2009 Saturn Sky

The 2009 Saturn Sky is a stylish roadster, known for its attractive design and sporty handling. Engine options included a 2.4L inline-4 producing 177 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 generating 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Sky’s head-turning looks and open-air driving experience. However, some common complaints include a somewhat cramped interior, limited trunk space, and concerns about reliability and parts availability due to Saturn’s demise.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can stretch or fail, leading to rough running, misfires, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Turbo failure can manifest as a loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and unusual noises from the turbocharger area.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause long cranks, misfires, and a check engine light. It can also lead to fuel starvation under high-performance driving.
  • Solution: Replacing the HPFP.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears or shifts erratically, sometimes accompanied by a check engine light.
  • Solution: Could involve a transmission flush and fluid change, or rebuilding or replacing the transmission if the issue is more severe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid change) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Weak or Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging ride height, uneven tire wear, and clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Damaged Sway Bar End Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or clunking noises when going over bumps, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Replacing the sway bar end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Failed Blower Motor Resistor
  • Description/Symptoms: The blower motor only works on certain speeds, or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacing the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sticking Starter Relay
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter may continue to run even after the engine has started, or the car may not start at all.
  • Solution: Replacing the starter relay.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top may become difficult to raise or lower, or may leak. This can be due to worn seals, damaged hydraulic lines, or a faulty motor.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the seals, hydraulic lines, or motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Delaminating Radio Display
  • Description/Symptoms: The LCD display on the radio can start to delaminate, making it difficult to read the screen.
  • Solution: Replacing the radio unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Saturn Sky, while visually appealing and fun to drive, has some potential issues. The 2.0L Turbocharged engine faces more expensive repairs, like the turbocharger, while the 2.4L engine has cheaper problems. Transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior and interior issues can also be expensive to fix. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs when considering purchasing a 2009 Saturn Sky.