Four problems related to automatic transmission control module have been reported for the 2008 Saturn Outlook. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Saturn Outlook based on all problems reported for the 2008 Outlook.
3-5-r waveplate in transmission is known defective. Transmission first went out at ~4 years old and 50,000 miles leaving us stranded. About 1 year later tcm (valve body) in transmission failed (likely debris from waveplate failure). Forcing you to pull over and turn car and off hope it would begin shifting again. Fortunately, made it to dealer under its own power for that one. Gm did not cover this, $1000 out of my pocket. 8 years old and 99,000 miles waveplate out again stranding us on highway. . . Again. 2 weeks later the transmission went out again, this time shaft that holds gears was scarred up (likely debris from waveplate failures) stranded again and $3200 to fix with some help from gm. 2008 to 2013 acadia, Outlooks, traverse, enclave all having this issue stranding people on roads.
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. While driving approximately 35 mph, the check engine light and the transmission hot message illuminated on the instrument panel. The accelerator pedal failed to respond when depressed and there was a sudden increase in engine rpms. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Transmission would not upshift from 2nd gear. Engine was warm and had been driving for 6 miles. I was accelerating to reach highway speeds in the left lane in heavy traffic. As it tried to go from second to third gear, the check engine light came on and it would not shift. I limped the car off the highway (much slower than the traffic honking and trying to avoid hitting me) and could only get the gears to reengage after completely powering down the car and cutting all auxiliary power. Then after restart, the gears worked properly again. After transmission teardown, we have identified that the wave plate has broken lose and additionally damaged the transmission control module, and clutch assembly.
Power train warranty expired 11/1/13 and now my Outlook won't go reverse, 3rd or 5th, check engine light illuminated, I'll take it tomorrow to the dealer and find out if it's the same problem everyone has been having with the tcm or if it's the reverse clutch plate (waved). I also have the other common problem with the leaky sunroof, water comes down the driver floor board by the parking brake. This is my first gm and it looks to me like it's going to be my last. I'm going back to Toyota! I wish I had known all of these problems, I would had never bought this SUV if I knew this info exist online, live and learn! I can't believe gm knowingly allows these problems go on and won't do anything to correct it.