2008 Saturn Astra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Saturn › Astra › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Saturn Astra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2008 Saturn Astra. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
Owner complaints
162 complaints5 involved a crash3 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Ignition · Power train
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…
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.
- Power train
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
- Steering
Lost power steering without any warning it got very stiff i could not steer the car it got electric power steering pump not mechanical. i want online and this vehicle is made by GM / Opel . many people having the same issue .and parts are discontinuned and only available as used or you can get it shipped from Europe.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My right headlight, kept going out. I couldnt get a sticker because the mechanic stated the headlight kept burning. He reground the right headlight so it could get energy from the battery. Currently, everything in the diagnostic of the car says low beam.
- Power train
I can't get in gear. Sometimes I can put it gear but after I have stopped and put it in park, it will not go into any gear so I get stuck. I am a senior and bought this second hand. It only has 47,000 miles on it. It appears it doesn't always go into park properly. This shift problem has been…
I can't get in gear. Sometimes I can put it gear but after I have stopped and put it in park, it will not go into any gear so I get stuck. I am a senior and bought this second hand. It only has 47,000 miles on it. It appears it doesn't always go into park properly. This shift problem has been recalled on other cars of this make and model and I need it repaired as soon as possible. It happens all the time and I am afraid to drive it anywhere.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
The car suffers from improper gear shifter issues. The gear shifter will not move into park properly, and has multiple times made the car slide after we leave the car. Car will not start unless gear is moved to Neutral many times. Looks like this is a similar problem to the one on Saturn Aura that has recalls on it for the same issue. Why is the Astra not covered under the recall?..,,
- Air bags
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I bought this 2008 saturn astra xr used in 2014 from a car dealership. within a few weeks I began having problems starting the car. and it stalled while driving. I took it to many repair shops for diagnostics and repairs but after spending hundreds and then thousands of dollars replacing…
I bought this 2008 saturn astra xr used in 2014 from a car dealership. within a few weeks I began having problems starting the car. and it stalled while driving. I took it to many repair shops for diagnostics and repairs but after spending hundreds and then thousands of dollars replacing various parts and components it still continued having the same exact problems that all the genius mechanics couldn't figure out the cause. I suspect that the car dealership sold me a trade-in car that was involved in a water flood damage situation and all or most of the hidden wiring and electrical components were probably corroded and rusted. but none of the genius mechanics who worked on my car even suspected that all the problems with my car could've been caused by water flood damage. they just kept replacing many old parts with new parts and charging me lots of money. please help me find out or figure out if my car was involved in a water flood damage situation that IS still causing these starting problems. it takes me 15 minutes to over an hour to start this car each time for all these years since I bought it used in 2014. today IS friday 3-19-2021, thank you
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 saturn astra. The contact stated while at a standstill, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was awaiting a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- Air bags
On 12/4/19 the airbag in the 08 saturn astra deployed while I was driving it caused me to run into the driveway brick walk and fencing of a neighboring house adjacent to a lot that I was pulling out from. I suffered minor bruises and cuts but have a lot of neck and chest pain.. I've made the…
On 12/4/19 the airbag in the 08 saturn astra deployed while I was driving it caused me to run into the driveway brick walk and fencing of a neighboring house adjacent to a lot that I was pulling out from. I suffered minor bruises and cuts but have a lot of neck and chest pain.. I've made the complaint to takata and informed them that I purchased the car last month from a used car dealership.. How do I recoup for damages caused by this, I have a special needs daughter and I need my transportation. The car can't start .
- Air bags
Takara recall. I have a 2008 saturn astra xr that I recieved a recall letter from. Where do I contact to have the problem resolved?
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 saturn astra. When the contact switched the gear shifter into the drive position, the transmission indicator erroneously displayed that the shifter was in the drive #3 position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Big m chevrolet (704 n. Dixie blvd, radcliff, ky) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 37,000.
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Wheels
Airbag deployed late causing me more injury for not functioning right.
- Air bags
Recall airbags notification upon purchase 4/13/2019
- Unknown or other
I have had a paid for multiple flex pipes as well as a catalytic converters repairs I was just informed the flex pipe IS broken again. This leads me to believe that after repairing this part twice that this part was be defective. kindly add my complaint . I will also be filing a complaint with…
I have had a paid for multiple flex pipes as well as a catalytic converters repairs I was just informed the flex pipe IS broken again. This leads me to believe that after repairing this part twice that this part was be defective. kindly add my complaint . I will also be filing a complaint with the epa in washington dc in hopes that this issue can finally be resolved. Thank you. [Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).' *pm
- Electrical system · Steering
Problem has occurred twice in four month period. On both occasions the vehicle was in motion going 30-40 mph. Without warning the assisted power steering ceased operation. In a matter of seconds, the steering wheel became stiff, difficult to turn, and the turning range significantly decreased. No…
Problem has occurred twice in four month period. On both occasions the vehicle was in motion going 30-40 mph. Without warning the assisted power steering ceased operation. In a matter of seconds, the steering wheel became stiff, difficult to turn, and the turning range significantly decreased. No warning lights appeared. on the first occasion, the vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop. No discernible issues were found. The mechanic checked all fuses and found no fault. The mechanic decided to replace a fully functioning fuse, which fixed the issue for approximately three and a half months. a few days ago, without warning, while driving under the same conditions as the first occurrence, the issue returned-power steering assist failed. The vehicle IS currently in the shop again. The reason for the power steering failure remains unclear.
- Power train
The vehicle was on a flat surface recently parked and turned off in the driveway and the transmission was in park when it started rolling backward. It was supposed to be in park and it acted like it was in reverse or in neutral.
- Air bags
Gm dealers are extremely uncooperative about making this repair. I have been getting notices for a year about the importance of the recall repair. yet 10 they don't stock the part; and 2) will not provide a loaner car because it IS a same day repair. so I have to cool my heels at a dealer for 4 hours while they make the repair? this sucks -
- Tires › Sidewall
TL* the contact owns a 2008 saturn astra equipped with primewell valera sport as (na) tires, size: 225/45/zr17 (na). While the contact's daughter was driving 65 mph, the vehicle shook and the traction control warning indicator illuminated. While pulling over to the side of the road, the contact…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 saturn astra equipped with primewell valera sport as (na) tires, size: 225/45/zr17 (na). While the contact's daughter was driving 65 mph, the vehicle shook and the traction control warning indicator illuminated. While pulling over to the side of the road, the contact noticed a tire rolling by. The driver exited the vehicle and noticed that the rear driver's side tire was missing; however, a small piece of sidewall was still on the rim. The contact stated that the spare tire was placed on the vehicle. The vehicle and tire were not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 94,065 and the approximate tire failure mileage was 5,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 saturn astra. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Mclaughlin chevrolet in…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 saturn astra. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Mclaughlin chevrolet in whitman, massachusetts was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided the contact with case number: 83031285376. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. *Bf updated 8/24/18*jb
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
2008 saturn astra xr 2DR, 5 speed manual, 98K miles. p2138 code and check engine light has repeatedly occurred, resulting in five replacement accelerator pedals to date, with a sixth pedal required. accelerator pedals have failed in as little as less than one week of operation, or as long as…
2008 saturn astra xr 2DR, 5 speed manual, 98K miles. p2138 code and check engine light has repeatedly occurred, resulting in five replacement accelerator pedals to date, with a sixth pedal required. accelerator pedals have failed in as little as less than one week of operation, or as long as three years of operation. all pedal assemblies being replaced were oem dealer parts. wiring harness was inspected for water intrusion per tsb 07-06-04-019e, and determined to be a non-issue. as this IS a manual transmission car, the first 1/3-1/2 of the accelerator pedal produces no acceleration, making proper clutch to engine rpm engagement extremely difficult and unsafe. addtionally, the car may or may not remain in reduced power mode while driving, which has resulted in the car going from part throttle to wide open throttle conditions with no additional driver input, creating multiple near-collisions. vehicle behavior due to this issue IS erratic and unpredictable, and therefore extremely dangerous. issue does not appear to correlate with weather, temperature, terrain, time of operation, or any other cause.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 saturn astra. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) for the frontal driver side air bag inflator; however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 saturn astra. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) for the frontal driver side air bag inflator; however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (st claire cadillac, located on 3737 stevens creek blvd, santa clara, ca 95051) where the contact was informed that the recall remedy part was not available; however, they would order the part. The contact had an appointment scheduled, but it was cancelled by the dealer one day prior. The contact was informed that the part would not be available. In addition, the contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 63,773. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall campaign ID number 16v063. we got notified of the saturn astra recall in february of 2016, we got the letter stating the fix has arrived in april of 2017. That's 14 months of no word and driving an un-safe vehicle, that the recall notice itself says, " in the even of an infiltrator…
Takata recall campaign ID number 16v063. we got notified of the saturn astra recall in february of 2016, we got the letter stating the fix has arrived in april of 2017. That's 14 months of no word and driving an un-safe vehicle, that the recall notice itself says, " in the even of an infiltrator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material, which may resulting in injury or death to vehicle occupants." it's fairly worrying that it took 12 months to get a part to customers that could end up killing people. But if I even scratch the paint of a leased car they will jump all over it in assessing a penalty. Ridiculous.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 saturn astra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the park position. In addition, the key could not be removed from the ignition. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be placed in neutral in order to remove the key. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 saturn astra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the park position. In addition, the key could not be removed from the ignition. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be placed in neutral in order to remove the key. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000. ..Updated 07/31/17 *bf
- Electrical system
The horn on my vehicle does not operate, creating an extremely dangerous situation for the driver, as well as other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. This IS a known problem, addressed by gm "special coverage 10276". unfortunately, that special coverage did not fix the problem, and gm…
The horn on my vehicle does not operate, creating an extremely dangerous situation for the driver, as well as other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. This IS a known problem, addressed by gm "special coverage 10276". unfortunately, that special coverage did not fix the problem, and gm implemented an extremely low mileage limit so it does not apply to many affected vehicles. this pervasive problem has been known by gm for years both in the USA (with the saturn astra) as well as the identical vauxhall astra and opel astra in europe.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252974This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10251345This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015, N192273760, N192278940, N212328760, N212328770, N212328780, N212328790, N212328800, N242437050, N242437060, N242437070.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248493Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
- 10248492Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
Every Saturn Astra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.