Problems · NHTSA complaints
2008 Saturn Outlook problems
Owners filed 633 complaints about the 2008 Saturn Outlook with NHTSA between Dec 2007 and Oct 2024. The most-cited component is exterior lighting (247).
Complaints
633
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
19
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Exterior lighting247
- Electrical system164
- Power train127
- Air bags97
- Structure46
- Steering45
- Engine37
- Visibility29
- Electronic stability control (esc)20
- Engine and engine cooling15
- Vehicle speed control13
- Service brakes10
- Visibility/wiper7
- Seats7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
5
9
112
132
37
74
87
51
37
24
22
16
14
7
2
2
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 112 |
| 2011 | 132 |
| 2012 | 37 |
| 2013 | 74 |
| 2014 | 87 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 37 |
| 2017 | 24 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Exterior lighting
247 reports2 crashes13 fires
“My low beam headlight started to intermittently go out for a while. Then it went out completely. I go to replace the bulb only to find that the bulb wasn’t the actual issue. The harness, wires, and socket to the bulb were blackened, burnt and melted. So now it all needs to be replaced. I’ve seen on several forums that has happened to so many people that have a car manufactured by GM. The original wiring is not quality enough for the heat and current that goes through there.”
Electrical system
164 reports1 crash10 fires2 related recalls
“airbag sensor on passenger seat stays off even when passenger is in seat. I have read many complaints from same vehicle since they were new. Also has electrical issues intermittently possibly from water leaking thru sunroof”
Power train
127 reports1 crash1 fire
“Transmission is failing. Reverse is slipping. Low torque trying back up inclines. Known problem with 2008 Acadia, Enclave, Traverse & Outlook per transmission shop who test drove and scanned. No code via dashboard, but scan tools and professional diagnostics verify failure. Techem has been replaced in February 2019, by GM service @ owners expense when forward drive failed.”
Air bags
97 reports3 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the MDS was not communicating with the airbags. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”
Structure
46 reports1 related recall
“MY 2008 SATURN OUTLOOK XR LEAKS FROM THE ROOF/SUNROOF AND WHEN IT RAINS HARD IT HAS BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE GETS SOAKED AND DOWN BOTH SIDES OF THE TOP OF THE DOOR FRAME HEADLINER IS SOAKED AND ALSO MY FLOOR BOARD FROM BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE ARE ALWAYS WET”
Steering
45 reports
“The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over however, the steering functionality did not return. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.