Warped Brake Rotors

2007 Saturn Aura (Page 1 of 2)

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Saturn dealer.

CarComplaints.com Seal Of This Might Hurt

CarComplaints.com Notes: The Saturn Aura was a mid-size car meant to replace the somewhat problematic L-Series. Unfortunately, the Aura brought its own problems: namely cheap brake parts that needed early replacement and a gear shifter that could say it’s in park while the transmission was still engaged.

Brake problems, including uneven wear and warped rotors that cause the car to wobble, are common complaints from 2007 owners. Did GM use metal for its rotors that can’t stand the heat? That’s what some say, and it’s hard to argue when reports show that rotors could start to warp as early as 500 miles off the dealer lot.

Meanwhile, a busted gear shifter cable lead to some unwanted rollaways. That’s because the shifter could say “Park” while the transmission was still in drive, reverse or neutral. A defect investigation into the issue was opened in 2011, eventually leading to a recall of 56,000 vehicles in 2014.

7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$270
Average Mileage:
30,600 miles
Total Complaints:
29 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace brake pads and rotors (17 reports)
  2. not sure (5 reports)
  3. resurfaced rotors & new brake pads (5 reports)
  4. upgrade brake rotors & calipers (2 reports)
2007 Saturn Aura brakes problems

brakes problem

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2007 Saturn Aura Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Jul 012016

Aura

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I've replaced the brakes on this car twice myself and before that at two more times. The car just turned 36,000 miles on it, and get's pretty bad mileage. Probably 18-19 on the highway. I'm new to the forum, and just wonder if someone else is wondering if the module which controls the brakes is programmed incorrectly causing the brakes to drag. How is it possible to need brakes every 10k miles (we're not riding the brakes), and why would the car get less mileage than my 1998 Lincoln Continental? I would appreciate peoples thoughts. Are drilled and slotter routers the answer? I hate to throw good money after bad.

Thank you

Rod

- nel606, Chisago City, MN, US

problem #28

May 142017

Aura XE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I changed both lower control arms, both struts, both outer tire rods ends, all four calibers and both CV axle. My 2007 Saturn aura slightly lurches as the brakes are applied and released at very low speed suck as 5mph. For the car to have gave me so much problems the first person with a tow truck can have the pain in the SOCKETS for FREE!!!!!

- Craig D., Fort Worth, US

problem #27

Aug 112010

Aura

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,300 miles

I just got off the phone with GM Corporate. They again are refusing to take responsibility for the brake issue on the Saturn Aura. I bought a 2007 Saturn Aura new. At 27,300 I had to replace the brakes and rotors. Then at 46,000 I had to replace the brakes and have the calipers cleaned.

I finally gave up and traded in the car because of GMs refusal to take responsibility for the AURA brake problems. This morning I reported General Motors to the NHTSA (888) 327-4236 and to the Federal Trade Commission (877) 382-4357. GM says they will not reimburse me until there is a recall. Please report your problems so we can force a recall. The number to GM Corporate for Saturn is (800) 553-6000.

- Kathryn M., Lincoln, CA, US

problem #26

Jun 012008

Aura SE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We just bought the Saturn Aura and the brakes and the rotors went bad less than 20,000 miles. The company said they didn't understand why they went bad so soon and it was not covered under warranty. It was our front brakes and no one could give us an answer but we knew it was a problem they were trying to ignore. We also called the corporate office but nobody would help us, had to pay the bill. That's bad when you buy a brand new car .

- Donna A., Concord, NC, US

problem #25

Nov 122011

Aura XE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

I never experienced this problem with any other GM vehicle-not my Pontiac, Buick or Chevy. This vehicle is the third Saturn I've owned. Needless to say, I was totally shocked. The explanation given by the dealer: GM was required to change the metal used for the rotors (by government dictate for improving the 'environment')- and the new metal could not withstand the heat.- which is why the rotors warped.

I also had lots of vibration in the steering column and the shaft had to be replaced.

- Martha T., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #24

May 202010

Aura 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

18,000 miles and need brakes already, was sure dealer would not cover as they just went outta business. Asked garage about any recalls because he was as shocked as I was. Car was 3 years old.

Now 2 years later------same damn problem, no wonder they went out of business and GM doesn't stand behind their product. Still no recalls to date and you know there are many many others out there like us.

Well, to hell with Obama Motors-----Ford , here I come. Never will even consider another GM or Chrysler Product.

- leemaryland, Ocean Pines, MD, US

problem #23

Oct 062010

Aura XE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

First of all, this is my first American made car due to my eligibility for a GM discount. Out of the gate, I loved this car, even though my water pump did go out but was fixed under warranty but these brakes are another story! My car still looks good to be 5 years old but the fact of the matter is, when I brake, the steering wheel almost shakes my hand off of it! Just as others have written, rear brakes going before the front! Absolutely unheard of!

- bgddymo, Norwalk, CA, US

problem #22

Oct 212011

Aura XE 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,100 miles

This "wobble" has been a constant problem since the car was new. While under warranty, Saturn machined the rotors and the wobble was gone. I specifically asked a Saturn technician if it was possible for the rotors to come warped from the factory and was told “no.” However, I am now almost certain that the problem will not go away unless I replace the rotors. Other weird cosmetic and electrical problems have begun to surface (the car is only 4 years old!), but I'll gripe about those in another section.

- Julia H., Xenia, OH, US

problem #21

Sep 282007

Aura XE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 400 miles

HAD TO HAVE ROTORS TURNED BEFORE TAKING BRAND NEW VEHICLE HOME. ITS BEEN 40,000 MILES AND I HAD 2 SETS OF ROTORS AND TURNED THEM OUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. IF THE CAR SITS WHEN IT RAINS THEY GET HIGH SPOTS!!

- Joe O., Kulpmont, PA, US

problem #20

Aug 102010

Aura EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,495 miles

After a few wks. of putting up with the noise of the brakes screeming and grinding, I just could not take it anymore. The noise would come and go. I took it in to the dealer and to my suprise, they found nothing wrong. I was very confused because after driving for over 30 yrs., you would thing you would be able to tell if something was wrong with the car you were driving.

A month and 350 miles later, suprise....I need new back brakes. So a car with only 17644 miles the front brakes and rotor and to be replaced and the back brakes? HELLO GM.....RECALL something is wrong!!!!!

- mrmoe, Lansdale, PA, US

problem #19

Dec 102009

Aura XE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My next complaint is the warped rotors before 40,000 miles. But what can we do now that they are out of business persay! Ripped off again!

- wjcald, St. Lousi, MO, US

problem #18

Dec 012009

Aura XE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

I have never been so irritated with a car in my entire life!!! This car was designed to pull in Lexus and BMW owners, HAHA!!! I am not impressed at all!! I have had nothing but issues with this car, well beyond just brakes. Pretty sad when the dealer knows you by name or voice!!! I too am one of those many people who wish it would find its way off a cliff!!! I just had to replace front rotors/pads. Funny thing is I have been told everytime my pads are fine. Rotors would need replaced but to wait until the pads went. Well, well, well.....the pads did not wear even!!! The outer pads were perfect, the inner pads were totally shot! Explain how the hell does that happen??? I HATE THIS CAR!!!!!

- cletchermn, Savage, MN, US

problem #17

Feb 232010

Aura XE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,900 miles

We lease a 2007 Saturn Aura with 24000 miles. My wife told me she was hearing a squeak coming from the rear of the car, plus a wobble in the front. Took the car to the dealer, under warranty, for repair. Was told the front rotors were warped, turned under warranty, and the front brake pads were in great shape. However, the REAR pads were shot and needed replaced to the tune of $350+tax. Are you friggin' kidding me? I have never owned a car that has needed new rear pads before fronts. I asked about E-Brake problems, brake steering arm problems or simply soft pads. Was told "No" by the dealer and told to call Saturn. What a joke that was. I spoke to some woman that I could hardly understand, who was obviously reading from a script. When I asked if she had any automotive knowledge at all she replied "This is a call center, not a tech center." Then why in the hell am I talking to you?

Long story short, Saturn refuses to do anything to help, stating it was my problem. If the front pads are fine and the REAR pads are shot, it is NOT a driving style problem. I am, well now was, a lifelong GM owner. NEVER again. I have a $400 brake job to look forward to every 24000 miles? No way. This car comes off lease in July and they can shove it at that point, I have never been so disgusted by poor customer service. No wonder GM is in the tank and Saturn is going out of business. Junk product and NO customer service!

- Doug A., Clearwater, FL, US

problem #16

Dec 082009

Aura XR 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

Like the rest of the post on this topic, I have had it with this car. I have had it in the dealership more times than its been on the road. I was shocked when i started having the rear brakes make the worst grinding and squealing sound you have heard. I took it into Saturn under warranty and was told it was not their problem and that I needed new brakes. I asked them how this could be since on all the other dozen or more cars I have owned that I never replace the brakes until at least 50K (Especially the rear brakes) because of my type of driving. They told me that's just how it is and I was a hard driver who went through brakes quickly, because why else would they need replacement..

I went to a tire shop I have done businesses with over the years that also does brakes. they pulled the rear brakes and told me that the pads on both rear brakes was down to the rivets and that the brake wear indicators were broken off (The mechanic was shocked) I was told I needed new pads and the rotors turned. I asked him why the rear brakes would go out first, when all the weight and physics apply to the front of the car when you stop. He said he is seeing this problem more and more on GM vehicles where the rear brakes fail first. I am now at 42K and I need new front brakes and I believe the rear brakes are in need of work again because the same issue as before has resurfaced..

I have filed a claim with Saturn with a District Manager... don't waste your time. He listned to me for thirty min and I really thought I was going to get somewhere. he told me to take it back to the dealership and let them look at it again and would wait for their report.. like I was shocked, the dealership said we are not fixing it and the District Manager said, "Well I guess their is nothing I can do for you, since they don't see any problems. Anything else I can help you with"? Is this guy nuts he could not even help me with a list of problems that covers over a dozen trips to the dealership on a car that was under warranty and they never still fixed to an acceptable level, but once I went outside of the 36K (I might add I purchased a bumper to bumper extended warranty, because of all the problems) I was told that the bumper to bumper warranty did not always cover things... What a joke, so much for the language of bumper to bumper.

I really wish someone would just steal this car and take it to a remote location and torch it after their joy ride so I can get something different that is reliable like my wife's Hyundai, but I am sure the thieves would read all of the reports about this vehicle and move on to something they know would at least give them hassle free driving because the last thing you want is a stolen vehicle that has brake problems when your trying to get away from the cops!! Can anyone tell I have had it with this car...

- dwaynep, Salida, CA, US

problem #15

Dec 042009

Aura XE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

I will never recommend a Saturn to anyone. I need to have my rear brake pads and rotors replaced. My pads are ONLY wore down on the inside rear the outside of the pads were fine... i'm at 37000 miles. To have the job done will cost $350 they said that it is normal for one pad to wear all the way down and the other to be fine. I think they need to have a MAJOR RECALL on these cars. I'm counting down the days until my smart lease is up. I WILL NOT BE KEEPING THIS CAR.

- Jenny T., Delmar, MD, US

problem #14

Sep 192009

Aura XE 6.0L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,136 miles

I will never own another Saturn (no problem .. o-o-b). I was informed that the front brake rotors are warped and need to be resurfaced (warranty); however, the front brake pads are low and are not covered under warranty and the cost = $141.00. What? If the rotors are warped, wouldn't that cause the pads being low. No. It is normal wear and tear, and is a maintenance repair. At 30,100, how can the pads be low when I drive 36 miles rt/day and all highway? Normal. I said you are crazy. Do you want us to replace them? If we don't, you will have a problem. I had to have them done. I ok'd the repair and stated I will call Saturn.

Well, Saturn Cust Svc was sympathetic and understood the warranty/mileage issue. They called the dealership (Totowa, NJ) and they repeated the above. Since I was not satisfied, it was sent to District Specialist who stated they would call the dealership. I told them that is what Cust Svc did and you are going to recive the same response. They called me today and said they could not reimburse me since this a normal wear/tear repair but as a courtesy, they are sending me $100 coupon towards future maintenance repairs. I thanked them and told them I would put it towards oil changes. I stated that I have 5 mos left on my lease and if I felt something wrong with the car and it was not under warranty but drivable, I would park the car in my driveway and rent a car until the lease was up and the car was back in their lap. I would never drive another Saturn (oopps .. no longer) / GM car.

Diane L.

- Diane L., Lincoln Park, NJ, US

problem #13

Aug 202009

Aura XE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

Will never own another Saturn, brakes and rotors need to be replaced. Have done all maintenance on time. Dealer says it is not covered. In a GMAC Smart Buy and will get out of it first chance I get. The noise and squealing is horrible. Taking it to a private mechanic tomorrow, not sure of total cost yet.

- Carol F., Albany, NY, US

problem #12

Aug 012009

Aura XE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

The first time I took my car in for the rear brakes they told me I needed new brake pads, my car then had around 42,000 miles. I was not even going to pay what the dealership was going to charge me. I asked them if they were made out of gold. I took my car to another dealership to have my rear brakes & rotors resurfaced. I took my car back on 8/14/09 for wobbling when I braked & they told me my front rotors were warped but my brake pads were fine. It seems to me this is a real issue from the other complaints regarding the same problems. The service tech told me it would be around $171.00 to have the front rotors repaired. This is absolutely crazy! I asked him what would cause them to be warped, he said running over a pot hole. Lets be realistic now, they apparently come from the factory this way. My next door neighbor has the same car & is having the same problems.

- April N., Johnson City, TN, US

problem #11

Aug 012009

Aura XE 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A wobble in the steering wheel when braking. It occurs mostly downhill and turning right. I took the car to the Saturn dealership. After explaining the problem to the mechanic, the mechanic, without even looking at the car, said they had seen the problem before. He said it was a problem with the traction control system telling the computer that the car was going too fast and the computer was activating the automatic braking system. The automatic braking system was applying the brakes and causing the wobble/shimmy.

Has anyone else had this problem and had such an explanation without the mechanic even looking at the brakes?

- daneugtay, Greenback, TN, US

problem #10

Mar 172007

Aura XE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,114 miles

This was the first instance that my brakes showed problems. The brakes were grinding significantly at every stop. It was found that brake dust solidified on front pads and cut into rotors. Front Pads were cleaned and Front rotors resurfaced #1.

- Brandon K., Lombard, IL, US

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