Power steering failure - clicking from around the steering column followed by immediate loss of power steering assist and 3 beeps from the info center. Message "pwr str" displayed in info window.

- Fenton, MI, USA

After I park my 2007 Saturn Ion the ignition remains locked, it doesn't let me take out my key after the vehicle is off. I have to restart my car then turn it off again and wait about 2-5 minutes for my key to release.

- Fort Bragg, NC, USA

I was on my honeymoon in orlando, fl. On Nov. 17th, 2011 when it went out the first time. I discovered that when I turned the vehicle off and started it again, that the power steering would return to proper operation. Since that day, it has been intermittent. No typical timing or environmental situation, just randomly stop working. It did that for several months until 3 weeks ago when it would shut off 5 minutes after starting the vehicle every time. Now, it does nothing, it never comes on. I checked both fuses and being in the vehicle industry myself, I know that a fuse, relay, or circuit breaker just dies. I feel that if it were the fuse, it would not only work sometimes but it would not work at all. I am expecting the manufacturer to replace this. As this is my 3rd Saturn and I had well over 200K on the other 2 with no problems at all.

- Savannah, GA, USA

Turn the key but car wont turn over or even try to turn over the flashers will flash and the words coolant, trunk, track, ect flashes in the mileage box. 10+ minutes later the mileage pops up and a ding sound is heard.. I turn the key back to the off position for 20+ seconds and then the car will start sometimes. Its a huge issue and I feel as if there should be a recall or I get it replaced for free since I didn't cause the issue and it has happen to many Saturn owners! I have no money to fix it. Im still paying payments on the car. The check engine light finally came on so I coded it and it says ignition switch and that's what the dealer told me before I coded it. They told me it would cost me 80$ for the part 150$ to program the part and 150+$ for labor. Its very unsafe for me. If there's an emergency I wouldn't even be able to start my vehicle!

- Bay Point, CA, USA

First off the car started sputtering, when stopped to fill with gas wont restart for several minutes, has just died in the middle of traffic for no reason. Main concern now is the constant loss of power steering, first happened to my wife on the interstate with our 2 young grandchildren at 65 to 70 miles an hour, it just quit working scared the crap out of her she has 3 heart attacks already and am very surprised it didn't happen then!!! it has been getting more and more constant as of late, every 10 to 15 minutes if your lucky sometimes a lot quicker, you have to turn the car off then it woks however many minutes then makes a clicking noise then the alarm chimes and boom no steering again. The Chevy cobalt (same steering unit and Pontiac G6) have had recalls for this exact problem so why hasn't GM stepped up to the plate and fixed these crappy Ion 3's.

- Mt. Clare, WV, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be started. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the pass lock system was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 73,000.

- Lancaster , NY, USA

The electric steering keeps going out and took it to an authorized Saturn dealer and they said that the would have to check it to see why its going out as there has been recalled on the electric steering in the Pontiac G6 which has the same problem and carries the same system and the dealer told me if its not the motor I have to pay $97.50 for them to find out its not the motor in the steering plus what it cost to fix it there has been problems with the electric steering there should be a full recall on all the one that uses the same part with the ones that have been recalled all ready this is a big safety issue and GM should pay to correct the problem not charge a customer to check what's wrong with it as there is still some warranty on the car this problem needs fixed and I don't have the money to pay out the car only has 55,600 miles on it shouldn't be having problems like this hope you can help with this issue and get GM to do a recall on this for theses cars power steering failure like that makes the car hard to steer.

- Greenwood , IN, USA

The car made a loud noise when I pressed on the gas. It would not accelerate fast enough for the highway and the speedometer was not working. I'm guessing the car could go at max, 20mph. The speedometer remained on 0 while the acceleration had to go up to 3 or 4 just to keep the car moving. The check engine light was on. I took the car to GM dealership/certified Saturn service right then, and they charged me $360 to replace the transmission control module. The service guy told me that when mechanics first did the electrical diagnostic check, the car failed 32 markers, but when they did an electrical diagnostic check after replacing the transmission control module, the results confirmed that all the car's problems have been fixed.

- Dallas, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. While parked, the contact attempted to turn the vehicle off numerous times but the key could not be turned nor released from the ignition switch. The battery was disconnected in order for the engine to shut off but the key remained in the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who informed the contact that the ignition system would need to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Cherryville, NC, USA

When I shut off my car, the ignition will not release the key. This happens every other time I use the car. Extremely frustrating. Also needed to replace the front passenger side wheel bearing assy.

- Princeton, MN, USA

The key stuck in the ignition switch, in the run position. I could not shut the car off. I had to disconnect the battery from the computer assembly to shut the car off. Fortunately, at the time, the car was under warranty. If I would have had to pay for the repair through the dealer, the cost would have been in excess of $500. I am filing this complaint because, now, a year later and after the car is out of warranty, it is displaying the same symptoms (difficulty removing key from ignition after shutting engine off) as were experienced before the ignition lock assembly failed last time. This problem, after much on-line research, is an issue with Saturn from 2005-2007. As most individuals noted that they experienced the same problem, six months or more after replacing the ignition lock cylinder, through their dealership. Mechanics are noting that the assembly is faulty, in that each time the key is turned small bits of metal from the key are flaking off into the assembly, causing it to lock up, typically in the on position. Thankfully, for me, this incident occurred close to home. This vehicle is no longer under warranty and the repair I am again anticipating will take replacement of the ignition lock assembly. This is something I will be doing myself or seeking the services of a 'shade tree' mechanic, as I do not have the funds to take the vehicle to a GM dealership for repair. Given the number of complaints listed on-line through edmonds and other consumer complaint sites, I feel that GM should be taking responsibility for the faulty parts and a recall should be issued. This poor engineering should not be an out of pocket expense for any consumer. The consumer also stated the power steering failed. The dealer informed the consumer, the steering column needed to be replaced. The consumer learned a recall had been issued. However, GM informed him, the vehicles with electric power steering was covered. The consumer disputed that, saying his vehicle did have electric power steering. Updated 09/29/14

- Cloivs, CA, USA

Key stuck in ignition, car will not turn off. Key will only turn on. Car is at GM dealer now awaiting repairs. They say it needs a new cylinder housing, cylinder and key. Car has 57,800km. Also in the past the car slipped out of gear (1st) even when the emergency brake is engaged. The first time it rolled down a driveway and hit the mail box, which damaged to back bumper. Dealer would not check into it. Claimed it was driver error. Bs I have driven a standard vehicle for 35 years in hills. Third problem is the gears. They are too tight. Always was difficult to put into gear, sometimes to put it into first one must put it in reverse first then put into 1st gear. What kind of nonsense is that? complained to dealer within the first year. Dealer said other customers have complained about the tight gears but that was the way it was built and to wait and see if it naturally became easier. From researching the internet the key getting stuck and not turning off appears to be a common problem. A recall should be issued and GM should pay for the repairs.

- Langley, 00, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion 3. the contact stated that the key had become stuck in the ignition and the vehicle would not start. The contact was able to turn the key but the vehicle would not start and the doors would not open or unlock. The vehicle was not inspected. The contact spoke with the dealer and was told that the failure was common but the vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 96,000.

- Mobile, AL, USA

Key ignition - key will not turn to "off" position, car stays on. Had to remove fuse and disconnect battery in order for the car to turn off and alt go off.

- Carmi, IL, USA

While out shopping pulled in to park at a mall. Went to turn key to off position and it would not move. Vehicle continued to run as normal, with doors locked and in "park". it could not be shut down. Broke out the owners manual and tried all the handy advice. None of which worked. Being a mechanic of 30+ years this was frustrating. No clear cut definition as to what was the cause. Just " it might be this", and to take to your nearest Saturn dealer for servicing. Upon returning home began investigating the "ignition key" problem online. I've had no real issues with this 2007 Saturn Ion quad coupe that I could not remedy myself. A 2.2 liter fuel injected engine w/auto transmission that to date continues to provide 30-32 mpg. Car now has 92,000 miles. The answers that I found online were staggering. That this event has been allowed to occur over such a length of time and to several GM models. If the ignition had locked backwards due to such an internal break instead of locking it into the "run" position. I or anyone could have been killed if vehicle was moving at the time. Especially if travel was on a major interstate or thruway environment. I am not trying to overlook that at any speed...this is not a safe event to have occur. Did contact a GM dealer locally..they stated that for $85, we'll run diagnostics. An ignition cylinder problem does not show on any diagnostic tester to my knowledge. Was then advised that at around $300 to start: They will be able to fix it. Since 1990 GM has been aware of this issue along with other ignition concerns. When does it begin to matter" after someone is killed or critically injured"

- Fort Edward, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key would not disengage from the ignition. The contact had to have the fuse in the engine disconnected in order for the vehicle to shut off. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

- Lizemores, WV, USA

On June 19th 2011 my 2007 Saturn Ion wouldn't shut off the ignition was locked into the run position. Since my vehicle is a stick I simply killed it but the electronic accessories were still stuck on. I had to go purchase a new ignition cylinder and install it in order to get my vehicle working again. This is a known problem and was recalled on other GM vehicles that share the same platform but not on the Saturn Ions.

- Hillsboro, MO, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that he was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The dealer advised the contact to remove several fuses and disconnect the battery. No formal repairs were made and the contact was awaiting a service appointment. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 64,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Catonsville, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact noticed that when attempting to remove the key from the ignition, the key would remain stuck and she was unable to power the vehicle off. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance to the contact and the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 58,000 and the failure mileage was 54,000.

- San Tan Valley, AZ, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that when they key was inserted in the ignition, the vehicle would not start and the key would become stuck. The contact stated a key lock light illuminated on the dashboard when the failure occurred. The vehicle was not inspected at the time of the complaint. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 15,000.

- Cocunut Creek, FL, USA