2008 Saturn Astra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 162 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,569miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Saturn Astra, 10% of the 162 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,569 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. I also notice a lack of power when accelerating on to the highway, hear the engine lug (wonder if I am truly in the top drive gear). …”
NHTSA complaint #10855060, filed 2016-04, 47,000 miles“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 miles“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 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11115248, filed 2018-08, 70,000 miles“Car lose power check engine on diag vehicle replace 2 accelerator pedal still the same problem code p2138 google the vehicle problem GM have open bulletin about some kind of harness replacement for more than 30 models with the same problem it should be a recall”
NHTSA complaint #10852341, filed 2016-03, 10 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This 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…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10237387May 30, 2023This 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…
- 10234619Apr 6, 2023This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 17 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2008 Saturn Astra
96 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Saturn Astra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology