Saturn Outlook Problems and Repair Histories
Saturn Outlook problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Saturn Outlook
Saturn Outlooks for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the Saturn Outlook problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For Saturn Outlook problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the Saturn Outlook problems and repair histories that follow it.
Saturn Outlook Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2010 | Saturn Outlook | 71 Outlooks, 9.8 months of data per Outlook, average 32500 miles71 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
| 2009 | Saturn Outlook | 108 Outlooks, 9.6 months of data per Outlook, average 49800 miles 59 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
| 2008 | Saturn Outlook | 145 Outlooks, 10.2 months of data per Outlook, average 59400 miles Common problem with 3-5-R wave plate failures inside the transmission. Part upgraded before the 2009 model year.79 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
| 2007 | Saturn Outlook | 49 Outlooks, 10.1 months of data per Outlook, average 71900 miles 58 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten Saturn Outlook problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2010 Saturn Outlook
Engine not specified
| Saturn Outlook in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 58000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 60000 | 0 | Car went in for a routine oil change and they told me my torque tube needed to be replaced along with a right front strut. Car went in for oil change and I told them about a rattle in the front |
2010 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
288-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saturn Outlook in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 12000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 29000 | 0 | Car would not start in driveway on single digit morning. Dealer could not replicate and attributed it to the fact that car was low on fuel and facing uphill. 3 lines on rear defroster not working. Dealer ordered new rear window. Power lumbar unit in drivers seat non-functional Driver's shoulder belt cutting into trim where it exits the B pillar. B pillar seat belt bezel replaced. Power lumbar unit replaced rear glass replaced to fix defroster |
| Jul | 2011 | 39000 | 0 | Rear Saturn emblem was de-laminating. Inspected at last oil change, and part ordered then. Part replaced this trip. |
| Sep | 2011 | 43000 | 0 | Driver's seat belt cutting into B pillar trim again. New part ordered, but no new design so it is likely to reoccur. |
| Oct | 2011 | 44700 | 0 | Driver's seat belt B pillar trim replaced due to seat belt cutting into trim. |
| Mar | 2012 | 52000 | 150 | AC not cooling well, hissing sound behind dash. Dealer only found low freon, system tested OK so recharged only. |
| Apr | 2012 | 53000 | 0 | AC problems reoccurred, new diagnosis was bad pressure line. Parts ordered. New AC pressure line installed. |
| Mar | 2013 | 71000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2009 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
288-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saturn Outlook in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 2000 | 0 | Have lift in garage. In looking underneath vehicle noticed ALL the support rods for the exhaust system coated in rust. The exhaust itself (stainless) pretty rust free except the seam around both resonators (have the dual exhaust version). |
| Oct | 2009 | 3000 | 0 | In dash navigation screen would black out. Dealer ordered upgraded software for the nav system. Returned to dealer within 5 days and nav system software upgraded (roughly 30 minutes). Dead battery (in my garage). Jumped it and drove to my dealer (excellent dealer [Saturn of Lakeside]). TSB #09-06-03-002E: EI09060 reprogrammed the Instrument Panel Cluster (corrected too large of a drain on the battery). Replaced battery as well |
| Feb | 2010 | 10000 | 0 | The driver's side height adjustable plastic housing for the safety belt. The belt, over time, cut into the plastic housing. There was a running design change for the '09s and mine had it, but because it was set for my wife (low), I wore it out. |
| Jun | 2010 | 15000 | 0 | Incurred a "no start" Memorial weekend. Had no power to start. All the vehicle would do is click once. This "no start" happened to me back in December of '09 also. Dealer reprogrammed the instrument panel cluster. |
| Sep | 2010 | 19000 | 0 | This no-start could not be duplicated (kept overnight and a loaner was provided). Service Manager @ Lakeside Saturn in Macomb, MI determined if this should happen again to flat bed it in as codes were cleared when I jump started her. |
| Mar | 2011 | 27000 | 0 | This was a GM Customer Satisfaction Program. Premature timing chain wear. The Dealer changed the calibration of the Engine Control Module (ECM), including the Engine Oil Life Monitor (OLM). This doesn't bode well for a long term owners. |
| Jan | 2012 | 36700 | 0 | My Saturn came equipped with power, heated and auto dimming outside mirrors. The passenger mirror pivoting point apparently was wearing as the mirror head could rock forward and backward. The dealer confirmed and replaced w/new mirror. |
| Mar | 2013 | 52000 | 115 | Complete steering rack was replaced under my purchased entended bumper to bumper warranty. I had a deductible of $100.00 plus I paid for a routine oil and filter change of $14.97 (I supply the Pennzoil Platinum oil). |
| Saturn Outlook in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 8000 | 0 | Bumpy forward and backward travel on the power driver's seat. New tracks ordered. Replaced defective tracks for forward/backward travel on driver's power seat |
| Mar | 2010 | 13000 | 0 | Clunk in steering and accelerator while turning wheel left and right. Dealer claims problem in rack, but no fix available. |
| Jun | 2010 | 17000 | 0 | Clunk in steering. Can feel in steering wheel and accelerator while turning wheel left and right. There is a TSB #10-02-32-001: Clunk or Knock Noise When Turning (Replace Steering Gear Bushing) - (Apr 14, 2010) But dealer replaced entire rack due to a... |
| Jul | 2010 | 18300 | 0 | Clunk in steering. Can feel in steering wheel and accelerator while turning wheel left and right. Dealer replaced part of steering column. |
| Nov | 2010 | 24000 | 0 | Wiring harness on passenger side replaced after 3 lamps have failed in 19 months of ownership. |
| Jun | 2011 | 30000 | 0 | Rattle in center console of dash. Replaced center storage lid. |
| Nov | 2011 | 36000 | 0 | Driver's side headlamp would go out intermittently. |
| Feb | 2012 | 38000 | 330 | Cylinder was misfiring. Replaced spark plug and coil on cylinder 5. |
| May | 2012 | 42300 | 395 | Cylinder was misfiring. Replaced spark plug and coil on cylinder 3. |
| Dec | 2012 | 54000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn Outlook in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 15000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 15000 | 0 | Steering knocking sound when moved right to left on start up in morning when temperature is below 55 degrees or less. Goes away after being driven for a mile or so |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2009 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
288-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Saturn Outlook in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 1 | 30 amp heated seats fuse was blown at time of delivery. I replaced myself for 99 cents from Auto Zone. It was the new micro size fuse and dealer didn't have any in stock. Dealer price for same fuse was $8.50 .... I don't think so. | |
| Feb | 2010 | 18000 | 0 | One problem this vehicle has (like the 2007 I used to have) is that it will lock the doors without warning. You can be in the vehicle, be walking away with keys in your purse or, have the keys in your purse sitting on the passenger seat. Called Onstar. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2009 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
281-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Saturn Outlook in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 8060 | 0 | Transmission slips and engine revs up and then down again occasionally on 1-2 upshift only. The dealer re-programmed the transmission computer. I noticed the problem a few more times, then it went away. Chrome ferrule just below transmission shift lever knob slipped down, exposing wiring. Dealer glued back up in place. Automatic climate control does not switch automatically from heating to air conditioning when vehicle interior heats up. Air conditioning works only when selected manually. |
| Dec | 2009 | 11780 | 0 | As reported earlier, engine revs rise momentarily on 1-2 upshift only. |
| Apr | 2010 | 12400 | 0 | Noticed rasping noise and increased effort when turning steering wheel. Dealer repaired leak at power steering fluid cooler. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
275-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Saturn Outlook in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2007 | 9000 | 0 | Recall for trans reflash. Dealer could not locate reflash file on computer. Phone inquiry two weeks later got same result. |
| Mar | 2008 | 14000 | 0 | XM receiver signal dropouts, excessive touch sensitive screen finger pressure required, day/night display switching erratic, radio played music while turned off. |
| Apr | 2008 | 17000 | 0 | Sudden transmission failure. Would not shift after stop. Diagnostic result: 'No 3rd gear'. Dealer found internal debris & stuck valves. Repaired per mfgr direction, dealer replaced piece parts (valves, seals, ...). |
| Jan | 2009 | 24000 | 0 | Water leaking into passenger compartment. Repeat of 9/08 problem. Repeat of the water leak problem. |
| Jul | 2009 | 32000 | 600 | Rear hatchback would not stay open. Would drift partially closed over time. Replaced both side struts. Very loud "groaning" sound while driving. Two occasions lasting for ~10 sec. Traced to air in power steering line. Flushed and refilled line. |
| Apr | 2011 | 54000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
270-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saturn Outlook in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 1000 | 0 | Turn signal indicator audio clicking noise was louder than it should have been when the vehicle was delivered. The dealer connected the car to the internet and the GM tech center recalibrated the radio which eliminated the issue. |
| Jan | 2009 | 4000 | 0 | The Check Airbag Warning Light came on. The sensor in the passenger seat was found to be not functioning and was replaced under warranty. |
| Mar | 2010 | 11000 | 0 | Check Airbag Warning Light came on. Dealer found a loose wire under the front passenger seat and reconnected it. |
| May | 2010 | 12000 | 0 | The rear liftgate struts failed (were leaking), so the rear liftgate would not stay open. The dealer quickly replaced both liftgate struts. |
| Mar | 2013 | 30000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn Outlook in Louisiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | First odometer entry | ||
| Oct | 2007 | 0 | Stabilitrac light came on and went out several times. Dealer found camshaft in engine loose. Replaced heads, camshafts and 1 piston. 4 weeks to get parts and repair. | |
| Nov | 2007 | 10000 | 0 | During troubleshooting stabilitrac light coming on shop found engien camshaft loose in the head. Replaced camshaft and head. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Saturn Outlook 4-door
6-cylinder automatic AWD
| Saturn Outlook in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 2000 | 0 | Nav/OnStar shut down - no electrical power supply. The problem disappeared when the car was restarted. OnStar and dealer fault code scan turned up with no fault codes thrown. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 Saturn Outlook 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Saturn Outlook in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 3000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 3000 | 0 | Passenger side, sideview mirror LED light works intermitantly. Dealer indicated entire mirror assembly had to be ordered and painted. |
| Mar | 2011 | 39000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2007 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
275-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saturn Outlook in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2007 | 0 | Defective left rear door speaker at delivery, standard audio system. Had ordered wrong part. Defective left rear door speaker at delivery, standard audio system. Had ordered wrong part on first trip. Correct part installed on second trip. | |
| Aug | 2008 | 12000 | 0 | Power seat track movement was rough. Sometimes made a bang noise when automatically slid all the way back, also on the forward return. Inside the cargo area, the door on the left that covers the jack compartment would not stay closed. Door was replaced with a new one. |
| Feb | 2009 | 17000 | 0 | Power seat track movement was rough. Sometimes made a bang noise when automatically slid all the way back, also on the forward return. This WAS NOT successfully repaired earlier as it indicated in your survey form. Parts took a long time to be acquired. Right front seat track movement was not smooth. Fixed. |
| Jul | 2012 | 48000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn Outlook in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2006 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2007 | 7000 | 0 | Center dashboard console will not open. Ordered new spring. Center dashboard console will not open. Replaced spring. |
| Oct | 2007 | 24000 | 0 | Loud whining noise/vibration when steering after vehicle had warmed up. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
275-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Saturn Outlook in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2007 | 2000 | 0 | I had the transmission update done when I took it in. |
| Apr | 2007 | 4000 | 0 | I was at a dog show and was getting ready to leave. I pressed the button to shut my hatch, but when it clicked to close it reopened. This happened a couple more time before I took it to the shop. |
| Jun | 2007 | 8000 | 0 | The 115 volt outlet stopped working. I had the shop look at it when I went in for an oil change. The fuse was blown. |
| Sep | 2007 | 13000 | 0 | When I was cleaning the interrior of my Outlook I noticed that the front drivers side door panel was cracked. It starts at the edge of the panel and comes around to the front of the panel. It is probably a 2-3 inch crack. Dealer has panel on order. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2007 Saturn Outlook 4dr SUV
270-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saturn Outlook in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2007 | 2000 | 0 | Tranny lag reprogram |
| May | 2007 | 6000 | 0 | Dash glove box lid wouldn't open by normal means - push button latch problem Gas gauge drops from 3/8 +/- tank to empty tank reading overnight. Tank level will move higher only after about 20 minutes of driving. Gas cap lanyard keeps coming loose allowing gas cap to fall to ground when refilling gas tank Dash glovebox replacement that was previously ordered was installed. |
| Aug | 2007 | 11000 | 0 | Window switch located on drivers door intermittently failing to operate passenger side front door window |
| Feb | 2008 | 20000 | 0 | Remote starter buzzes or hums somewhere in engine compartment uncomfortably loud. Sound goes away when key installed and turned to on. At +/- 40 mph when gas pedal is depressed heavily (lead foot) the car on 4 occasions has not accelerated for several long seconds, neither accelerates or bogs down - just stays at speed then after several long seconds finally kicks in - I consider this .. |
| Jun | 2008 | 28000 | 0 | Same shifting lag problem. When travelling at any speed any quick lift off the pedal followed by a quick depression of the accelerator causes a substantial lag period before acceleration happens |
| Nov | 2008 | 33000 | 0 | Intermittently will not shift into park correctly, car rolls away when exiting the vehicle when this happens. |
| Dec | 2008 | 38000 | 0 | Car will not always go into park. Something in transmission or Trans linkage not engaging. Car rolls away in park if safety brake not applied. Car will not always go into park. Something in transmission or Trans linkage not engaging. Car rolls away in park if safety brake not applied. |
| Oct | 2012 | 76300 | 0 | DTC codes PO171 & P0174 ended up being oil contaminated Mass Air Flow sensor |
| Dec | 2012 | 79000 | 0 | Smog system |
| Feb | 2013 | 79000 | 1300 | p0171 emission controls code returned. Dealer dropped gas tank & replaced gas vent solenoid which (+$850) proved to not be the fault. The problem was a master cylinder leaking into the vacuum booster (+$550) |
| Mar | 2013 | 79000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn Outlook in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2007 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2007 | 1860 | 0 | Technical Service Bulletin had been issued for a transmission recalibration. Engine was slow to accelerate and had a lag at certain speeds. Software update remedied the problem. |
| Nov | 2007 | 9320 | 0 | When doors were locked using the factory keyfob while one of the doors was still opened, the factory remote start, as well as the key fob, wouldn't work the next time we went to start the vehicle. The problem self-resolved two days before taking it in to |
| Feb | 2008 | 11740 | 0 | Fuel gauge only working sporadically in -30 temperatures. Dealer advised this was a known problem and GM is working on a fix for this. It's caused by condensation on the fuel tank sensor that occurs in really cold weather. Because the check engine ligh |
| Sep | 2008 | 17360 | 0 | Truck had a sound similar to a power steering whine even after parking. The sound worsened the longer the truck ran. Diagnosis: Power steering pump is leaking, parts ordered. Truck can be driven in the meantime. (warranty repair) |
| Oct | 2008 | 17980 | 0 | Power steering pump had been ordered prior trip, was replaced this trip. |
| Dec | 2009 | 26040 | 0 | Leak in the steering system noticed during visual inspection done during routine service visit. Technical service bulletin indicated updated replacement part available. Part was on hand and dealer successfully replaced. |
| Feb | 2011 | 28520 | 0 | Whining when turning tightly. Mechanic noticed vehicle seemed bumpy during test drive for complaint of steering whining. |
| Mar | 2011 | 29140 | 891 | Mechanic noticed bumpy ride when doing test drive for whining noise reported in February repair trip. Diagnosed as being front struts having leaked. Follow-up on previous fuel-gauge problem during cold weather. Was informed there is now a TSB. Using a higher ethanol fuel is supposed to prevent the problem from occurring - may be a Canadian specific problem. |
| Mar | 2013 | 32860 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert Saturn Outlook Repair Advice
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