2008 Saturn Outlook Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 127about this part
- Share
- 20%of 633 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,796miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 127 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Saturn Outlook, 20% of the 633 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,796 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.
“Transmission failure transmission would not go into reverse, drive, and was shifting hard. Upon further research found numerous like failures for Saturn Outlook, gmc acadia. Big safety issue. I was fortunate it didn't happen while I was driving. Please review failure rates and propose GM recall transmissions for failures.”
NHTSA complaint #10682097, filed 2015-02, 93,000 miles“Every since I have had a recall fixed...my lights flicker on the dash and I have been having problems with the transmission seeming to stay in one gear. It was told to me that it may be a timing chain issue but it is not a recall. I have read numerous complaints in regards to this issue from other Outlook owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10586477, filed 2014-05, 171,000 miles“The vehicle suddenly would not accelerate while attempting to merge with traffic. The vehicle revved up and would max out at about 25 MPH. I was able to turn on my hazards and drive into a parking lot. I have been told the issue is with a faulty wave plate and it appears to be a very common issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10588176, filed 2014-05, 53,000 miles“I had just pulled out on a interstate highway, and the vehicle acted like it did not want to shift gears. The check engine light came on and I could not accelerate any faster than 40 MPH. I pulled off the side of the road and waited on a tow vehicle. The steering has been very stiff also in the last few months.”
NHTSA complaint #10556877, filed 2013-12, 82,548 miles“After having stopped at a store, and putting my car into drive, it would not shift out of 1st gear / maybe 2nd and the check engine light came on. There is approximately 85,000 miles on the car and the transmission is gone! I have looked online and it appears to be a major problem with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10546941, filed 2013-10, 85,000 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…
- 10242934Sep 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information on RDM Axle Ratios for AWD Vehicles for Vibration Diagnostics When Using the Pico Scope.
- 10247768Sep 1, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at…
- 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…
- 10237659May 15, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Saturn Outlook
247 complaintsElectrical system
164 complaintsAir bags
97 complaintsBody and structure
46 complaintsSteering
45 complaintsEngine
37 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 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