2008 Saturn Astra Problems
- Complaints
- 162filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles, 72 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Saturn Astra (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints from owners of this model year are dominated by the driver-side air bag inflator recall, with many describing long waits for parts while the vehicle was still listed as under recall. Beyond that, owners most often describe shift lever and PRNDL indicator problems, inoperative horns, and occasional loss of acceleration. Problems appear across the mileage range, from low-mileage examples to vehicles past 100,000 miles.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Shift lever and PRNDL indicator problems
- 21 complaints (13%)
- median 49,569 mi at 8.5 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2026
Owners describe the gear position display lighting up all positions at once or showing the wrong gear, the shifter failing to engage a gear, and the transmission shift cable breaking or eroding at its end. Some report the vehicle rolling while apparently in Park or the key not releasing from the ignition. Dealers and shops in the complaints diagnosed shifter assembly and cable replacement, and one owner reported a quote well over a thousand dollars. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 110,000 miles, often on a cold start or when shifting out of Park.
What to check: With the engine running, cycle the shifter through every position and confirm the indicator matches each gear, and ask whether the shift cable or shifter assembly has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Shifting from park to reverse (immediately after the car was started), all the lights on the prndl (automatic transmission gear position indicator) illuminated. Though moving the shift lever, the gear would not engage.this has happened twice to my husband and three times to me (street parked or in drive or parking lot). I also got out of the driveway but then couldn't get into drive gear. Wiggled the shifter, finally it clicked in. …”
NHTSA complaint #10855060, filed 2016-04, 47,000 miles“I was parked at a shopping center, my car was parked and tried to start the car. It would not start and a young man gave me a boost only to still have car not start. I got back in the car and noticed that even though it was in park the display in front of the steering wheel showed the car to be in reverse. The next incident happened at my parents house where the car was parked and turned off but started rolling back. Kids were getting out the car so I immediately pulled emergency brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #10694010, filed 2015-03, 86,000 miles - Air bags
Driver air bag inflator recall and parts wait
- 96 complaints (59%)
- median 59,386 mi at 8.5 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2021
Owners write about receiving notices for the driver-side frontal air bag inflator recall (campaign 16V063) and then being told by dealers that the replacement part was not yet available. Several describe checking month after month and limiting use of the car while waiting. A few describe the air bag light coming on, and one describes an air bag deploying while driving and one describing a frontal crash in which the air bags did not deploy. Reported across a wide mileage range, mostly from roughly 20,000 to 110,000 miles, often years after the vehicle was new.
Recall 16V0630002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the driver-side air bag inflator recall has actually been completed and request proof, since parts availability was a recurring obstacle. Note that a recall remedy does not address the separate reports of the air bag warning light or non-deployment.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall. I received the recall notice on march 2016. My vehicle is still listed as recall incomplete. Remedy not yet available. I love my car, but feel I'm driving in a death-trap dine it's the driver side airbag that is being recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10906453, filed 2016-09, 49,300 miles“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #11287389, filed 2019-12, 11,500 miles - Electrical system
Loss of acceleration and accelerator pedal sensor
- 11 complaints (7%)
- median 50,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2021
Owners describe the vehicle losing acceleration or failing to respond when the pedal is pressed, sometimes with a check engine light, misfire, or rough running. In the complaints, dealers and shops diagnosed the accelerator pedal or pedal position sensor, and some owners report repeated pedal replacements. Others describe the gas pedal sticking near the floor and releasing when tapped. Reported from very low mileage up to about 150,000 miles, often during highway merging or acceleration.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the accelerator pedal assembly or sensor has been replaced, and check that the engine light is not on after a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11403807, filed 2021-03, 75,000 miles“To whom it may concern- I have had the pedal pressure sensor (in my 2008 Saturn Astra) replaced 5-6 times over the past few years. The car literally will lose all acceleration and cause the car to slow down very quickly and is a serious life threatening safety concern. Previous times it has occurred I had to push my car off of the freeway and out of traffic. The recent experience was on 6/24/16 and I had my 2 week old son in the car seat. …”
NHTSA complaint #10881299, filed 2016-06, 70,000 miles - Electrical system
Horn and steering-wheel control failure
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the horn becoming inoperable or intermittent, sometimes with the horn button instead changing radio volume and the left steering-wheel buttons stopping working. Dealers in the complaints diagnosed the horn control module, a CIM clamp, or wiring, and repairs were sometimes followed by recurrence. One owner refers to a manufacturer special coverage program for the condition. Mostly reported between roughly 16,000 and 150,000 miles, with several cases at moderate mileage.
What to check: Test the horn and each steering-wheel button during a test drive, and ask whether the horn module, CIM, or wiring has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle horn is intermittently inoperable. I have had two near misses due to the non functioning horn. When it is not functioning, depressing the horn button turns the radio volume instead. At the same time the left steering wheel buttons are inoperable. Occasionally the radio volume will lower on its own, then return to normal. This problem is common oversees in the opel / vauxhall versions of the Astra. Replacement of the wiring harness and cim module have only temporarily resolved the issues there. …”
NHTSA complaint #10909450, filed 2016-09, 52,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10990913, filed 2017-05, 150,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Exterior mirror glass detaching
- 8 complaints (5%)
- median 53,615 mi at 6.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2017
Owners describe the exterior mirror glass separating from its plastic backing and falling out, or the whole mirror detaching from the door. Some report the glass shattering on the ground after a door was closed. Owners who contacted dealers were told there was no bulletin or recall, and repairs were typically handled by replacing the mirror assembly. Reported from about 34,000 to 70,000 miles, and in one case after the mirrors came off at highway speed.
What to check: Press gently on each mirror glass and look for separation from the backing or looseness at the housing, and check both sides for mismatched or recently replaced mirrors.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Last spring I was driving down the street, and noticed that my passenger side mirror glass was missing. The glass lost the adhesion to the plastic backing. Even with many reports in online forums, and with hundreds of sales of mirrors on ebay, both onstar and the dealership stated there were no service bulletins or recalls related to the issue. As if mirrors failing is normal wear and tear. Instead of paying over $70 on a new mirror plus installation, I found a used one on ebay and replaced it myself. …”
NHTSA complaint #10610239, filed 2014-07, 34,000 miles“The driver was entering the vehicle and when the driver's side door was shut, the passenger side side mirror glass fell off and shattered. This left a black piece of metal where the mirror should have been. Because the glass fell off so easily, this could have easily happened while on the road from a gust of wind or a bump. If the glass had fallen off while driving and was not noticed, it could have caused an accident if one was needing to use the mirror for passing or merging.”
NHTSA complaint #10726456, filed 2015-06, 69,500 miles
Buying note. Confirm in writing that the driver-side air bag inflator recall was completed, given how often owners report parts were unavailable. Also cycle the shifter through every gear, test the horn, and check the exterior mirrors before deciding, since those are the other frequently reported trouble spots.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 162 consumer complaints for the 2008 Saturn Astra. 72 of the complaints include a mileage, and 49% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 793 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags96 59%
- Electrical system22 14%
- Engine8 4.9%
- Other or unknown6 3.7%
- Steering6 3.7%
- Body and structure5 3.1%
- Fuel system4 2.5%
- Tires4 2.5%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (4), Wheels (3), Engine cooling (2), Exterior lighting (2), Brakes (1), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Takata recall I have a 2008 Astra that is part of the takata airbag recall. Details are at the end of this message. There currently is no information available regarding the development of a remedy, and when a remedy will be available for this vehicle. It is unsatisfactory to not have information on what is being done to develop a remedy for this problem and when one can expect a remedy to be available. I am not willing to drive the vehicle until this problem is resolved so I need additional information. …”
NHTSA complaint #10926495, filed 2016-11, 90,000 milesElectrical system: “When you put the car in reverse the lights light up on the gear shift, and will not engage. I then put the car in park and back in reverse. 2nd time I had an issue that car would not start even though it was in park, I someone try to jump it, thinking it was the battery, because I have gone through 5 batteries because of a short in the doors and also the relay for power locks.. When I put the car in nutral then the car could start and then I can drive it and 3 rd incident I parked the car, my daughter got out of the car and it went forward and she almost got hurt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10715499, filed 2015-05, 78,750 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Foot on the brake, shifting from park to reverse (immediately after the car was started), all the lights on the prndl (automatic transmission gear position indicator) illuminated. Though moving the shift lever, the gear would not engage. Pushed shifter back to park then slowly to reverse. Finally it clicked in. This happens every time I shift to reverse, foot on the brake. The car only has 68,000 miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10871983, filed 2016-06, 68,000 milesEngine: “Takata recall, parts not available; passenger side outside mirror fell off while car was parked; fuel door will not unlock; air conditioner makes a squealing and rattling noise; car is slow to accelerate when air conditioner is on; occasionally unable to turn key in ignition because steering wheel locks up; one tire loses pressure and has to have air every week or two; repeated problems with loud exhaust. I am the original owner of the 2008 Saturn Astra and it has 48,600 miles. I started having trouble with the car after owning it for 4 years and have had both new and ongoing problems since.”
NHTSA complaint #10873459, filed 2016-06, 20,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
49% of the 72 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,126 and 78,750 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Saturn Astra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra 2DR Hatchback FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Astra 2DR Hatchback FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Astra 4DR Hatchback FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Astra 4DR Hatchback FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V063000Feb 3, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Saturn Astra 2008–2009, Saab 9-3 2006–2011, 9-5 2006–2009
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…
Recall details for the 2008 Saturn Astra → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 793 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This 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…
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This 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…
Other model years of the Saturn Astra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 162 | 51,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saturn Astra?
Complaints from owners of this model year are dominated by the driver-side air bag inflator recall, with many describing long waits for parts while the vehicle was still listed as under recall. The issues reported most often: Shift lever and PRNDL indicator problems; Driver air bag inflator recall and parts wait; Loss of acceleration and accelerator pedal sensor.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Saturn Astra have?
NHTSA recorded 162 consumer complaints for the 2008 Saturn Astra as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Saturn Astra is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 96 complaints (59% of the total), followed by electrical system with 22.
Has the 2008 Saturn Astra been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Saturn Astra get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Saturn Astra (Astra 2DR Hatchback, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Saturn Astra reported?
Among the 72 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,000 miles and the middle half falls between 30,126 and 78,750 miles; 49% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.