Saturn

Astra (2008)

2008 · Compact Sedan ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.8)
161 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

LZ9

3.9L 6-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.8)
144 complaints 144.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Saturn Astra Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.8)
16 complaints 16.0 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
6
transmission
3
fuel system
2
other
2
electrical
2

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (6 complaints)
Transmission Issues (3 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (2 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Saturn Astra regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (96 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (19 complaints)
electrical critical
Transmission Issues (16 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (1)

16V063000Mar 1, 2016critical
Air Bags

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 problems?

The 2008-2008 Saturn Astra has accumulated 161 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Saturn Astra engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2008 Saturn Astra was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.6L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra a good used car?

The 2008-2008 Saturn Astra can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 161 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra have?

The 2008-2008 Saturn Astra has 161 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2008 Saturn Astra?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2008-2008 Saturn Astra vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Saturn Astra?

Before buying a used Saturn Astra, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Electrical System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 161 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-20.

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