2008 Saturn Astra

Introduction:

The 2008 Saturn Astra was a compact sedan offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.8L inline-4 producing 140 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4L inline-4 generating 172 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic for the 1.8L engine, and a 5-speed automatic for the 2.4L engine. The Astra was praised for its comfortable interior, spacious trunk, and fuel efficiency, but criticized for its bland exterior styling and mediocre performance.

Engine

1.8L Inline-4 with 5-speed Manual

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold, causing overheating or low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattles or knocking noises from the engine, especially during cold starts.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L Inline-4 with 4-speed Automatic

• No Issues Found

2.4L Inline-4 with 5-speed Automatic

• Oil Cooler Lines Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the oil cooler lines, resulting in decreased oil pressure.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed Manual (1.8L)

• No Issues Found

4-speed Automatic (1.8L)

• Transmission Fluid Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks from the transmission pan or seals, causing gear slippage or shifting issues.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission pan gasket or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed Automatic (2.4L)

• Torque Converter Lockup Clutch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Arms Corrosion:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension arms rust and corrode, leading to alignment issues or broken arms.
  • Solution: Replace the rear suspension arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $900+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Discharge:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains prematurely without any obvious reason.
  • Solution: Diagnose the electrical system to identify the source of the discharge and fix it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the underlying issue

Exterior

• Trunk Lid Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust develops on the trunk lid around the hinges or latch.
  • Solution: Replace the trunk lid or repair the rust.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Interior

• Dashboard Rattle:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard rattles or makes noises when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Install dashboard dampening materials or replace specific dashboard components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Airbag Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated, indicating a malfunction.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the airbag system, which may require replacing the airbag module or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2008 Saturn Astra has a range of issues, some of which can be serious and costly. The most significant engine problems include intake manifold gasket failure and timing chain tensioner failure. The transmission may experience fluid leaks and torque converter issues. The suspension suffers from corrosion on the rear suspension arms. Electrical issues can lead to battery discharge. Exterior rust can affect the trunk lid. Interior issues involve dashboard rattles and airbag malfunctions. Overall, the Astra’s reliability is below average, with some issues being expensive to repair.