10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 4 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 49,471 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
2005 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition recall. The consumer stated on several occasions, the vehicle would not start. On 3 occasions, the vehicle shut down while driving in May 2013, the consumer was locked inside the vehicle due to know electrical power. The ignition was replaced and the black box was re-booted. The consumer has since traded the vehicle.
- Bardstown, KY, USA
2005 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition problems. The consumer stated he lost power to the vehicle while driving. The consumer was given an estimate of $ $2,250, which he felt was too high, so he traded the vehicle.
- Milledgeville, GA, USA
I have a 05 Saturn 05 Ion a recall. And twice in the past week died while I was driving it to work, no accident or injury, but I am very concerned, and don't know what I should do. I already took the keys an clicker off the key ring, I am very concerned. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Linxroft, NJ, USA
Re: brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid. The key would get stuck in ignition and not release, or I would be unable to turn the car on after inserting the key. Note: A couple of times I could not turn off the car, which is a safety hazard. I had to force the key to turn the ignition cylinder to the off position over several minutes. I have replaced ignition switch 3 times and ignition housing twice since buying my Saturn Ion new in 2005. Therefore, I am now on my fourth ignition switch since the car was manufactured. I acknowledge that ignition switches have been found defective in certain GM car models and years and a recall is in place. However, I believe that ignition problems in GM Saturn Ions are additionally complicated by BTSI solenoid and switch failure. In addition to replacing the ignition switch and housing, I have also had to replace the BTSI solenoid and switch twice (May 2010, 50,263 mi; Feb 2013, 84,715 mi) due to the part's failure in order to fully address the ignition switch problems of my Saturn Ion. Please investigate the additional issue of BTSI solenoid and switch failure as being a contributing factor in the overall ignition safety problems of GM Saturn Ions.
- San Jose, CA, USA
No start/no crank in very cold weather! this is the other problem with these switches on the Saturn Ions! I called Saturn dealership rt away, when I could not start my car. They had no answer, wanted me to tow my car in. But, when weather warmed up past 20' outside, car turned rt over. This was a "hit & miss" problem, for yrs on my car. Then 2013, was our severely cold winter, in mi. My car, every morn, would not start. I had to all my own research on this problem. To my shock!! what I found! the complaints of this problem, was all over the internet!! then, I found the actual bulletin from GM's from 2009! it described this problem X& to replace the switch! what was happening is the extreme cold weather was throwing off the anti theft switch too! shut the whole car down! I had to pay $500 to replace my ignition switch & key tumbler. Why is this problem not being acknowledged as well? it's as bad as the problem on the news. I also rec'd an extended warranty on the power steering problem too. Sorry I bought a Saturn, but was a good lil car, until this!
- Clawson, MI, USA
Ignition would sometimes not turn off or release key when car was running, or turn on when car was not running. Passlock indicator was coming on at strange times. Battery constantly being drained. Ses light was on when the key was out of ignition. $960 in parts and labor.
- Austin, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning and the key had been difficult to remove from the ignition on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was unable to diagnose the problem more than once. The failure still recurred. The vehicle was taken back to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the steering ignition lock housing cylinder needed to be replaced and recoded. The vehicle was repaired and the failure recurred. The key was locked in the ignition and the contact had to wait until she heard a clicking noise in order to release the key on more than one occasion. The contact was included in NHTSA campaign id number:14V047000 (air bags and electrical system) and received a recall notice years after the failure occurred multiple times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8000. Updated 11/14/14
- Las Vegas, NV, USA
TL-the contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that they did receive a recall notice and experienced the noted ignition issues. The vehicle was taken to a local technician and no diagnosis or repairs were done to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 108,000 miles and the current mileage was 111,000 miles. The local dealership was not able to provide a loaner vehicle and they wanted to make a complaint against the manufacture. I referred them to the federal trade commission for that complaint.sr
- Union Dale, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled while traveling various speeds. The contact also stated that upon inspection, it was found that the control arms and bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The stalling issue was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 06/10/14 the consumer stated the vehicle shut off multiple times in 2006. In 2007, the ignition cylinder binded up, engine light illuminated, headlights dimmed, and front end issues. In 2008, all 4 fuel injectors were replaced, noise came from the front end, and front passenger window would not roll up. Replaced both front end sway bushings, insulator and/or front stabilizer shaft a. in 2010, again there was noise coming from the front end. Both left and right hub assemblies, lower control arms and bushings were replaced. In 2013, there was a gas leak. Updated 06/17/2014
- Howell, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that she was able to erroneously use her key to open another vehicle of the same year, make and model. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that he was unable to repair the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) but do not confirm if the vehicle was included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the all of the same year Saturn Ions were manufactured with the exact same key code. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
- Tuskegee, AL, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the ignition switch failed and caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed which located a failure code at the steering column. The vehicle was repaired. The steering wheel column was replaced. The failure mileage was 49,000 and the approximate current mileage was 70,000.
- West Orange , NJ, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact was driving 45 mph when the vehicle stalled. The contact received notification of a manufacturer's recall pertaining to the ignition switch but had not yet received the recall repair. The failure mileage was 40,000.
- Mount Royal, NJ, USA
On October 31, and November 1 of 2013 I was traveling approximately 40 mph and in nearly the same spot the Saturn lost complete power and died. Both times I was able to get off the road. After the second incident we had it towed to a garage where they replaced the battery. I did not drive it again and currently it is in storage as I purchased a new car. I drive 350 miles a week to work and need dependable transportation. When the recall came out we realized we may have had trouble with the ignition switch for up to 2 years. There would be times we would shut the car off but would be unable to take the key out. It would take up to a minute before clicking and we could remove the key. That was when it was in the off position.
- Angola, IN, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle suddenly stalled as the power steering seized and caused the contact to crash into a concrete street divider. The contact sustained back injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact indicated that during the crash, the radiator and condenser were damaged and both were replaced by the mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified in reference to the defect. The failure mileage was 58,000.
- Springfield , MA, USA
I checked electrical above, for affected parts, but I am not sure if that is correct. It was the ignition. I was driving on whitney ave. (towards new haven) in hamden, ct. Traffic was moderate due to the time of day (3:00 P.M.) suddenly, and with no warning other than the dash lighting up with engine lights, my car stopped. There was enough momentum to turn it into the post office driveway. Brakes and steering did not work. Fortunately, the cars coming up behind me were able to swerve to avoid hitting me. The incident caused a traffic jam and a mess in the post office. A very kind man offered to help push the car out of the incoming driveway. He put it in neutral and pushed it out of the way. I have aaa service. The call was made and the car was towed to Firestone on dixwell ave., since I live in the vicinity and could walk home. I have the receipt for work done by Firestone. The job cost me $262.82. I was on my way to I-91. I dread to think of what could have happened, if the car suddenly stopped in 65 mile an hour traffic. (I jest, since trucks regularly pass going well over 70!) I wish to send my bill to GM, but no address is provided on the recall letter. Please advise. If I do not hear from you, I will go to valenti motors in wallingford to ask for assistance in obtaining an address to send my bill. I expect full compensation for the costs associated with this incident, and will provide the Firestone invoice. In a separate recent incident, again, on my way to an interstate, the car went dead again. This time, I came to rest up against a barrier between the road and a salt marsh! in this case it was the alternator. The car was towed again to Firestone, where they replaced the alternator and the battery. I write this, just in case GM has ignored another problem. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Hamden, CT, USA
As I was driving, suddenly I heard the chime in the car go off a few times rapidly, and at the same time the power steering light ('pwr str') came on on the instrument panel. I proceeded to go straight, then I had to make a left turn. At this time I realized there was no power steering in the car, and it was very difficult to turn the steering wheel. I continued to have a problem steering the vehicle, and I had to find an empty area to park the vehicle. It was a scary experience, and an unsafe situation as well. After I parked the car and turned off the vehicle, I started it again, and the power steering light was off. Steering after that was normal. I am very concerned that this will happen again, compromising my safety and other vehicle operators in my vicinity.
- Floral Park, NY, USA
I have had a problem with my key getting stuck in ignition for past year. I went to dealer last year and they could not find what was wrong. Now I know that GM is recalling cars because of this issue. I have not yet received a recall notice and until I do I cannot repair the car. I called a local GM dealer-bob johnson Chevy and they stated they are aware but GM advised them no parts until beginning of April. Then I received a call later stating they have a ignition module to install and it would cost me $260 dollars to repair vehicle. Please let me know how to do I find out if my car is on list and get the necessary repairs. My key is still getting stuck in ignition [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Rochester , NY, USA
Ignition switch recognition began to deteriorate. When trying to start the car, the anti-theft would come on. I would have to wait hours. This would happen in cold and rainy weather. Key would get locked in ignition with accessories on and not go off. Battery would die. When jumping the car the key would still be locked in the on position and begin turning on and off violently and rapidly until key was able to be removed. Car blew fuse while driving on highway. Max speed reduced to 30 mph. When turning on key would be 1/2 recognized and lights/electric would flicker on and off violently and fuses/computer had to be replaced/reset. Car did the light/electrical issue while on and driving, key would not come out of ignition. Car was towed by palmetto Chevy in conway SC, who despite recall and vehicle history refuse to fix the car or give loaner as stated on website. I have been calling since 2008 about the issue. GM says take it to a dealership but I have to pay for issues. Car has been towed on Tuesday 3/11/14 to palmetto Chevy, after they told me they would pick it up but were a no show on Monday 3/10/14. Again, they refuse to do the recall. Stating they find nothing wrong with the ignition.
- Conway, SC, USA
Vehicle consistently will not start in cold weather. I also own a 2004 Saturn Ion. VIN [xxx] I need to know if my automobiles are safe for my family to travel in. We have owned Saturn for over 10 years. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Webster, NY, USA
- Belleville, IL, USA