Astra (2008)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Saturn Astra Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Saturn Astra, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2008 Saturn Astra
On a used 2008 Saturn Astra, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (96), the electrical system (22) and the transmission and drivetrain (17). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on the 2008 Saturn Astra about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2008 Saturn Astra about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2008 Saturn Astra about the transmission and drivetrain.
Recalls (1)
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.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2008-2008 Saturn Astra complaints?
Owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the transmission.
Is the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra have?
NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on file for the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2008-2008 Saturn Astra vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Saturn Astra?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Astra have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2008 Saturn Astra. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 162 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.