Three problems related to clutch broken have been reported for the 2009 Saturn Aura. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Saturn Aura based on all problems reported for the 2009 Aura.
Major transmission repair required at 79,000 miles. 35r 456 clutch damaged due to broken wave plate causing no reverse and limited operation. This repair $2338. 29. Failed during driving on highway.
Tranmission went out and had to be replaced due to transmission clutch wave plate breakage. I experienced these conditions: 1) in 3rd gear causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow down in city driving, increasing the risk of a rear end collision because an oncoming driver would have no warning regarding the sudden deceleration of your vehicle by >=10 mph in a matter of seconds when you are actually accelerating in 3rd gear, the shift flare sets in, and you lose forward momentum. 2) in 5th gear when the transmission down shifts while you attempt to legally pass another vehicle in highway traffic. Once in fifth gear and passing another vehicle, the shift flare in place of the shift to 6th will cause your vehicle to slow significantly with no warning to other drivers. This increases the possibility of a high-speed rear end collision because drivers following behind you in the passing lane are expecting you to pass and move right, but if the vehicle flare shifts on its way to 6th gear, likely will be unable to complete your pass.
Transmission plates and gears blew out. This happened while driving and could have easily caused an accident had I been on a more crowded road and/or going a faster speed. There is a service bulletin from gm (#307164) regarding harsh shifting or no reverse which may be a broken clutch wave plate dated 3/1/2011 action #10038284. What that bulletin fails to indicate is that the damaged/broken wave plate can cause the gear to "explode" taking out the other gear. Since a service bulletin was issued it is highly likely that this is a known problem. My car has 67k miles (7k out of warranty). Clutch wave plate broken. This issue needs to be looked into. If gm knows this is a problem (which the bulletin indicates) then they should be responsible for any and all repairs for same. This is a major complaint by many on various forums.