NHTSA — Power Train: Manual Transmission: Column Shift Assembly Problems

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.

6.0

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,200 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 transmission problems

transmission problem

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2004 Saturn Ion Owner Comments

problem #1

Aug 202005

Ion 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 13,200 miles

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

Shifter knob in 04'Saturn Ion redline fell off the column while shifting 1-2. occurred in a parking lot, able to stop vehicle. All gears locked out due to reverse lockout, was able to replace knob by hand and unlock gears. Also have had cap on shifter knob repeatedly fall off while driving, to no consequence other than inconvenience.

- College Station, TX, USA

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