NHTSA — Power Train Problems

2007 Saturn Outlook (Page 2 of 6)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,628 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.

2007 Saturn Outlook drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2007 Saturn Outlook Owner Comments (Page 2 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #97

Apr 062015

Outlook

  • 103,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that the clutch wave plate malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the technician diagnosed that the shift cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 103,000.

- Climax, MI, USA

problem #96

Jan 192015

Outlook

  • 122,000 miles
The vehicle would not shift leaving me stranded - during a Chicago snow storm. I'm being told that it's the transmission again - only now the power tran warranty has expired.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #95

Dec 122014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 52,834 miles
Driving home from the store when entering a dangerous intersection my transmission gave out. Luckily I had enough speed to make it through the intersection and was able to drive home. Upon taking my vehicle to two different repair shops, I was told I would need a new transmission. The wave plate shattered and pieces were now in my transmission. I called GM to get some financial assistance since my vehicle had such low mileage. I was told there was no recall. After speaking to the owner of the transmission shop and doing some online investigating, it appears that I am not the only one who had a problem with the wave plate in their Saturn Outlook or GM acadia. I feel the wave plate is defective and that a recall should be put in place so no one else gets hurt from their transmission giving out on them.

- Munhall, PA, USA

problem #94

Jan 192015

Outlook 6-cyl

  • miles

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

I received a recall notice (14329) from GM at the end of September 2014. The recall stated: This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2007 model year Saturn Outlook vehicles may develop a power steering pump wear condition that can cause an intermittent drop of power steering hydraulic pressure that will cause reduced or loss of steering assist. The vehicle may revert to manual steering which requires greater driver effort, particularly at low vehicle speeds. I took the vehicle to the dealership in December. They were unable to look at the vehicle because I did not have an appointment. I took the vehicle back yesterday. At first the service representative tried to tell me that the letter was more of "if you want to buy a warranty". I informed him that the steering wheel has been making a 'whirring' sound and to inspect it. Of course they called within an hour to state that the power steering pump was bad. The vehicle also needed to have the rack and pinion replaced, front struts replaced, and a wheel alignment. The cost to me was $1800. All of this is a result of a defective GM product. This should be covered by them. Shame on GM. I am aware that there is a GM recall on the 2009 and newer traverse, acadia, and enclave models. The Saturn models should be included in this too.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #93

Oct 102014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 132,000 miles
I have a 2007 Saturn Outlook. Wife drives this vehicle every day until it stopped shifting out of second gear! she would stop at the end of our road and go to take off and then the check engine light would come on and then would not change out of 2nd gear. I was told by my mechanic that this is a common problem with this make. I think GM should do a recall on these vehicles. Thanks

- Columbia , KY, USA

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problem #92

Aug 202014

Outlook

  • 104,000 miles
Our 2007 Saturn Outlook broke down with the dreaded wave plate transmission failure. Symptom was that the transmission shifted into neutral on its own around 30-35 mph and would not continue. We tried several times to restart. Each time the transmission held up until 30-35 mph then shifted into neutral and stopped. We had the Outlook towed to fna transmission in wakefield, MA who confirmed that the wave plate failed and shredded the rest of the transmission...nothing could be saved. While I am happy no one was hurt, a transmission should last more than 104K miles, which is of course out of warranty period. The repair cost $3000. Why is there no recall on this known issue? we had planned to trade this Outlook in for a newer traverse, but now I am not confident in the product. GM, please fess up to this problem. Thank you

- North Andover, MA, USA

problem #91

Apr 242012

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 63,000 miles

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

April 2012 was the first transmission failure incident. Under warranty at this point 63000 miles. Check engine light comes on transmission not shifting properly, pressure plates had disintegrated in transmission metal in transmission fluid. GMC honored warranty and took care of problem. 22000 miles later, 2 years pass, check engine light comes on and transmission not shifting changing gears properly. Car was used for 20 minute round trip commute to work, local shopping. Occasionally a 4 hour round trip recreational get away. No towing or hauling. Less than average driving. Took vehicle to my mechanic, informed that transmission codes 0752, 0700. My mechanic refers me to a transmission specialty shop, as he didn't have the ability to perform necessary repairs diagnostics. At the transmission specialty shop, scan code 0989 transmission fluid pressure switch, shift solenoids stuck on. Advised we need a new tranny, as he also found metal particles in transmission fluid. Advised 4 thousand dollars is what it would cost to replace transmission. Here we go again same problem that GM fixed 2 years ago 22000 miles ago. The dealer who originally did repairs 2 years ago said out of warranty now you have to pay out of pocket. Called GM head quarters. They had car picked up by tow truck from tranny specialist shop, and towed 30 miles away to chase Chevrolet 30 minutes away. They have had my car almost 2 weeks now. They finally call me day number 12 to tell me they found code 0989 and would have to replace the transmission control module, at a cost of 800 dollars to me and GM would pick up the other 400 dollars, a 1200 dollar repair. I asked about the metal in the transmission fluid, service guy tells me if I want them to check on that issue, as reported by tranny specialist it would cost me and additional 24 hundred dollars to tear engine apart!

- Tracy, CA, USA

problem #90

Aug 182014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 101,096 miles
Hello I have the 2007 Outlook that has experienced the notorious transmission failure. My car was taken back to the dealership soon after I purchased it with 40,000 miles and told them the car would roll back while on a hill in gear. They said it was inherent with this transmission and sent me on my way. As dangerous as this was to send a customer away with a car that rolls backwards. Today the transmission failed without notice. I backed out of a parking spot in the lowes parking lot and the car shuttered violently. I made it to the corner about a half mile away before the car simply would not move. I had it towed to lunghamer GMC at 5825 highland road in waterford Michigan. I pulled the engine code myself and had P2723, P0700 I am finding everywhere on the web through hundreds of forums that this transmission is a real issue due to the defective china made wave plate. This is a defective part that implodes internally then takes out the entire transmission. This is an expensive $4000 repair, replacement. This should be a recall because GM has known about this failure early on.

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #89

Aug 022014

Outlook

  • 92,000 miles
The transmission failed and almost caused me to get in a wreck on the interstate.

- Duson , LA, USA

problem #88

Jul 192014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated and the gear would not shift, which prevented the vehicle from moving. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. No repairs were made and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 81,000. Updated 04/13/15 updated 08/24/2017

- Severn, MD, USA

problem #87

Jun 042008

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 51,000 miles

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

My wife and I own a 2007 Saturn Outlook xr, which we brought brand new. After 1 year, we were having trouble with the Saturn Outlook trying to find gears, and the throttle response was disappointing. When passing, you press the throttle, and there is a 15 second hesitation, before the vehicle starts to pick up speed. We have taken the vehicle in for transmission recalls, where they have updated the software. I did this three times, it would last for a couple of weeks, and start right back malfunctioning. Now my vehicle is no longer under warranty, and guess what, the transmission goes out, while on I-55, in Chicago, on my way to work..wow! $4,032 to replace, brand new. I paid this because I felt that it was cheaper than another car payment. I am so angry at GM, because they knew that this transmission was faulty, and all they did was take my money, and left me hanging. I am just like other hard working families out there, who just can't cough up 4 grand, and it not put a dent in your budget. All they did was come up with a sorry patch job, that was only temporary, and once it was no longer covered under warranty, they had no shame or remorse about charging you. I called GM, and tried to see if they would do something, ha! no such luck. I often think about that moment my wife could have been hurt, or hurt someone because of GM's negligence. Please help me, and all the consumers out there who have purchased from GM. They need to take responsibility for this serious matter. Thank you....[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #86

Jun 272014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
While turning across 2 oncoming lanes into a shopping center in my 2007 Saturn Outlook, I suddenly had no power to the wheels. No power in drive or reverse. Luckily, no oncoming vehicles. Towed to dealership who advised transmission was destroyed. Cost to replace- $3950, and transmission is on back-order. Vehicle is still at dealership waiting for parts as of 07/06/14. Outlook was purchased new and has been serviced regularly. It has only been driven by my wife and I and has never been used to tow. Research has shown this to be too common of a safety problem for a vehicle with 58,000 miles.

- Snohomish, WA, USA

problem #85

Sep 302012

Outlook

  • 97,000 miles
This car is a lemon. We bought the car used from a GM dealership in Sept 2012. In retrospect, it was a sign from above indicating it was a lemon however we held out faith. The first problem, not even 2 weeks after buying the car, the water pump blew. The thermostat then broke only a few months later. Another repair. Then the monster came --- timing chain! the timing chain broke! just awful! thankfully, we discovered a 120,000 warranty thing that included the timing chain, otherwise this pos would've been dumped off at the nearest junkyard. So, that was all fine and dandy until several months later the brakes wouldn't have pressure behind the pedal. We had to replace lines, pads, rotors, the whole kit and caboodle since that was all broken. Okay, so we fixed that. Ugh. We started talking about replacing the vehicle, but soon discovered we would owe more on vehicle than what it is worth. Everything was fine and calm and peaceful for quite some time. Then the one time we go to use the lift gate to unload some boxes, sure enough -- the lift gate wouldn't open!! the stupid switch went out on that! what?!!! they had to take the whole flipping door off the car in order to get to the stupid switch! it was locked shut. It wasn't a tragically expensive repair, so we paid it, moved on. Now, this is the thing that has really irked me. Noticed while driving the car's transmission jerks at 20-30 mph, and in reverse. So we called up the dealership, explained what it was, they test drove it, said "ooohhhh, it's probably the wave plate inside the transmission." -- you'll need to purchase a remanufactured transmission from GM, or you'll need to have it rebuilt, but they're about the same price (about $500 difference). I was sucker punched. You win again GM! you're cheaply made crap and now my wallet is hemorrhaging again! I will never buy GM again! ever! piece of crap vehicles!

- Redwood Falls, MN, USA

problem #84

Apr 242014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 71,000 miles
Very scary. We went on a short vacation in pa and while we were going up a hill, my vehicle suddenly would not shift into gear. We were traveling about 27 mph and the engine RPM went to 7000. I have to quickly pull off the road and call for roadside assistance. Soon after this incident, the check engine light came on. We were towed to the local gas station and the mechanic said it's a transmission problem and would cost over a $1000. I went on the web did some research and found out that this GM module been having transmission problem and GM did absolute noting to resolve this. This is the first time I bough GM and it will be the last.

- South Ozone Park, NY, USA

problem #83

Nov 042013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 141,796 miles
My vehicle transmission has had problems since I purchased my vehicle with 36K miles. The vehicle transmission has made grinding noises, been stuck in both forward and reverse gears, and had been serviced four times for various conditions. I do not haul trailers with my Outlook. It is a family passenger car. 6 months ago I had a rebuilt transaxle put in at my expense, thinking this would remedy any ongoing transmission problems. Unfortunately, this new transmission has begun to slip when engaged from park to reverse. I have 155K on my Saturn, but only 10K on this new transaxle. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. I will not be looking to replace this vehicle with a GM. Their lack of acknowledgement of the existence of any problems with the Saturn/acadia/traverse transmission has cost them several sales. I have gone out of my way to warn my friends that they should think twice before considering the purchase of one of these GM SUV models.

- New Prague, MN, USA

problem #82

May 112014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 63,000 miles
Traveling at 70mph on I 75 and rpms increased and speed decreased almost causing the truck behind me to rear end the vehicle. Got off on first exit and parked to look things over and no obvious problems. Tried to put car in reverse and nothing only 1st gear of the automatic transmission operating. After hours of research this appears to be a common problem with this transmission. If this has not caused a fatal accident yet I am positive it will soon.

- North Branch, MI, USA

problem #81

Apr 172014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
Vehicle has just over 82000 miles on it. Transmission started shifting hard. 4 days later, driving on the interstate the vehicle suddenly lunged and the RPM's went way up. The car would no longer shift and will not shift into reverse. After much research we have pages hundreds and hundreds of people with the same issues. There is premature wear of the internal transmission parts. Why hasn't this been recalled?

- Russellville, MO, USA

problem #80

Apr 152014

Outlook

  • 34,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the wave plate needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000. The VIN was not available.

- Southern Pines, NC, USA

problem #79

Apr 122014

Outlook

  • 44,000 miles
Same kind of story as that of many others. On the road, the Outlook's transmission began to slip and engine rev went high before the next shift. One difference is that in our case, we were driving home from a hospital, hours after my wife's sister died there that day. We did not need that. For the record, the dealer quoted $3750 to fix or offered $3000 in trade toward another car. Haven't decided yet. We have other things on our mind. The funeral is Wednesday.

- Allentown, PA, USA

problem #78

Sep 142007

Outlook

  • miles
TL- the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that the ignition module failed, causing the vehicle to stall sporadically and without warning for years. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure several times but did not provide a remedy for the failure. The contact stated there was a noise upon driving the vehicle and various warning sensors illuminate on the instrument panel each time the vehicle was driven. The warning sensors show service traction, service engine light, service air bags, service ABS brake system indicators. There was a leak in the sunroof which was diagnosed and repaired by an authorized dealer. The diagnosis was to replace the track. After the repair the failure happened again. The contact stated that the vehicle does not shift in and out of gear properly. The contact had to press the gas pedal hard to accelerate the vehicle. The gas gage reads intermittently. The brakes are not working. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer multiple times and the failures still recurr. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. Dyd

- Irvine, CA, USA

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