Saturn Aura Transmission Problems & Cost | 6T70 | 6T40 | 4T45E

The Saturn Aura was equipped with the 4T45E transmission, the 6T40 transmission and the 6T70. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Saturn Aura transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Saturn Aura Transmission Models

Saturn Aura: 4T45E Transmission
Saturn Aura: 6T40 Transmission
Saturn Aura: 6T70 Transmission

Saturn Aura Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Saturn Aura Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to Saturn Aura transmission problems?

Saturn Aura Transmission Recalls

Recall 09V073000 / 09041 Transmission shift cable clip failure
2009 Buick Enclave, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2009 Chevrolet HHR, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, 2009 GMC Acadia, 2009 Pontiac G5, 2009 Pontiac G6, 2009 Saturn Aura, 2009 Saturn Outlook

Summary –
On 276,729 2009 GM vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may come loose, causing the gear indicator to display the wrong gear.

Consequence –
If this problem occurs, the driver could remove the ignition key and exit the vehicle thinking the transmission is in Park, even though it isn’t. This can lead to a rollaway, which can cause injury and/or property damage. A lesser consequence would be the inability to start the vehicle because the transmission is not in Park.

Remedy –
This recall began on March 24, 2009, and Chevrolet dealers were instructed to inspect and if necessary, replace the shift adjustment cable clip. Concerned owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236

Saturn Aura Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 07-07-30-019 – Check engine light on with poor vehicle performance – 6T70 Transmission | 6T75 Transmission
2008 Buick Enclave – 2007 GMC Acadia – 2007 Pontiac G6 – 2007 Saturn Aura – 2007 Saturn Outlook
Problem – Drivers may experience poor engine/transmission performance, along with the following transmission diagnostic trouble codes: P0716, P0717, P0722, P0723, P0751, P0756, P0776, P0796, P2714, P2723
Solution – These transmission problems may be caused by a failed speed sensor

PIP4627A – 35R clutch wave plate broken – 6T70 Transmission | 6T75 Transmission
2007 – 2009 Saturn Aura – 2007 – 2009 Saturn Outlook – 2008 – 2009 Saturn Vue – 2007 – 2009 GMC Acadia – 2007 – 2009 Pontiac G5 – 2008 – 2009 Pontiac Torrent – 2008 – 2009 Buick Enclave – 2008 – 2009 Chevrolet Equinox – 2008 – 2009 Chevrolet Malibu – 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Problem – On vehicles equipped with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission, drivers may experience no reverse, slipping, and/or harsh shifting between 3rd-5th gears. They may also have diagnostic trouble codes P0776 and P0842. This condition is typically caused by a broken 35R clutch wave plate.
Solution – During the repair/rebuild process, the wave plate must be installed properly (with the rounded edge of the internal splines facing the 35R piston), in order to prevent premature failure.

Common Problems with the Saturn Aura Transmission

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Saturn Aura can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Saturn Aura transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Saturn Aura transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Saturn Aura transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Saturn Aura transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Saturn Aura transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Saturn Aura transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Saturn Aura transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Saturn Aura transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Saturn Aura transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Saturn Aura Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Saturn Aura Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Saturn Aura Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Saturn Aura Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Saturn Aura Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!