NHTSA — Power Train: Automatic Transmission Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,867 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 transmission problems

transmission problem

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2008 Saturn Outlook Owner Comments

problem #7

Oct 142014

Outlook

  • 105,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse and would not accelerate over 20 mph. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

- Weare , NH, USA

problem #6

Aug 162011

Outlook

  • 40,088 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the transmission failed. The contact mentioned that there was an increase in engine rpms but the vehicle would not move and felt like as if it were stuck in neutral. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the problem. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 40,088.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #5

Jul 182010

Outlook

  • miles
1A. the headlights on our 2008 Saturn Outlook started malfunctioning when on auto in July 2010. 1B. our transmission doesn't properly engage, either. 2A. our headlights went completely out on the left side, even when on manual, last Friday evening. They had been working earlier in manual, so we were unaware until pulled over by an mp and cited. We were unable to drive our Outlook at night. Saturn finally agreed to fix the wiring harness on Wednesday, but they will not fix the new bulb that shorted out due to the wiring problem. It caused us to not be able to safely or legally drive at night. 2B. the transmission often does not engage, especially when we are stopped and then try to cross traffic to turn left. This has caused several near misses and one minor accident for us. It usually occurs when we are stopped and needing to speed up to merge or cross traffic. 3A. currently, Saturn is replacing the wiring harness but not the light burned out because of the wiring problem, stating this is a maintenance issue. They are also addressing leaks in the water and fuel pumps. 3B. unless the transmission problem is fixed by the leaks repair, they have not done anything to correct the transmission problem.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #4

Jul 172010

Outlook

  • 60,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook sl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the transmission disengaged and the vehicle suddenly lost power. He was unable to accelerate; however, he was able to drive onto the emergency lane. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the transmission was on backorder. The manufacturer offered to cover rental expenses. The current and failure mileages were approximately 60,000.

- West Milford, NJ, USA

problem #3

Jan 142008

Outlook

  • miles
I own a 2008 Saturn Outlook, since new vehicle has had a problem with the transmission.it over revs while in the passing mode and doesn't down shift until you completely take your foot off the gas.when accelerating sometimes it takes seconds before accelerating making it dangerous to merge into traffic.recently it feels like the transmission is slipping when you accelerate to go a up a hill. I have taken it to the dealer numerous times and all they say is all the computer codes are correct and they can't duplicate the problem, so there's nothing wrong with the vehicle. I emailed Saturn this week and they stated they contacted the dealer and were told the codes are up to date and they are unable to duplicated the problem, so I accomplished nothing. I guess they'll wait until the transmission blows up or the vehicle is out of warranty before they take any action.from the blogs I have read on the internet this is a common problem with this vehicle and Saturn tells everyone the same thing. I feel this is a problem with the vehicle and the consumer is going to be stuck with the cost of repairs on this vehicle unless the us government intervenes. My vehicle only has 8,769 miles on it and the problem has been there since it was new.

- Kenilworth, NJ, USA

problem #2

Sep 202008

Outlook

  • 3,980 miles
When in drive it rolls back when stooped if there is any elevation. It is not consistent so roll back is unexpected creating potential accidents. Saturn claims this defect to be in all Outlook and nothing will done about it.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #1

Feb 292008

Outlook 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have an 08 Saturn Outlook that will roll back while in drive on any kind of incline. My wife has almost had a few accidents in the vehicle because of this, but Saturn refuses to fix the problem. They say it is just the way the vehicle works and that is it. They also told me that there is no recall yet so they can not help me. Something seems very wrong to me, my families lives are in danger in this vehicle but Saturn does not care because enough people have not complained?

- Las Cruces, NM, USA

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