2009 Saturn Aura

Introduction

The 2009 Saturn Aura is a midsize sedan that was offered with three engine options: a 2.4L inline-4, a 3.5L V6, and a 3.6L V6. The 2.4L engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5L and 3.6L engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Aura was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and sharp handling. However, it was criticized for its lackluster performance and poor fuel economy.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling, loss of power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$800
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6

• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, rough idle, misfires
  • Solution: Clean intake valves
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$600
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace piston rings or engine overhaul
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500-$3,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from valve cover
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to shift gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500-$2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, delayed shifts, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$800
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V580000
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000-$1,500
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V580000

Suspension

• Strut Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises when turning, clunking sounds, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or rattling front end, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Terminal Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, dimming lights, electrical problems
  • Solution: Clean or replace battery terminals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$100
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery discharge, charging system warning light
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Cannot open or close door
  • Solution: Replace door handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: AC not working properly, heater not heating
  • Solution: Repair or replace climate control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window unable to roll up or down
  • Solution: Replace power window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Saturn Aura has a number of potential issues, including engine oil consumption, transmission problems, and suspension failures. While some of these issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be major and costly. Overall, the Aura is not the most reliable vehicle on the road, and it’s important to factor in the potential cost of repairs when considering purchasing one.