NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2003 Saturn Ion (Page 4 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 4 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #167

May 122014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles

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

I have a 2003 Saturn Ion and my car keeps turning off. And when I try to turn it off I cant I called to make an appt but no parts are in yet. I have been taking the bus to work.

- Compton, CA, USA

problem #166

May 052014

Ion

  • 81,011 miles
The contact own 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle stalled without any warning. Another vehicle crashed into the front passenger's side wheel of the contact's vehicle, causing the axle to break. A police report was filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician advised him that the vehicle was included in recall NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system) and that the part was on order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 81,011.

- Indio, CA, USA

problem #165

Dec 012013

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch repairs. The consumer stated the ignition is still not working properly, even though her daughter had it fixed in December 2013.

- Oxford Junction, IA, USA

problem #164

Mar 072014

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 stated received notification of NHTSA campaign id 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system), however the part needed was unavailable to perform the repair. The dealer informed that the part would not be available until two months. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Nassatequa, NY, USA

problem #163

Apr 302014

Ion

  • 167,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that after the ignition switch was replaced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system), the key continued to become stuck in the newer ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the failure was caused by faulty wiring that was connected from the ignition switch to the shifter. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 167,000.

- East Point , MI, USA

problem #162

Apr 292014

Ion

  • 186,495 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled after the battery light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 186,495.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #161

Feb 042014

Ion

  • 150,000 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 while driving various speeds, smoke emitted from the radio. Upon inspection, it was found that the radio wires were burnt. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Center Point, LA, USA

problem #160

Jan 262004

Ion

  • 183,000 miles
The contact owns 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated that the key seized in the ignition and the battery had to be disconnected to shut the vehicle down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch and issued new keys but the failure recurred. There was recall under NHTSA campaign id number 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000.

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

problem #159

Apr 012014

Ion

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall. The consumer found it unacceptable that GM allowed the cover-up for so many years.

- Olathe, KS, USA

problem #158

Mar 032014

Ion

  • miles
TL-the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact received the recall notification related to NHTSA campaign id number 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system). The contact stated that repairs was not taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. The dealer indicated parts are not available. Contact had not experience a failure. The manufacturer has been contacted.

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #157

Nov 112013

Ion

  • 123,000 miles

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

The contact owns 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled as the key was slightly touched by the contact. The vehicle was able to be restarted and the contact later discovered that the key could not be removed from the ignition.the contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) and stated that the ignition switch and lock cylinder was replaced under the recall however, the failure was recurring even after the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000. Updated 6/17/14

- Eldridge, IA, USA

problem #156

Apr 252014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
I purchased my Saturn and a day later, I was having trouble with the ignition. The key wouldn't roll over. After a few days, I found that if I rock the key back & forth or up & down, sometimes it would start or if I would rock the steering wheel it would let me start the car; by doing this, the key broke off, I still have enough of the key to get it to start. Also, when I go to turn it off, sometimes it won't! or it will, but I can't get the key out. So I restart the car, put it in gear and then into park again, until it will allow me to take the key out. A year ago I had to have one portion of the ignition replaced, because when I'd go to start it, , it would make a noise, but would not start. I do not know why they did not fix the entire ignition at the time. I have had no trouble with the engine. But, something is keeping the A/C heater fans from working. I was living in another state at the time, and apparently their service practices could use some upgrading. I am now living in another state and in hopes that I get better service here. Thank you for listening.

- Gray Court, SC, USA

problem #155

Jun 112013

Ion

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to recall repairs completed and seeks reimbursement.

- Caledonia, MI, USA

problem #154

Feb 032014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
I received my recall notice in late January, early February. I immediately called christenson Chevrolet 9700 indianapolis blvd highland, in 46322 I was told the parts would be in late March early April. I then called the last week of March and I was told the parts would be in April 5th or 6th. I called on the 8th to set up a time for getting me vehicle fixed. I have been having problems with my ignition all winter. On the 8th I was told they needed my VIN number, make of car and phone number so they could order my part. They could have got that the first time I called. I called again on April 18th to inquire about my recall. I was rudely told that I was on the list and they would call me when they were ready for me. This is a safety recall and I am having problems with my ignition. I have never heard of recall that worked in this way. My part should have been fed exed to their location so it could be repaired the next day. Why am I still waiting to get my car fixed when it is having problems during a safety recall?

- Gary, IN, USA

problem #153

Dec 222008

Ion 4-cyl

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

- Indian Orchard, MA, USA

problem #152

Apr 012014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall problems. The consumer began having problems with the ignition from the time, the vehicle was purchased. She took the vehicle to several dealers, but no was able to find a problem. Since, the recall was issued, the consumer is seeking reimbursement for the diagnostic fees.

- Daly City, CA, USA

problem #151

Apr 072014

Ion

  • 125,000 miles
Was driving on wet road approaching an intersection. Before entering the intersection the light turned green and traffic started moving. I slowed down to let the tuck in front of me pick up speed. As I approached a black pickup backed into traffic causing multiple cars to stop in front of me. I pushed on my breaks but could not stop causing me to strike the truck in front O me with the front of my car. Upon impact my air bag did not deploy and my head struck the steering wheel. I recently received the ignition recall notice, but the letter said parts were not available.

- Hanover, PA, USA

problem #150

Jul 302012

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
We no longer own this vehicle. It was involved in an accident that rendered it a complete total loss in 2012.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #149

Oct 182003

Ion 4-cyl

  • 60 miles
When I bought my car it wouldn't start, the dealer said it was because it sat for a long time. This problemhas been constantly been an issue since in extreme weather. I was told during one shop inspection it was electrical and they have seen a lot of this but don't know what causes it. With this case it has shut my radio on and off and a big issue that I have is when I am stopped with my foot on my brake the engine will rev up and jerk forward. This happens in the city when I'm driving at slower speeds. I've had to run off the road to avoid hitting people, the only thing that saves me from hitting anyone at lights or signs is my safety gap between me and a front car. I've been late for work, ruined vacations, been stranded with an infant in 100 degree weather, and wasted a lot of money trying to find the problems. I bought it new and have heard every excuse for the problems...you guys have finally stepped in on one of the problems we have been having now GM needs to answer the rest. I'm not the only one with these problems. If you do a search online you can pull up 100S of issues exactly the same. I have all my receipts when I took it onto Saturn dealers. Now I have doors that don't seal but I'm sure this is because it's old or other excuses. I had to buy another car because my kids aren't safe in it. I can't even have a clean conscious trading it in so I still am stuck with it. I have complained about this issue before but no one listens.

- North Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #148

Apr 012014

Ion

  • miles
2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle recall information. The consumer wanted to know what is the proper procedure for getting the recall taken care of.

- Tampa, FL, USA

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