NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Saturn Ion. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.
ASK A MECHANIC SPRING 2014, WE HAD THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION FIXED ON MY 2003 SATURN. ON SEPTEMBER 9TH MY SON DROVE THE SATURN TO DETROIT MI. ABOUT HALF WAY THERE ON I-94, AT RUSH HOUR, THE SATURN LOST POWER AND BEGAN STOPPING. HE WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MILES/HOUR AND DIDN'T HAVE EXTRA KEYS ON THE KEY RING. LUCKILY, HE IS STRONG, SMART AND QUICK THINKING. HE WAS ABLE TO WRESTLE THE STEERING COLUMN TOWARD AN EXIT, WHILE DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH AND RESTARTING THE CAR. THANKFULLY IT STARTED! IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE CAR, I DON'T THINK I COULD HAVE DONE THOSE THINGS. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THAT FIXED THE CAR AND AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS, THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT AUTHORIZED TO TOW THE CAR AND FIX IT. NOW SEVERAL WEEKS LATER AND IN RESPONSE TO LETTERS SENT TO GM EXECUTIVES, THEY TELL US THE SAME THING. I AM TELLING THEM THEIR FIX IS NOT A FIX! I DON'T WANT OTHERS INJURED OR DEAD. WHY IS THIS ENTITLED 'ASK A MECHANIC'? WE WERE TOLD MANY YEARS AGO BY A MECHANIC AT THE SATURN DEALER NOT TO HANG EXTRA KEYS ON OUR RING. THIS DEALER HAS BEEN GONE FOR MANY YEARS. MAYBE SOMEONE NEEDS TO ASK A CURRENT MECHANIC IF THIS IS THE RIGHT FIX FOR GM VEHICLES. *TR
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IN ONE YEAR THAT MY TIMING CHAIN HAS SLIPPED ON MY 2003 SATURN ION. I HAVE READ THAT THE OIL PORT IS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO HANDLE OILING THE CHAIN. I HAVE ALREADY PAID OUT OF POCKET NEARLY 2000 DOLLARS AND IT IS STILL IN THE SHOP. IT HAS MESSED UP OTHER PARTS OF THE ENGINE EVERY TIME IT HAS DONE THIS. SO I HAVE TO HAVE OTHER PARTS REPLACED ALSO THAT ARE RESULT OF THIS. IT RUNS FINE THEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING I CAN GO TO START THE CAR AND IT STARTS HAVING A SPASM AND THEN SHUTTERS AND WILL NOT START. I AM SO AFRAID TO KEEP HAVING THE TIMING CHAIN FIXED ON THIS SINCE I HAVE READ THAT IT IS REALLY A FAULT IN THE ENGINEERING OF THE ENGINE TO START WITH. PLEASE HELP. I NEED A NUMBER TO CALL TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL OR WILL GM FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT IS SURELY THEIR FAULT AND NOT THE FAULT OF THE OWNER OF THE CAR. IT IS A GOOD RUNNING CAR AND I DID ENJOY DRIVING IT BUT I CAN'T KEEP GETTING THE TIMING CHAIN FIXED IF FIXING THE TIMING CHAIN IS NOT THE PROBLEM REALLY BUT IS SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO FAIL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK FROM REVERSE OR DRIVE. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND REMOVE THE KEY. THE CONTACT HAD TO WIGGLE THE KEY BACK AND FORTH, APPLY FORCE TO THE SHIFTER AND TURN THE WHEEL BACK AND FORTH TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTER AND CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
I WAS EXITING OFF THE FREEWAY AND WHILE MERGING OFF MY POWER STEERING GAVE OUT ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH A RED SUV, LUCKILY THE VEHICLE DID NOT CRASH YET I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AS 2003 SATURN IONS ARE NOT ADDED TO THE POWER STEERING RECALL AS 2004 SATURN IONS ARE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WARNING BELL WENT OFF AND DISPLAY SHOWED PWR STRG. IT BECAME LIKE DRIVING A NON-POWER AGE VEHICLE. I HEAR THAT THIS IS THE SAME PART AS THE ONE BEING REPLACED IN RECALLED VEHICLES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE IGNITION SWITCH, FUSE BOX, AND WIRING HARNESS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
COUPLE MONTHS AGO I BROUGHT MY CAN TO GM BECAUSE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. LAST WEEK I GOT A CALL FROM GM THAT MY CAR WAS DONE AND READY TO BE PICK UP. I NOTICED THAT THE POWER OF MY CAR WASN'T THERE, THE PASSENGER WINDOW WAS GOING DOWN (WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF AT GM IT WOULDN'T GO DOWN), AND MY CAR CHARGER WASN'T WORKING (WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF IT THE CAR WAS CHARGING MY PHONE SAME CHARGER SAME PHONE). 2:00AM TODAY I HIT A DEER ON MY WAY TO MY PARENTS HOUSE (IM OKAY BUT DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE DEER) BUT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *TR
IN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE HOOD BLEW OPEN AND SMASHED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND WE WERE LUCKY TO SAFELY SLOW DOWN, CROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC BY LOOKING OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW AS OBVIOUSLY THERE WAS NO VISIBILITY.. JUST THE HOOD. IN INSPECTION WE NOTICED THAT THE LATCH WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED AND DETATCHED FROM THE TOP PLATE LEAVING NO HOOD SECURITY. THE TOP LATCH IS STILL LOCKED IN PLACE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL INCIDENT BUT GOD WAS DEFINITELY BY OUR SIDE! *TR
I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE EXPERIENCE HOW DANGEROUS IT COULD BE IF THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES MALFUNCTION. I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILIES SAFETY THE AIR BAGS DOES NOT WORK AND THERE IS ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE WINDOWS. I DON'T KNOW WHY GEICO INSURANCE DIDN'T FIND THIS CAR NOT TO BE AN SAFETY ISSUE? *TR
POWER STEERING WENT OUT THIS MORNING AFTER CAR WAS RUNNING FOR 30 MINS. IN CITY DRIVING. LAST SUMMER THE POWER STEERING STARTED GOING OUT WHEN MAKING TURNS, SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT. THIS BEGAN IN THE SUMMER, AFTER THE TEMP. OUTSIDE STARTED REACHING 100+. HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO GET THE STEERING WORKING AGAIN. WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMP BECAME COOLER IN THE FALL I DIDN'T HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING UNTIL TODAY, NOW THAT IT IS GETTING HOTTER OUTSIDE. I CONTACTED GMC IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR, 2014; THEY MAINTAIN IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. I KNOW MY CAR HAS HAD POWER STEERING PARTS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY UNDER RECALLS AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THEIR REPLACEMENT PARTS WENT BAD, AGAIN THEY DECLINED. THE STEERING SEEMS TO GO MOSTLY WHEN MAKING TURNS MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO EVEN SAFELY GET TO WHERE I CAN STOP, TURN THE CAR OFF, AND THEN BACK ON TO GET THE POWER STEERING WORKING AGAIN. I OFTEN HAVE YOUNG GRANDKIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME SO IT NOT JUST MY SAFETY I AM CONCERNED ABOUT. THIS IS UNSAFE FOR ME, MY PASSENGERS AND THOSE DRIVING AROUND ME. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 51,000 MILES ON IT. PLEASE CAN YOU HELP? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE KEY FAILED TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 10/23/14*CN UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART THAT WAS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
HI: MY SATURN LOSES ITS POWER STEERING ON START UP, BUT WAS TOLD IT CAN DO IT WHILE DRIVING. MY WIFE AND I SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE. THE RECALL STARTS WITH THE 2004, MY SATURN WAS BUILT APPROX 8 MONTHS BEFORE THE RECALL. I CANT SELL THE CAR BECAUSE OF I WONT GIVE THAT SAFETY PROBLEM.THE CAR IS KEPT LIKE NEW AND HAS THE SERVICE DONE ON IT. I HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL DONE BUT IT MADE MY REMOTE START NOT WORK. HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF,GM OR THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT PAY. IT IS STILL MESSING UP.THE COST OF THE FIX FOR THE POWER STEERING, DEALERSHIP, ABOUT $400.00. *TR
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V003000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED DUE TO SEVERAL RECALLS. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLES FUEL FILTER SYSTEM WAS REPLACED: MAY, 2014, THERE IS A HOLE IN THE FUEL LINE AND IS LEAKING FUEL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING WOULD SUDDENLY MALFUNCTION MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL) THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH & IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION KEY. CONTACTED THE LOCAL GMC DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS. IT'S BEEN ABOUT 3 MONTHS SINCE I CONTACTED THEM. THE GMC DEALER IS: BUICK GMC AT 361 N. SWITZER CANYON, FLAGSTAFF, AZ (PHONE 928-774-1472). LAST WEEK I RECEIVED A POST CARD FROM GMC SAYING THAT THEIR RECORDS INDICATED THAT I HAD NOT SERVICED THE CAR FOR THE RECALL NOTICE. THEY URGE ME TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEMS. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE DEALER SAYS THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY INCIDENTS THUS FAR WITH THE CAR. I RIDE THE PUBLIC BUS TO WORK. *TR
GMC RECALL FOR FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH FOR 2003 SATURN ION. DEALERSHIP _________, IL HAD RECEIVED THE PART IN STOCK ON 06-02-14. WHEN I LEFT THE CAR MY BATTERY WAS IN GREAT WORKING ORDER WITH NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. RADIO CD CASSETTE UNIT WAS IN GREAT WORKING ORDER WITH NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED ME THE IGNITION LOCK SWITCH HOUSING ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED AND ON BACK ORDER WITH GM. SERVICE CONSULTANT SAID I MUST BUY NEW BATTERY FOR THEM TO CONTINUE REPLACEMENT OF NEW IGNITION SWITCH AND TO FIX FOR THE HOUSING (WHICH WAS STILL ON BACK ORDER BY GM) AS MY BATTERY WAS DEAD AND CAR WOULD NOT START FOR THE COMPLETION OF REPAIR. MY BATTERY WAS IN EXCELLENT WORKING ORDER WHEN I LEFT THE CAR ON 06-02-14 I HAVE COPY OF INVOICE DATED 06-02-14 NOTATING BATTER FAILED TEXT NO CRANK TO START REPL. BATTERY. UNDER DURESS AND DESPARATION AND IN ORDER TO RETURN TO WORK SAME DAY, I CHARGED BATTERY TO MY CREDIT CARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $173.42. WHEN CAR WAS BROUGHT TO ME IT SMELLED LIKE BURNED WIRING. THE RADIO UNIT WOULD NOT COME ON. MIKE MANNING SAID THE ELECTRICAL NEEDED DIAGNOSIS AND COULD BE EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL REPAIRS AND TO BRING BACK ANOTHER TIME. I REFUSED TO TAKE MY CAR AND WAS PROVIDED ANOTHER RENT CAR. MY BANK TRIED TO DISPUTE THE $173.42 CHARGE FOR BATTERY. THAT AMOUNT IS STILL OUTSTANDING ON MY ACCOUNT. SERVICE MANAGER DEMANDED I PAY $173.42 CASH BEFORE IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET MY CAR OUT OF THE SHOP. THEY DID NOT INSTALL A NEW IGNITION LOCK HOUSING AND USED THE ORIGINAL ONE ON MY CAR. COPY OF SHOP WORK ORDER DATED 06-02-14 IS NOTATED "BATTERY FAILED TEST, NO CRANK TO START. REPL. BATTERY. I WAS NOT INFORMED THE BATTERY WAS DEAD UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS LATER WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW MILES THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FUEL ODOR INCREASED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
2003 SATURN ION SAFETY RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY MOVE OUT OF THE "RUN" POSITION, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. *MW THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, AS DIRECTED BY RECALL. *JB
KEY CAME OUT, BUT CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. PUT KEY BACK IN MANAGED TO GET TURN OFF ENGINE, HOWEVER KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FOR OVER 15MIN! THIS KEEPS HAPPENING TO ME. SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH CHAPMAN CHEVROLET TEMPE, AZ TO REPAIR ACCORDING TO RECALL INSTRUCTIONS THAT I SUBMITTED TO THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. THEY SAY THEY WILL NOTIFY ME WHEN THE PARTS COME IN, BUT IT HAS BEEN APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH OR MORE ALREADY. I BELIEVE MY FAMILY AND MY SELF ARE IN DANGER OF A FATAL ACCIDENT OR SOMETHING; SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL NOT SURRENDER THE IGNITION KEY FOR IN HOUR. ALREADY HAD NEW KEY MADE AT CHAPMAN CHEVROLET WHICH MAKES STARTING SOMEWHAT EASIER, BEFORE, IT WOULD TAKE, OFTEN TIMES, 10MIN OR MORE JUST TO GET THE KEY TO TURN. PLEASE HELP CHAPMAN CHEVROLET GET THE PARTS THEY NEED OR STOP IGNORING MY REQUEST FOR THE HONORING OF THE RECALL WORK I REQUESTED OF THEM. IM AFRAID THIS WILL NOT HOLD UP MUCH LONGER AS IS. *TR
2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR IGNITION SWITCH REPAIRS. *SMD
2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION SWITCH RECALL AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION WAS REPLACED ON JUNE 3, 2014 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY RECALL. HOWEVER, THE FIRST IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACEMENT ON 3/17.05, WAS AT NO COST, AS THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, ON 2/17/09 THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $323.22 AND ON 6/11/12, THE IGNITION AND START SWITCH WERE DEEMED FAULTY AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 250.50.*JB
SMELLED GAS FUMES. NOTICED LEAKING GAS ON GROUND. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, NOTICED THE FUEL LINES ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK OUT ONTO THE GROUND. THERE IS NO OTHER AREA ON THE CAR WITH RUST. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I CAME ACROSS MANY OTHERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH FUEL LINES RUSTING OUT. THE FUEL LINES THAT WERE PUT IN WERE WRAPPED WITH A HEAT RESISTANT COVERING WHICH CAUSED WATER TO STAY AND MOISTURE TO BUILD UP, EVENTUALLY RESULTING IN CORROSION. FURTHERMORE, THE GASOLINE LEAKAGE OCCURRED WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH COULD CAUSE FIRE OR EXPLOSION. THE FUEL LINES ARE INADEQUATE, AND DANGEROUS. POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS LEFT UNATTENDED. COULD CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM OR DEATH. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000. UPDATED 9/12/14*CN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING SHIFT SOLENOID. UPDATED 1/26/15 *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE KEY WOULD REMAIN STUCK INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE FAILURES PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED BY INSERTING A FINGER INTO AN OPENING AN TOUCH A PARTICULAR SPOT. UPDATED 1/20/2015 *JS
ON MAY 21ST 2014 FIDELITY FLEET AND FINANCE IN PORTLAND OR KNOWING SOLD ME A 2003 SATURN ION WHICH IS INVOLVED IN THE GM IGNITION RECALL. WHEN ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE RECALL THE RESPONSE WAS CLEARLY REPRESENTED AS THE CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND IT WAS SAFE AND MECHANICALLY SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP USES DECEPTIVE PRACTICES AND SELLS UNSAFE VEHICLES INCLUDING THOSE LINKED TO DEATHS AND THOUSANDS OF INJURIES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ALSO FAILED TO REGISTER THE VEHICLE IN OVER 70 DAYS SINCE THE PURCHASE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT MANEUVERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF REQUIRING MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET IT OUT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE KEY CONTINUED TO GET STUCK IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION AT ODD INTERVALS. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. UPDATED 12/17/14. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION AND MY CAR KEEPS TURNING OFF. AND WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT OFF I CANT I CALLED TO MAKE AN APPT BUT NO PARTS ARE IN YET. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE BUS TO WORK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FAILED TO BE RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE WOULD REMAIN POWERED ON WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. DR
POWER STEERING PROBLEMS WENT DOWN. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWN 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE, CAUSING THE AXLE TO BREAK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND THAT THE PART WAS ON ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,011.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE KEY CONTINUED TO BECOME STUCK IN THE NEWER IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY WIRING THAT WAS CONNECTED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE SHIFTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE NOT STARTING INTERMITTENTLY AND IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, IN THE MAIL. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT AN APPOINTMENT, SHE WAS INFORMED, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER WENT TO HER LOCAL MECHANIC AND HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. SHE IS NOW SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, SHE THE REPLACEMENT, WAS NOT PERFORMED BY A GM DEALER, SHE WOULD NOT BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186,495.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL (LOCK CYLINDER/IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT/ IGNITION KEY). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER PROVIDED HER WITH THE WRONG KEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE DEALER ON MAY 27, 2015 WHICH STATED THAT, AS PART OF THE REPAIR, THE DEALER PROVIDED HER WITH THE WRONG KEY. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE KEY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
I PURCHASED MY SATURN AND A DAY LATER, I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION. THE KEY WOULDN'T ROLL OVER. AFTER A FEW DAYS ,I FOUND THAT IF I ROCK THE KEY BACK & FORTH OR UP & DOWN, SOMETIMES IT WOULD START OR IF I WOULD ROCK THE STEERING WHEEL IT WOULD LET ME START THE CAR; BY DOING THIS, THE KEY BROKE OFF, I STILL HAVE ENOUGH OF THE KEY TO GET IT TO START. ALSO, WHEN I GO TO TURN IT OFF, SOMETIMES IT WON'T! OR IT WILL, BUT I CAN'T GET THE KEY OUT. SO I RESTART THE CAR, PUT IT IN GEAR AND THEN INTO PARK AGAIN, UNTIL IT WILL ALLOW ME TO TAKE THE KEY OUT. A YEAR AGO I HAD TO HAVE ONE PORTION OF THE IGNITION REPLACED, BECAUSE WHEN I'D GO TO START IT,, IT WOULD MAKE A NOISE, BUT WOULD NOT START. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THEY DID NOT FIX THE ENTIRE IGNITION AT THE TIME. I HAVE HAD NO TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE. BUT, SOMETHING IS KEEPING THE A/C HEATER FANS FROM WORKING. I WAS LIVING IN ANOTHER STATE AT THE TIME, AND APPARENTLY THEIR SERVICE PRACTICES COULD USE SOME UPGRADING. I AM NOW LIVING IN ANOTHER STATE AND IN HOPES THAT I GET BETTER SERVICE HERE. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. *TR
WHY IS GM NOT REQUIRED TO INCLUDE THE 2003 SATURN ION'S IN THE RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM? I WAS ADVISE BY THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT ONLY THE MODELS 2004 AND ABOVE ARE BEING RECALLED YET, I HAD A DEALERSHIP CONFIRM THAT MY CAR HAS THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART AS THE 2004 MODELS. I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MULTIPLE TIMES AT SPEEDS OVER 55 MPHS. THIS HAPPENED TO MY 3 TIMES ALONE JUST YESTERDAY. IT SEEMS LIKE THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE YET GM REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND RETURNED TO NORMAL FUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 335,000.
WAS DRIVING ON WET ROAD APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION. BEFORE ENTERING THE INTERSECTION THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING. I SLOWED DOWN TO LET THE TUCK IN FRONT OF ME PICK UP SPEED. AS I APPROACHED A BLACK PICKUP BACKED INTO TRAFFIC CAUSING MULTIPLE CARS TO STOP IN FRONT OF ME. I PUSHED ON MY BREAKS BUT COULD NOT STOP CAUSING ME TO STRIKE THE TRUCK IN FRONT O ME WITH THE FRONT OF MY CAR. UPON IMPACT MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. I RECENTLY RECEIVED THE IGNITION RECALL NOTICE, BUT THE LETTER SAID PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
THIS IS MORE OF A QUESTION / COMMENT THAN AN INCIDENT. IT APPEARS THAT GM IS RECALLING SATURN IONS, MODEL YEARS 2004-2007 FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST MOTOR. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE 2003 ION MODELS DO NOT SEEM TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AS, FROM WHAT I CAN TELL FROM REPLACEMENT PART SITES, THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE IDENTICAL PART, #19207619 ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MOTOR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL LEAK WAS PRESENT FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.
2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL INFORMATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WHAT IS THE PROPER PROCEDURE FOR GETTING THE RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. *JB
2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION FROM THE TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL DEALERS, BUT NO WAS ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. SINCE, THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. *JB
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026