2004 Saturn ION

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2013· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I WAS DRIVING INTO PARKING LOT AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING WITH ALARM CAME ON THE READOUT ON THE DASH. AT THAT TIME IT HAD BECOME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN ANY DIRECTION. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN CLOSE ENOUGH TO ME THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A COLLISION. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND THE ELECTRIC STEERING RETURNED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND THIS INCIDENT PUT ME IN A PANIC MODE BECAUSE I AM PHYSICALLY DISABLED WITH DISABILITIES THAT AFFECT MY ARMS AND LEGS. TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE ELECTRIC STEERING FAILED CAUSED ME GREAT PAIN. I FEAR THAT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN THERE COULD BE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH OTHER VEHICLES OR EVEN SERIOUS INJURIES TO PEDESTRIANS. THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD CONTROL THAT VEHICLE WITHOUT A FULLY FUNCTIONAL ELECTRIC STEERING. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING AT A VERY SLOW RATE OF SPEED AND NOT ON THE ROADWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

• 12/31/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I OWN A 2004 SATURN ION. FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 36 DEGREES THE VEHICLE FAILS TO START. THE IGNITION LOCKS ME OUT UNTIL THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE RESETS AND I CAN TRY AGAIN. AFTER READING ABOUT MANY OTHERS EXPENSIVE SOLUTIONS TO THIS ISSUE WITHOUT RESOLVE OR RECALL BY GM, I HAVE BOUGHT A SMALL ELECTRICAL HEATER TO SET ON MY FLOOR BOARD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WARMS UP THE IGNITION INSIDE THE CAR AND IT STARTS RIGHT UP. UNTIL I FOUND THIS SOLUTION I WAS LATE TO WORK, LATE FOR APPOINTMENTS AND ONCE STRANDED IN FRIGID TEMPERATURES. *TR

• 12/29/2008· STEERING

  POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED WITH ONLY 8,000 MILES. *TR

• 12/29/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  2004 SATURN ION 1 THE CAR REVS IT'S ENGINE TO OVER 3000 RPMS WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND IDLE. IF YOU SHUT OFF THE CAR IT IS OK, BUT IF YOU PUT IT INTO GEAR THE CAR THE LURCHES FORWARD UNSAFELY. *TR

• 12/28/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  IN COLD WEATHER (BELOW 20F), THE CAR REFUSES TO START, OR EVEN TRY TO TURN OVER. *TR

• 12/28/2005· WHEELS

  INSIDE OF RIM ON 2004 ION 3 BROKE OFF BREAKING SEAL TO TIRE WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY CAUSING A FLAT TIRE. RIM WAS CAST BY DESIGN. *JB

• 12/27/2007· VISIBILITY

  FOLLOWING SEVERAL WEEKS OF HEAVY SNOWFALL THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 SATURN ION FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A CLEAR DAY WHILE USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO CLEAN OFF THE WINDSHIELD. THE FAILURE CAUSED A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE CONDITION DUE TO THE ACCUMULATION OF SALT RESIDUE ON THE WINDSHIELD CAUSED BY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. DEALER REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION AND SAID THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY "ICE LOADING" AND CAUTIONED ME TO MAKE SURE AND CLEAR AWAY ICE AND SNOW BEFORE ACTIVATING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. *TR

• 12/27/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. MY PARENTS BOUGHT A SATURN ION 2, IT IS ONLY ABOUT 6 MONTHS OLD. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR TO THEIR LOCATION AND TURNING IT OFF, THEY CAME BACK TO THE CAR (MAYBE 2 HOURS LATER), TO START THE CAR AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES ON THE REMOTE. AFTER ABOUT 20 PUSHES THE CAR WAS FINIALLY ABLE TO BE STARTED. THEY BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED ONLY TO HAVE SOMEONE TELL THEM THEY DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG AND DON'T KNOW WHY IT DID NOT START. ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN, THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, SPOKE WITH SOMEONE IN THE SHOP AREA AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T HELP THEM OUT BUT IF THEY BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE SHOP, IT WOULD HAVE TO LEFT OVER NIGHT TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIND ANY PROBLEMS. WE TRIED TO PUSH THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE REMOTE AS WE WERE TOLD LAST TIME TO DO THIS - IT DIDN'T WORK THIS TIME. AFTER SITTING IN THE CAR FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, THE CAR FINIALLY DID START. ALSO ON TWO OTHER SEPARATE OCCASSIONS, ON THE DASH PANEL, THE MILEAGE WOULD DISSAPPEAR AND WORDS WOULD APPEAR. I DONT KNOW WHAT THIS WAS ABOUT, BUT WHEN THIS WAS MENTIONED TO THE SHOP THEY SAID NOT TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND THAT IT SHOULD BE BROUGHT DIRECTLY TO THEM. ON BOTH OF THESE OCCASSIONS IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THAT. WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND STARTED AGAIN, THE WORDS DISAPPEAR. ARE THERE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OR PROBLEMS LIKE THIS? *AK

• 12/26/2014· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO TURN ON INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

• 12/26/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ON MORNINGS WHEN IT IS COLD AND HAS BEEN DURING THE NIGHT AS WELL, MY 2004 SATURN ION WILL NOT START. IT HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND NOW I AM GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR TO ANOTHER SHOP IN ORDER FOR IT TO DIAGNOSE THE REASON IT IS NOT STARTING. THE FIRST MECHANIC SAID IT IS THE TBS THAT IS OUT ON THE NO CRANK, NO START FOR THE IGNITION. THE OLD PART IS STILL CURRENTLY IN MY CAR. *TR

• 12/23/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  2004 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. *JB

• 12/23/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 SATURN ION 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE WEATHER BECAME EXTREMELY COLD SHE WAS UNABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. SHE STARTED TO NOTICED THE FAILURE WHEN SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE OUTSIDE. SHE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ONLY WAY SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WAS TO PLACE A HOT TOWEL AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 162,000.

• 12/23/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I PURCHASES A 2004 SATURN ION IN 2006. IN OCTOBER OF 2007, MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FOR NO APPARENT REASON. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 15 MINUTES, MY VEHICLE STARTED AND RAN NORMALLY. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT 3 DAYS LATER WHILE I WAS VISITING RELATIVES 2 HOURS FROM MY HOME WHICH DETAINED ME ON MY TRIP BACK HOME. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE SATURN DEALERSHIP IN HARRISBURG, PA TO HAVE IT CHECKED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (THEY REPLACED IT). TWO YEARS LATER IN DECEMBER, 2009 THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN, THIS TIME ON MY WAY TO WORK ON AN EXTREMELY COLD WINTER MORNING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SATURN DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED ANOTHER IGNITION SWITCH TO REPLACE THE ONE THEY HAD REPLACED 2 YEARS EARLIER. AFTER READING ABOUT SO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS AND DANGEROUS SITUATIONS THAT SATURN OWNERS HAVE GOTTEN INTO BECAUSE OF FAILING IGNITION SWITCHES, IT IS CLEAR THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN THESE PARTS. I HAVE READ ABOUT COUNTLESS SITUATIONS WHERE PEOPLE WERE UNABLE TO TURN THEIR CARS OFF! AN IGNITION SWITCH SHOULD NOT GO BAD EVERY 2 YEARS. THIS IS NOT A HIGH WEAR AND TEAR PART. A CAR SHOULD BE ABLE TO TURN ON AND OFF A LARGE NUMBER OF TIMES WITHOUT FAIL. A CAR THAT FAILS TO TURN OFF IS AN ENORMOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU LEAVE THE CAR UNATTENDED AND TURNED ON, SOMEONE COULD BE HURT OR KILLED. NOT BEING ABLE TO START A CAR IS ALSO A DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAPPENS IN BITTERLY COLD WEATHER. SATURN/GM IS DOING NOTHING TO GET THESE UNSAFE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADS TO BE FIXED. THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COUNTLESS NUMBER OF IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS THAT SATURN OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING. GM HAS A HISTORY OF IGNITION SWITCH FAILURES AND SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT BY OFFERING A RECALL OF THE DEFECTIVE PART AND REPLACING IT. *TR

• 12/22/2017· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE POWER STEERING SENSOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE LOCAL DEALER (PELLAGRINO CHEVROLET IN WESTVILLE, NJ) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED IN NOVEMBER OF 2011 PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

• 12/22/2014· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO AN INTERNAL FAILURE WITH THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 04V003000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), 12V459000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

• 12/22/2004· SUSPENSION

  THE CONSUMER SLID ON A PATCH OF ICE WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. THIS RESULTED IN THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HITTING THE CURB. UPON IMPACT THE TIRE FOLDED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S HOME. THE CONSUMER JACKED THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE UP AND NOTICED THAT THE METAL PIECE THAT THE HUB WAS MOUNTED TO ALONG WITH THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAD CAME APART AND FOLDED DOWN. *JB

• 12/21/2010· STEERING

  I WAS RUNNING ERRANDS, STOPPED TO GET GAS (CAR WAS WORKING FINE), WHEN I PULLED OUT OF THE GAS STATION I HEARD THE WARNING CHIMES AND THE DASH FLASHED "PWR STR". IMMEDIATELY IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAKE ANY TURNS, BUT STILL POSSIBLE. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WAITED A MINUTE, TURNED IT BACK ON. FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS THE STEERING FELT FINE AND I HAD NO WARNING CHIMES OR LIGHTS, THEN AS I PULLED OUT INTO THE STREET, THE CHIMES AND THE PWR STR WARNING CAME BACK AND I WAS ON MY OWN AGAIN. I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND LATER IN THE EVENING TRIED TO SEE IF IT WAS JUST A FLUKE, BUT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED I IMMEDIATELY HAD THE WARNING. THIS JUST HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME YESTERDAY SO I HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED YET. *TR

• 12/21/2005· WHEELS

  I HAD MY 2004 ION 3 IN TO REPLACE A TIRE ON 11/19, THEN ON 11/30 HAD TIRES ROTATED COMPLAINED TO DEALER ABOUT A RATTLE. PER DEALER THE HEAT SHIELDS WERE CRACKED AND THE PARTS HAD TO BE ORDERED. WHEN I LEFT THE DEALER ON THAT DAY THE RATTLE IN THE FRONT SOUNDED WORSE, BUT I WAS TOLD HEAT SHIELDS WERE THE PROBLEM AND I KNEW THEY WOULD BE FIXED SOON. RATTLE PROCEEDED TO GET WORSE, CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT PART INFORMED THEM OF RATTLE GETTING WORSE, GOT APPOINTMENT TO BRING BACK SINCE PART WAS IN (APPT WOULD HAVE BEEN 12/26). DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE EVENING OF 12/20, I WAS GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED JERKING TO THE RIGHT, HEARD HORRIBLE CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT END. PULLED INTO GAS STATION, DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING, SOUND QUIETED. WHILE LEAVING GAS STATION I HEARD A HORRIBLE CLUNKING SOUND PULLED OVER IN PARKING LOT, THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD A BLOWOUT. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE, THERE WAS ONE LUG NUT LEFT IN IT AND ONE LUG NUT HANGING OFF. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION THE SCREWS HAD SNAPPED OFF THE WHEELS, FORTUNATELY THERE WERE TWO SCREWS LEFT OTHERWISE I DON'T THINK THE TOW TRUCK COULD HAVE TOWED IT. WHEN I ADDRESSED CONCERNS WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, HE WAS VERY HELPFUL AND FIXED THE CAR FOR FREE, SAID THE STUDS(SCREWS) WERE PROBABLY DEFECTIVE. WAS ADVISED BY HIM THIS IS MOST LIKELY SCENARIO AS OPPOSED TO SOMEONE NOT TIGHTENING THE LUG NUTS ON THE 11/30 TIRE ROTATION (BECAUSE ACCORDING TO HIM I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE 900 MILES IF THAT WERE THE CASE). THE DEALERSHIP WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO HELP, BUT WORRIED IF ITS A DEFECT THIS COULD HAPPEN AT ANY POINT TO THE OTHER 3 TIRES. *JB

• 12/18/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

• 12/18/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UNLESS SHE WAITED 15 TO 20 MINUTES. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND REPLACED IT. ONE YEAR LATER, WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START UNLESS SHE WAITED 15 MINUTES AFTER THE FIRST ATTEMPT. ON DECEMBER 12, 2008, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THE DEALER WOULD ASSUME THE COST. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

• 12/18/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  PRIOR TO PURCHASING MY '04 SATURN ION I READ ALL THE REVIEWS AND CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS. ONE OF THE BIGGEST COMPLAINTS I CAME ACROSS WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. I ASSUMED THAT SINCE I LIVED IN FLORIDA AND IT SEEMED MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS WHERE FROM OTHER STATES WHERE THEY GET FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HOW WRONG I WAS, I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEMS SEVERAL TIMES NOW WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 40 DEGREES. I CONTACTED SATURN AND ASKED THEM IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THERE WASN'T A RECALL I'D HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WHERE NOT EVEN THEM ATTEMPTING TO FIX IT HAS RESOLVED IT, I GUESS I'LL JUST LIVE WITH THE HEADACHE OF TRYING TO GET IT STARTED ON THE MORNINGS WHERE IT IS TOO COLD, THANKFULLY I DO LIVE IN FLORIDA AND THAT'S NOT VERY OFTEN. *TR

• 12/18/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  2004 SATURN ION 2, CAR STALLS AND DOORS LOCK THE PERSONS IN THE VEHICLE. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES FOR THESE 2 ISSUES AND HAS YET TO BE FIXED, CAR WILL STALL OUT WHILE DRIVING AT ANYTIME, SOMETIMES AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY OR TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT OR TURNING A CORNER. *NM

• 12/17/2015· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER ANOTHER RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE SUDDENLY RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,752.

• 12/17/2014· STEERING,AIR BAGSCrash

  WAS ON WAY HOME CAR STARTED GOING TO THE RIGHT AND WHEN TRIED TO CORRECT IT CAR WOULDN'T TURN LEFT KEPT GOING INTO A TREE AND CAR IS NOW DAMAGED. OVER TWO MONTHS AGO GM SENT OUT SOMEBODY TO LOOK AT CAR THIS WAS AROUND OCTOBER 15 AND HAVE NOT HEARD A WORD BACK FROM ANYBODY. WHICH ISN'T A SURPRISE BECAUSE THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED SEPTEMBER 13 AND WE WERE GIVEN THE RUN AROUND FROM THE BEGINNING. APPOINTMENTS MADE AND NOT KEPT, PHONE CALLS TRANSFERRED FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER ALL WITH DIFFERENT ANSWERS AND RESPONSES. MY QUESTION TO YOU IS WHEN IS SOMEBODY GOING TO CONTACT US AND GIVE US SOME ANSWERS? I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE FIRST CALL BACK AND HAD NO PROBLEMS BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS, NOT ONLY HAS NOTHING BEEN DONE OR SAID BUT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T EVEN GO OFF BUT THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY AND THE ADJUSTER YOU SENT OUT SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW WHY AS WE WERE TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS BETWEEN THE CENSORS. I WASN'T BORN YESTERDAY BUT DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING WAS WAITING FOR THE REPORT. STILL WAITING, I KNOW WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA BUT THREE MONTHS IS A LITTLE LONG TO WAIT DON'T YOU THINK? *TR

• 12/17/2013· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FUNCTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING COMPONENT. THE MALFUNCTION RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

• 12/17/2010· STEERING

  WHEN PARALLEL PARKING OR PARKING IN A CONVENTIONAL SPACE, STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT. AT FIRST IT WAS EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS, NOW IT IS BECOMING MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN A MONTH. IT LAST HAPPENED ABOUT A WEEK AGO. WHILE THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, IT IS A PROBLEM NONE THE LESS. TYPICALLY OCCURS AFTER CRANKING THE STEERING WHEEL TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT OR OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. ITS AS IF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING WHEN MANEUVERING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM RESULTING FROM RESISTANCE FROM A CURB, NOR IS IT FROM LACK OF THE VEHICLE MOVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE IN REVERSE AND BACKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE IN DRIVE AND MOVING FORWARD. TYPICALLY COINCIDES WITH A FULL CRANK OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. THIS IS AN ISSUE WHICH I AM UNABLE TO DUPLICATE ON A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT OF DUPLICATION. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT TO BE AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE. I WAS TEACHING A FRIEND HOW TO DRIVE IN MY CAR, AND HE WAS SAYING THAT THE WHEEL WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AT FIRST I THOUGHT HE WAS JUST GOING THROUGH THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF A PERSON LEARNING TO DRIVE. SEEING HIM LABOR MORE OVER THE WHEEL IN ORDER TO GET IT TO TURN. I HAD HIM STOP THE CAR AND I SWITCHED WITH HIM. I STARTED THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO PARALLEL PARK. I ENCOUNTERED THE SAME ISSUE AS HIM WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED.

• 12/17/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. IN 20 DEGREE TEMPERATURE OR BELOW, THE VEHICLE FAILS TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TAKES 20 MINUTES FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. SHE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN BE REPLACED, BUT IT WOULD NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE FAILURE IS UNSAFE AND AN INCONVENIENCE BECAUSE SHE WORKS AT NIGHT WHILE THE WEATHER IS COLD. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 53,000.

• 12/17/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

  MY TRUNK HAS STARTED TO GET WATER IN IT. THIS CAUSED MY BATTERY TO FAIL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. NOW THAT IT IS WINTER I HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY BECAUSE IT FROZE . THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF MY TRUNK IS DAMAGED. *TR

• 12/17/2006· SUSPENSION,TIRES

  2004 SATURN ION WITH 19,200 MILES ORIGINAL FIRESTONE 690 ( P185/70 R 14 ) FRONT TIRES WORN DOWN TO TREAD LIFE INDICATORS. FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WORN TO STEEL BELT. MOST WEAR ON BOTH FROM INNERMOST TREAD. VEHICLE TRACKS TRUE,NO MISALIGNMENT. ANY RECALLS OR INFO ON THESE TIRES OR VEHICLE ? *JB

• 12/16/2015· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE BUT THE DETAILS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,600.

• 12/16/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I AM THE OWNER OF A 2004 SATURN ION. I HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWICH REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL. HOWEVER THE KEY IS STILL STICKING IN THE IGNITION. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE RECALL AND I STILL HAVE IT. IT HAPPENS NOT OFTEN BUT ENOUGH TO BE ANNOYING. I HAVE TO MOVE THE KEY BACK AND FORTH AND EVENTUALLY THE KEY WILL COME OUT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THAT KIND OF PROBLEM. *TR

• 12/16/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I PURCHASED A 2004 SATURN ION. NO REAL PROBLEMS UNTIL WINTER. MY CAR WON'T START IN THE COLD. I HAVE BEEN AT STORES AND CAME OUT AND IT WON'T START. I GIVE IT 10 MINUTES EXACTLY NOT A MINUTE SOONER NOT A MINUTE LATER, IT THEN STARTS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF FOR SOME REASON I AM OUT LATE AND MY CAR WON'T START AND ITS SUBZERO TEMP I CAN DIE FROM IT. I AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY IT WON'T START AT ALL. THIS PROBLEM IS BECOMING A BIG DEAL TO ME AND OTHER OWNERS. PLEASE FIX THE ISSUE, PUT OUT A RECALL!! *TR

• 12/16/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE RUNNING THE A/C, IT WILL LEAK WATER ALL OVER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. *TR

• 12/15/2009· STEERING

  POWER STEERING GOES OUT FREQUENTLY ON 2004 SATURN ION. CHECKED FUSES, NO PROBLEMS WITH FUSES. SATURN WANTS TO CHARGE $100 JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. CAN TURN OFF CAR AND RESTART - THIS RESETS THE POWER STEERING BUT ONLY FOR A LITTLE BIT. SOMETIMES IT GOES OUT CONSTANTLY, SOMETIMES NOT FOR A FEW HOURS OR DAYS. *TR

• 12/15/2008· STEERING

  STEERING PROBLEM WITH MY SATURN ION 3 - WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN THE POWER STEERING CEASED. THE DASH BOARD STARTS DINGING AND THE WORDS POWER STEERING START TO FLASH. IT IS THEN IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE THE TURN WITHOUT TURNING THE WHEEL FORCEFULLY. THIS HAS POSED A SERIOUS CONDITION BECAUSE YOU ARE USUALLY TRYING TO MAKE A TURN IN TRAFFIC. IT ALSO HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER AND SHE GOT VERY FRIGHTENED AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE STEERING WHEEL IS EVEN HARDER TO TURN THAN WHEN CARS DID NOT ACTUALLY HAVE POWER STEERING. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE NOT HAD IT LOOKED AT YET. THE CAR HAS TO BE SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MILEAGE ON MY SATURN IS ONLY 25,000 MILES. *TR

• 12/15/2008· STEERING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARALLEL PARK, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND BECAME SO BAD THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO USE BOTH HANDS TO MAKE A NORMAL TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE COST TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL ASSIST SYSTEM WAS ESTIMATED BETWEEN $600-$800. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

• 12/15/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TRIED TO START CAR NOTHING, SERVICE VEHICLE LIGHT COMES ON. REPLACED BATTERY AND NEXT DAY SAME THING NO START. AFTER WAITING 10-15 MINUTES CAR STARTS LIKE NOTHING EVER WRONG . CALLED DEALER TOLD ITS GOING TO COST $175 FOR NEW SWITCH. *NM

• 12/14/2009· VISIBILITY

  I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY DURING A SNOW STORM, MY WIPER ON THE DRIVER SIDE BEGAN ACTING FUNNY. THEN WENT UP PAST MY WINDSHIELD KICKING THE WIPER COMPLETELY OFF ONTO THE HIGHWAY, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO SEE ANYTHING. I FOUND IT IS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE WINDSHIELD MOTOR ASSEMBLY. WHICH I AM NOW TRYING TO GET A NEW ONE. EVERY JUNK YARD I HAVE GONE TO SAYS THE SAME THING...EVERY PART THAT I NEED THEY PULL OUT AND IT IS ALSO BROKEN ON THE SAME MODELS. SATURN HAS TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PART. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL IF IT IS BROKEN IN EVERY SATURN!? *TR

• 12/14/2005· WHEELS,EQUIPMENT

  CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING SATURN ION ALUMINUM WHEELS. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL WHEELS DO TO THEM BENDING. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITION LEAKING WATER ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. *JB

• 12/14/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  ENGINE SHUT OFF, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK WHEN VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER ROAD BUMPS. TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE FOR TESTING, BUT THE RESULTS SHOWED NO APPARENT PROBLEM. *AK

• 12/13/2022· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to maneuver the steering wheel on several occasions. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he replaced the electric power steering motor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic for additional diagnostic test or repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

• 12/13/2011· POWER TRAIN

  APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE THAT WAS NOT FAVORABLE AND I WAS PRETTY SURE IT WAS THE TRANNY. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH THE CAR SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR. IT WAS CONFIRMED TO BE THE TRANNY AND THEY TRIED TO PUT A BANDAIDE ON IT BY FLUSHING IT AND CHANGING THE FLUIDS. ONE WEEK LATER SAME NOISE ONLY LOUDER. THEY REPLACED THE TRANNY. 30 DAYS AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR; THE NOISE RETURNED, THEY REPLACED SOME PARTS, IN THE TRANNY THEY JUST PUT IN IT. JUST OVER 12,0000 MILES LATER I WAS ATTEMPTING TO BACK UP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. I HAD IT TOWED AND THE TRANNY WAS AGAIN REPLACED, THAT WAS JUST UNDER 12,0000 MILES AGO AND THE TRANNY IS SLIPPING AGAIN, ONLY NOW THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PEOPLE SAY I AM OUT OF FUNDS BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT REPAIR A VEHICLE BEYOND IT'S WORTH. I HAVE HAD THE AXLE REPLACED TWICE AND IT NEEDS TO BE DONE AGAIN, EXTENDED WARRANTY AGAIN SAY'S THEY ARE DONE PAYING OUT ON THIS CAR EVEN THOUGH MY TIME OR MILEAGE IS NOT EXPIRED ON THE WARRANTY. ABOUT A MONTH AGO IT FAILED TO START AND BECAUSE I HAD READ THIS WEB SITE ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS CAR I KNEW TO WAIT 5-15 MIN AND TRY AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BUT SO FAR IT EVENTUALLY STARTS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON CREDIT JUST OVER A YEAR AGO TO GET A RELIABLE VEHICLE BECAUSE I WORK 7 DAYS A WEEK OUT OF MY CAR AND IT IS BECOMING A NIGHTMARE NO-ONE WILL WAKE ME UP FROM. AND BECAUSE I AM UPSIDE DOWN ON THE LOAN I CANNOT EVEN TRADE IT IN FOR SOMETHING THAT IS RELIABLE. FOR THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN THERE SHOULD BE SOME RECOURSE TO THE CONSUMER. I HAVE HAD THE TRANNY REPLACED TWICE AND FIXED TWICE, THE AXLE HAS BEEN DONE TWICE AND NEED IT AGAIN. CHEVY BOUGHT THIS COMPANY OUT AND SHOULD HAVE TO HONOR THE STANDARDS FOR A SAFE VEHICLE OR STOP SELLING THEM TO UNSUSPECTING BUYERS. *TR

• 12/12/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

• 12/11/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION AND START SWITCHES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. IN ADDITION, THE TEMPERATURE COOLANT SWITCH CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,240.

• 12/10/2011· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE STEERING LIT UP AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I STOPPED AND RESTARTED MY CAR AND THE POWER STEERING WORKED FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. THE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE STEERING FAILED. THE FOLLOWING DAY MY VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OUT BY A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A FAILED EPS (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING). THE ESTIMATED COST OF JUST THE PART IS $1200. I DID NOT ASK ABOUT THE COST OF LABOR. I HAVE STARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THE INITIAL INCIDENT AND SOMETIMES THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS NOT ON AND THE POWER STEERING WORKS FOR A FEW MINUTES. ULTIMATELY THE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE STEERING FAILS AGAIN WITHIN 5 MINUTES. AT OTHER TIMES I HAVE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON AND THERE IS NO POWER STEERING.AS I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, THIS IS VERY UPSETTING. *TR

• 12/10/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION MODULE AT THE COST OF $300. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HER TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

• 12/10/2007· STEERING

  MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. SHE HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSES IMMEDIATELY BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

• 12/09/2015· STEERING

  POWER STEERING FAILED WHEN TRAVELING ON A CITY STREET. LUCKILY, WAS GOING SLOW AT THE TIME & WAS ABLE TO COME TO A CONTROLLED STOP. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR OTHERS.

• 12/09/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 14V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), AND 14V153000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT HAD BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS AND THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE AND PLACED THE CONTACT ON A WAITING LIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

• 12/09/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY AND THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 01/23/15*LJ UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN