Research · Two Seaters

2009 Saturn SkyRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 46 owner complaints for the 2009 Saturn Sky. Most complaints involve air bags (38) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21–22mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Jan 2017
Owner complaints
46
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: occupant classification

Remedy pending

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.

Air bagsReported Jan 26, 2017NHTSA 17V061000

Electrical system: switch

Free remedy

UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.

Electrical systemReported Apr 30, 2014NHTSA 14E021000

Electrical system: ignition

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Electrical systemReported Apr 10, 2014NHTSA 14V171000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

46 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2010 – Sep 2023
  1. Air bags38
  2. Electrical system6
  3. Seats5
  4. Power train3
  5. Exterior lighting2
  6. Service brakes1
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  8. Suspension1
  9. Fuel/propulsion system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sky model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007284
2008186
200946
20100
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

38 reports
“Ignition was replaced under recall and now the passenger air bag light is on and will not go out and passenger side airbag is inop. ABS Ecm failed and replacement cost was $1300.00. This is a known issue and should be investigated. Thank you [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2023Air bags, Service brakesODI 11547350

Electrical system

6 reports1 fire
“THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO THE FAULTY AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE SEATS OF THE SATURN SKY'S AND PONTIAC SOLSTICE. A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE SEATS IS LEADING TO AN EXPENSIVE FIX FOR GM OWNERS. THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT ILLUMINATES DUE TO A FAULTY CRAFTSMANSHIP IN THE SEAT SENSOR. THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. IT IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND REALLY STARTED TO TAKE PLACE FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE AFTER THE IGNITION RECALL. THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR IS COSTING AROUND $900 FOR THE REPAIR OF ONE SEAT WHEN THE PARTS CAN BE ORDERED FORM GERMANY FOR AROUND $80. GM KNOWS AND REALLY NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSES SOME TYPE OF BODILY HARM.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2015Electrical system, Air bags, SeatsODI 10764132

Seats

5 reports
“PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR INOPERABLE. MAKES WHOLE AIRBAG SYSTEM INOPERABLE. WITH ADULT RIDING PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 23, 2016Air bags, SeatsODI 10898061
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline · Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
SKY
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
192822$3,500404
SKY
Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
192721$2,950423
SKY
Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192421$2,950423
SKY
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192521$2,950423
  • SKY
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 28 hwy · $3,500/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • SKY
    Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • SKY
    Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    19 city · 24 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • SKY
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    19 city · 25 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Saturn Sky as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 5082
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Sky questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Saturn Sky have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 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.

What are the most common 2009 Saturn Sky problems?

Owners filed 46 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (38), electrical system (6), seats (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Saturn Sky get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Saturn Sky at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026