put a "reinforcement" piece of tape over the faulty system. I rarely drive the car and I rarely have passengers. 2 years and almost 5k miles later, now the faulty system is broken. The sensor in the seat has failed. No surprise there. The dealership is trying to charge me $1400 to replace the faulty sensor that should have been replaced 2 years ago. This is causing anyone who possible is a...

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passenger in my car to be at risk, since now that the sensor is broken, the air bag will not deploy. Other people with this car have had or are having the same issue. I do not understand why a tape fix was approved and implemented for something so serious as the safety of my passengers.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11423121
Lights

The gauges illumination is very poor since the gauges are so deep set in the dash. I can hardly read the speedometer during the day, isn,t very bright even at nite. The mfg. Should do a recall to upgrade the dash lights.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11390670
Lights

The instrument cluster is set deep into the instrument panel for styling purposes. As a result, the gauges are very dark and cannot be read during daytime driving. Gm should make a software patch available to turn on the back lighting to the gauges day or night when the ignition is turned on. Other vehicles are setup this way. The saturn sky should too. How can I drive safe when I cannot see how fast I am going?

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11389906
SuspensionTransmission & drivetrain

Steering sensor,steering position,lost comm yaw rate sensor,lost comm steering rate' service warning light on ,traction control abs braking malfunction. Blogs indicate this has been a common general motors issue among saturn and other models

Filed Incident Suspension · Power trainNHTSA 11382719
Airbags

I took my 2009 saturn sky redline to a gm dealer on 9/18/2018 for gm recall 17036. They performed the work (installed reinforcement), but less than 2 years later, with less than 2500 miles since the repair, the "service airbag" light came on. On 9/2/2020, I took it back to the dealer, who says the passenger seat sensor must be replaced, at a cost to me of $1182. This is a safety issue for which gm should be responsible. The car was barely used since the recall work was done, and it's obvious that the sensor was on the verge of failure at that time. Total mileage on the car now is 25,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11353177
Airbags

Yearly, I try to get my airbag recall completed and no dealership can support my request.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11337798
Airbags

Passenger air bag recall 17036 issue after the temporary fix with the same issue but the $1200 module kit needing to be replaced. This issue is for the passengers being at risk when riding in the car. A complete fix of the recall should be completed not a temporary fix. It shouldn't cost the car owner an extreme cost of $1200 for something that should have been fixed in the recall.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11315845
Airbags

Passenger side seat air bag suppression module needs service. Dealership says that it will be $1200 for the repair, but I found a recall (17v061000) for the same problem, but when I enter my vin, it doesn't say my vehicle was included. They said neither air bag will function if this service light comes on. This vehicle is stored all winter. When we uncovered it this spring, the light was on.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11219410
Airbags

Returned vehicle to dealer for pps recall, invoice states reinforcement installed, airbag warning light and display indicator now stays on constantly when ignition is on.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11210609
Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

2009 Saturn sky base model (2.4-Liter inline-four engine 177 hp). Issue#1: in motion, happens on both city streets/highways) at about ~30mph (and up to ~70mph), the transmission will shift down a gear hard enough to pull your body forward violently. My fault codes are p0011 and p0022 being the 'principle' code pointing to the "actuator, solenoid control" other consumers have reported the same problems with their automatic sky roadsters, models 2007-2009. Gm/saturn has failed to issue any recalls or...

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extended coverages as of now. Https://www.Skyroadster.Com/forums/f5/door-chimes-going-off-other-issues-39368/ issue#2: in motion the malfunction indicator lamp came on abouth 10-months ago and since then I've noticed a lack of engine power. Upon attempting to renew my annual safety vehicle inspection, the vehicle failed test due to a the catalytic converter.

Filed Incident Power train · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11173915
Airbags

Takata recall... I am still waiting. According to the dealership, the parts have not been received yet. I received another notice for the recall on 3/09/2018.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11078819
Visibility & wipersAirbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 saturn sky. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 17v061000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received the recall notification in march of 2017. The contact spoke with hendrick chevrolet (100 auto mall drive, cary, north carolina 27511, phone (919) 439-5132) several times concerning the recall. The dealer stated that parts were unavailable for the repair. The contact attempted to have the dealer repair the recall; however; they dealer was...

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unable to do so. While the front passenger seat was occupied, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. Also, the windshield wiper and air conditioning failed to operate. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Visibility · Air bagsNHTSA 11073018
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saturn sky. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated while driving various speeds. The vehicle was taken to gwatney chevrolet (1301 tp white dr, jacksonville, ar 72076, (501) 295-4448) and stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v061000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not...

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available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11030530
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saturn sky. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v061000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called wallace chevrolet (772-287-3232 located at 3575 se federal hwy, stuart, fl 34997) where it was confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue....

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The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 10/17/17*lj consumer stated air bags was fixed, but the light on the dash board was not. Updated 10/4/18*jb

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11013955
Airbags

Noticed in april 2017 that "service airbag" dash light has stayed on constantly. At the same time the "passenger air bag" indicator always displays"off". Thai is while a passenger is sitting in the seat. The car has 23,228 miles currently. I believe it is a safety issue. I'm worried that system may not work in a car crash.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10978558
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saturn sky. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v061000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10967594
Airbags

Air bag light on passenger side has been on since 50,000 miles. Tested at dealer and it is the sensor system in the seat. To replace it it takes about 800 dollars.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10899314
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

Passenger seat airbag sensor inoperable. Makes whole airbag system inoperable. With adult riding passenger in the passenger seat, passenger airbag off light is illuminated.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 10898061
Airbags

Air bag service light comes on when you start the car. Dealer says $1000.00 To fix.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10874549
Airbags

Gm 2009 saturn sky passenger side air bag seat occupancy sensor has prematurely gone bad at 14,000 miles. Light comes on while driving the passenger side air bag system is disabled. This is the same sensor as the gm cadillac cts which has a recall, but the saturn sky does not. I have taken to a gm dealer, tested and they say the passenger side air bag will not deploy with the bladder sensor bad. On the saturn sky forum, this is happening to most all saturn sky's and pontiac solstice cars (which are out of...

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production) but this is still a safety issue. I would hate to think of an accident occurring and gm and the nhtsa knowing of this issue from numerous complaints since 2014 and still not recalled as of today may 26, 2016! Gm waited too long on the key issue, they should not wait on the air bag sensor issue as the cadillac cts currently has a recall!

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10871013

Saturn Sky: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20100400-A
200946401AirbagsA
2008186581AirbagsD
20072845100AirbagsF
All Sky years

2009 Saturn Sky vs rivals

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 2009 Saturn Sky

Does the 2009 Saturn Sky have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 Saturn Sky: occupant classification (January 2017); switch (April 2014); ignition (April 2014); air bags (February 2014). 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 2009 Saturn Sky?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (38), electrical system (6), seats & seat belts (5).

How many complaints has the 2009 Saturn Sky had?

46 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 23, 2010 and the latest on September 29, 2023. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2009 Saturn Sky a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 79 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Saturn Sky 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 Sky years have the most complaints?

2007 (284), 2008 (186), 2009 (46). See every Saturn Sky year compared.

What should I do if my 2009 Saturn Sky 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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