NHTSA — Engine Problems

2008 Saturn Outlook (Page 2 of 2)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
75,208 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 Outlook engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Saturn Outlook Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #17

Jan 092013

Outlook

  • 90,000 miles

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

When it is really cold outside and the wind is blowing, when I accelerate the traction control light comes and the it says power will be reduced. The power is reduced down to about 10 miles a hour. The first time it happened I called onstar and they told me to turn the vehicle off about 8 times giving time in between to reset something. At the time of this I was accelerating on to a dual highway with a infant in the car. So at appoint I took it to poage's in quincy ill, they flushed out something and then proceeded to tell me that they could probably fix it with a cost around $800. I asked them if there was any others that had the same problem they said no. Come to find out a friend of mine has a 2007 Outlook and hers is doing the same thing. It only occurs when it is very cold outside and wind could be blowing. Poage said when it is really cold outthe air intake, air seems to be sucking up air under the fender, what they were going to try fixing it so the air would come off of the engine, it was like a vapor lock. The last time it occurred was the first week of January I was passing a car, once I accelerated the power was reduced down to about 10 miles, same thing traction control comes on then it states power will be reduced. There has to be a defect somewhere, I called GMC all the could say that there were no complaints, but in looking on the internet there have been others with the same complaints. Then they further said will it is a salvage title, I have had my Outlook since 02/09 had no complaints up until January 2013 when the weather really got cold. I told GMC I was going to contact you and nothing was said. Also stated to them that if anything happens to me or anyone else in my vehicle. There will be a law suit.

- Edina , MO, USA

problem #16

Jan 082015

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 72,000 miles
After a night of sub-zero temperatures, I turned my car on in the garage to warm up prior to loading my children in the vehicle. When we were all set, I pull out of the garage and continue to leave the driveway down the street when all the sudden my car begins to shake and my dashboard panel starts communicating multiple errors, including "engine powered down", "service stabilitrack", "traction control off" as well as the engine light going on. While all this is going on, my car stops excelling and literally stops me on the road only allowing me to accelerate to 1 RPM and maybe going 5 miles at most. After slowly maneuvering out of traffic, I turned my car on and off a few times without any luck. After talking to a service technician, I was going to get it towed for them to look at it. I turned the car off while I was talking to then, and then randomly turned it back on since it was cold, and all the errors went away and the car was moving properly. After another day of driving it, I was driving on the highway, and as I exited on the ramp and came to a stop light, the whole processed happened again. I had to take it in at this point, since I felt extremely unsafe in the vehicle, knowing it could stop operating randomly when driving. It turns out that it generated an engine power down code because the throttle was affected. Code P1516. There is a technical service bulletin (tsb) out for this apparent issue, but I am uncertain how this isn't a recall for this vehicle and other models who are experiencing it, considering it literally stops your car in the middle of traffic. With my two children in the car, I was extremely scared and didn't know what to do. If you car stops operating properly when driving that is definitely a safety hazard for you and your passengers as well as other drivers.

- West Chester, OH, USA

problem #15

Apr 142014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Approximately April of 2014 we had the first incident: While driving on the highway, at speed, the transmission seemed to "pop" into neutral (no change of gearshift lever, just engine revved). As the truck no longer had power, we managed (thank goodness) to get the truck to the shoulder avoiding highway traffic. Moved gearshift lever to park and then back to drive with no change - engine just revved as in neutral. Turned the truck off and called for a tow. While waiting for same, we turned the truck back on, and transmission seemed to function normally. Brought the truck to both wind gap Chevrolet (place of purchase) as well as an independent aamco - verdict was the same: Broken "wave plate" and a new transmission was needed at a cost of over $3000. Problem continues to this date. When we referenced the endless online complaints of same, GM was unmoved, although the power train warranty was still in effect. Very dangerous - lose power at highway speed with multiple close calls!!!! headlights: Headlights, both low and high beam, continually burn anywhere from minutes to days after being replaced. Switch assemblies have been replaced, cannot get low beams to illuminate at times, then no headlights at times. Very dangerous. Again, endless online complaints of the same issue. Sunroof: Endless issues with the sunroof leaking and soaking the floorboards on both drivers and passenger sides. Taken to wind gap Chevrolet, told we need to have sunroof replaced. Again, endless online complaints of the same issue. Based online and on this NHTSA site: It seems that these are serious and dangerous issues with this vehicle!!!!! recent headlight recall on similar vehicles for the same issue. Why is this vehicle not recalled for transmission/power train and headlight issues!"!"

- Stewartsville, NJ, USA

problem #14

Nov 202014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles

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

Dashboard information center warnings of stabilitrack and service brakes with audible chimes during driving. Went to dealership and found out that the master cylinder was leaking into brake booster. No evidence of brake leak ever. Seems to be ongoing failure with this model of all of GM product lines and a very expensive repair.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #13

Aug 202013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 79,000 miles
I was traveling about 60 mph on hwy. Car shut off and back on, it was also raining. Smelt really bad like a fire. Went straight home, took car to shop the next day. The water leak I thought had been fixed was leaking into the electrical board caused a burn out while I was driving because it was raining.

- New Port Richey , FL, USA

problem #12

Jun 012013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 126,000 miles
I have an issue with my 2008 Saturn Outlook. All of the sudden one day I went to leave my driveway, put the car in reverse and it would not go into gear. It also barley goes forward. I had previously had problems with slower than normal acceleration and rough gear change. After doing extensive research on what the problem could be I have found numerous complaints of the similar kind all over the internet. It seems there is a $25 part called a wave plate that is defective in these cars which causes the transmission to cease resulting in thousands of dollars of repairs. After finding this out I called GM customer service and was bounced around quite a bit. They are aware of the problem and discussed helping financially to fix the issue. They asked us to have it towed to a GM dealership so we did just that. After doing that they renigged their offer to help us so the car just sat there for quite a while. I bought this car used in 2011 with 98,000 and owned it 2 years then had this problem, now at 126,000. After I bought it and had this happen I have found out there have already been transmission issues with this car. I love the car but it is a complete headache. I am a single mother of three kids and do not have $3500 to shell out to get this problem fixed and believe that it is such a huge issue that something should be done and these cars need to be recalled. Meanwhile I make a car payment every month for a broken down car in my driveway. My car has been sitting for almost a year because I can't and also feel like I should shell out that kind of $ when GM is clearly at fault. I also am afraid if I do fix it the same problem will happen again. This is very unsafe. They are a terrible company who does not stand behind their products and leaves so many americans out in the cold. What horrible customer service.

- Clinton, CT, USA

problem #11

Apr 072014

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles

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

Last week we had heavy rain and rain began leaking into the car near the front pillar on the passenger side. The next day the car would not start and it appeared the battery was dead. When I had it tested it showed it needed replacement. I purchased the battery and went to have it installed. While I was there I turned the car off and the engine was still running. The technician advised that the fuse box was coroded and cleaned the connections. The car continued to remain on throughout the day until it seemed to dry out. It rained again yesterday and the same issue occurred where there was water leaking from the driver side pillar near the air bag. I noticed the car staying on one time and then the next morning the car would not start. I began researching the issue and found similar complaints from other GM users. I am concerned not only about the electrical system, but potential mold and contacted the dealer as many noted there was a service bulletin. They were unable to assist as there has not been an official recall. I would urge that this be pushed as it is another known issue with GM cars that GM refuses to do anything about: 2007 GM acadia consumer complaints ODI id number specific to water leak: 10258230 (this is my complaint id #) 10255735 10254149 10248331 10211267 10210839 10210533 2008 GM acadia consumer complaints ODI id number specific to water leak: 10246694 10243591 10241649 10230134 10229896 10212682

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

problem #10

Nov 112013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 65,278 miles
I was driving on the freeway at 65 miles per hour when my transmission failed on a vehicle that had only 65,000 miles and was well maintained in accordance with dealer recommendations. The vehicle was towed to my mechanic and required replacement. I was informed that by the transmission repair facility that they had been receiving Saturn SUVS on a regular basis. Exact quote was we have been getting "a ton" of these vehicles with very low miles.

- Milton, GA, USA

problem #9

Dec 232013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Vehicle lost speed on freeway and driver control panel lite up with error messages (stabilitrak, traction control, engine reduced power, and emission control warnings). Onstar ran diagnostic with multilpe error codes and had to have vehicle towed to delarship. The dealership stated that the valve covers were leaking and oil was all over the throttle body. Extended warranty will only over throttle body and not valve cover since GM re-designed the valve covers! obviously GM knows the valve covvers fail!! my portion of repair is $1100. Again just outside of 5 year powertrain warranty.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #8

Sep 082013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
Was driving my in-laws 2008 Saturn Outlook at about 40 mph and then engine revved and would not shift. Was on busy highway and had to pull over. Turned car off and back on and tried to drive and engine would not shift past 30 mph and then starting going in and out of shifting and not moving at all. Had to pull back over and then get a tow. This happened with no warning.

- Milwaukie, OR, USA

problem #7

Dec 242012

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles

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

I purchased a 2008 Saturn Outlook. In June 2012. I have had to have the water pump replaced a total of three times. I first replaced the water pump in December 2012 after a trip from Illinois to Georgia. The water pump was repaired on December 24,2012, at a pep boys in Georgia. Luckily I got an extend warranty in May 2013, I took the car to a GM dealrship for other work. They advised that they would perform work under warranty but the water pump was leaking and had to be replaced before the work could be done. I was furious and took back to the closest pep boys. Another water pump was installed at pep boys in may, 2103. I took the car back to GM in June and they advised that the water pump was leaking again. Luickily the service manager replaced the water pump for no charge. I just received notice from GM that they aknowledge a problem with water pump leaks with this model. And would cover the repairs up till 120,000 miles. I do not think that this condition is repairable in that it is unheard of that a car would need three water pumps in a period of seven months. The cmpany says that it is caused by low fluid levels. I have maintained the correct level of coolant in my car since I have owned it and beleive it something alot more than what they are telling me.

- Olympia Fields , IL, USA

problem #6

Jun 162013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 56,318 miles
While accelerating in speed after being stopped at a red light the vehicle went to shift and the engine rpms went up excessively, and the jerked hard when shifting. It progressively got worse as we tried to make it home. We added transmission fluid because it looked low. The next day the engine light came on. I took it to a transmission repair shop who put it on the diagnostic machine. The said that it showed a solenoid stuck open, but was concerned that the fail safe didn't work properly. They said I should have had reverse, and second to get me off the road safely. However, the reverse didn't kick in unless the vehicle was rolling backwards. They are telling me that the whole transmission will need to be replaced. The car has less than 60000 miles on it.

- Azle, TX, USA

problem #5

Jun 202013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 124,000 miles
Vehicle has not been shifting correctly for the past year or so. Took it to a GM dealership last week and was told the wave plate in the transmission was cracked. Began researching this problem and found a forum where hundreds of other GM owners have experienced this problem. After reading, it appears that when my car would not shift into reverse two years ago, it was the beginning of the problem. I didn't recognize that as a transmission problem and when I mentioned it to the dealership (which is no longer a GM dealership since they no longer have Saturn), it was dismissed because it only happened one time. I continued to have issues with the shifting but didn't take to authorized GM dealership so they don't have record of it. Recently, RPM's were randomly jumping above 4 on the highway every 10 minutes and I felt lucky to make it home from a recent trip in the mountains. Of course, GM is not willing to take any responsibility and will not provide any financial assistance to repair car but I don't understand how so many people can be experiencing these problems and it not be a recall issue? really upset that my two children were in the car and scared to death we were going to wreck or get stranded!

- Hickory, NC, USA

problem #4

Feb 142011

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 37,612 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine would exhibit a loud sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure recurred with the illumination of the check engine warning lamp. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician advised that the timing chain was stretched and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 37,612 and the current mileage was 65,911.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

problem #3

Sep 012012

Outlook 6-cyl

  • miles
I have had my the children in the car when the service stabilitrac warning came on causing jerking in heavy city traffic and wouldn't allow me to go. Had it towed and the mechanic said the entire timing component was bad, this was a Chevy dealership. Next I was traveling on a freeway with my children approaching an officer at the scene of a wreck my car revved very high and wouldn't shift anymore....not only with an officer at a accident but also reduced to one lane traffic due to construction. When this happened it nearly caused a collision. I had to attempt to coast to the side of the road. Mechanic said transmission needed to be rebuilt. I have spoke to Saturn and informed then of all my issues...evenafter transmission repairs my car continues to jerk and stall in traffic to the point I was almost T boned by a semi!! I have had my fill of my children at risk from a poorly built car! my passenger airbag won't even kick on and is having problems. All my problems started at 50,000 miles!! my sun roof was leading and I had water gushing down my pillars had to pay for that to be serviced as well!

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #2

Feb 152013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 55,000 miles
Delayed shifting when pressing down accelerator to increase speed to change lanes while on freeway. Took car in for service and was told transmission wave plate was inoperative.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

problem #1

Nov 042012

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 47,000 miles
I had transmission problems on my 2008 Saturn Outlook. While driving the car one morning it just stopped accelerating and then locked up and wouldn't move.

- Brighton, IL, USA

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