2008 Saturn Astra: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 162 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (60% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2025
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2022
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“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?..,,”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2021
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2021
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2021
“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 .”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2019
“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?”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2019
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2019
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Check your exact Astra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Saturn Astra reliable?
NHTSA has 162 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Saturn Astra. The most complained-about area is air bags (60% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Saturn Astra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 52,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Saturn Astra have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.