353 of the
1,124 complaints about the 2004 Saturn ION are about the
electrical system — 31% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
52,000 miles.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11530643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,639 milesMerritt Island, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11325424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSpringfield, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, IT WILL NOT ALWAYS REGISTER THAT IT IS PARK; THEREFORE, IT WILL NOT RELEASE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS OF MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK, IT WILL EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. IT STARTED WITH JUST A FEW DAYS A WEEK, BUT IS NOW HAPPENING AT LEAST ONE TIME A DAY.
NHTSA complaint #11258409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGranite City, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THREE TIMES AND THE BATTERY AND CRANK SENSOR WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11186249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DCCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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
NHTSA complaint #11131268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN CAR IS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, I HAVE TROUBLE REMOVING KEY FROM IGNITION. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THIS IS HAPPENING.
NHTSA complaint #11079693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesAkron, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11063289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11018943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION IT PASSED SAFETY AND FAILED EMISSIONS ! THERE IS NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON
NHTSA complaint #11012910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,507 milesRockland, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNABLE TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF. REPEAT TURNING SWITCH ON AND OFF EVENTUALLY SHUTS VEHICLE OFF AND ABLE TO REMOVE KEY. VEHICLE IS PARKED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT OFF. ENGINE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE RUNNING BUT UNABLE TO TAKE KEY OUT OF SWITCH. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON OR ABOUT YR 2012 TO CURRENT. DID NOT DRIVE VEHICLE AT ALL LAST YEAR (2016)
NHTSA complaint #11010691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,710 milesDalton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10898150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,700 milesWarren, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MARCH 2015 - DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE RECALLED IGNITION. SHORTLY AFTER THE CAR WOULDN'T START A FEW TIMES, AND I REPLACED THE STARTER. JUNE-JULY 2016 - THE CAR WOULDN'T START AND THE PASSLOCK LIGHT WOULD TURN ON. AFTER RESETTING THE PASSLOCK (LEAVE THE IGNITION TURNED TO THE RUN POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES) IT WOULD START IMEDIATELY. JULY 11, 2016 - TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM IT STARTED AFTER THE IGNITION WAS CHANGED. TOLD THAT IT WAS THE BODY CONTROL MONITOR ($829). REPAIRS FINISHED JULY 15, 2016. AUGUST 4, 2016 - CAR TAKEN BACK FOR TROUBLE STARTING ONCE MORE. AUGUST 8, 2016 - IGNITION CHANGED ONCE MORE, BUT CHARGED AGAIN BECAUSE GM WOULDN'T COVER IT. I FIND IT RIDICULOUS THAT MY CAR WORKED FINE UNTIL I HAD A PART CHANGED DUE TO A RECALL, AND NOW THAT REPLACEMENT WAS FAULTY AND I'M BEING CHARGED FOR IT!
NHTSA complaint #10894210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2004 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10693482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reseda, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WENT FOR RECALL 7/7/14 ABOUT 3 TIMES AFTER THE FIRST RECALL I CONTACT GENERAL MOTOR TO ASK WHAT HAVE HAPPEND WHY TYHE CAR NEED TO GO BACK IN AGAIN FOR THE SECOND RECALL CHEVROLET SAYD THAT THEY DID NOT PERFOM THE JOB RIGHT ONCE AGAIN I CONTACT GENERAL MOTOR IN DECEBER THEY SEND ME A LETTER TELLING ME AND COMES BACK WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS DRIVING THE CAR IN THE FREEWAY CAR STOP COULD NOT GET OUT BECAUSE CAR LOCK ME INSIDE THE KEY DID NOT WANT TO COME OUT AFTER THE RECALLS THE CAR STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION
NHTSA complaint #10806571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesHooper, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER THE CAR IS STOPPED AND PLACED IN PARK, THE ENGINE CAN BE SHUT OFF BUT THE KEY STAYS IN A ACCESORY MODE AND CAN NOT BE TURNED TO OFF OR REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10735575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 62 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE FREEWAY. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWO TIMES AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), AND 14V153000 (STEERING) AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10734627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,125 miles98371, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 RECALLES.,THEY INSTALLED AN IGNITION SWITCH AND ELECTRIC POWER STERING ASSIST MOTOR PLUS 3 DIAGNOSTICS AND $ 877.43 LATER AND OUR ORIGINAL PROBLEM OF INTERMITANTLY WONT START STILL EXISTS.WE WERE TOLD TO CUT OUR LOSSES BECAUSE WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR CAR. THIS IS A 2004 SATURN ION. WE WANT OUR CAR FIXED FIRST OR OUR MONEY BACK. WE FEEL THE DEALER SHOULD KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THERE CAR. WE FEEL THERE MAY BE A RECALL THEY ARE NOT TELLING US ABOUT LIKE RECALL #03V231000.
NHTSA complaint #10733510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLincoln, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE A/C WENT OFF FIRST THEN EVERYTHING WENT OFF. I PUT CAR IN PARK AND AFTER SEVERAL TRIES THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. MY IGNITION ALSO GETS STUCK IN THE ACC POSITION(EVEN AFTER TWO IGNITION RECALLS) ON A REGULAR BASIS SO GLAD I WASN'T FIGHTING THAT AT THAT PROBLEM AT THE SAME TIME. CALLED GM DEALER THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL BUT BRING IT IN, THEY WON'T PROVIDE A LOANER CAR BUT WILL GIVE ME A RIDE HOME BECAUSE I LIVE WITHIN 10 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10722683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkgrove, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD 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.
NHTSA complaint #10714996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAntioch, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR WONT TURN ON. IT TAKES ABOUT 15 MINUTES TO START THE CAR. I HAD A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH EARLIER THIS YEAR AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT EVERYSINCE.
NHTSA complaint #10714784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPittsburg, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. WHILE PARKING, THE SHIFT LEVER FAILED TO GO INTO PARK AND THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING UP TO STANDARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10703386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE KEY WOULD RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10702809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN CAR ACCIDENT SHORTLY BEFORE RECALL WAS ISSUED. CUSTOMER NEEDS ASSISTANCE IN GETTING THIS MATTER RESOLVED. *TA THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IT SLID AND ROLLED OVER TWICE AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. ALSO, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10667980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,194 milesBurnt Hills, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED UNDER RECALL #14063 ON JULY 15, 2014 FAILED ON JAN 31, 2015 BY JAMMING IN THE OFF POSITION. CAR WAS TOWED TO A GM AUTHORIZED SATURN SERVICE CENTER WHERE THE IGNITION LOCK AND CYLINDER WERE REPLACED ON FEB 2, 2015. DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL IGNITION SWITCH INSTALLED IN JULY DID NOT HAVE A WARRANTY AND CHARGED $275.83 FOR THE SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #10683392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), AND 14153000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10682787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesLOS Angelos, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT OTHER UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. ... UPDATED 03/19/15*BF UPDATED 9/20/2017
NHTSA complaint #10680058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wentzville, MOCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2004 SATURN ION 2 THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF NUMEROUS TIMES ON ME, AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT PROBABLY 10 TIMES A WEEK. *MW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM IGNITION, AT ANY TIME IN ANY GEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF, DURING A TURN. THE SECOND ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY 2014. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, HE SOON DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER STEERING AND WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY, HE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK THE RIGHT EDGE OF A DRIVEWAY. THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2014.
NHTSA complaint #10654355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesFontana, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
NHTSA complaint #10672147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesMarcellus, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO TURN ON INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #10668334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10667127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.