CarComplaints.com Notes: When it comes to the 2006 Ion, the biggest questions are: what big problem is going to pop up next? And how long until GM chooses to address it?

The 2006 Ion has a defective ignition switch that gave owners fits. Their keys would get stuck in the ignition, the engine wouldn’t shut off or in some cases it would shut off at the most dangerous time. The ignition was eventually recalled as part of one of the largest recalls of all-time , but it took GM 10 years to do it. Then there’s this car’s temperamental power steering which is prone to stop working randomly while driving. It too was eventually recalled, even if GM took their sweet time about it.

Lastly, it turns out a car built with plastic doors, fenders and bumpers – while fun for a game of “shopping cart bocce” – is horrible for safety.

8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$390
Average Mileage:
71,350 miles
Total Complaints:
25 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (13 reports)
  2. needed new igniton switch and locksmith to make matching key (6 reports)
  3. replace defective key tumbler (3 reports)
  4. replace cylinder & housing (1 reports)
  5. replace key cylinder (1 reports)
  6. suffocated the engine (1 reports)
2006 Saturn Ion accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2006 Saturn Ion Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #5

Jan 042011

Ion

  • Manual transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

Ok so this is the 2nd time that this has happened to me. The first time my ignition cylinder seized on me and I had to take it into Saturn to have it fixed. Luckily it was under warranty still so I didn't cost me anything. However I have never had this problem with any car i have ever owned. Not too long after my step sister had the same problem with HER Saturn ion. I told her to get it fixed before it was too late and she did. TODAY it happened to me again but this time the car is not under warranty. GM cars are really a piece of you know what. I totally understand why Saturn went out of business. NEVER again will I buy an American car.

I have owned a Toyota and Honda in the past and never had problems. I only got rid of them to get a new one. I thought I would help American workers by buying American and it bit me the ass. I'm so pissed right now.

- Julio S., Pico Rivera, CA, US

problem #4

Jun 042010

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

i have a 2006 Saturn ion and one day i went to the store and came home and i couldn't turn the car off. my husband had to pull the fuse under the hood, then unhook the battery in the trunk. i am on a fixed income and can't afford 3or4 hundred dollars to fix it, plus the nearest dealer is over 50 miles. i would have thought as many people that i have read online with the same complaints that they would have did a recall.

- Petress H., Magnolia, AR, US

problem #3

Jul 272010

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

My niece first told me about this problem -- the key wouldn't come out of the ignition and she couldn't turn the engine off. They disconnected the fuse and the next day they didn't have the problem. Last night at 2:30 a.m. my daughter awakened me with the same problem. Moving the steering wheel, wiggling the key, pushing the key, playing with the transmission, pure force... Nothing worked. So tomorrow we'll take it down to replace the transmission and the key -- but not to GM or Saturn..... I've never had a car with anything like this happen.

- Susan S., Santa Ana, CA, US

problem #2

Jun 242010

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Tonight you can chalk me up on the list of someone who's Saturn will not shut off. The button under the steering wheel does nothing, it's just there for looks. So there you have it I join the ranks with the other lucky Saturn owners.

- Danielle S., Cedar City, UT, US

problem #1

Mar 302009

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,500 miles

I just bought this car from a reliable neighbor and this was the first problems I had, only to be followed by having a bad transmission as well!!!!!!!! The mechanic thought the car had been tampered with at some point and possibly that someone was trying to steal it. My neighbor did a search and had the car checked out by a Saturn dealer before I bought it. Basically everything was in check. I have the papers to prove it, Now the problems are starting!!!!

- Joe M., Osseo, MN, US

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