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Saturn Problems & Complaints

Saturn vehicles have 41,528 total complaints recorded across 33 models, with 80 deaths reported and 70 recalls in the system. The brand was discontinued in 2010, so any Saturn you encounter today is at least 14 years old. Given the age of these vehicles and their complaint history, reliability varies significantly by model and maintenance condition.

41,528
Total Complaints
70
Total Recalls
33
Models
80
Reported Deaths

Complaints Over Time

All Saturn Models

Model Complaints ↓ Recalls Worst Year Best Year
ION 10,934 20 2006 2008
VUE 6,538 3 2003 2010
SL 5,782 0 1995 1991
AURA 4,428 15 2007 2010
OUTLOOK 3,878 14 2008 2010
LS 3,770 0 2001 2004
SKY 1,246 16 2007 2009
SC1 1,108 0 1994 1991
SC 758 0 1994 1991
SATURN 560 0 1994 1991
SW 548 0 1995 1992
L200 414 0 2003 2003
ASTRA 384 2 2008 2009
RELAY 380 0 2005 2007
L300 338 0 2004 2005
VUE HYBRID 144 0 2007 2009
LW200 58 0 2001 2003
S-SERIES 48 0 2001 1997
SATURN L SERIES 48 0 2001 2005
S-SERIES SEDAN 42 0 1999 1997
S-SERIES COUPE 26 0 1995 1997
AURA HYBRID 18 0 2009 2007
S-SERIES WAGON 16 0 2000 1994
COUPE 12 0 1999 1996
EV1 10 0 1997 1995
SATURN S SERIES 8 0 1999 2002
SPORTS COUPE 8 0 1992 1991
LW300 6 0 2003 2003
SEDAN 6 0 1999 1996
WAGON 4 0 1997 1997
Z 4 0 1995 1995
S-SERIES ONLY 2 0 2000 2000
S-SERIES WAGONS 2 0 1999 1999

Saturn Models to Avoid

The Vue, Ion, and L Series have accumulated the most complaints and should be evaluated carefully before purchase. These models appear in higher percentages of the complaint database relative to their production volumes. The S Series also deserves scrutiny, particularly for transmission and electrical issues that plagued certain production years. The Outlook and Aura round out the tracked models but have fewer documented issues overall. Any Saturn from these problem years will likely need inspection for common failure points before you commit to ownership.

Most Reliable Saturn Models

Among Saturn's lineup, the Aura demonstrates the most reliable track record with fewer complaints relative to other models. The Outlook, as a later production model before the brand's discontinuation, benefited from accumulated design improvements. The S Series, despite its issues, had solid years in the mid-2000s when Saturn refined the platform. None of these should be considered truly reliable by modern standards, but they are safer choices within the Saturn brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saturn reliable?

Saturn's reliability is poor by today's standards. With 41,528 complaints across 33 models and 80 deaths reported, these vehicles have documented problems. Since production ended in 2010, you're buying a 14+ year old car that will require thorough pre-purchase inspection and likely significant maintenance investment.

What Saturn models to avoid?

The Vue, Ion, and L Series have the highest complaint counts and should be avoided unless you find an exceptionally maintained example. The S Series also carries substantial risk, particularly models from 2000-2005 with known transmission failures. Focus your search on 2006-2009 model years when Saturn made improvements, or skip the brand entirely.

Most reliable Saturn?

The Aura and Outlook are the most reliable Saturns, as they were produced later with design refinements. The Aura (2007-2009) and Outlook (2007-2009) have fewer complaints than earlier models. Even these choices require careful inspection and come with higher maintenance needs than comparable vehicles from Honda or Toyota.

Common Saturn problems?

Transmission failures plague many Saturn models, particularly the Vue and Ion. Electrical issues, including failed alternators and battery drain problems, are widespread across the lineup. Rust and suspension wear are common on older examples, and engine cooling system failures appear frequently in the complaint database.