2009 Saturn Sky problems & reliability
46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Saturn Sky, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags → | 38 | 83% |
| Electrical System | 6 | 13% |
| Seats | 5 | 11% |
| Power Train | 3 | 7% |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 4% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 2% |
| Engine | 1 | 2% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 2% |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 16 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 35 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 42,500 miles (middle 50% between 22,114 and 55,000 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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 INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)…”
Air Bags · filed Sep 29, 2023
“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 offered. The contact…”
Air Bags · filed Jan 20, 2023
“Vehicle only has 5000 miles on it purchased new in 2009 has ignition problem and airbag service problem”
Air Bags · filed Dec 19, 2022
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- HVAC Blower Motor Connector
Defect Petition DP20002 · opened Feb 7, 2020 · closed Oct 27, 2022
- Passenger Sensing System Sensor Mat
Defect Petition DP16001 · opened May 16, 2016 · closed Apr 24, 2017 · led to recall 17V061000
Technical service bulletins
916 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Saturn Sky. The 10 most recent:
New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
13598 · Other · issued Sep 9, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may…
PIC5650M · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 7, 2025
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or…
PIP5358D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 20, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe…
PIT5074Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 2024
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024
This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
04-06-04-051J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 27, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2009 Saturn Sky has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2009 Saturn Sky?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 42,500 miles — worth a pre-purchase inspection if the car is near that mileage.