Cruise Control problems of the 2008 Saturn Aura

Nine problems related to cruise control have been reported for the 2008 Saturn Aura. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Saturn Aura based on all problems reported for the 2008 Aura.

1 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2015

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. While driving at any speed, the cruise control failed. Additionally, the brake light illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact received a recall notice for the brakes a few months later and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

2 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2014

While driving down the highway after setting the cruise control it will just cut off by itself. Then will not reset when you try to set it again until the vehicle has been shut off and restarted. Sometimes the cruise control will not set at all. The last time it happen was on October 18, 2014, but it has happen several times I just do not remember the dates or the mileage. The mileage is estimated.

3 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2014

As I was driving to work after being in the car for no more than 15 minutes, my rear brake lamp went on while I was driving and would only shut off if I tapped on the brake pedal. Also my cruise control would not engage. This has continued to happen ever since. I feel this is a very serious safety hazard especially in traffic and the drivers behind me do not know when I am actually coming to a stop! ironically, we received a recall notice last week regarding this problem. I have contacted both a local dealer and gm directly and neither party can tell me when the repairs will be made as there are no parts available. I am feeling extremely frustrated and helpless. There is also a recall out there # 14118 for loss of power steering dated last month and still have heard nothing further on this issue.

4 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2014

The brake light would illuminate without brake pedal being pressed. This happened on more than one occasion. Problems with the cruise control engagement. Problems with the traction control sensor coming on without cause.

5 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2014

This is an issue I experience a couple years ago and discussed this with the dealer. It has since returned and is getting worse. Rear brake lights are on while the car is driving and in neutral although the brake pedal is not depressed. Cruise control will not function once the break light turns on. When the pedal is pressed lightly and the breaks engage slowly, the break lights will turn off. Upon moderate to heavy breaking the lights will then turn back on. This is a significant safety issue. Upon releasing the breaks I will have approx. 7 seconds where I can use the cruise control and the break lights are off before the lights turn on again and disengages the cruise control. During that 7 seconds light breaking will still not turn on the break lights. This issue is intermittent but is appearing more regularly. During a recent 40 mile trip I could use the cruise control for a couple miles, then loose it for a couple more with the brake lights on, then regain normal functionality for a couple more, etc.

6 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2013

My brake lights were illuminating like the brake pedal was being depressed; however, the brake pedal was not being depressed. When I did depress the brake pedal, the brake lights would go off completely. Then, after approximately 10 seconds, they would come back on like they were being depressed. Also, the cruise control was not working. It would not set and hold the car at a specific speed.

7 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 08/14/2013

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the brake lights illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. Additionally, the contact lost control of the vehicle when traveling over a puddle, causing the vehicle to spin in partially into the direction of oncoming traffic. The service traction control warning light was illuminated. Also, the contact stated that the cruise control did not function properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, vehicle speed control). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

8 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2013

Was driving on freeway with cruise control on then suddenly the cruise control disengaged. When I looked in the rear view mirror I noticed that my 3rd brake light was coming on by itself and staying on and I was not pressing brake. Brakes come on and stay on when not pressing brake pedal and turn off when brake pedal is pressed. Makes other cars behind me think I'm braking when I'm not and when I do brake it looks as if I'm not braking. Risk getting rear ended because of this. Safety issue.

9 Cruise Control problem

Failure Date: 07/21/2011

The brake lights on my car engage and disengage in no relation to the brake pedal being depressed. While driving, the brake lights will illuminate on their own and turn off when the brake pedal is pushed. Sometimes, the brake lights will turn off if the brake pedal is pulled up in the opposite direction. Repairs have been attempted on the following occurrences: July 21, 2011, July 27, 2011, August 21, 2012, March, 29, 2013, September 24, 2014, November 19, 2014. Repairs have included the following: brake light switch replaced (2 times); dielectric grease applied to bcm connectors (approximately 12 times); cruise control switches replaced; brake pedal home position recalibrated (2 times). The issue still has yet to be resolved, despite it being included in a gm recall from August 2014 number 13036, and having it twice been attempted under said recall. The gm dealership to which this car has been brought for the recall, colonial Buick pontiac GMC in watertown, MA claims that they have done everything under the terms of the recall and if the problem persists than it must be paid by the customer. This is antithetical to the purpose of the recall, which is to fix the problem, despite the terms of the recall not fully addressing the error. The service people at the dealership claim that what should be fixed next is replacing the brake light switch, despite that having been replaced twice. The gm recall is not fully addressing the problem, and I, as the customer, should not be expected to pay for any costs associated with fixing the malfunctioning brake lights.


Other Vehicle Speed Control related problems of the 2008 Saturn Aura


Fuel Economy of Aura Vehicles
Aura Service Bulletins
Aura Safety Recalls
Aura Defect Investigations