2009 Saturn Astra problems

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The Opel Astra is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) developed and produced by the German automaker Opel since 1991, currently at its sixth generation. It was first launched in September 1991 as a direct replacement to the Opel Kadett. As of 2022, the car slots between the smaller Corsa supermini and the larger Insignia large family car.

Initially, the Astra was available in hatchback, saloon, and estate (station wagon; known as the Astra Caravan, later the Sports Tourer) forms. A panel van (sedan delivery; Astravan) and a convertible (Astra Cabrio) also appeared in the early 1990s. These body styles were later followed by a coupé (the Astra GTC) in 2004, and the sporty Astra OPC appeared in 2005. The Twin Top retractable hardtop convertible replaced the soft top convertible in 2006, while the Caravan was renamed to Astra Sports Tourer since 2009.

The Astra is branded the Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom. It was rebadged and sold as the Saturn Astra in North America between 2008 and 2009, as the Buick Excelle XT from 2009 until 2015 and as the Buick Verano/Hatchback GS in China from 2015 until 2021. The Holden Astra was discontinued in Australia and New Zealand in 2009, and was replaced by the locally assembled Holden Cruze. It briefly returned to the Australian market in 2012, for the first time badged as an Opel, but was discontinued after Opel withdrew from the country a year later. In 2015, Opel reintroduced the Astra GTC and Astra VXR to Australia and New Zealand in 2015, again bearing the Holden badge. Between 2017 and 2019, the Astra nameplate was also used for the Holden version of the Cruze sedan.

After Opel was sold by General Motors to PSA Group, the Astra K continued to be produced under license until it was replaced by the Astra L. The Astra L was released after the merger of the company to form Stellantis.

2009 Saturn Astra

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Common 2009 Saturn Astra problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Saturn Astra 2009, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  1. Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue:
    • One of the most commonly reported problems with the Saturn Astra is the check engine light coming on due to a gas cap issue. This problem can be caused by a loose or faulty gas cap, leading to the illumination of the check engine light on the dashboard.
  2. Electrical Shorts in Door Harnesses:
    • Owners have reported electrical shorts in the door harnesses of the 2009 Saturn Astra. This issue can result in various electrical malfunctions, such as power window failures, central locking issues, or interior lights not working properly.
  3. Loss of Acceleration:
    • Another complaint from Saturn Astra owners is the loss of acceleration. This problem can manifest as a lack of power when accelerating, which can be dangerous, especially in situations where quick acceleration is needed.
  4. Heater Fan Malfunction:
    • Some owners have experienced issues with the heater fan in the 2009 Saturn Astra. A malfunctioning heater fan can lead to a lack of heat or airflow in the cabin, affecting the comfort of the passengers, especially in cold weather.
  5. Oil Leaks:
    • Oil leaks have been reported by owners of the Saturn Astra 2009. Oil leaks can be caused by various factors, such as worn gaskets or seals, which can lead to oil seepage and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  6. Engine Won't Turn Over, Won't Start:
    • Owners have also complained about the engine not turning over or starting in their Saturn Astra. This issue can be caused by a faulty starter, battery issues, or problems with the ignition system, requiring thorough diagnosis and repair.

These common problems reported by owners of the Saturn Astra 2009 highlight various issues ranging from electrical and mechanical to performance-related concerns. Addressing these problems promptly through proper diagnosis and repair can help maintain the reliability and performance of the vehicle.

2009 Saturn Astra engine

Is a 2009 Saturn Astra a good car?

The Saturn Astra is a mildly entertaining car to drive. While you may equate speed to entertainment, the Astra delivers a nice overall balance, with balanced brakes, steering and handling that invite you to really drive if you wish or just get there as easily as possible if that's your preference.

What size engine is in a 2009 Saturn Astra?

1.8-liter four-cylinder

All Astras are powered by a 140-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with either a standard five-speed manual or with an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

Is Saturn Astra same as an Opel Astra?

The main reason for this is that it was basically a Saturn-badged version of the European-market Opel Astra, and it handled like the European car that it was. You think the Golf handles well for a compact car? You should've seen the Astra.

When did they stop making Saturn Astra?

Former production vehicles

ModelTimeline
StartedEnded
Outlook20072010
Aura20072009
Astra20082009

2009 Saturn Astra car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Astra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Saturn Astra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Saturn Astra complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Saturn Astra.

2016-11-26

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-03-30
  • VIN: W08AR671285
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TAKATA INFLATORS: WE WERE NOTIFIED IN MARCH 2016 THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND AN ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAG PARTS POTENTIALLY EXPLODING IN THE EVENT OF AIRBAGS INFLATING. IT IS NOW NOVEMER 2016 AND THERE IS STILL NO SOLUTION OR REPAIR. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
2016-07-27

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SATURN ASTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILURE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. 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 FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PART NOT AVAILABLE.

2009 Saturn Astra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Saturn Astra.

2016-02-03
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Saturn Astra problems:

I'm thinking about buying a Saturn Astra. Yea or neh? : r/cars
I'm thinking about buying a Saturn Astra. Yea or neh? : r/cars
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/1o96fh/im_thinking_about_buying_a_saturn_astra_yea_or_neh/

Oct 11, 2013 ... it's a common problem with the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, it seems. ... Opel/Vauxhall/Holden/Saturn Astra ... I have been a Saturn owner since 2009 and it ...

Is the Saturn Astra a good car? How is the reliability on them? Easy ...
Is the Saturn Astra a good car? How is the reliability on them? Easy ...
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/is-the-saturn-astra-a-good-car-how-is-the-reliability-on-them-easy-to-work-on.305234/

Mar 5, 2019 ... It's a rebadged Opel, sold in Australia at the AH Astra from about 2004 to 2009. ... The problem is that Saturn has been defunct for how long now?

Common 2008 Saturn Astra Transmission Problems - Q&A
Common 2008 Saturn Astra Transmission Problems - Q&A
https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/7ggbw-saturn-astra-xr-2008-astra-xr-65-000-miles-it.html

Jan 4, 2013 ... The most common is an issue with the radiator leaking coolant into the transmission cooling system. There is a recall for this. If this coolant ...

Saturn Astra? Good, bad? | Grassroots Motorsports forum |
Saturn Astra? Good, bad? | Grassroots Motorsports forum |
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/saturn-astra-good-bad/103951/page1/

Right before I sold it I was starting to run into issues with the AC compressor kicking on intermittently, so I was a little disheartened by the ...

Saturn Astra 2008 AC Troubleshooting: Common Problems ...
Saturn Astra 2008 AC Troubleshooting: Common Problems ...
https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/jwad9-pete-saturn-astra-2008-ac-not-turning-on.html

Aug 1, 2022 ... Pete, I have Saturn Astra 2008 and my AC not turning on. Mechanic change radiator, Top up Freon, checked the fan - - Answered by a verified ...

Other years of Saturn Astra

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Astra 2008
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saturn astra 2009 photo
Astra 2009
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