Own a Saturn Aura in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Saturn Aura for model years 2005, 2007 to 2010. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Aura owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,441 owner complaints on file for the Aura and 6 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are steering (388), power train (374), electrical system (258).
Most-Reported Saturn Aura Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Aura (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 388 | 26% | |
| Power Train | 374 | 25% | |
| Electrical System | 258 | 17% | |
| Service Brakes | 182 | 12% | |
| Air Bags | 150 | 10% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 146 | 10% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 137 | 9% | |
| Engine | 100 | 6% |
Steering
388 of the 1,441 complaints (26%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Power Train
374 of the 1,441 complaints (25%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
258 of the 1,441 complaints (17%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Saturn Aura Complaints by Model Year
The Aura model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2007, 2008, 2009. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | |
| 2007 | 608 | |
| 2008 | 434 | |
| 2009 | 392 | |
| 2010 | 2 |
Most Common Saturn Aura Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Aura. The most-cited is P0017 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b)), mentioned in 7 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0017 | Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor B) Similar to P0016: timing chain, sensor or timing component trouble. | 7 |
| B0081 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 4 |
| P0700 | Transmission control system malfunction The transmission computer stored its own code. A scan of the transmission module shows the real fault. | 4 |
| P0016 | Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor A) Can point to a stretched timing chain, a failing sensor or a timing component problem. | 3 |
| C0545 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 3 |
| C0561 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P0776 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P0019 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Saturn Aura Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the Aura in these model years, most often involving power train, steering, electrical system. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2014 recall, Power Train (campaign 14V224000): 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.
- 2014 recall, Electrical System (campaign 14V252000): 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...
- 2014 recall, Steering (campaign 14E044000): 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...
- 2014 recall, Steering (campaign 14V153000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.
- 2012 recall, Power Train (campaign 12V460000): 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.
- 2009 recall, Power Train (campaign 09V073000): GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Aura, 44 involved a crash, 9 involved a fire, 30 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Saturn Aura Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Saturn will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Aura that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Aura owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Saturn Aura, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Saturn Aura Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Saturn Aura repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Saturn Aura FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Saturn Aura?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Saturn Aura are steering (388), power train (374), electrical system (258). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Aura model years have the most complaints?
The Aura model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2007, 2008, 2009. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Saturn Aura?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Saturn Aura, the codes cited most often are P0017 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b)), B0081 (manufacturer-specific body code), P0700 (transmission control system malfunction). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Saturn Aura have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the Saturn Aura across model years 2005, 2007 to 2010. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Saturn Aura in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Saturn vehicles including the Aura, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Saturn Aura?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Saturn Aura in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Saturn Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.