VehicleVerdict

2010 Saturn Aura problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2010 Saturn Aura — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Aura years?

Aura NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted947 complaints2000: 4 complaints2005: 6 complaints2007: 947 complaints2008: 677 complaints2009: 588 complaints2010: 2 complaints
Aura NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aura years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Saturn Aura problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags150%
Lighting150%

Does the 2010 Saturn Aura have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V252000Electrical SystemMay 14, 2014 · 2,440,524 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence

Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

12V460000TransmissionSeptember 18, 2012 · 426,240 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Consequence

If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 (NA) SATURN AURA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 15, 2016 · crash

“IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS I'VE BEEN BEHIND 2 CHEVY IMPALA'S AND 3 SATURN AURA'S(SAME VEHICLE) AND THE BRAKE LIGHT'S WERE ON WHEN THE DRIVER'S WERE NOT USING THEIR BRAKES. IT ALL HAPPENED ON THE THRUWAY, AND WHEN THEY DID USE THEIR BRAKES THE LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THIS IS GOING TO BE A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 15, 2013

2010 Saturn Aura — common questions

Is the 2010 Saturn Aura reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2010 Saturn Aura have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Saturn Aura. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Saturn Aura years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Aura years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Aura years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.