Two problems related to noises during shifting 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.
Noticed while driving at any speed that slight movement of the steering wheel right or left caused a whining noise in the steering column area. Only a few days later I noticed the car bucking when shifting in the lower gears after accelerating from a stop. Two days after the lower gear shifting issues, I noticed the car stuttered and bucked when I shifted into reverse and attempted to back into my driveway. I brought the car in for service and was told the car threw a code - p0018 - which means "crank to cam intake", along with saying the rack and pinion is leaking and could be fixed at a cost of $1700. And the transmission is shot and they recommended bringing to a local transmission shop to get the best cost/service. I have no idea what that will cost. The car only has 54k miles on it. Our 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty expired in September 2013. This could have been a major safety issue. Now it appears the repairs will cost a third of what the car is currently worth. Those systems should not fail after such low mileage.
The vehicle makes a rubbing/grinding noise that interferes with turning (especially left). It feels like you cannot complete the turn or stop. This caused problems when the gears would shift also. Feeling like you cannot accelerate or stop in a reasonable amount of time. Mechanic says the entire transmission needs to be replaced.