The Worst Problems for Every Saturn Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Saturn problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. Saturn VTi Transmission Failure

    GM debuted a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in some 2003 Saturn models. The transmission, branded VTi, presented an interesting technological gamble for the manufacturer, one that quickly spiraled out of control with numerous comp…

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  2. Saturn's Takata Recalls

    Parts supplier, Takata, manufactured defective, shrapnel-hurling airbag inflators that need to be recalled. The issue affects 34 million+ vehicles spread out across 24 brands, making it one of the largest (and most dangerous) recalls in aut…

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  3. Saturn Ignition Switch Recall

    In February, 2014, General Motors recalled 1.6 million vehicles because of a faulty ignition switch that has been linked to the deaths of 13 people. To make matters worse, the company may have known about the defect for over a decade.

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All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues (see all)

What Breaks (see all)

Years to Avoid (see all)

The Least Reliable Saturn Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

  1. Saturn Aura

    Reliability
    22nd of 22
    PainRank™
    22.31
    Complaints
    176
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  2. Saturn Vue

    Reliability
    21st of 22
    PainRank™
    19.42
    Complaints
    283
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  3. Saturn Ion

    Reliability
    20th of 22
    PainRank™
    13.44
    Complaints
    330
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  4. Saturn Outlook

    Reliability
    19th of 22
    PainRank™
    13.4
    Complaints
    75
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

Key Numbers

  1. 23 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 36 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 20 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 1,187 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 7,404 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 85 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

  1. 1st Generation Vue

    Years
    2002–2007
    Reliability
    34th of 34
    PainRank™
    13.62
    Complaints
    214
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  2. 1st Generation Aura

    Years
    2007–2010
    Reliability
    33rd of 34
    PainRank™
    13.31
    Complaints
    176
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Aura

  3. 2nd Generation Vue

    Years
    2008–2010
    Reliability
    32nd of 34
    PainRank™
    13.17
    Complaints
    69
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Vue

  4. 1st Generation Ion

    Years
    2003–2007
    Reliability
    31st of 34
    PainRank™
    12.28
    Complaints
    330
    Continue

Recent Saturn News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

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Have a complaint about your vehicle?

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint