CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2008 Aura’s issues with brakes, such as worn out rotors, isn’t as severe as the prior model year, but let’s just not start awarding them any brake awards just yet. Does that even exist? “The Brakies”?

One thing the 2008 does share with the 2007 is a recall of a busted gear shifter cable which can make it look like your car is in park, when the transmission is still engaged. You can only imagine what kind of fun that causes.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,602 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Saturn Aura brakes problems

brakes problem

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2008 Saturn Aura Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #58

Jan 052022

Aura

  • miles

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

The brake light comes on by itself for no apparent reason it will turn on like you Are braking this could cause and accident it also will slip out of park for no rhyme or reason also which is scary I park on a.hill and luckily I had my wheels turned towards the curb so it didn't move when it happens multiple times

- Council Bluffs, IA, USA

problem #57

Apr 102020

Aura

  • 98,000 miles
When pushing on brake peddle the car shack's taken into be repaired twice had to put new disk and rotate disk cause warped starting to do again this will be 3rd time repaired mechanic not sure why

- Caldwell, ID, USA

problem #56

Jan 272021

Aura

  • 142,500 miles
While driving and not touching the brakes, the brake lights are illuminated as if you are braking. When you do apply the brakes, the brake light goes off and there is no indication that you are slowing and braking. The cruise control in turn does not work as it thinks you are applying the brakes at highway speeds. This has been a recall before for this car and was repaired but is happening again.

- Ashland, OH, USA

problem #55

Apr 302020

Aura

  • miles

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

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

- De Smet, SD, USA

problem #54

Jul 022019

Aura

  • 154,016 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving 25 mph, the brake warning indicator illuminated and the brakes failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact lost control of the vehicle temporarily. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired the manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 154,016. The VIN was invalid.

- Arburn, WA, USA

problem #53

Jun 172019

Aura

  • 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated while driving 55 mph down a hill, when brake pedal was depress and failed to stop/low down the vehicle. The contact stated she heard an abnormal noise while trying to divert the vehicle to the right shoulder of the road. The contact stated after pumping the brake pedal several times she was able to slow the vehicle to a stop. The contact stated she saw smoke coming from vents on the dashboard. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely and saw fire coming from the engine. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

- Readstawn, WI, USA

problem #52

Feb 232019

Aura

  • miles

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

I take my vehicle at martin Chevrolet on 02/22/2019 for the incomplete recall to be fix after a day my vehicle start having check engine light on air bag traction control light on tail light not working wiper blade stop working the consequence that any of the mention issues will cause failure conditions increases the risk of fatal accident I want all these issues to be resolved.

- San Pedro, CA, USA

problem #51

Dec 192017

Aura

  • 142,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving, the brake lights randomly illuminated without warning and various indicators flashed on and off on the instrument panel. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

- Wheatley Heights, NY, USA

problem #50

Sep 052018

Aura

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle failed to shift into gear. Additionally, while reversing, the vehicle failed to stop and the emergency brake had to be engaged to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shifter cable needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Manor, TX, USA

problem #49

Dec 012017

Aura

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While operating the vehicle, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. In addition, the service brakes and electronic stability control indicators illuminated, and the brake lights remained illuminated without depressing the brake pedal. The failures were not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (sutliff GMC in state college, pa) were notified, but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control) in 2014, but the failures recurred. The failure mileage was 190,000.

- Philipsburg, PA, USA

problem #48

Aug 082017

Aura

  • 231,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that the tail lamps remained illuminated until the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as intended until serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control) at dunn Chevrolet Buick located in Oregon, Ohio. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 231,000.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #47

Oct 072016

Aura

  • 83,000 miles
This is a repeat problem for a malfunction that was repaired by a dealer under recall # 13036. The brake lights are not working properly. They are on (lit) when the brake pedal is not depressed. When the driver presses on the brake pedal, the brake lights go off (dark). This is an obvious safety issue and continues to occur despite a previous recall repair.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #46

Jun 272016

Aura

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving 40 mph, the traction and brake warning lights illuminated at 4 rpms. In addition, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Salem, NH, USA

problem #45

May 222016

Aura

  • 140,000 miles
Recall Oct 2014 for body control module BCM was fixed by dealer (reedman toll, langhorn, pa). About 3 weeks ago my car started doing the same thing. Brake lights go on for no reason (even if the car is parked with no one in it); touch break pedal lightly and brake lights go out; touch harder and they come back on. Riding down road message is displayed on dash "service traction" then "ESC off". this is exactly how it worked before the recall. It does this most days but not all. Sometimes the brakes lights work correctly. Sometimes when driving with the problem, the problem seems to correct itself after a while and then comes back (on the same trip). Called same dealer and they said they can only fix a recall once and that I would have to pay to have it fixed again. I ride the pa turnpike everyday and have notice several GM cars that have the same problem. Seems to me they put a band aid on it and never fixed it properly. This is a safety issue for the people behind me since they never know when my brakes are on or off.

- Levittown, PA, USA

problem #44

Jan 262016

Aura 6-cyl

  • miles
SATURN AURA 2008 TAIL LAMP MALFUNCTION. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO TUSTIN GM FOR BRAKE REPAIR AND BRAKE LIGHT REPAIR. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, I WASN'T TOLD ANYTHING ABOUT A RECALL. 2 WEEKS AGO, I NOTICED MY TRACTION CONTROL, ESC AND PANIC BRAKE ASSISTANCE WERE NOT WORKING ALONG WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND A FEW OTHER FEATURES. IT OCCURRED RANDOMLY AFTER AT LEAST AN HOUR OF DRIVING. I NOTICED AFTER A FEW TIMES THIS OCCURRED MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE I WAS IN PARK WITH THE HEADLIGHTS OFF. I TESTED IT, AND THEY INDEED TURNED OFF WHEN I ENGAGED MY BRAKES, ONLY TO ILLUMINATE AGAIN WHEN I DISENGAGED MY BRAKES. I WAS VERY NERVOUS DRIVING IT HOME AND HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS ON THE CITY STREET STOPPING AT STOP LIGHTS. I BROUGHT THIS BACK TO TUSTIN GM'S ATTENTION AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S BEEN CORRECTED AND IT'S NOW MY RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR THE CHARGES OF FIXING IT. I REFUSED AND BROUGHT IT TO ORANGE COAST BUICK GMC AND CADILLAC. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AND REFUSED TO BELIEVE THAT IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL, WOULDN'T EVEN CHECK. I MADE A CASE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SAID MY ONLY OPTION IS TO DRIVE THE UNSAFE VEHICLE UNTIL THE PROBLEM OCCURS AND THEN BRING IT INTO A DEALER SO THEY CAN FIND OUT THE ISSUE. THEY CLAIM MY PROBLEM DOES NOT CORRELATE WITH THE RECALL IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM, AND HAVE DONE EVERYTHING SHORT OF CALLING ME A LIAR. I NOW HAVE A RENTAL VEHICLE BECAUSE I AM DEPENDED ON BY MY ELDERS TO BRING THEM TO AND FROM APPOINTMENTS. I NEED MY VEHICLE FIXED, PROPERLY, AND HOPEFULLY SOME TYPE OF COST ASSISTANCE WITH THE RENTAL VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO CAN'T SEEM TO TELL ME THE EXACT DATE THE RECALL WAS REMEDIED. FIRST THEY SAID JANUARY, THEN THEY SAID AUGUST. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Coon Rapids, MN, USA

problem #43

Sep 072015

Aura

  • 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving at any speed, the cruise control failed. Additionally, the brake light illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact received a recall notice for the brakes a few months later and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

- Canal Point, FL, USA

problem #42

Dec 132015

Aura

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While parked, the brake lights failed to illuminate when activated. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that brake apply sensor circuit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Haughton, LA, USA

problem #41

May 042015

Aura

  • 118,056 miles
I was parked in my driveway and I had my foot on the brake, I noticed I could not see the brakes lights illuminating. I had my friend push the brake pedal and I got out and looked at the brake lights. All three brake lights are not illuminating when the pedal is pressed. If the car is running they still do not work, just the led's in the tail light assembly get brighter when the pedal is pressed. We have recently taken the Aura to the GM dealer for the BCM recall, they put in a spacer and added di-electric grease. It was functioning properly since the recall. On May 4th I realized the brake lights were no longer working. Also the power locks work intermittently on the car. Some days the locks work, other days they don't (very erratic).

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #40

Jul 212011

Aura 4-cyl

  • 51,763 miles
The brake lights on my car engage and disengage in no relation to the brake pedal being depressed. While driving, the brake lights will illuminate on their own and turn off when the brake pedal is pushed. Sometimes, the brake lights will turn off if the brake pedal is pulled up in the opposite direction. Repairs have been attempted on the following occurrences: July 21, 2011, July 27, 2011, August 21, 2012, March, 29, 2013, September 24, 2014, November 19, 2014. Repairs have included the following: Brake light switch replaced (2 times); dielectric grease applied to BCM connectors (approximately 12 times); cruise control switches replaced; brake pedal home position recalibrated (2 times). The issue still has yet to be resolved, despite it being included in a GM recall from August 2014 number 13036, and having it twice been attempted under said recall. The GM dealership to which this car has been brought for the recall, colonial Buick Pontiac GMC in watertown, MA claims that they have done everything under the terms of the recall and if the problem persists than it must be paid by the customer. This is antithetical to the purpose of the recall, which is to fix the problem, despite the terms of the recall not fully addressing the error. The service people at the dealership claim that what should be fixed next is replacing the brake light switch, despite that having been replaced twice. The GM recall is not fully addressing the problem, and I, as the customer, should not be expected to pay for any costs associated with fixing the malfunctioning brake lights.

- Cambridge, MA, USA

problem #39

Feb 032014

Aura 6-cyl

  • 102,000 miles
Update to complaint filed 08/04/2014; NHTSA id 10618873. Due to the fact I received a notice indicating my vehicle was involved in GM recall 13036 and my car is experiencing all of the problems as outlined in the recall, I took vehicle to a local dealer who informed me my vehicle was not included in the recall. The affected vehicles, according to the letter to you from Ms. Nancy lewis of General Motors dated May 28, 2014, 2008 Saturn vehicles manufactured from 04/24/2007 through 06/27/2008 are affected by this recall. My Saturn was manufactured in "08/07." Due to the fact the vehicle is experiencing every problem associated with the recall and it falls within the manufacture date, please outline, with specific information, why it not included in the recall. Thank you.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

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