One problem related to engine rattling and whining sounds has 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.
Driving at 60 mph, the vehicle lost forward momentum and the tachometer indicated 5000+ rpms. I was able to get to the shoulder and call for a tow truck. After extensive research on-line and with personal contacts which work for a gm dealer, it is most likely the 3-5-r wave plate which has rendered the vehicle hazardous to drive. After towing home and letting the vehicle sit it started fine but it has a new whining sound coming from the engine. Shifting from park to reverse results in mixed results. Some instances it will actually shift into reverse and propel the vehicle backwards. Shifting to drive I have the same mixed results, with no forward movement noted on most occasions. The harrowing experience of losing drive while at 60 mph is enough of a safety concern to warrant further exploration into a recall of the vehicles affected with the same transmission (6t70/6t75) which are installed in various models of gm products since 2007. The common repair varies from replacement of the defective wave plate to complete transmission replacement. Either option is very costly to the consumer and with a "known" defect that affects gm vehicles with as little as 40,000 miles on them.