2008 Saturn Aura

Introduction to the 2008 Saturn Aura

The 2008 Saturn Aura was a midsize sedan powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 224 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was initially offered but was discontinued in 2009. The Aura was available with a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

Drivers praised the Aura for its comfortable interior, responsive handling, and stylish design. However, it faced criticism for its lackluster engine performance and mediocre fuel economy.

Engine

3.5-liter V6

• Intake Manifold Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, rough idling, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, burning oil smell
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattle, timing belt noise, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $900
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Four-Speed Automatic

• Erratic Shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, slipping gears, harsh shifting
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid, repair or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2500+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 16V835

Five-Speed Manual

• Difficult Shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Inspect and adjust linkage, replace clutch or transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Sway Bar Link Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, drained battery
  • Solution: Inspect parasitic drains, repair or replace electrical component
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimmed lights, loss of power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Body Control Module (BCM) Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical system malfunctions, door locks inoperable, windows not functioning
  • Solution: Replace BCM
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Condensation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture inside tail lights
  • Solution: Replace tail light assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater Core Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, foggy windows
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inoperable power windows
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2008 Saturn Aura had a moderate number of issues reported by owners. The most severe problems included intake manifold failure, transmission issues, and timing chain tensioner failure. Repair costs for these issues can be significant. Other issues, such as tail light condensation and power window switch failure, were less severe but could still be inconvenient for owners.