What year Saturn Outlook should I avoid?

The 2008 Saturn Outlook is the one to avoid, based on NHTSA data. It has the highest complaint index (100) among the four model years and 633 total complaints, mostly involving the Electrical System.

Which Saturn Outlook year is best?

The 2010 Saturn Outlook is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 16 complaints reported to NHTSA, far fewer than any other year.

Is the 2009 Saturn Outlook reliable?

The 2009 Outlook is rated Good relative to other Outlook years, with a complaint index of 33 and 192 complaints, well below the 2008 model's 633.

What is the main problem with the Saturn Outlook?

Across all model years, the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 648 complaints, or 48% of all complaints filed with NHTSA.

Did the 2008 Saturn Outlook have recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2008 Outlook, covering structure/body, airbags, and electrical system components, none of them do-not-drive recalls.

Saturn Outlook Best and Worst Years (2007–2010)

The 2008 Saturn Outlook is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100 and 633 complaints, mostly electrical. The 2010 model is best (index 0, 16 complaints), and 2009 is rated Good. 2007 gets a Caution rating.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2008 Best 2010

Model years: 4; 2007–2010
NHTSA complaints: 1,352
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 16
Fires reported: 32
Top problem area: Electrical System

Outlook Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Saturn Outlook problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2007	Caution	67	511	5	10	5	Electrical System	18.5	—
2008	Avoid	100	633	6	19	5	Electrical System	18.5	—
2009	Good	33	192	5	3	7	Electrical System	19	—
2010	Best	0	16	0	0	4	Electrical System	19	—

Outlook years to avoid: what went wrong

2008 Saturn Outlook Index 100 · 633 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2008 Outlook has the highest complaint index (100) of the four model years, with 633 complaints logged. Electrical System issues make up 52% of that year's complaints (328 reports), with a median failure mileage of 48,409. Owners describe headlights melting or failing after wiring harnesses overheated, sometimes with a burning smell. Transmission & Powertrain problems account for another 20% (127 complaints, median mileage 79,796), and Airbags 15% (97 complaints, median mileage 82,000). NHTSA lists 6 crashes and 19 fires for this year, plus 5 recall campaigns covering structure/body, airbags, and electrical systems, none marked do-not-drive.

2008 electrical system problems →2008 transmission & powertrain problems →2008 airbags problems →

Most common Saturn Outlook problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Electrical System648 (48%)
Transmission & Powertrain274 (20%)
Airbags192 (14%)
Steering154 (11%)
Engine134 (10%)
Structure & Body105 (8%)
Other67 (5%)
Brakes63 (5%)
Visibility & Wipers56 (4%)
Fuel System20 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What year Saturn Outlook should I avoid?: The 2008 Saturn Outlook is the one to avoid, based on NHTSA data. It has the highest complaint index (100) among the four model years and 633 total complaints, mostly involving the Electrical System.
Which Saturn Outlook year is best?: The 2010 Saturn Outlook is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 16 complaints reported to NHTSA, far fewer than any other year.
Is the 2009 Saturn Outlook reliable?: The 2009 Outlook is rated Good relative to other Outlook years, with a complaint index of 33 and 192 complaints, well below the 2008 model's 633.
What is the main problem with the Saturn Outlook?: Across all model years, the Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 648 complaints, or 48% of all complaints filed with NHTSA.
Did the 2008 Saturn Outlook have recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2008 Outlook, covering structure/body, airbags, and electrical system components, none of them do-not-drive recalls.