NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2003 Saturn Ion (Page 3 of 12)

CarComplaints.com Seal Of This Might Hurt

CarComplaints.com Notes: The Saturn Ion was a compact bundle of hurt wrapped up in a cheap, plastic shell. With so many defective components and a safety rating that a bicycle would be ashamed of, it’s a blessing this car only lasted five model years.

The 2003 (and 2004) Ion was cursed with GM’s flawed attempt at a continuously variable transmission, known as the VTi. It had such a high failure rate that a class-action lawsuit was filed against GM, eventually prompting a settlement and a warranty extension. GM discontinued the VTi for the 2005 model year – surprise, surprise.

The 2003 Ion was also part of one of the largest and most controversial recalls of all-time. A defective ignition switch in millions of GM vehicles could accidentally turn the car off and disable important safety components like the power steering and airbags. The problem resulted in at least 13 deaths, but what made it worse was that GM knew about the issue for 10 years before doing anything about it.

So was the transmission warranty extended? Yeah. Was the ignition switch recalled? Eventually. Is this car safe to drive? Not really. Honestly, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
56,719 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Saturn Ion electrical problems

electrical problem

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2003 Saturn Ion Owner Comments (Page 3 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #187

Jul 062014

Ion

  • 19,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I don't feel safe in this vehicle, I have experience how dangerous it could be if the ignition switch does malfunction. I fear for my safety and my families safety the air bags does not work and there is electrical issues with the windows. I don't know why geico insurance didn't find this car not to be an safety issue?

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #186

Jul 162014

Ion

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. When the contact removed the key from the ignition, the vehicle failed to shut off. The contact also noticed smoke in the cabin of the vehicle from the steering column and underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the ignition switch, fuse box, and wiring harness were replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

- Central Islip, NY, USA

problem #185

Nov 272013

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to a repair bill for the ignition defect and seeks reimbursement. Updated 08/27/14 the consumer request for reimbursement, was approved. Updated 11/20/14 updated 01/22/15. Updated 01/27/15 status update 02/12/15. The consumer stated GM now refuses to comply with the agreement. Updated 03/04/15. Updated 04/13/15. Updated 04/09/15 updated 12/28/15.

- Lancaster, PA, USA

problem #184

May 232014

Ion

  • 152,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system) was performed however the remedy failed to repair the failure. The contact stated that the key was unable to be removed from the ignition. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 152,000. Updated 9/12/14 the contact was advised the failure was due to a malfunctioning shift solenoid. Updated 1/26/15

- Bay City , MI, USA

problem #183

May 232014

Ion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that when attempting to remove the key from the ignition switch, the key would remain stuck intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) and NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system) however, the failures persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000. Updated 09/16/14 the consumer stated the key can be removed by inserting a finger into an opening an touch a particular spot. Updated 1/20/2015

- Bay City , MI, USA

problem #182

Oct 072013

Ion

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle loss power and stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14E021000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.

- Bell Gardens, CA, USA

problem #181

Mar 102014

Ion

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign id number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system). The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted numerous times and they had no idea when the parts would be available for the repairs. The repair was not taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. Contact had not experienced a failure.

- Douglaston, NY, USA

problem #180

Jul 142014

Ion

  • miles
Couple months ago I brought my can to GM because of the ignition switch recall. Last week I got a call from GM that my car was done and ready to be pick up. I noticed that the power of my car wasn't there, the passenger window was going down (when I dropped it off at GM it wouldn't go down), and my car charger wasn't working (when I dropped it off it the car was charging my phone same charger same phone). 2:00am today I hit a deer on my way to my parents house (im okay but don't know about the deer) but the air bags didn't deploy.

- Pequot Lakes, MN, USA

problem #179

Jun 242014

Ion

  • 123,480 miles
GMC recall for faulty ignition switch for 2003 Saturn Ion. Dealership _________, il had received the part in stock on 06-02-14. When I left the car my battery was in great working order with no previous issues. Radio cd cassette unit was in great working order with no previous issues. Service consultant advised me the ignition lock switch housing also had to be replaced and on back order with GM. Service consultant said I must buy new battery for them to continue replacement of new ignition switch and to fix for the housing (which was still on back order by GM) as my battery was dead and car would not start for the completion of repair. My battery was in excellent working order when I left the car on 06-02-14 I have copy of invoice dated 06-02-14 notating batter failed text no crank to start repl. Battery. Under duress and desparation and in order to return to work same day, I charged battery to my credit card in the amount of $173.42. When car was brought to me it smelled like burned wiring. The radio unit would not come on. Mike manning said the electrical needed diagnosis and could be extensive electrical repairs and to bring back another time. I refused to take my car and was provided another rent car. My bank tried to dispute the $173.42 charge for battery. That amount is still outstanding on my account. Service manager demanded I pay $173.42 cash before in order for me to get my car out of the shop. They did not install a new ignition lock housing and used the original one on my car. Copy of shop work order dated 06-02-14 is notated "battery failed test, no crank to start. Repl. Battery. I was not informed the battery was dead until approximately 3 weeks later when I went to pick up my car.

- Downers Grove, Il, IL, USA

problem #178

Dec 122013

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to reimbursement for faulty ignition recall repairs. The consumer stated upon returning to her vehicle, she discovered she was unable to use the remote, so she used the key, instead. She attempted to place the key inside the ignition and discovered the slot was not in the off position. The vehicle would not start due to the ignition not being in the off position and enabling her to pull the key out, as the battery was dead. It wasn't until January 7, 2014, she began experiencing problems again with the ignition, and the battery died again. After the vehicle was jump started, the consumer smelled gas. It was determined the rear fuel line had corroded, which formed holes and gas was pouring out the holes on both sides.

- Taylor, MI, USA

problem #177

May 142014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 67,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Key gets stuck in the accessory position when car is turned off requiring many attempts to get it out. The consumer stated the ignition coil was replaced. However, the key continued to get stuck in the accessory position at odd intervals. When the consumer returned to the dealer, he was informed the problem was not related to the recall and he would have to pay for the repair. Updated 12/17/14.

- Lincoln Park, MI, USA

problem #176

Jun 012009

Ion

  • 42,000 miles
For years, and with increasing frequency, when I turn my car off, the key is stuck in the ignition for a while as if the car still thinks it's in drive. (you will see the same behavior if the shifter button is blocked from extending by a bottle in the cupholder after you put the car in park.) nevertheless, even when the shifter is in park properly, often there is a long pause and clicking in the steering column before the key will release. Sometimes you have to turn the key on & back off before the car registers this. Now at 71,000 miles it happens more often than not. I hope the ignition recall corrects this problem, but see from your existing complaints that it hasn't for some, so here's documentation of this happening in another car.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #175

Apr 302014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle not starting intermittently and ignition switch recall notice repairs. The consumer received a recall notice, in the mail. However, when she called the dealer to inquire about an appointment, she was informed, the parts were not available. The consumer went to her local mechanic and had the ignition switch replaced. She is now seeking reimbursement. The consumer was informed, she the replacement, was not performed by a GM dealer, she would not be entitled to reimbursement.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

problem #174

Dec 062010

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice and states no longer owns vehicle. The consumer no longer owns the vehicle. It was declared a loss, by his insurance company.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #173

Jun 092014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
Key came out, but car was still running. Put key back in managed to get turn off engine, however key would not release for over 15min! this keeps happening to me. Scheduled appointment with chapman Chevrolet tempe, AZ to repair according to recall instructions that I submitted to their customer service dept. They say they will notify me when the parts come in, but it has been approximately one month or more already. I believe my family and my self are in danger of a fatal accident or something; sometimes the car will not surrender the ignition key for in hour. Already had new key made at chapman Chevrolet which makes starting somewhat easier, before, it would take, often times, 10min or more just to get the key to turn. Please help chapman Chevrolet get the parts they need or stop ignoring my request for the honoring of the recall work I requested of them. Im afraid this will not hold up much longer as is.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #172

Jul 252013

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice and seeks reimbursement for previous repairs.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #171

Mar 202014

Ion

  • miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V171000 (electrical system) and 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated that part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available. Updated 8/11/14 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 08/20/2014

- Irondale, MO, USA

problem #170

May 072014

Ion

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that when powering off the vehicle, the key failed to be released from the ignition switch. Additionally, the engine would remain powered on when the key was removed from the ignition switch on several occasions. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system), however the failure recurred two weeks after the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

- Manhattan Beach, CA, USA

problem #169

Mar 132013

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
When driving my car. My power steering power light comes on and beeps. It is difficult to steer, I have to pull over and restart my car. Also my power windows will work after the car is off and doors are opened. These items are on the recall list, I was told because it was not my year it was just a coincidence. Really?? thanks for any help.

- Haverhill, MA, USA

problem #168

May 282004

Ion

  • miles
Periodically the Saturn will lunge fwd will stopped or even driving the rpms spike while driving. Breaks will not stop this issue. I've put my car in the ditch to miss major wrecks..this has been going on for yrs. Also the losing power when turning has happened but not as much as the accelerator sticking. Bought a new car just for my kids to be in they aren't allowed in the death trap Saturn. Wish someone would investigate these problems because they keep getting worse as the yrs go by. Have had the vehicle since it was new..would even be willing to show anyone these problems if they would sit in this death warrant.

- Hamiton, MT, USA

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