2008 Saturn Outlook Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 6%of 633 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Saturn Outlook, 6% of the 633 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was traveling about 60 MPH on hwy. Car shut off and back on, it was also raining. Smelt really bad like a fire. Went straight home, took car to shop the next day. The water leak I thought had been fixed was leaking into the electrical board caused a burn out while I was driving because it was raining.”
NHTSA complaint #10639028, filed 2014-09, 79,000 miles“After a night of sub-zero temperatures, I turned my car on in the garage to warm up prior to loading my children in the vehicle. When we were all set, I pull out of the garage and continue to leave the driveway down the street when all the sudden my car begins to shake and my dashboard panel starts communicating multiple errors, including engine powered down , service stabilitrack , traction control off as well as the engine light going on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10672048, filed 2015-01, 72,000 miles“I have 1 rear brake going out. The windshield leaks like a sieve. I have a leak somewhere near my radiator. And I'm told the chip in my transmission is going out on me. I have my dash board screeching bloody murder at me and my ears swell and I look like I have the mumps. I have taken it to the lot I'm buying from and they shrug and say oh well. This is unacceptable. I rarely if ever go on the freeway. I park off the street. I use the alarm system religiously. And it's over heating where the battery is.”
NHTSA complaint #11073263, filed 2018-02, 100,000 miles“I was driving on the freeway at 65 miles per hour when my transmission failed on a vehicle that had only 65,000 miles and was well maintained in accordance with dealer recommendations. The vehicle was towed to my mechanic and required replacement. I was informed that by the transmission repair facility that they had been receiving Saturn suvs on a regular basis. Exact quote was we have been getting a ton of these vehicles with very low miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10573378, filed 2014-03, 65,278 miles“Issues with my Outlook alternator caught engine on fire, electrical issues with stabilizer/tracking controls, windows/mirror and mainly check engine light comes on while driving and transmission slips into low or 2nd gear. I had to pull to emergency lane and have vehicle towed twice. Dealer states its an issue with obd/obi codes and clears code. Vehicle continues to do this almost daily, weekly. Water leaks through sunroof, front window glass, under dash on feet of driver and passenger; water leaks via dvd system while driving and stationary. …”
NHTSA complaint #11180048, filed 2019-02, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10205052Aug 20, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for…
- 10199244May 24, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking…
- 10199238May 3, 2021This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10187751Jan 14, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Saturn Outlook
247 complaintsElectrical system
164 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
127 complaintsAir bags
97 complaintsBody and structure
46 complaintsSteering
45 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
36 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsElectronic stability control
20 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Saturn Outlook
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology