NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 162 owner complaints for the 2008 Saturn Astra. Most complaints involve air bags (96) and electrical system (22). The EPA rates it 27 mpg combined.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I have received the recall and the dealership said they ordered the part and told me it was safe to drive till the part came in as they have ordered it. So then i had them put it in writing that it is safe to drive.I am asking why are they letting me drive this vehicle with this dangerous recall.”
“The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Astra. The contact stated that while shifted to park(P), the vehicle occasionally started rolling forward or backwards. The contact engaged the parking brake. Additionally, the contact was unable to start the vehicle and had to jiggle the key to start it. The contact stated that the gear shift lever was shifted from park(P) to neutral(N) several times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that recently the check engine and low tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,830.”
“THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT BUSHING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra 2DR Hatchback Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Astra 2DR Hatchback Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Astra 4DR Hatchback Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Astra 4DR Hatchback Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 162 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (96), electrical system (22), power train (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Saturn Astra at 27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).