NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2004 Saturn Ion (Page 3 of 12)

CarComplaints.com Seal Of This Might Hurt

CarComplaints.com Notes: Ahh, the 2004 Saturn Ion: defective transmission, deadly ignition switch, temperamental power steering and a cheap plastic exterior that won’t protect you in a crash. What more could you want?

The 2004 Ion was part of GM’s massive ignition switch recall where it was revealed they waited 10 years – and let 13 people die – before doing anything about it. It also features GM’s now infamous VTi continuously variable transmission. Let me tell you, the only thing the VTi did continuously was fail on its owners. GM scrapped it after only two model years.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
8 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,194 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.

2004 Saturn Ion electrical problems

electrical problem

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2004 Saturn Ion Owner Comments (Page 3 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #192

May 012014

Ion

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) and 14V171000 (electrical system). The contact stated that both recalls exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced any failures.

- Fredericksburg , VA, USA

problem #191

Aug 122014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 111,500 miles
While driving in pre-dawn hours (headlights & defrosters on), started smelling something melting or burning. Then instrument panel lights went out for a few seconds. Instrument panel lights then came back on & started flashing on & off really fast. At that same time, door locks started locking & unlocking repeatedly on their own. Burning & melting smell was getting stronger. As I was pulling over, I entered a more well-lit area and saw smoke accumulating inside car near roof & top of windshield. Shut car off immediately.

- Taylor, MI, USA

problem #190

Dec 072007

Ion

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contac stated that the key failed to remove from the ignition on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed no repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14E021000 (electrical) and had not been able to schedule an appointment. The dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall was not available. The manufacturer was also contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

- Hialeah, FL, USA

problem #189

Mar 012014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles

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

This is regarding the GM recalls for my 2004 Saturn Ion. As of June 5, the recall work up to that point was completed by my dealer, but I had previously paid for the repair, so am due a reimbursement from GM. My dealer told me to provide them with the documentation for the reimbursement and they would take care of getting me an expedited reimbursement. That documentation was delivered to my dealer on June 5th, but the dealer has no information regarding my reimbursement, even after inquiring with the dealer several times (June 6th, June 18th and twice in July), the dealer has not provided me with* information. I have fairly detailed information regarding my inquiries and the responses (or lack of response) from the dealer. What can I do in order to get the dealer to submit the reimbursement paperwork associated with this recall? I don't want to submit it again myself until I know the dealer has not submitted it since I don't want to cause any undue complications. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Greensburg, PA, USA

problem #188

May 102012

Ion

  • 40,000 miles
Went to have the ignition recall performed. Car was with GM for over a month. Picked up the car. Drove to work. Next day did not start. Called to have car towed back to GM. GM had car for a day or so. Replace the, ignition cylinder. Hopeful that it is replaced. Concern if the power steering has an issue. Before going back to work after the cylinder was replace. Tech, forgot to set or replace the column. Steering out of place. I lifted the column back into place. Unknowingly, I drove it from the dealer with it out of place.

- Downers Grove,Il, IL, USA

problem #187

Jan 102014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
S10 direct reply- to the secretary from constituent re expressing concerns regarding General Motors recalls on 2004 Saturn Ion (recall nos. 14063/14113 and 14115. Date of purchase Dec. 27, 2013). The consumer stated on January 10, 2014, the vehicle would not start. Roadside service was called, and they charged the battery. As the consumer began backing out of her parking space, she noticed the vehicle seemed very stiff; she did not immediately notice the power steering signal and continued to maneuver the vehicle. She drove to the dealer, about a mile away with power steering. When she arrived, she mentioned the power steering issue and they replaced the battery. A fuse was replaced, which corrected the issue, but only temporarily. The consumer stated the power steering and ignition problem were resolved. However, within the past two weeks, she encountered another problem. They key became stuck in the ignition and would not release. When the key finally released, the vehicle would not start, even though the interior lights were on. Updated 11/19/14. Updated 11/24/14. Jb updated 12/04/14

- Willowbrook, IL, USA

problem #186

Mar 282013

Ion 4-cyl

  • 93,486 miles

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

The computer - BCM - failed and all it controls went off. This included lights, door locks, radio.

- Penhook, VA, USA

problem #185

Apr 012014

Ion

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact received notifications for NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system), NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering), and NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) and stated that the manufacturer had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated the parts were not available for repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced the failure.

- Minneapolis , MN, USA

problem #184

Jun 202013

Ion 4-cyl

  • 64,000 miles
Driver side door starting in June '13, I noticed my driver side window panel and door lock not working properly. The driver door lock is now not working at all July '14 and the window panel is intermittent. I'm noticing the panel is getting warm!

- Lorton, VA, USA

problem #183

Jun 192014

Ion

  • 60,000 miles
Took my Saturn in yesterday for the recall on the ignition switch-got a phone call from the dealer saying that the housing for the switch also needs replacing, but GM will not cover it and I need to pay for that part and the labor. The switch can not be replaced unless this housing is replaced, but now they want me to pay for it even though the recall says this should be at no cost to me. I called GM and they are saying that the housing is not covered in the recall. According to the recall information, I should be able to get reimbursed for having to replace the switch, but first I had to replace it again, which is what I was trying to do. What can I do about this" it does not make since to me. Have me do the recall and then attach a charge for it because you can not do it unless you replace something else. Is the not a problem of a "causal part"" if this not a problem for your Agency, please refer me to an Agency that can handle this. I am currently awaiting more information from the GM dealer, fremont Chevrolet. As of now, they have my Saturn torn apart and are "thinking" of what they can do for me.

- Fremont, CA, USA

problem #182

Jun 182014

Ion

  • 127,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated she had her vehicle serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system) and NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system). The contact mentioned that when she came to pick up the vehicle the exhaust pipe was visibly on the floor. The contact immediately informed the service manager since the vehicle was not in that condition prior to the repairs. The service manager agreed to repair the failure by reattaching one side of the exhaust pipe with a wire hanger. The contact reluctantly took the vehicle home and while on the way home the air bag, alternator and battery light illuminated on the instrumental panel. Shortly after the lights illuminated, the vehicle stalled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

- Homestead , PA, USA

problem #181

Jun 022014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
Letter from senator nelson on behalf of constituent re his mother's Saturn Ion that has been recalled, due to ignition switch default. The consumer was informed, the parts were not available. The consumer was getting the run-around regarding the availability of parts.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #180

Jan 032014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2004 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice and requests reimbursement for repairs. The consumer stated he/she experienced issues with the vehicle, prior to the recall being issued, but was always told the vehicle was not under warranty. The consumer was almost involved in several accidents, due to the defect. The ignition switch was eventually replaced.

- Lewisville, TX, USA

problem #179

Jun 022014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2004 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice information. The consumer was informed, the parts were not available.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #178

Jul 052013

Ion 4-cyl

  • 96,129 miles
2004 Saturn Ion. Consumer requests reimbursement for repairs. According to the invoice, the ignition cylinder was replaced.

- Plainwell, MI, USA

problem #177

Jun 032014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
I am very frustrated at the pace of the recall for the Saturn Ion, recalls 14V047 and 14V171. I've contacted the local dealer several times and called the GM customer assistance line with no satisfaction. There have been no parts available for months and I've been told that there is a possibility that some might be available in 4 weeks. This is not satisfactory.

- Ballwin, MO, USA

problem #176

Jan 012007

Ion

  • 31,541 miles
Around '06, the key started sticking and you could not either start the car (I've had several tows), or could not get the key out of the car (it was stuck on locked). I got it fixed on 2/13 07 with a new ignition switch at a Saturn dealer. It never really worked correctly. It kept doing the same thing, so I took it into the dealer in may of 2012. They put in a "BCM"?? and reprogrammed. Still did the same thing. Then a few months ago, I heard about the recall program. I got my car fixed for the recall on 4/15/14. My claim for paying $700 in may of 2012 was denied. My car still sticks when trying to start, or trying to get the key out of the ignition. I think this whole thing is your fault. I want to be reimbursed for the $700 I spent in may, and get my car in again and get it fixed once and for all!!

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #175

Mar 052014

Ion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles
TL * the contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle would make a loud noise whenever she made a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the windshield wiper malfunctioned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 89,447. Updated 08/19/14 the consumer stated shortly after picking the vehicle up from the dealer, they key became stuck in the ignition and the vehicle would not turn off all of the electrical switches started going haywire, along with different warning signs.. the consumer returned to the dealer, where an inspection revealed the solenoid was damaged. A month prior, the ignition switch was replaced. Also, when the consumers son attempted to use the jack, to change the tire, the jack bent and the vehicle almost collapsed on her son's foot. Updated 11/19/14 updated 8/30/2017

- Valley Cottage, NY, USA

problem #174

Mar 172014

Ion

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact received the recall notification related to NHTSA campaign id number 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system). The contact stated that the repair was not taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. The dealer indicated that the parts were not available. Contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer had not been contacted.

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #173

Apr 252014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 9,000 miles
My Saturn has had problems with the A/C unit the dial has gotten to were it won't work and the defrost doesn't work. It has been like that for about 7 yrs. My has car has cut off on me twice. Once this year and last year. Now the most recent one was on April 25 2014. It was around 3:30 pm. Here in richmond va it was a really bad thunder and lighting storm. I started to smell a burning smell, the brakes were acting strange I was able to stop at stop light and while I was a red light I heard a high pitched beeping sound and the warning lights came on. My car was towed. And the henrico county beat aaa to pull it to royal Chevy. The cops had my placed at impound lot. And I finally did it towed to royal Chevy on April 26 2014. Royal Chevy has agreed to pay for my rental. I saw on this website there are 10 recalls on here and GM has only told me about 2 of the recalls not of the other 8.

- Richmond , VA, USA

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