2009 Saturn SKY Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 29, 2023 · 46 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other SKY years
Not enough data 3rd of 4 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Saturn SKY. That ranks 3rd out of 4 SKY model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (38 complaints, 83%), typically at around 42,500 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Saturn SKY
2009 Saturn Sky 2.0 Front Taken in Warwick. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Saturn SKY problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags38 · ~42,500 mi
Electrical System6 · ~40,070 mi
Seats5 · ~36,050 mi
Power Train3 · ~32,780 mi
Exterior Lighting2 · ~92,900 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~8,045 mi
Engine1 · ~42,500 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~51,895 mi
Fuel/propulsion System1 · ~55,000 mi
Parking Brake1 · ~13,175 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags3883%42,500——
Electrical System613%40,070——
Seats511%36,050——
Power Train37%32,780——
Exterior Lighting24%92,900——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)12%8,045——
Engine12%42,500——
Engine and Engine Cooling12%51,895——
Fuel/propulsion System12%55,000——
Parking Brake12%13,175——
Seat Belts12%52,000——
Service Brakes12%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12%35,000——
Steering12%50,000——
Suspension12%32,780——
Visibility12%59,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2014, with 8 complaints
2010: 1201012011: 1201112013: 3201332014: 8201482015: 4201542016: 8201682017: 4201742018: 2201822019: 3201932020: 4202042021: 3202132022: 3202232023: 220232

n = 46 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 Saturn SKY recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classificationJan 26, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V061000 · 91,007 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.

Electrical system:ignitionApr 10, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V171000 · 2,191,014 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Air bags; electrical system:ignition:switchFeb 10, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V047000 · 2,190,934 vehicles

Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • HVAC Blower Motor Connector (DP20002) — opened Feb 7, 2020, closed Oct 27, 2022.
  • Passenger Sensing System Sensor Mat (DP16001) — opened May 16, 2016, closed Apr 24, 2017, led to recall 17V061000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Ignition was replaced under recall and now the passenger air bag light is on and will not go out and passenger side airbag is inop. ABS Ecm failed and replacement cost was $1300.00. This is a known issue and should be investigated. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF…

Air Bags · received Sep 29, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11547350

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was…

Air Bags · received Jan 20, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11502816

Vehicle only has 5000 miles on it purchased new in 2009 has ignition problem and airbag service problem

Air Bags · received Dec 19, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11498028

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side air bag and electronic brake control module (EBCM) warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side air bag and EBCM…

Air Bags · received Jun 7, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11467985

The contact owns a 2009 Saturn Sky. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated, with the service air bag message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side air bag…

Air Bags · received May 20, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11465406

Other Saturn SKY years

← 2008 SKY · 2010 SKY →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2010 SKY03
2009463
2008 SKY1864
2007 SKY2844

See all Saturn SKY problems by year, every Saturn model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Saturn SKY?

Owners most often report air bags, electrical system, seats problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 38 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Saturn SKY?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 Saturn SKY a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other SKY model years, the 2009 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.