2004 Saturn Ion Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Saturn Ion, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering34532.3%
- Electrical33231.1%
- Engine565.2%
- Airbags524.9%
- Fuel system524.9%
- Transmission333.1%
- Driver assistance333.1%
- Powertrain (other)272.5%
- Exterior lighting252.3%
- Visibility201.9%
- Other / unspecified201.9%
- Brakes191.8%
- Suspension191.8%
- Body & structure161.5%
- Interior & seats70.7%
- Tires & wheels60.6%
- Seat belts60.6%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car doesn't always want to release the key. I have to stick my finger up in the column to push the little button to release it which is not convenient at all. It seems to do it if the wheels aren't completely straight. But still even with the steering wheel straight, sometimes it wont come out if its on a slight hill. Ive had a new key made and it makes no difference, no check engine light and auto technician said the ignition looks fine. Ive read tons of reports like this on the 2004 saturn ion 2-why isn't this being addressed?
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) and 14V171000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. ADDITIONALLY, THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND DOWN INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,639.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VIN: [XXX] , SALESPERSON:[XXX] DATE OF PURCHASE: MARCH 27, 2017 , DEALERS NUMBER: 47243...$2000 IN REPAIRS PAID IN CASH.PURCHASE VEHICLE IN CASH FOR $3000.FALSE ADVERTISEMENT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION@TIME OF PURCHASE&SEVERAL DEFECTIVE& MALFUNCTIONING PARTS&I WAS SOLD A LEMON CAR THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED SEVERAL TIMES. SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK.WIND SHIELD WIPERS WERE BROKE@ TIME OF PURCHASE. MUFFLER PROBLEMS, RATTLES TOO..EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NO GOOD&FIXED.BRAKE FAULTY,I PURCHASED NEW BRAKE PADS.TRANSMISSION IS FAULTY.CAR CONTINUOUSLY SHAKES.IT'S BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP SINCE I PURCHASED IT. TRANSMISSION ACCELERATION&GEAR SHIFT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY OR SHIFT IN TIME. WINDOW IS OFF THE TRAP&WILL BRAKE IF I PUT IT ALL THE WAY DOWN..GAS LEAK. GAS LEAK=$30 A DAY SINCE PURCHASE. IGNITION LOCKS THE STEERING WHEEL&WON'T TURN WHILE DRIVING. KEY WILL NOT TURN.CAR WILL NOT START&NEEDS A NEW IGNITION. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WITH/IN 2WEEKS OF BUYING IT. I WAS ON THE ROAD&THE WHEEL LOCKED. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO TURN IT WITH ALL MY STRENGTH. I HAD TO REPLACE IT& IT'S AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WHEEL. BRAKE FLUID WAS SOLD DIRTY. OVERHEATING CONSTANTLY. FAN OVER RUNNING.TIMING BELT NEEDS CHECKED. BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING& SQUEALING&WHEN PUMPED SHOOT AIR, BRAKE PADS WERE CHANGED& BRAKE FLUID WAS CHANGED& IS CLEAR INSTEAD OF BLACK. ALL THESE PROBLEMS EXISTED@TIME OF PURCHASE.IT WAS SOLD AS IS.I'VE LOST TIME FROM WORK. I DID NOT KNOW IT'S BEEN RECALLED SEVERAL TIMES. GM &DEALER IS@FAULT. IT IS A LEMON. PUTS MY FAMILIES LIFE IN DANGER, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WHEEL LOCKS UP ON THE ROAD.DEALER GAVE ME A DUMMY KEY. THAT'S ANOTHER PROBLEM. I HAVE RIGHTS UNDER THE SONG-BEVERLY WARRANTY RIGHTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
WAS GUARANTEED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. I ORIGINALLY GOT A 2007 FORD ESCAPE BY TRADING IN MY VEHICLE AND 500 CASH. THEY WANTED ME TO PUT DOWN AN ADDITIONAL 900 DOWN WHICH I ENDED UP NOT BEING ABLE TO DO. SO THEY OFFERED TO PUT ME IN ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS CHEAPER AND I WOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT ANY MORE MONEY ON. THE 2004 SATURN ION I RECEIVED ON 08/23/2016 NOT ONLY HAD CLUTCH ISSUES WHICH I SAID I WOULD FIX, BUT THE BATTERY LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND THEY ASSURED ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR MECHANICALLY. WE DID NOT EVEN MAKE IT DOWN THE ROAD BEFORE THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. SO NOW THE CAR SITS IN MY YARD AND I AM OUT MY ORIGINAL VEHICLE AND THE 500 CASH I USED ORIGINALLY PLUS TOWING CHARGES AND A VEHICLE I HAVE TO PAY ON THAT I CANNOT DRIVE. I WANT THEM TO COME GET THE CAR AND GIVE BACK THE 500 I WASTED ON TWO JUNK VEHICLES. I ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THE 2007 FORD ESCAPE. I WAS PRETTY MUCH STUCK TAKING THIS VEHICLE SINCE I LIVE TWO HOURS AWAY AND HAD NO OTHER WAY HOME.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) and 14V171000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Airbags did not deploy
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car started getting a strong odor of gas. A fuel pipe leak is causing the odor
Hi I am a kind of new owner of an 04 saturn ion, this is actually the second complaint I've filled out. Last July I had a mechanic friend look at my fuel filter and he had said the fuel line needed to be cut off becuase of how rusted on to the original fuel filter I'd got it with was and I didn't believe him so I replace it myself and when I got it off I had cleaned up the metal fuel line the best I could and put a new filter on. Well now it leaks gas right where the hook up is and very strong fuel smells come from there too, I've gotten numerous comments about how un safe that is to be driving it but I need to have a way to work and then someone had mentioned to check for recalls and I seen on there that this car did have a recall for faulty fuel filter gas lines. If you could get back to me as soon as possible about an inspection if needed or whatever else you'd need on my behalf. Please and thank you for your time
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 SATURN ION VTI TRANSMISSION FAILURE, PULLING OUT OF A FAST FOOD DRIVE THRU AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED, HUNDREDS OF MILES FROM HOME. IT HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THIS TRANSMISSION WAS A POORLY MADE GM PRODUCT; SATURN WAS AWARE OF IT, GM HAS BEEN AWARE. RECALLS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE, BUT INSTEAD THEY ARE ALLOWED TO RIP OFF THE BUYER WITH TRANSMISSIONS THAT FAIL WITHIN 66,000 MILES. CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PERFECTLY. THERE WILL BE NO MORE GM PURCHASES WITH MY DOLLARS. MY WORK IS WORTH A BETTER PRODUCT. *TR
2004 SATURN ION WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THE CAR STOPPED MOVING IN DRIVE WHILE TURNING ONTO THE FREEWAY. CAR WAS TOWED TO A SATURN DEALER WHICH THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS NO GOOD. NOTHING WAS DONE BECAUSE THEY WANT $5,000 TO FIX THE CAR. FOUND OUT THROUGH THE INTERNET NHTSA#10032327, STATES THAT SATURN GM WILL PAY 50% OF COST OF REPLACEMENT, SATURN DEALER WILL NOT HONOR SERVICE BULLETIN. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR ONCE AGAIN ACCELERATED AT A STOP SIGN AND I HAD TO AIM FOR A SNOE ENBANKMENT TO NOT GO INTO TRAFFIC. IF NOT FOR THE SNOW I COULD HAVE WENT ON TO THE SIDEWALK ANS POSSIBLY HIT SOMEONE.
THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE INTO CROSSING TRAFFIC WITH MY FEET FIRMLY ON THE BREAKS. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT DISENGAGE...SOMETIMES AFTER MOTOR IS TURNED OFF AND CAR IS IN PARK THE CAR MUST BE TURNED BACK ON FOUR OR FIVE TIMES BEFORE THE IGNITION WILL ENGAGE CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY...IN THE PARK POSITION....KEY WILL LOCK INSELF AND NOT DISENGAGE. THE CAR WAS ON A CITY STREET WHEN THIS OCCURRED. IT BEGAN TO OCCUR FIVE MONTHS AGO...NOW IT HAPPENS AT LEAST TEN TIMES A WEEK. 2. ALL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS ON DASHBOARD SAY: COOLANT...BUT WHEN CHECKED THE COOLANT IS FINE.
MY CAR HAS A STANDARD TRANSMISSION AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY FAILED CAUSING DANGEROUS AND DIFFICULT SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS. THE END OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS PLASTIC AND IT BROKE AT THE JUNCTURE WHERE IT MEETS THE TRANSMISSION. UNBELIEVABLY, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT TOOK NO REMEDIAL ACTION. COMPLAINT LETTERS ON THE INTERNET CLEARLY SHOW GM HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM FOR AWHILE BUT TAKEN NO ACTION. IT COST ME $609.74 TO HAVE THE SAFETY PROBLEM FIXED. I REPORTED IT TO GM AND ASKED TO BE REIMBURSED. THIS IS DANGEROUS: I HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS & ALMOST GOT RUN OVER BY OTHER MOTORISTS WHEN THERE WAS A DELAY IN LOCATING THE NEXT GEAR. GM SHOULD TAKE ACTION ON THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION IT PASSED SAFETY AND FAILED EMISSIONS ! THERE IS NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON
STRONG GAS SMELL & STARTED NOTICING POOR GAS MILEAGE AND IT GOT WORSE. THEN NOTICE IT IS LEAKING GAS BY THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. ALSO THE RUNNING LIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY COME ON DURING THE DAY BUT NOT AT NIGHT.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The drivers side windshield wiper linkage failed at the junction of the metal rod and the plastic wiper mount causing the wiper to stop working. And the wiper arms are almost impossible to remove, even with a puller. Obviously this condition is a safety issue, and other GM vehicles have been recalled for the same issue. Why not the 2004 Saturn Ion?
WAS GUARANTEED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. I ORIGINALLY GOT A 2007 FORD ESCAPE BY TRADING IN MY VEHICLE AND 500 CASH. THEY WANTED ME TO PUT DOWN AN ADDITIONAL 900 DOWN WHICH I ENDED UP NOT BEING ABLE TO DO. SO THEY OFFERED TO PUT ME IN ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS CHEAPER AND I WOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT ANY MORE MONEY ON. THE 2004 SATURN ION I RECEIVED ON 08/23/2016 NOT ONLY HAD CLUTCH ISSUES WHICH I SAID I WOULD FIX, BUT THE BATTERY LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND THEY ASSURED ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR MECHANICALLY. WE DID NOT EVEN MAKE IT DOWN THE ROAD BEFORE THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. SO NOW THE CAR SITS IN MY YARD AND I AM OUT MY ORIGINAL VEHICLE AND THE 500 CASH I USED ORIGINALLY PLUS TOWING CHARGES AND A VEHICLE I HAVE TO PAY ON THAT I CANNOT DRIVE. I WANT THEM TO COME GET THE CAR AND GIVE BACK THE 500 I WASTED ON TWO JUNK VEHICLES. I ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THE 2007 FORD ESCAPE. I WAS PRETTY MUCH STUCK TAKING THIS VEHICLE SINCE I LIVE TWO HOURS AWAY AND HAD NO OTHER WAY HOME.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION THE PAST FEW DAYS. AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED THEN MADE A LOUD POPPING SOUND. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL JUST SPINS IN A COMPLETE CIRCLE AND DOES NOT TURN THE WHEELS. I WAS IN MOTION IN A PARKING LOT.
THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING WITHOUT NOTICE .WHEN YOU ARE TRUNING IT IS HARD,ALSO THE BEARING AND STRUTS ARE ALSO VERY RUFF.ALMOST HAD A WRECK WHEN TURING
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THEY WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL AND DURING AN AUTO ACCIDENT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *LD *TR
I'VE HAD SEVERAL TIMES WHERE MY CAR WASN'T AS STABLE AS IT SHOULD BE. THE CAR ITSELF RUMBLES AND JERKS A LOT ON CITY STREETS AND AS I GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. IN THE PAST THERE'S BEEN A FEW ISSUES WITH THE BREAKS. DURING WINTER TIME, THE CAR WON'T START UP (I HAVE A NEW BATTERY NOW AND IT STILL HAPPENS). ACCELERATION IS OCCASIONALLY DELAYED. LASTLY THERE'S A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR WHICH CONTINUES FROM THE TIME THE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION UNTIL I TAKE IT OUT.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING WITHOUT NOTICE .WHEN YOU ARE TRUNING IT IS HARD,ALSO THE BEARING AND STRUTS ARE ALSO VERY RUFF.ALMOST HAD A WRECK WHEN TURING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BECAME LODGED INTO THE WHEEL WELL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION AND PREPARING TO TURN LEFT, THE CAR COULD NOT STEER TO THE LEFT. AS HE CAR DRIFTED FORWARD THE STEERING BECAME EASIER AND THE CAR WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE THE TURN. AS THE CAR PICKED UP SPEED, THE STEERING APPEARED TO BE NORMAL UNTIL APPROACHING ANOTHER 90 DEGREE RIGHT HAND TURN (1/2 MILE AWAY FROM THE STOP IN WHICH IT WAS HARD TO TURN). NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE VEHICLE, HE SLOWED DOWN TO NEGOTIATE THE RIGHT HAND TURN AND THE CAR FAILED TO STEER RIGHT LEADING HIM STRAIGHT THRU AND INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP ONE WEEK AFTER WE PURCHASED IT TO HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. AFTER HAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING OCCURRED. THERE WAS MUCH DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR AND OUR INSURANCE PICKED UP THE COST OF THE OTHER DRIVERS DAMAGES. THIS WAS OUR SONS FIRST CAR AND A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. THE CAR WAS TOWED BY GM TO A DEALERSHIP THAT DEAMED THE CAR SAFE. HE SAID THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS RUSTY WHICH CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. WE HAD A CLAIM THRU GM DUE TO THE STEERING RECALL AND THEY DENIED US SINCE THE DEALERSHIP THAT LOOKED AT THE CAR DEEMED IT TO BE SAFE. WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER GARAGE THAT TOLD US THAT IT IS NOT SAFE AND NOT TO PUT OUR SON BACK IN IT UNTIL WE SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT HOW TO MOVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CAN BE REPLACED, BUT OUR SON CANNOT!!! HE WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT MORE SEVERE. WE WILL NOT PUT HIM OR ANYONE ELSE BACK IN THAT CAR IF NOTHING IS DONE TO PREVENT IT AGAIN. WE DON'T FEEL THAT IT'S OUR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO US IN REGARDS TO THIS SITUATION. WE ARE DISSATISFIED WITH GM AND THE DEALER THAT SAID THE CAR WAS SAFE. OUR SONS LIFE IS AT STAKE AND THE POOR DECISIONS OF THE DEALERSHIP AND GM HAVE CREATED A POTENTIALLY CRITICAL SITUATION. THANKS
WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 35MPH POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS LOST, TURNED INTO MANUAL STEERING. I AM A FAIRLY NEW DRIVER, 21, SO I DIDN'T REALLY KNOW HOW TO REACT. IT HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY. HIT A CENTER ISLAND, FOR A LACK OF A BETTER TERM. CALLED GM, THEY HAD SOMEONE INSPECT THE CAR. SAID THERE WAS NO DTC CODES DETECTED. SO THERE FOR THEY ARE CALLING ME A LIAR. MY PARENTS ALSO HAD THIS EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SAME VEHICLE SHORTLY BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. GM REFUSE TO MAKE DAMAGE REPAIRS. ONLY DO RECALL REPAIRS. I ONLY BOUGHT THE CAR ONE WEEK BEFORE ALL THIS HAPPENED. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. NONE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ALARM SHUTS OFF INTERMITTENTLY AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. ON APRIL 14, 2009, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND TRUNK FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRUNK STOPPER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL400 4305 /B12 TIRES (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. AS THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER, THE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BUT IT WAS STILL ABLE TO HOLD AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
BOUGHT 4 MICHELIN AGILITY TOURING TIRES (P195/60R15 87S) FROM SEARS AUTO ON 1/15/07. ON 6/26/08 REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS FLAT WHILE IN THE DRIVEWAY. ON 7/11/08 REAR DRIVER TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THE INTERIOR SIDE OF THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY RIPPED. ON 7/16/08 FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS FLAT WHILE IN ANOTHER DRIVEWAY. EACH TIRE SHOWED NO PUNCTURES AND WAS NOT UNDER-INFLATED. THE DEFECTIVE TIRES AS WELL AS THE 4TH MICHELIN THAT DID NOT GO FLAT YET WERE REPLACED AS THEY WENT BAD WITH FIRESTONE AFFINITY TOURING S2 TIRES BECAUSE SEARS DIDN'T CARRY ANY MORE S CLASS TIRES FOR THE SATURN ION. DISCARDED 1ST FLAT TIRE. WILL HOLD LAST 2 DEFECTIVE TIRES AND THE NON-FLAT TIRE UNTIL 12/31/08. IT'S STRANGE THAT 3 TIRES WITH NO SIGNS OF PUNCTURES WENT FLAT OR BLEW OUT WITHIN 3 WEEKS AFTER ONLY A 1.5 YEARS' USE. THEY COULD HAVE CAUSED BAD ACCIDENTS. SEARS DISMISSED MY COMPLAINT SINCE THE TIRES WERE NO LONGER ON THE RIMS. DOT HNDA H5FX 4206, 4306, 4406?, AND 4506. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL. AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT DETACHED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE PLASTIC GUIDE FOR THE SEAT BELT ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BROKE CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO LIE ON THE NECK INSTEAD OF ACROSS THE CHEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .