Three problems related to transmission not engage 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.
The vehicle starting jerking and lunging at low speeds. Vehicle's engine started revving in between shifting gears and would then jerk into gear. At times vehicle transmission would not engage in reverse. The dealership had to replace third, fifth and reverse gears.
1a. The headlights on our 2008 Saturn Outlook started malfunctioning when on auto in July 2010. 1b. Our transmission doesn't properly engage, either. 2a. Our headlights went completely out on the left side, even when on manual, last Friday evening. They had been working earlier in manual, so we were unaware until pulled over by an mp and cited. We were unable to drive our Outlook at night. Saturn finally agreed to fix the wiring harness on Wednesday, but they will not fix the new bulb that shorted out due to the wiring problem. It caused us to not be able to safely or legally drive at night. 2b. The transmission often does not engage, especially when we are stopped and then try to cross traffic to turn left. This has caused several near misses and one minor accident for us. It usually occurs when we are stopped and needing to speed up to merge or cross traffic. 3a. Currently, Saturn is replacing the wiring harness but not the light burned out because of the wiring problem, stating this is a maintenance issue. They are also addressing leaks in the water and fuel pumps. 3b. Unless the transmission problem is fixed by the leaks repair, they have not done anything to correct the transmission problem.
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook sl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the transmission disengaged and the vehicle suddenly lost power. He was unable to accelerate; however, he was able to drive onto the emergency lane. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the transmission was on backorder. The manufacturer offered to cover rental expenses. The current and failure mileages were approximately 60,000.