2008 Saturn Astra recalls and problems

The 2008 Saturn Astra has 1 safety recall and 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
162
Crashes / fires
5 / 3
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Saturn Astra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Saturn Astra recalls

Recall 16V-063: Air Bags

Reported Feb 3, 2016 · 113,716 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

2008 Saturn Astra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags96
Electrical System22
Power Train18
Engine8
Steering6
Unknown or Other6
Structure5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Tires4
Visibility4
Visibility/Wiper4
Wheels3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — 1
  • Electrical System › Horn — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Saturn Astra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 61,830 miles · reported Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Astra. The contact stated that while shifted to park(P), the vehicle occasionally started rolling forward or backwards. The contact engaged the parking brake. Additionally, the contact was unable to start the vehicle and had to jiggle the key to start it. The contact stated that the gear shift lever was shifted from park(P) to neutral(N) several times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that recently the check engine and low tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not taken…
Power Train · reported Mar 20, 2025
The contact also stated that the vehicle would not shift out of reverse. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the shift bushing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure
Steering · reported Mar 16, 2025
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.
Exterior Lighting · reported Jul 9, 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.
Power Train · reported Jun 9, 2022
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.

Other Saturn Astra years

20092008

Compare all Saturn Astra years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Saturn Astra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Saturn Astra: 16V-063 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Saturn Astra?

Owners report air bags problems most often (96 reports), followed by electrical system (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,000 miles.

Are Saturn recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saturn dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.