The 2007 Saturn Sky is a fun-to-drive Kappa platform roadster that shares DNA with the Pontiac Solstice. While the chassis is solid, these cars suffer from catastrophic turbo engine failures, transmission cooler issues, and soft-top problems that define the ownership experience.
Symptoms: rattling on cold start that fades after warmup, check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, catastrophic loss of power with metal debris in oil, knocking from bottom end
Fix: The LNF turbo motor stretches its timing chain, causing valve timing issues and eventual piston/ringland failure. Often requires complete short block or engine replacement. 18-24 labor hours for R&R plus machine work if rebuilding. Many owners opt for used low-mile engines or reman units rather than rebuild.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure & Cooler Blockage
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid pooling under vehicle, harsh shifting or slipping, transmission overheating warnings, burnt fluid smell
Fix: Factory cooler lines rust through at fittings, and internal cooler can clog with debris. Often discovered after transmission already damaged from running hot. Replace cooler and both lines as a set, flush system thoroughly. 3-5 hours labor. If trans is damaged, add rebuild or replacement costs.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder & Motor Failure
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: top won't latch or unlatch electrically, slow or uneven top operation, one side raises higher than other, pump runs but top doesn't move
Fix: Hydraulic cylinders leak internally, and the pump motor wears out. Common on all Kappa convertibles regardless of mileage due to exposure and limited use. Cylinder replacement requires 4-6 hours; pump motor 2-3 hours. Parts are GM-specific and pricey.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Rear Axle Seal Leaks (Subject to Recall)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: differential fluid on inside of rear wheels, greasy buildup around axle tubes, low diff fluid causing whine or clunk on turns
Fix: GM issued recall for axle seals that can leak and allow fluid onto brake components. Even post-recall, seals can fail again. Requires axle removal and seal replacement both sides preventively. 3-4 hours labor. Check if recall was completed on any used example.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Ignition Switch & Lock Cylinder Failure (Recall)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: key won't turn in ignition, car shuts off while driving, accessories stay on when key removed, no crank/no start intermittently
Fix: GM recall for ignition switch that can slip out of run position, killing engine while driving. Lock cylinder can also wear and bind. Recall repair involves switch and cylinder replacement, 1.5-2 hours. Verify recall completion before purchase — safety critical.
Estimated cost: $0-400
Fuel System & High-Pressure Fuel Pump Issues (Turbo)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: extended cranking before start when hot, stumble or hesitation under boost, fuel trim codes or lean condition codes, loss of power above 4,000 rpm
Fix: Direct-injection high-pressure pump can wear, especially with poor fuel quality or infrequent filter changes. Filter is inside tank on a module (not easily serviceable). Pump replacement requires tank drop, 4-5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
Transmission Mount Failure (Manual & Auto)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive shifter vibration, clunk when engaging clutch or selecting drive, driveline shudder on acceleration, visible torn rubber on mount
Fix: Factory transmission mount is weak and deteriorates quickly, especially with spirited driving. Replacement is straightforward, 1.5-2 hours. Upgraded polyurethane mounts available but increase NVH. Very common wear item on these cars.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Owner tips
Change timing chain tensioner and guides preventively at 60k mi on turbo cars — can save the engine
Flush transmission fluid every 30k mi and inspect cooler lines annually for rust
Exercise convertible top monthly even in winter to keep hydraulics functional
Use top-tier fuel and change high-pressure fuel filter at tank every 60k mi on turbo models
Budget for an engine replacement or confirm timing chain service history before buying any turbo Sky
Buy only if you're prepared for expensive engine work or can verify recent timing chain service on turbo models — otherwise a ticking time bomb that's more fun than reliable.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · 17V061000
2017-01-26 · DP16001
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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:IGNITION:SWITCH · 14E021000
2014-04-30
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 14V171000
2014-04-10
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 · 14V047000
2014-02-10
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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. GMs 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.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL · 07V589000
2007-12-20 · PE07037
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
Consequence: A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.
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