2008 Saturn Aura Steering Problems

The Air Bag Service Warning Message and warning light is illuminated I took the car back to the dealership had it serviced and a month later the message and light are on again. The passenger Air Bag sensor is malfunctioning sometimes it doesn't detect the passenger most times it detects a passenger when there isn't one. The tail and brake lights work intermittently. The steering system is dangerous. There's vibrating in the steering wheel and accelerator pedal at all speeds, the steering wheel pulls and jerks when braking and hitting bumps, the steering doesn't hold alignment and the power steering works intermittently.

NHTSA ID

11719644

Incident

Dec 6, 2025

My electric power steering stopped working. Not safe to drive. This was fixed prior on recall. I did not own car then.

NHTSA ID

11708100

Incident

Dec 19, 2025

I noticed a rattling while driving also smoking under the hood so I took it to a garage and he said that's no problem and that I have a severe oil leak under the front of car he showed me and oil is EVERYWHERE HE MENTIONED HE COULDNT FIX IT THERES A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LINE AND POWERSTEERING AXLE OR PUMP. I HAVE TO ALSO PUT ANTI FREEZE IN THE CAR EVERY 2 DAYS. ALONG WITH POWERSTEERING FLUID AND MOTOR OIL. HE MENTIONED HE HAS NO IDEA WHERE THE OIL IS COMING FROM BECAUSE ITS SO MUCH ITS ALL OVER UNDER THE FRONT AND RECCOMMEND ME NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT MAY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS MY only resource of a ride. Also I noticed when I go over a bump in the road the dash lights go brighter or darker.The traction control light is also on which just came on along with a s light.i took it to the car wash and did notice it looks like a car possibly swiped the right side because there's paint missing!

NHTSA ID

11674932

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

Power steering goes out sometimes it’s happened three times since I’ve owned the car in 2017. It just happened today (3/2/25) for the third time And it tells me that there’s a recall on Saturn aura that were made in 2008, but when I enter my VIN number, it doesn’t show that mine is on a recall. But I’m not sure why it’s goes out sometime and then works when I turn my car back on.

NHTSA ID

11645864

Incident

Mar 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer and did not function as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering assist module. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) was previously completed on the contact's vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11620468

Incident

Aug 17, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

While I was driving my car going 40 mph down the road the wheel stuck and I couldn't turn or do anything. I had to pull over and reset the car by shutting it off and turning it back on. I've had to do that before when I first started the car and tried to back up in the wheel froze and it wouldn't move anywhere. I went to the garage today and they told me that it's my power steering.

NHTSA ID

11605983

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

The contact owned a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and ascending a grade in the road, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped the curb on the left side of the vehicle and then crashed into a telephone pole, he was unable to steer due to the loss of power steering functionality. The contact stated that the crash happened very fast and he was not able to depress the brake pedal to avoid the crash. The contact stated that the front driver's side bumper, grill, and lights were crushed. There was also damage to the driver's side front tire wheel well and axle. The contact stated that he called the police who then wrote a report. The contact stated that he was not injured, however the vehicle was undrivable and was towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was later declared a total loss by his insurance provider. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.

NHTSA ID

11570277

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Mileage

198,000 mi

I bought this 2008 Saturn Aura from dealer on 09/13/2023. Since I bought it, I fractured my hand and foot while checking the tires and brakes. 10/27/23 - I put the car in park to investigate what was causing the constant rattling noise while at the same time the car would shudder. While I was on one knee with one hand on ground so l could bend and look into the wheel well, the car rolled the tire over my hand and foot that was in its path because I wasn't able to move quick enough and didn't expect that to happen. 11/16/23 - I found out what the rattling noise and shudder was caused by when I completely lost all steering control and hit a tree which damaged the vehicle and caused injury, not only to myself but also to my 5 year old nephew who was in the car with me. I was told by a mechanic that a damaged joint bearing caused separation of the u-joint resulting in loss of steering control. What the hell is wrong with this car. I paid $1500 for the vehicle, then to top it off add injury costs I paid; the repairs and/or replacement of the u-joint and transmission shift cable due to damage. I don't know what to do to remedy the situation. I can't even afford to fix the body damage or replace the wheel rim damage caused by the wreck. Where do I go from here? I can't afford a new vehicle that why I bought this car. What a joke. Please advise. Maybe I can find free council.

NHTSA ID

11562877

Incident

Oct 27, 2023

Power steering went out as we were driving, making the wheel almost impossible to turn. There was a recall repair before I purchased the vehicle but I am skeptical it was actually done as I am having the same issue with the power steering that was supposed to have been fixed. This is a continuous problem that puts my life and the lives of others in danger.

NHTSA ID

11516389

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

Power steering goes out while driving sometimes, can’t control car. Bought car from FB marketplace last month and previous owner states that it has happened before numerous times

NHTSA ID

11504493

Incident

Jan 13, 2023

My electronic power steering went out

NHTSA ID

11450721

Incident

Jan 20, 2022

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11448876

Incident

Jan 22, 2022

Check engine, ABS, and traction control indicator lights have come on and gone off intermittently, even though the car has received routine services, as indicated -- though prior to that, for many months, the tire pressure indicator light would come on and go off intermittently. As I drove about 25 to 30 mph, the above mentioned control lights came on as I came to a stop, followed by the power steering indicator light (for the first time). Immediately, there was loss of power steering control. With great difficulty, I drove the car about 3 blocks and attempted to park. It took about 15 minutes to parallel park in a large space, with great difficulty. I turned off the engine and let the car sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, then restarted the car, which then seemed to be fine (at least drivable) -- though the check engine and traction control lights remained on. (Still, I was afraid to drive -- thinking the power steering could go out at any time, knowing it could easily result in no control of the car, grave danger, and serious accident. Anyway, with trepidation, I drove the car back home, where it has sat since. I find the host of this car's repairs troublesome and expensive. As for the loss of power steering -- I find this unconscionable.

NHTSA ID

11442040

Incident

Nov 8, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the rack and pinion and steering rod however, the failure persisted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA ID

11426685

Incident

Jul 1, 2020

Mileage

145,000 mi

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE IN BOTH IDLE POSITION, TOOK CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY ROTATED THE TIRES WHICH THE THOUGHT WOULD FIX THE ISSUE BUT THE STEERING WHILE STARTED TO SHAKE WHILE BOTH IN IDLE POSITION AND WHILE DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $900.00.

NHTSA ID

11413677

Incident

Apr 14, 2021

Mileage

138,000 mi

ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7 2021, I WAS DRIVING IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED MAKING A RIGHT TURN WHEN MY 2008 SATURN AURA LOST ALL POWER STEERING ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD A DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE TO STRAIGHTEN OUT TO GET INTO A PARKING SPACE. I SHUTOFF THE ENGINE AND WHEN I RESTARTED MY CAR AND IT WAS FINE. ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2021, I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND AGAIN I LOST ALL STEERING POWER. I PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, STARTED IT AND IT WAS FINE. AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE FREEWAY, ON MARCH 4 2021, THE VEHICLE AGAIN LOSS POWER STEERING. I AM WORRIED OF ANOTHER COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE IN A CRITICAL SITUATION. THIS FAILURE HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY SEVERAL MORE TIMES, AND THE VEHICLE IS TOO UNPREDICTABLE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FIX GM RELEASED UNDER THE RECALL DOESN'T LOOK TO BE A LONG TERM DURABLE FIX AND IS A SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA ID

11403102

Incident

Feb 7, 2021

Mileage

220,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUGHT WARNING, SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURNED BACK ON AND IT WAS FINE, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW THAT WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OUT

NHTSA ID

11385320

Incident

Dec 23, 2020

Mileage

152,940 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN IDLE. THE SHAKING MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STEER AND CONTROL THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS ARE ANY SPEED AND DRIVING ON THE ROADS AND HIGHWAYS.

NHTSA ID

11349787

Incident

Aug 17, 2020

Mileage

58,000 mi

REPLACED ALL BREAKS, POWER STEERING IS OUT, CHUGS WHEN DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AND BLINKER, POWER SEATS AND WINDOWS BLOW FUSE ALL THE TIME. THE BLINKER IS A HAZARD. ONE OWNER PREVIOUS US AND ONLY ONE RECALL WAS DONE

NHTSA ID

11323167

Incident

Apr 30, 2020

CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION, OR FALSE CODE. POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING IN TRANSIT. CAR HAS TO BE SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED TO REGAIN USE.

NHTSA ID

11322501

Incident

Sep 10, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN AURA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE STEERING BECAME FIRM AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND PERSISTED AFTER THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. SIMS BUICK GMC LOCATED AT (3100 ELM ROAD NE, WARREN ON) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11312071

Incident

Feb 21, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

I WOULD NOT EVEN FILL OUT THIS FORM IF THE THINGS I AM ABOUT TO WRITE DOWN DID NOT HAPPEN AT SUCH AN UNEXPLAINED AND WITH EXTREME PROGRESSION. THE CAR STARTED OFF WITH JUST A WOBBLE AND A JERK. WHICH NOW HAS PROGRESSED TO THE TRACTION LIGHT POPPING ON AND OFF; THE CAR SWAYS FROM SIDE TO SIDE SO DANGEROUSLY IT IS NOW ALMOST NOT DRIVABLE; THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAS STARTED TO FLATTEN AND WEAR AND TEAR VERY FAST, EVEN AFTER GETTING BRAND NEW TIRES, NOW ALL OF THE TIRES ARE STARTING THE SAME WEAR AND TEAR; WHEN ACCELERATING IT STARTS TO JERK AND LOCK UP NOT GOING OVER A CERTAIN SPEED LIMIT EVEN IF YOU FLOOR THE PEDAL UNTIL IT LURCHES FORWARD; THE BREAK LIGHTS WERE ALSO STAYING ON AND THEN TURNING OFF WHEN WE PRESSED THE BRAKES, WE GOT THAT FIXED AT THE DEALERSHIP THOUGH; THE CAR IS COMPLETELY FALLING APART; WE TOOK THE BATTERIES OUT OF THE KEY CHAINS AND THE CAR DOOR STILL LOCK AND UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES; THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T SEEMED TO BE ALIGNED OR STRAIGHT. LIKE IF IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THE WHEEL SOMEWHAT STRAIGHT (A STRAIGHT LINE IS NOW ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE WITH THIS CAR) THEN YOU HAVE TO ANGLE IT KIND OF THE LEFT. ITS SO DANGEROUS NOW TO DRIVE THIS CAR. THE WHOLE THING FELL APART AT ONCE.AND ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS HAPPEN WHILE MOVING. WHILE THE CAR IS IN PARKED AND ALSO WHILE ITS TURNED COMPLETELY OFF. THAT ONLY WITH THE LOCKS UNLOCKING AND LOCKING. AND THE SPEEDS AT WHICH IM GOING WHEN THE OTHER PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING ARE NO MORE THAN 35 MILES PER HOUR.;' I KNOW THAT WE TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF THE CAR AND HAVE ALL THE SERVICE REPORTS . SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH MY CAR.

NHTSA ID

11206640

Incident

Jan 19, 2019

Mileage

155,000 mi

I HAVE A RECALL COMPLAINT... RECALL#: 14E044000 --STEERING; THE WHEEL IS STIFF AND HARD TO TURN RECALL#: 14V153000 --STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; HARD TO TURN WHEEL, LEAKING PS FLUID, NO LONGER HAS WHINING NOISE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND TURNING I HAD PREVIOUSLY REPLACED MY BATTERY, BECAUSE I CONSTANTLY HAD TO USE A BATTERY BOOSTER TO START IT AFTER EVERY TIME I SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND THE FORMER ONE BECAME FAULTY AND IT TESTED AS A BAD BATTERY. WITHIN 2 DAYS OF REPLACING THE BATTERY, THE PS FLUID RAPIDLY STARTED LEAKING AFTER STARTING THE CAR IGNITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS STIFF AND VERY HARD TO TURN NOW. I'VE PUT MORE PS FLUID IN MY CAR, BUT IT DOESN'T HELP THE STIFF STEERING AT ALL ALMOST AS IF I NEVER EVEN PUT ANY PS FLUID IN IT TO BEGIN WITH. I'M ALSO HAVING AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE TO WHERE WHEN I GO TO PUT ON MY BRAKES SOMETIMES, IT'LL DIM MY LIGHTS AT THE SAME TIME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID

11187395

Incident

Mar 5, 2019

Mileage

198,500 mi

POWER STEERING, TRACTION CONTROL, POWER INSIDE CAR COMES ON AND OFF

NHTSA ID

11176234

Incident

Nov 15, 2018

ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30 2018, I WAS DRIVING IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN MY SATURN AURA LOST ALL POWER STEERING ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING THE CAR TO STRAIGHTEN OUT TO PARK. I TURNED IF OFF AND WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AND IT WAS FINE THE REST OF THE DAY. ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 2018 I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO GO TO WORK AND AGAIN I LOST AL STEERING POWER. I PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY, TURNED IT OFF, STARTED IT AND IT WAS FINE; HOWEVER, I WORK 50 MILES FROM HOME AND DID NOT WANT THE CHANCE IT WOULD DO THAT DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING. GM WHICH MADE THE SATURN AS OF SEPT 13, 2018 HAS A RECALL ON A NUMBER OF THEIR VEHICLES WITH THIS VERY PROBLEM. IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL AS THIS CAR IS MADE BY GMC AND IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM? THIS COULD BE VERY SERIOUS IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID

11132700

Incident

Sep 30, 2018

Mileage

196,000 mi