Saturn AURA Saturn AURA

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Expensive Saturn AURA repairs by problem area

Engine (19%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (26%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (44%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (6%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (0%)

Chart based on 62 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Saturn AURA.

Saturn AURA repair cost distribution

$2500+ (33%)

$1000 - $2499 (67%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 48 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2009 Saturn AURA 4dr Sedan

169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

63300 mi

US $3600
Wave plate disintegrated 
60500 mi

US $253
Car would not start. Battery was shorted out. Replaced battery. 
67000 mi

US $300
Needed a new caliper. Boot was torn 
58500 mi

US $150
Needed new wiper linkage 
86000 mi

US $500
Replaced front left wheel bearing. 
108800 mi

US $3850
Head gasket went and coolant got into the oil most likely ruining the bearings. Installing a used engine, rear rotors and pads,swaybar links. Also lower ball joint. Manifold was cracked. 

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2008 Saturn AURA 4dr Sedan

252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

34000 mi

US $440
There was a leak from the left rear brake caliper. This was covered under my GMPP warranty. I also required rear brakes which was not covered under warranty. 
30000 mi

US $1750
Replaced both front struts and bushings. 
50000 mi

US $800
Power Steering and power brakes stopped working properly. Dealer replaced PS pump and said car is ready. It is NOT repaired properly. Will need to take it back to dealer. 
50000 mi

US $950
Dealer says vehicle needed new brake master cylinder as hard break pedal feel unresolved with new power steering pump installed in June 
52000 mi

US $204
Had dealer check brakes as vehicle brake pedal feels hard when applying brakes. Brake system and brakes reported to be in proper operating condition. Had dealer check power steering as steering felt heavy as though operating non-power steering. Steering reported to be in proper operating condition. Alignment necessary due to vehicle ride feeling as though chassis wants to float right out from under body. Confirmed struts / shocks / springs in proper operating condition. Alignment did the trick! Car rides perfectly now. 
56000 mi

US $500
Center / 3rd Brake Light only worked intermittently. Had TSB performed several years ago for dealer to apply dieletic grease contacts but apparently light went bad within the past year. 
56000 mi

US $400
Parking brake cable rubbing against right rear passenger brake line causing brake fluid leak. New brake line installed and parking brake cable adjusted. 
56000 mi

US $1850
Radiator blew spontaneously while driving. Radiator, fan, water pump and radiator hoses replaced. 
57000 mi

US $800
Leaking transmission lines replaced, transmission flushed. 
57000 mi

US $3600
Noticed vehicle wasn’t shifting to higher gear when accelerating and noticed CEL on in instrument panel. Pulled over, turned engine off, and checked for leaks but none noticed. Continued driving with CEL on as only 5 miles from home and car drove fine. Next day, tested the car and transmission would not shift out of 1st gear. Took to dealer, and received bad news of wave plate 1-3-5 issue. This vehicle has been babied during its life and always been dealer serviced. No way a 13 year old vehicle with only 57k original miles should experience the number and types of problems and repairs this Saturn has required. Over the last 4 years this car has been bleeding me. I honestly doubt I’ll purchase another GM vehicle. I’ll either return to Honda or try a Toyota. 
57000 mi

US $745
Bushings beginning to dry rot and vehicle makes a terribly annoying creaking sound over every bump on right front of vehicle. 
114300 mi

US $1300
Replaced struts and shocks and did an all wheel alignment. These were probably normal wear and tear items that needed replacement. 
139000 mi

US $204
Replaced EVAP solenoid valve sensor 
152000 mi

US $3000
Rebuilt transmission 
164000 mi

US $3500
Had to replace engine 
83000 mi

US $2269
Saturn Aura XR with 80,000+ miles just stopped...pulled into parking lot couldn't move forward or backward. Was not on a main road and called for tow. 
55340 mi

C $30000
The right weel bearing was changed. Ball joint was changed on the right side 
56300 mi

C $200
Front right door actuator replaced 
86180 mi

C $175
Change the original battery 
81840 mi

C $135
Exhaust resonator 
30000 mi

US $800
Intermediate Steering Shaft replaced to eliminate very loud steering noises Steering rack tightened to attempt to eliminate a very loud steering noise. Not successful. 
30000 mi

US $900
Strut mounts replaced to eliminate loud steering groaning noises 
78000 mi

US $4000
Transmission was not shifting smoothly into 3rd. After dropped off, dealer even had issue shifting into reverse. Likely 3-5-R waveplate issue. Replaced entire transmission with GM remanufactured. 
81300 mi

US $1400
Replaced front struts, control arm and steering knuckle. 

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2008 Saturn AURA 4dr Sedan

219-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

109000 mi

US $1500
Head gasket replacement. 
2666 mi

C $100
rim is damaged 
31640 mi

C $200
rear coil spring cracked 
32940 mi

C $600
wheel bearing is damaged and repaired 
34720 mi

C $520
wheel bearing is broken and replaced the mechanic also mentioned that the power steering pump is leaking and may require significant repair. wheel bearing is broken and replaced and the mechanic also mentioned that the power steering pump is leaking and may require significant repair. 
37820 mi

C $1200
Power steering failed and replaced rack and pinion 
38520 mi

C $100
Rack and pion making noise. Shop grease the part. 
42780 mi

C $1300
replace pad, rotor and caliper 
49600 mi

C $800
replaced pad and caliper 
50220 mi

C $1300
replace the coil spring and some pipeline 
50530 mi

C $500
There is noise from the front of the car 

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2008 Saturn AURA 4dr Sedan

169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

139300 mi

US $2948
Transmission rebuilt 
34720 mi

C $400
One strut replaced under warranty Bent rim was replaced Worn brakes needed pads and rotors 
55800 mi

C $389
Check engine light was on. repairs made to gas tank flap which was not working properly 
75640 mi

C $200
replaced 3 Tire Pressure Monitors 
83700 mi

C $800
replaced 2 rear sway bar bushings and 2 rear coil springs installed. 
88040 mi

C $489
Noise in front right wheel. Noise increased as speed increased. 
97960 mi

C $425
remove and replace ball joint and control arem 
100440 mi

C $250
Did fuel injection system flush, replaced one of the injectors. Didn't fix. Eventually found a broken wire in the electrical system. Car is now working well. 
100240 mi

C $100
continued problems with acceleration, sensor warning messages, poor performance 
99200 mi

C $1300
Replaced one strut 
100440 mi

C $320
Brake line to abs system broke. Could not find part from dealer or suppliers, had to manufacture brake line and repare Battery failed. Replaced with new battery 
109740 mi

C $200
replaced flex pipe in exhaust system 
107260 mi

C $400
Replaced 2 tie-rod ends, and had an alignment done 
68000 mi

US $700
I have taken my car in for the last 3 years to have someone diagnose the problem. It is electrical and the transmission ups into 3rd gear to start out from a stop. Have not repaired fully. GM should recall VIN 106727 for tranny repair! Help! Front struts are shot 

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2007 Saturn AURA 4dr Sedan

252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

66000 mi

US $1200
Leak in power steering pump. No action - cost prohibitive at this time. 
113700 mi

US $1020
Sunroof had a 'warp' hole in the main glass body causing major internal leaking. Suspension bars needed replacing 
155000 mi

US $450
Radiator hoses replaced. 
173000 mi

US $750
Radiator fan replacement. 
68300 mi

US $2000
wave plate failure destroying trans. 
66000 mi

US $3500
Transmission failed. Replaced with new transmission 
4600 mi

US $27000
Needed fix of power steering "whining" problem. Required changing intake hose, rack and gear box. 
106500 mi

US $4900
While driving transmission started kicking all of a sudden then just stopped, pulled to the side of the road turned off engine, restart it but had only one gear available, managed to get the car to the repair shop,solenoid/wave plate failed 
125000 mi

US $134
Replace old battery 
145000 mi

US $520
Replaced oxygen sensor bank 2. Light is still on, probably another sensor. 
129500 mi

US $500
Replaced resonator had a hole in it oil pressure sender switch 
153000 mi

US $130
Third brake light out 
93400 mi

US $750
Had to replace waterpump 
109100 mi

US $465
Instrument panel gage needles did not light up - replaced instrument panel cluster 
120000 mi

US $4300
Transmission went out stuck in low gear 
55180 mi

C $600
driver side auto door lock doesn't work. Replaced whole lock module. knocking sound came back while steering. I had this issue 2 years ago, part was replaced at that time, and it came back again. 
63200 mi

C $900
The rear caliper was leaking break oil. Replaced. One of the rear spring was broken, replaced both. 
63240 mi

C $200
water pump leaking 
72540 mi

C $1000
replaced front suspension 
74400 mi

C $200
passenger ball joint is loose 
53320 mi

C $1900
timing chain stretch causing the car to throw code p0017 
64000 mi

US $624
Wheel bearing went bad creating a throbbing hum noise at ~40MPH. Replaced under Powertrain 5 year / 100000 mile warranty. 
74000 mi

US $350
Check Engine Light diagnosis of Catalytic Converter Failure. New part ordered (80,000 mile warranty on the part). Excessive Carbon Buildup in fuel injector assembly. Part Cleaned. 
80000 mi

US $1260
Rubbing noise when turning the steering wheel in either direction. Pinion gear and steering intermediate shaft replaced & front end re-aligned. 
85000 mi

US $600
"BRAKE FLUID" message on dashboard display - usually caused by low brake fluid. Technician found that the right rear brake caliper had a "slow leak". Fixed by replacing the caliper. Fluid topped off and brakes bled. Problem fixed. 
90000 mi

US $1063
Front suspension clunks and rattles over bumps. Replaced Struts, Bushings, Shields on both sides. Replaced Stabilizer links & suspension alignment (in addition to the other suspension repair this trip). 
94000 mi

US $1087
Left Front sway bar replaced due to a damaged ball joint. Primary symptom was a clunking noise when making low speed turns. This shop visit also included purchasing new tires (approx. half of the $1087 invoice for this visit). 
99000 mi

US $458
Headlights - one went out, replaced both. Required removal of front bumper to access rear of headlamp assembly. Both key fob transmitters stopped working, replacement batteries did not solve. Replaced both transmitters. 
106700 mi

US $489
CEL Lit: Fault Code P0442, Evap System Small Leak. Replaced Gas Cap before taking to dealer: CEL still on Dealer found Evap Canister Vent Valve stuck open. Fix was to replace the valve. Part=$30, Labor=$280 Also turned front Rotors ($120) 
110000 mi

US $173
Left front turn signal bulb burned out. Replaced both Left and Right turn signal bulbs. 
119000 mi

US $1700
Spring on left rear broken & right rear cracked. Replaced both rear springs and both rear shocks Ball joints on front left and right lower control arms were worn out and clunking when going over bumps 
121600 mi

US $107
Diagnose CEL and Transmission in Limp-mode (only had 2 forward gears, reverse, neutral and park. 
123000 mi

US $2376
Same transmission problem as prior entry. Drove car from dealership directly to transmission shop as the estimated cost was half of dealership's esitmate. Replaced Transmission with rebuilt unit. 
125000 mi

US $390
Left-front bearing was failing causing a buzzing noise that increased in pitch as speed increased. Replaced the failed bearing, and as a preventative measure, also replaced the right-front one as it was still the original bearing. 
151000 mi

US $750
Cracks/fractures in sway bar resulting in clunking noise when accelerating and decelerating. 
35900 mi

US $700
replaced steer shaft and replaced front brakes. 
36300 mi

US $1300
Tie rod ends and boot, lower idler arm bushings 
50000 mi

US $200
Needed injectors cleaned 
78000 mi

US $2295
Timing chain was stretched and off by 4 teeth. Severe timing delay had occurred and engine was on the brink of being destroyed. 
92000 mi

US $1200
rear calipers locked up. 2nd time in 3 years. both rear calipers + pads replaced. rotors resurfaced, brake fluid changed, coolant changed. 
42000 mi

US $1100
Rack and pinion had to be replaced. GM refused to pay anything. GM lost customer for life. 
55000 mi

US $1300
replace right lower control arm assembly 
74000 mi

US $1100
Replaced front and rear struts/shocks, alignment after that. both CV axles 
75000 mi

US $550
Water pump and hoses replaced due to failure of water pump seals. Coolant and power steering flush. 
74000 mi

US $3500
Transmission failure 
64480 mi

C $900
Needed a new power steering gear - power steering fluid was leaking into the boot. Repair not imminently needed, but if not taken care of in the next few months, much more expensive repair likely needed. 
88660 mi

C $800
Driver-side headlight connection shorting out - connection replaced. Rear sway bar bushing was replaced (car was making a thunking noise over bumps). 
90520 mi

C $1350
Right headlight cutting in and out periodically. Replaced high/low bulbs and 4 wiring connector terminals reinstalled. Replaced steering gear - part under warranty, so only labour charged. Left front ball joint showed excessive wear - replaced. 
97720 mi

C $1081
Strut mount bearing replaced Trunk wouldn't open. Found open wire and repaired. 
35000 mi

US $500
tire puncture in sidewall led to tire replacement 
98000 mi

US $1500
Spark plugs, cooling fan and coolant replaced 
111000 mi

US $600
Replaced Bank 1 catalytic converter and O2 sensors 
83060 mi

C $367
Driving in torrential rainstorm, wipers stopped working. Car could not be driven until storm finished. Problem diagnosed by dealer as broken wiper transmission. Dealer replaced wiper transmission module. Wipers now functional, working O/K 
96100 mi

C $400
Front End Noise, Track Rod End replaced 
97960 mi

C $384
Engine Light Remains On. Scan for codes and found Purge Solenoid Sticking. Remove and replace Purge Solenoid During visit dealer identified PCM calibration required 
108880 mi

C $1400
Vehicle kept stalling and eventually stopped. Diagnosed as inoperable fuel pump. Fuel Pump module replaced 
121520 mi

C $560
P/S Wheel Bearing noisy - Replaced 
14000 mi

US $120
front 12 power outlet wasnt working . fixed .  rattle associated with head liner. dealer said it was the wind deflector. seems fine. no noise, but will monitor this issue 
59000 mi

US $1480
Engine service light would not reset. Software update did not solve. Timing chains stretched, all replaced. Chain guides replaced as well, slight wear. 
74000 mi

US $3400
Failed transmission. 

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2007 Saturn AURA 4dr Sedan

224-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

73000 mi

US $1100
Had a coolant leak. Dealer replaced water pump and seals. Partially covered under extended warranty Windshield washers stopped working. dealer replaced pump motor. Covered under extended warranty. 
100000 mi

US $1000
Oil leak, $800. 3 gaskets replaced Spark plugs and plug wires replaced at time that gaskets were replaced as recommended, $200. 
27600 mi

US $264
Replace cracked wheel rim. Not covered under warranty. 
48000 mi

US $300
Ball joint and control arm on passenger side required replacement. Grind noise when turning slight right. Replace passenger side ball joint / control arm. Heard grinding noise when turning slow to the right. 
48000 mi

US $900
Weld failed causing broken driver seat frame. 
58000 mi

US $1000
Power Steering failed mid-turn. Replaced high pressure hose and return hose with dealer parts at a third party shop. Repaired work failed and had to be redone a few days later. Power Steering failed mid-turn. Replaced high pressure hose and return hose with dealer parts at a third party shop. Repaired work failed and had to be redone a few days later. 
61000 mi

US $750
Replace leaking oil pan gasket 
61000 mi

US $1000
Blown drivers side strut. Replaced all struts/shocks 
141000 mi

US $3050
car would not shift into 3rd or 4th gear. I have the 4 speed automatic. I limped the car into the dealership. Replaced the transmission. I paid for the entire repair. 

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2007 Saturn AURA 4dr Sedan

164-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD

97000 mi

US $1000
The compressor had failed and required replacement. 
104900 mi

US $350
Parking brake cable snapped. Replaced unit. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Saturn models.

Saturn AURA Expensive Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Saturn AURA problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.