2005 Saturn Ion Owner Complaints

This vehicle has an electrical issue from time to time seemingly out of nowhere. There is no power steering it just shuts off sometimes it’ll stay off for an hour sometimes it’ll stay off for weeks and I can’t figure out how to fix it. It randomly fixes itself same can be said for the air conditioning And the driver side, headlight all of these electrical functions, seemingly turn themselves up or down for no apparent reason.

NHTSA ID

11699599

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the ignition key was stuck inside the ignition key slot, and the vehicle failed to start. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA ID

11674938

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Mileage

167,000 mi

My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading

NHTSA ID

11648021

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

The ignition cylinder was replaced in my vehicle because the key would not turn in the ignition to start the car. It is actually, the fourth time this has happened. I understand that there have been two recalls on this issue in the past. The reason it was recalled is because the ignition has turned to the off position killing the car's engine while the driver is driving on the road which has caused serious accidents. I was lucky not to get into an accident from this. The last replacement has lasted almost ten years. However, my issue is that General Motors apparently keeps manufacturing a defective part. This is unacceptable because I had to pay $585.02 to have this work done due to the fact that the dealerships apparently are not required to replaced it at no charge to the vehicle owner. It could also be a potential safety issue again.

NHTSA ID

11621152

Incident

Oct 8, 2024

Hello I am reaching out to complain about Courtesy Chevrolet - San Diego. I’ve been trying to get my car serviced in order to fIx the recalls. Unfortunately I have not been successful. I called the dealer to make an appointment but the dealer told me that the car has been discontinued and they can’t find the parts. The suggested to call somewhere else.

NHTSA ID

11515552

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

When pressing the gas pedal 2/3 of the way down the pedal got stuck causing the engine to rev high while driving forward. I had to put the car in neutral, shut the engine off and manually get the gas pedal unstuck by reaching down to the floor and pulling the pedal upwards with my hands. Also I had no floor mats in my car for the pedal to get stuck on. This has happened on multiple occasions.

NHTSA ID

11500916

Incident

Jan 7, 2023

Power steering intermittently fails at random and steering wheel suddenly becomes immovable nearly causing serious accidents and endangerment to myself, my family, and others drivers on the roads.

NHTSA ID

11498929

Incident

Dec 5, 2022

Headlights are to deem even on high beems.cant see anything coming or the on coming traffic can't see me coming.

NHTSA ID

11498467

Incident

Nov 1, 2022

I turn my turn signals on and nonthing happens in the Frontline bulbs are brand new doesn't matter back turn signal work,front turn signal dont.this has been happening since forever my inlaws didn't know we didn't know until they gave car.so don't know how long seems like forever

NHTSA ID

11457641

Incident

Mar 21, 2022

My 2015 Saturn ION was on a Recalled Warranty issued and concerning faulty ignition Switch problem. I have brought my car in (5) times since (2014) and it has occurred again in (2021) and G,M, dealer Mauer Chevrolet has refused to honor warranty recall stating that Gm has sent them letter to not service any more Saturn's ION with this problem due to cost. they refused to take my car in with key stuck ignition switch. I have filed complaint with MN. Attorney General office Consumer Division and they agreed that my consumer rights had been violated but Mauer Chevrolet still refuse's to fix my problem. My car has been sitting for over (3) months due to this problem. I need your assistance and hope you intervene as this has caused stress ,hardship and depression being without a car. Car dealer is Mauer Chevrolet located inInver Grove Heights, MN. 1055 50th Street, 55075. (651-455-6283). Mauer Chevrolet has retained their attorney to assist them, so I need help, also. Please HELP!

NHTSA ID

11454261

Incident

Feb 26, 2022

2005 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THE KEY WOULD FREQUENTLY BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER MADE MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS BUT, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11452729

Incident

Feb 18, 2022

It says I have 0 I repaired recalls. I have had the powers steering fail 2x. More importantly, the ignition cylinder locks up and I can’t get my keys out. I have to wait most times after turning the car off - for 3-5 minutes through a series of clicking noises in the ignition before the key will release. It is concerning because sometimes I have to get out immediately and the keys don’t release. The car automatically locks itself and if I don’t roll the window down- I become locked out. It yesterday had a issue with ignition all together and I wonder if it’s related. I was made aware again there were many recalls on this issue and hoped to get it repaired. However it now states there are none unrepaired. I’m wondering if it is a ongoing problem with the vehicle, it’s repair parts etc and if it’s just not been addressed because it’s so old that so few are left on the road. Thank you. This is a increasing problem and a daily or every time I drive it issue now. I worry too the power steering will just go out in the interstate.

NHTSA ID

11434203

Incident

Sep 24, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (Steering) but the failure occurred. The failure mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA ID

11425536

Incident

Jul 12, 2021

Mileage

167,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT STEERING ASSIST AND GAUGES WERE IN OPERABLE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL OF THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS RETURNED HOWEVER, THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS INOPERABLE. OCEAN CREST CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC (855 ALTERNATE HWY 101, WARRENTON, OR 97146, (866)607-2902) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN IN TO BE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11416273

Incident

Nov 1, 2020

Mileage

110,000 mi

DASH LIGHTS GO OUT AND ALL SYSTEMS ARE YOU FUNCTIONING PROPERTY

NHTSA ID

11394883

Incident

Jan 2, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON ACTIVATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DIM CAUSING POOR FORWARD VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT OR IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E012000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11378287

Incident

Jul 25, 2020

Mileage

80,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. DURING THE CRASH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT NO AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED NECK AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSIPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

NHTSA ID

11374991

Incident

Oct 10, 2020

Mileage

175,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MOVE UNCONTROLLABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (GLENN H. WRIGHT, BS 1517 W GARVEY AVE N, WEST COVINA, CA 91706 (626) 962-6061) BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND LEFT AT THE DEALER FOR 6 DAYS. THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING PERFORMED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS TAKEN THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11298156

Incident

Oct 28, 2019

Mileage

160,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT'S SON OBSERVED AN ORANGE GLARE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THEIR HOUSE. THE FAMILY RAN OUTSIDE TOGETHER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SON'S VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS DOWN THE STREET, BUT TOOK TWENTY MINUTES TO ARRIVE AT THE SCENE. THE CONTACT'S NINETEEN YEAR OLD SON EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH WATER FROM THE HOUSE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 217,000.

NHTSA ID

11230171

Incident

Jul 7, 2019

Mileage

217,000 mi

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT TURN SIGNAL DONT WORK FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH CAN CAUSE A SAFETY PROBLEM TO OTHER DRIVERS

NHTSA ID

11222492

Incident

May 3, 2019

VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN PROBLEM OCCURRED. FUEL INTAKE AND RETURN LINES IN FRONT OF THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FLAKING BADLY AND RUSTED THROUGH, ABOUT AN 8 INCH SECTION OF LINE WAS FLAKING AND RUSTED THROUGH. FUEL LINE WAS RUBBED WHEN PUTTING ON NEW OEM EXHAST AND BROKE THROUGH THE LINES. GAS WAS LEAKING BAD ENOUGH THAT IT WAS DEEMED NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AS THESE LINES ARE ABOUT 5 INCHES AWAY FROM THE EXHAUST.

NHTSA ID

11207615

Incident

Apr 21, 2019

Mileage

127,000 mi

DRIVER LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK SWITCHED BULB AND CHECKED FUSES

NHTSA ID

11194351

Incident

Apr 4, 2019

12-13-2018. TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL. SHUT THE CAR OFF WENT INTO THE SCHOOL AND CAME OUT AND STARTED THE CAR FROM PARKED POSITION TURNED THE CAR AROUND WAS ON A SIDE STREET TO CROSS HIGHWAY 13 WAS READY TO TURN ONTO HIGHWAY 13 AND NO POWER STEERING, THIS WAS PART OF A RECALL THAT GM ISSUED AND THIS NEW PART DIDN'T EVEN LAST 38,000 MILES. T

NHTSA ID

11165815

Incident

Dec 18, 2018

Mileage

129,469 mi

"TAKATA RECALL" I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE CAR STALLED FOR A QUICK SECOND THEN CAME ON GULLY. AS I REVERSED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND WENT TO MAKE A SLIGHT LEFT I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL HAD LOCKED UP. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW TURN THE WHEEL AS I HAD TO MANUALLY STEER. I PULLED OVER AND PARKED. THIS IS NOT SAFE.

NHTSA ID

11152133

Incident

Nov 17, 2018

Mileage

120,000 mi

I HAD THE RECALL FIXED IN 2015. THE SAME ISSUES THAT I HAD BEFORE HAVE RETURNED. WHEN DRIVING AND THE TANK IS FULL, I WILL GET A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TANK GAUGE WILL READ EMPTY. IT WAS FINE WHEN I BEGAN DRIVING . UPON RESTARTING THE CAR THE ERROR GOES AWAY. WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TRY TO TURN OFF MY IGNITION I HAVE TO PUT HE SHIFTIER IN PARK SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I CAN REMOVE MY KEY. TODAY CAR RAN GREAT WHEN TRYING TO MOVE MY CAR AFTER STARTING MY CAR MY POWER STEERING WAS GONE. AGAIN UPON TURNING OFF MY CAR AND RESTARTING IT , THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. I CALLED THE GM RECALL NUMBER AND A CASE WAS CREATED BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NOT ANY CURRENT RECALLS ON MY CAR. THE SERVICE NUMBER IS 8-4833918801. BUT WAS TOLD THAT ALL REPAIRS ARE MY RESPONSEABILITY.

NHTSA ID

11151579

Incident

Nov 14, 2018

Mileage

175,000 mi