RoadVitals

2008 Saturn Outlook Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
633
Latest Oct 30, 2024
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
25
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Dec 12, 2007

What this page shows

Our database holds 633 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Saturn Outlook. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 633 · page 1 of 26

Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 30, 2024

Transmission is failing. Reverse is slipping. Low torque trying back up inclines. Known problem with 2008 Acadia, Enclave, Traverse & Outlook per transmission shop who test drove and scanned. No code via dashboard, but scan tools and professional diagnostics verify failure. Techem has been replaced in February 2019, by GM service @ owners expense when forward drive failed.

NHTSA ID
11622653
Incident
Aug 8, 2024
Airbags
Filed Nov 14, 2023

Over this summer I went to start my truck and all the airbags pop out expect for the steering wheel air bag and dashboard air bag

NHTSA ID
11555105
Incident
Jul 7, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 3, 2023

This has been a big problem for all Saturn owners. The transmissions are always going out in them. This transmission is starting to slip. I’m surprised there is no recalls. Very disappointed.

NHTSA ID
11548011
Incident
Oct 3, 2023
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Apr 26, 2022

airbag sensor on passenger seat stays off even when passenger is in seat. I have read many complaints from same vehicle since they were new. Also has electrical issues intermittently possibly from water leaking thru sunroof

NHTSA ID
11462196
Incident
Apr 26, 2022
Visibility
Filed Feb 9, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield wiper failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with windshield wiper motor failure. The contact was informed that the windshield wiper motor cover assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V609000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 197,357.

NHTSA ID
11451200
Incident
Feb 1, 2022
Mileage
197,357 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Sep 25, 2021

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID
11434345
Incident
Sep 1, 2018
Airbags
Filed Aug 31, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the MDS was not communicating with the airbags. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID
11431261
Incident
Apr 30, 2021
Mileage
180,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 26, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that all 4 tires had started cracking along the tread. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15T002000 (Tires) however, the tires were not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,692.

NHTSA ID
11430651
Incident
Aug 25, 2021
Mileage
155,692 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Aug 23, 2021

My low beam headlight started to intermittently go out for a while. Then it went out completely. I go to replace the bulb only to find that the bulb wasn’t the actual issue. The harness, wires, and socket to the bulb were blackened, burnt and melted. So now it all needs to be replaced. I’ve seen on several forums that has happened to so many people that have a car manufactured by GM. The original wiring is not quality enough for the heat and current that goes through there.

NHTSA ID
11430215
Incident
Jun 26, 2021
Steering
Filed Jul 21, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over however, the steering functionality did not return. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID
11425827
Incident
Jun 15, 2021
Mileage
138,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 15, 2021

Multiple time my vehicle became wet in the inside due to a sun roof drainage tube issue. My vehicle stopped while in motion and there was a burning smell. Now none of my windows will go up and the car no longer starts. I have a loud knocking sound coming from the dash when I turn the heater or AC on. Now my dash shows service theft deterrent system. The first time I thought maybe the tube was clogged. I now come to find out that is was/is a on going issue with GM. I could've lost my life or been possibly rear-ended at highway speed due to GM not knowing how to make a sunroof.

NHTSA ID
11425053
Incident
Jul 14, 2021
ElectricalSteering
Filed May 22, 2021

While driving. Lost power, steering locked up. Discontented and reconnected the battery. Problem cleared.

NHTSA ID
11418164
Incident
May 18, 2021
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Oct 24, 2020

THE SUNROOF LEAKS WATER FROM THE DASH THE REAR CAUSING THE CEILING TO BE SOAKED AND MALFUNCTIONING OF SUNROOF WATER LEAKED ON FLOOR OF THE WHOLE CAR CANS SIDE REAR VIEWS CAUSES THE DASH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO GO OUT MOTOR BLOWERS IS FILLING UP WITH WATER SO AC/ HEATER CAN NOT DEFROST CAR SO VISIBILITY TO DRIVE CAR IT IS UNSAFE AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE A BLOWER THAT WILL CONSTANT FILL UP WITH WATER TO TO SUNROOF DRAINAGE CONSTANTLY CLOTTING AND WON'T DRAIN AND FLOORS FLOODING EVENTUALLY THIS WILL CAUSE CORROSION OR FIRE BEING WATER AND ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX WELL I HAVE 3 CHILDREN I DON'T FEEL WE ARE SAFE IN OUR VEHICLE THIS IS OUR ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION THE SPEAKERS GO IN AND OUT DUE TO THE WATER LEAKED AND SOON COME WINTER CAR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LEAKY DRIVE BEING MOTOR BLOWERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONSTANTLY BE PURCHASED DUE TO GOING OUT BECAUSE WATER BACK UP AND LEAKED AND THE CAR BECOMES DRENCHED IN WATER VIA SEATS AND FLOOR DRIVE SEAT IS ELECTRICAL EVENTUALLY WATER WILL CAUSE A PROBLEM I JUST WANT MY KIDS SAFE AND SECURE IN A VEHICLE AND AS I READ PREVIOUS PROBLEM SOME HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES I'M GOING THROUGH AS OF RIGHT NOW. THE CAR CAN BE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION WATER JUST LEAKS FROM CEILING ON FLOOR FLOOR IS WET AS I DRIVE I CAN HEAR WATER ON CEILING MOVING AROUND SOME WATER EVEN RUN ACCROSS WINDSHIELD WHILE I'M DRIVING A LOT. SOME RUNS ON MY LEG WHILE I'M DRIVING WHERE THE BRAKE PADS AND GAS PEDAL ARE WHICH HAVE WIRES THERE THAT ARE ELECTRICAL ON TOP OF THE FLOORS BEING SOAKED THAT'S A FIRE HAZARD

NHTSA ID
11366138
Incident
Mar 25, 2020
Mileage
181,000 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Oct 22, 2020

THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY INCIDENT SUCH AS AUTO ACCIDENTS. IT JUST THAT MY DASH LIGHTS UP STATING TO SERVICE MY AIR BAGS. ALSO WHEN STEPPING ON MY BRAKE THE SEAT BELTS DON'T SEEM TO HOLD YOU . SATURN CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ON INTERNET, SO IT IS NOT A LONE CASE. SATURN COMPANY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. WHO DO I COMPLAIN TO

NHTSA ID
11365840
Incident
Jul 1, 2018
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 12, 2020

WHEN IT RAINS WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE & THROUGHOUT THE 2 YEARS I'VE OWNED IT THE RAIN HAS LEAKED IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS DESPITE HAVING IT FIXED & CAUSES THE WIRING, LIGHTING & DETRIMENTAL/SAFETY SENSORS & ELECTRICAL PARTS TO BE DAMAGED. I BECAME ESPECIALLY WORRIED WHEN I LEARNED A FRIEND WITH A 2008 GMC ACADIA (IDENTICAL VEHICLE TO SATURN OUTLOOK) IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME WATER ISSUES. WITHIN A MONTH OR 2 OF HAVING THE LEAKING AND DAMAGED FIXED NEW SENSORS GET WET & ISSUES ARISE DUE TO LEAKING IN NEW/DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. I FIRST NOTICED IT LEAKING IN THE FRONT BY THE WINDOWS & SUNROOF & CAUSING THE RADIO SPEAKERS TO QUIT. WITHIN A SHORT WHILE AFTER FIXING IT THE HEADLIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS & AIR CONDITIONING THEN STARTED CUTTING OUT & NOT WORKING. ONCE AGAIN I HAD THE ISSUE FIXED BUT NOW IT IS LEAKING IN THE DASH WHERE WATER CAN BE HEARD SLOSHING AROUND WHEN TURNING & OCCASIONALLY LEAKS INTO THE FRONT FLOOR BOARD. NOW THE 'STABILITRAK' & TRACTION CONTROL ARE ALL HAVING ISSUES AS WELL AS TRANSMISSION SENSORS MAKING MY CAR UNDRIVABLE AND UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR UNTIL THE CAR SITS IN THE SUN OR DRIES OUT FOR A FEW DAYS. THE SPEAKERS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING MAKING THE BACK UP CAM, AND EVEN THE WARNING DASH LIGHTS HAVE NO SOUND. ** AS MENTIONED BEFORE THERE ARE MANY ONLINE FORUMS THAT TALK ABOUT THIS LEAKING ISSUE IN BOTH THE SATURN OUTLOOK & GMC ACADIA'S. IT IS VERY WORRISOME THAT THINGS WILL SEEM TO WORK & SUDDENLY STOP WORKING DUE TO WATER LOG DAMAGE & WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT & HEADLIGHTS/TAIL LIGHTS FLICKER OR QUIT IT IS VERY SCARY & DANGEROUS. THE SERIOUS ISSUES WITH SENSORS (TRANSMISSION SENSORS & STABILITY) JUST BEGAN ON MY CAR RECENTLY & SINCE I'VE HAD THIS ISSUE FIXED SO MANY TIMES IT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.

NHTSA ID
11338895
Incident
Jul 10, 2020
Mileage
160,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2020

LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT LOW SPEED. DRIVING IN OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND IN PARKING LOTS.

NHTSA ID
11337780
Incident
Jul 6, 2020
Mileage
147,930 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2020

LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT LOW SPEED. PARKING LOT NO POWER STEERING.

NHTSA ID
11337777
Incident
Jul 6, 2020
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 2, 2020

ENGINE POWER REDUCED- THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHERE THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING, IN TOWN. MAIN WIRING HARNESS WAS REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME BECAUSE INSULATION WAS DETERIORATED AND WIRING WAS STUCK TOGETHER. LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LATER, ENGINE STOPS AGAIN WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF ROAD, CAR RESTARTED, TRYING TO GET HOME, CAR DIED AGAIN, WOULD NOT RESTART, TOWED TO AUTO SHOP AGAIN. AUTO REPAIR IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, IT WILL RUN GREAT AND JUST RANDOMLY STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING, CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS NOW. NOTHING IS CODING WHEN THEY RUN DIAGNOSTICS. THEY HAVE CHECKED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE! I AM HAVING THEM KEEP THE CAR UNTIL PROBLEM IS RESOLVED BECAUSE I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT AND END UP IN A WRECK. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT I WAS IN TOWN WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED, THAT I WAS IN TOWN AND MY GRANDKIDS WERE NOT IN THE CAR WITH ME! THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY RISK!!! THANK GOODNESS I DIDN'T GO ON A PLANNED 12 HOUR TRIP TO COLORADO! NOTE: I HAVE ALREADY PUT $6500.00 IN REPAIRS WITHIN THE LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF RANDOM ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11337172
Incident
Jun 23, 2020
Mileage
159,000 mi
Body & structureElectricalInterior & seats+1 more
Filed May 28, 2020

WATER STARTED DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE GLOVEBOX, EVERY TIME IT RAINS IT GETS SOAKING WET AND THERE'S SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL PANEL. *TR

NHTSA ID
11326271
Incident
May 13, 2020
Body & structureDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 23, 2020

MY 2008 SATURN OUTLOOK XR LEAKS FROM THE ROOF/SUNROOF AND WHEN IT RAINS HARD IT HAS BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE GETS SOAKED AND DOWN BOTH SIDES OF THE TOP OF THE DOOR FRAME HEADLINER IS SOAKED AND ALSO MY FLOOR BOARD FROM BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE ARE ALWAYS WET

NHTSA ID
11322089
Incident
Feb 6, 2020
Filed Apr 18, 2020

I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR A SHORT WHILE, I'VE CHECKED THE RECALLS ANTHEM THE SUN AN MOON ROOF ARE A PROBLEM. MY CAR GETS VERY WET ON THE ROOF LINER AND IT'S BECAUSE OF A LEAK PROBLEM, IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT RAINS. IS THERE A WAY TO GET THAT FIXED. I'M NOT SURE IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID THE RECALL OR NOT BUT FOR ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT ALWAYS LEAKS.

NHTSA ID
11321500
Incident
Apr 18, 2020
Mileage
110,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 13, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN OUTLOOK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED TRANSMISSION FLUID. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL STAR CHEVROLET LOCATED AT (9352 PLANK RD, BATON ROUGE, LA 70811) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.

NHTSA ID
11317850
Incident
Jun 11, 2018
Mileage
93,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 1, 2020

LEFT DRIVER DOOR MANUAL SWITCH CONTINUOUSLY MALFUNCTIONS , ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT GIVE POWER TO OPEN ANY WINDOWS , LOCK OR UNLOCK DOORS , AND ENABLES YOUR SAFETY IN DANGEROUS EXITS . LOCKS HAVE BEEN LOCKING WHEN I EXIT MY VEHICLE, LOCKING MY CHILDREN LOCKED INSIDE OF VEHICLE . REAR LIFT GATE WILL FALL ON YOUR HEAD SLOWLY AND INJURED MY FOREHEAD.

NHTSA ID
11315404
Incident
Feb 27, 2020
Mileage
136,400 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 22, 2020

THE PASSENGER SERVICE AIR BAG STAYS ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN YOU START IT AND IT WON'T TURN OFF.

NHTSA ID
11301087
Incident
Sep 1, 2019
Mileage
88,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 12, 2020

DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS AND PLUG HAVE MELTED AND I HAVE HAD REPLACED AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, SAYING SERVICE AIRBAGS NOW. ALL THE SPEAKERS IN THE CAR HAVE QUIT WORKING, BUT IF YOU OPEN AND CLOSE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR THEY WILL WORK UNTIL YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID
11298859
Incident
Jan 10, 2020

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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