CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005 Ion still had power steering issues and a defective ignition switch leftover from previous model years, but hey – at least Saturn improved some of its safety rating to marginal, right? Baby steps.

If you had to buy a Saturn Ion – and I would question why anyone would even consider it – I suppose the 2005 could be considered the best of a bad bunch? I mean, GM did finally get rid of that awful VTi transmission, and both the power steering problems and ignition switch defect that plagued owners were recalled. The problem is they waited 10 years to recall the ignition and let over 30,000 warranty claims get filed before they bothered to fix the power steering. So you kind of have to wonder, is GM making these fixes to keep owners safe or just to keep government lawyers from taking all their money? You be the judge.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,715 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.

2005 Saturn Ion steering problems

steering problem

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2005 Saturn Ion Owner Comments (Page 2 of 13)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #234

Sep 282015

Ion

  • 78,000 miles

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

Power steering completely failed while car was moving. No warning lights came on.

- Pittsford, NY, USA

problem #233

May 152014

Ion

  • 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated upon turning the key in the ignition and an abnormal noise was present. The contact had to turn the vehicle off and reset the computer by restarting the vehicle each time the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a manufacturer recall and they repaired the vehicle for the ignition switch failure. The contact also noticed strong fumes emitting from outside and inside the vehicle and it idled roughly. The dealer did not diagnose the fuel system failure. The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) months ago and was unable to determine when the recall repair would be performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

- Carson City, NV, USA

problem #232

Feb 172015

Ion

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the power steering failed to operate once the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V171000 (electrical system) and 14V153000 (steering); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

- Bennettsville , SC, USA

problem #231

Dec 082014

Ion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The vehicle was repaired under special policy 10187 at the dealer. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle completely shut off and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the electronic power steering control module failed, the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000. Updated 4/13/15 updated 9/20/2017

- Morton, IL, USA

problem #230

May 012014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
Took my Saturn 2005 to integrity Chevrolet in chattanooga, tn 4235359455 according to instructions on recall letter (13454) and received a rental (was told it could take weeks ) 2 days later got a message that my car was miraculously fixed. Josh baugh stated my car was ready and repaired.confused, went to get my car and upon arriving at my home, the key wouldn't come out of the ignition again.contacted josh baugh again and he said to bring the car by when I got a chance.received a call from GM stating the part for my car was in and to bring the car to be repaired.was just told by the wonderful dealership car was repaired. Took my car back and no repairs had been done.they lied. Left my car again and about a week later they call and I go to pick it up.told me the battery was dead I needed to buy another one I dont think so because they were the ones that ran the battery down by leaving the key in the ignition (I just happened to stop by got something out of my car a day after I left it opened the door there was the key still stuck in the ignition.I also submitted receipts in June of 2014 for ignition replacement for the same car. No response resubmitted receipts Dec 2014 josh baugh email needed the original receipts.February 5th 2015 took the receipts and said the receipts needed to have the VIN # but they could see it had my name and 2005 Saturn and the ignition had to replaced by lock and key comp because key was stuck and run battery down (at 10:30 at night)they could write the VIN # in for me. To my surprise (not really) a message the reimbursement couldn't be done because wasn't a VIN # on receipt its not like we are all trying to get reimbursed for something we didn't pay for or some government bailout!I am contacting you to let you know this dealership lied and continues to try to prevent customers from receiving the promises of the recall.

- Ringgold, GA, USA

problem #229

Dec 062011

Ion 4-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
I was driving my car and a deer ran out in front of me, I was able to miss that one but another one came out and I hit it. It hit so hard and my steering was hard like a car without power steering and the brakes were like that too. The airbags did not deploy nor did the safety belts catch me and my granddaughter. It did $3500 worth of damage to my car and my head slammed up against the driver window, my granddaughter was in her carseat but I had it in the front seat so it released the carseat. She had bruises and a black eye, and now 3 years later, that same eye is causing her problems seeing. Everyday I feel so bad because she was in my Saturn that night. People asked me over and over what about your airbags, etc. I never knew what to say until I started getting the recalls and realized what GM had known all along about my ignition. This year my car got stuck in the run position and I called the dealership and was told they were gone for the day. I unhooked the battery cables and the car still would not turn off. Finally after total disgust, all of a sudden the antifreeze overflow tank lid popped off and shot antifreeze everywhere, it just barely missed my granddaughter and myself. The dealership coyle Chevrolet of clarskville in came and picked up the car, and in the process ripped the wind shield for the sunroof off, and called me to tell me my car now had a noise in the lower end of the engine and it would be $600 and up. They test drove it, and told me there was no antifreeze in it. I had already told them what happened. GM and coyle both say sorry the ignition is the original reason for the engine that is now locked up after I was told I had to come get it or I would be charged a storage fee locked up on me on the expressway home. That was in September and I still have nothing and they won't help.

- Corydon, IN, USA

problem #228

Dec 222014

Ion

  • 99,700 miles

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

GM sent a recall notice for the power steering motor failing so I took the car in for service. ( 2005 Saturn Ion 2 ) up until replacing the motor we hadn't had any problems. Within three days of replacing the motor the power steering went out while driving through a parking lot. Now the GM dealer wants $900 to replace the module in the steering column. This is a dangerous problem. If the power steering goes out while changing lanes or turning around a corner and you unexpectedly lose the power steering you could very easily wreck. I've looked through the NHTSA complaints and this isn't an isolated issue. Other power steering motor replacements have power steering module failures soon after the motor replacement. It's time for NHTSA to demand GM issue a recall for this obvious dangerous condition.

- Ogden, UT, USA

problem #227

Nov 192014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
I took my car in for a recall on the steering and the said they replaced the electric steering motor. It still had no steering. The GM dealer said it was $58 to tell me what was wrong, the dealer came back and said that it was the steering module was bad. GM customer service says the module is covered but the GM dealer wont replace it because they say that the module is part of the steering column and its on covered for the steering column. I have been going round and round for 30 days and no avail. I need some help. I am sending this for my step-daughter [xxx] who is the owner. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Lutz, FL, USA

problem #226

Dec 082014

Ion

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) and stated that the parts needed for the repair were not available. The dealer provided an unreasonable timeframe to schedule the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and could not provide a reasonable timeframe for when the vehicle would receive the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Blasdell, NY, USA

problem #225

Sep 012010

Ion

  • 40,000 miles
Key becomes stuck in the accessory position after turning vehicle off, approximately 90% of the time I drive it. When this occurs, I have two options: Allow the battery to be drained and jumpstart the next time I use my car, or attempt to locate the manual release inside the steering column. I've had the recall maintenance done on my car, and it did not fix the problem. GM told me that I would need to have the gear shifter assembly replaced (cost to be paid by me). In the meantime, they suggested that I continue to release the key manually. Every time I use my car, I feel unsafe - I am putting myself at risk of electrocution constantly, whether by jumpstarting the dead battery or manipulating the wires under the steering column. GM is aware of this issue and taking no steps to fix it, much like the other ignition/power steering problems they willingly ignored.

- Valley Village, CA, USA

problem #224

Jun 012012

Ion 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles

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

Started with the ignition switch, in the winter time the car wouldn't start when it was too cold. The security system icon would come on an I would have to wait for about 10 to 15 minutes so the car could start again. This went on for few years during winter time. No recalls back then. Then the power steering light started coming on, the steering wheel would lock making it very hard to turn or maneuver. Happened on highway or regular streets. Brought the car in to dealer on July 2013 and they replaced the power steering motor per their "special policy". the car got worst instead of better since then. The power steering light would come on an now the whole electrical system keep going crazy. The monitor would blink and show power steering words, the side lights would come on an blinked by itself. The dealer said we would have to replace the steering column which would cost me around $1000 to replace. I couldn't afford that and there were no recalls back then. Also the car would start to shake when I would press on the gas pedal an go from 10 to 20 to 30 miles. The monitor gauges would move by itself while driving. There was also a sound coming from the gear box as if the car was changing gears by itself. Brought to a private mechanic which didn't charge me to diagnose and he said beside power steering the cars computer may need to be replaced. That would cost me another $1000. I decided to stop driving the car altogether afraid I would get into an accident and could afford to pay for more repairs. A year later brought in the car to dealer to have the ignition switch be replaced with the recall and told them about the power steering problems had continued. They said there was no recall on my car for that. They said if I wanted they would charge me $119 or so to diagnose the car and any repairs I would have to pay out of pocket. Still safety issues they choose to ignore!!

- Mamaroneck, NY, USA

problem #223

Aug 222014

Ion

  • 88,000 miles
My car wouldn't start due to a related ignition switch issue that is also part of a general GM recall. The next day we went to give the car a jump start. It started up, but immediately I noticed the power steering was out making it very difficult to drive, especially at slower speeds!!!

- Maitland, FL, USA

problem #222

Aug 012013

Ion 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
My son was driving and the truck in front of him stopped suddenly. He hit the brakes and felt the steering lock up, brakes locked and he couldn't stop. Hit the truck hard enough to crack the core support in the Saturn but the air bag do not expand. He was not injured but this is definitely a safety issue if you can hit another car enough to crack the steel frame but no airbag was deployed.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #221

Mar 032014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 17,000 miles
I believe that the power steering issue (recalled recently and received letter) caused my vehicle to be very hard to control on a downslope hill at 12 mph coming up to red light. My car went from the right lane to the left land of 4 lane street and I hit car in front of me. Now, having received information today about the power steering recall, I have an appt. At my local dealership to check on the alignment/suspension and the piece of metal that I believe to be brake pad that a few hours later shot out and hit car next to me in a parking lot when I applied brakes and turned off vehicle ignition. I will know more of what happened once dealershjp runs diagnostics.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #220

Aug 012013

Ion 4-cyl

  • 24,000 miles
The vehicle's steering ignition column was not releasing the key after the car was turned off. GM eventually mailed a recall after several complaints endangering the driver. On July 28, 2014, the vehicle was repaired for its recall, however, the vehicle steering ignition column was not releasing the key. Homestead Chevrolet stated that the recall did not cover the shift lock control solenoid and the cost is $500 dollars. I feel that GM is responsible for this persistent problem with the key ignition.

- Leisure City, FL, USA

problem #219

Sep 202012

Ion 4-cyl

  • 33,890 miles
2005 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to power steering control module repair problems. The consumer stated the power steering control module, failed twice.

- Delmar, NY, USA

problem #218

Jun 012014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
GM still has not supplied the parts needed to satisfy 3 pending safety recalls. The missing part is for the power steering defect. Since this constitutes an ongoing threat to the safety of myself and the car's occupants, I'm asking the NHTSA to intervene to force GM to provide the needed parts.

- Carmel, NY, USA

problem #217

Jul 072014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the vehicle veered to the left. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 60,998. Updated 8/28/14

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #216

Jun 132010

Ion 4-cyl

  • 157,000 miles
The power steering suddenly, without warning, stops working while I am driving down the road. Then I must use manual steering until I get to my destination. It is happening more and more often. I found out that there may be recall on this issue. I called 800-553-6000 and gave the VIN number. They told me there is no recall on my car for the power steering, however if I take it and talk to a dealer to get it fixed tell the dealer there is "special coverage assistance for the power steering it is under warranty" is that true? I don't' want to shell out a ton of money for something that is being recalled.

- Mahaffey, PA, USA

problem #215

Apr 012014

Ion

  • miles
Have a 2005 Saturn Ion that was part of ignition switch and cylinder recalls. Have had issues with ignition and electrical since 2006, but was "put off" by local Saturn dealership on at least 6 occasions when I questioned them about the problem. Finally received recent ignition recall, and contacted Chevy dealer to fix. Dealer paid for rental car until repair was done (about 1 month) as instructed by GM corporate. I asked dealer about power steering recall as corporate had stated my vehicle was involved in that recall as well. Dealer found no history of recall in their system (checked on 2 occasions). I called GM corporate 3 times and was told the same story...my car is part of power steering recall (as per VIN), and I would receive my recall letter shortly. It is now June, have not received recall letter for power steering. Ignition working okay now, but other electrical problems still occurring. Alert chime for headlights and turn signals does not work. Unable to change radio station on digital factory radio with digital screen turning off when I attempt any station change or press any button on the radio. All windows but driver's back window wouldn't roll down. Was told by Chevy dealer that the electrical issues were not related to ignition switch, may be related to dashboard malfunction. Windows were related to door motor (replaced myself, 3rd time for this). Dealer refused to fix electrical issues, and refused to proactively fix the power steering in accordance with corporate recall cause they didn't have paperwork. Dealer was going to charge me large fee for fixing any of the other issues except for ignition switch and cylinder. GM has made substandard vehicles for years and dragging their feet to fix their mistakes. Can't trade or sell my vehicle til this is fixed. Feel like I've been driving around a death trap. Do something some one please!!!!!!

- Naples, FL, USA

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