Won't Turnover, Won't Start

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,100
Average Mileage:
103,250 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace ignition module (1 reports)
2006 Saturn Ion electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2006 Saturn Ion:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2006 Saturn Ion Owner Comments

problem #4

May 022014

Ion LS 4

  • Manual transmission
  • 150,000 miles

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

I purchased this vehicle from a Mazda-Volkswagon dealership on 03/25/2013 and I have had nothing but problems since. I was charged almost $10,000 for this worthless vehicle, that I have to still pay a note on, and the car completely went down in May 2014. The vehicle has been in the shop for two months, manual transmission completely inoperable and the car is unable to start. I have spent over $1000 for a rental car because my job requires that I have a vehicle. I still have to fulfill the obligation of the car payment and I am completely out of money.

- Holly K., Euclid, OH, US

problem #3

Jan 152014

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

I've had problems with my vehicle not starting when the temperature gets below freezing at night. Luckily I live in FL where that only happens a few times a year, but still the problem has caused be to be late for work on a few occasions. The electrical stuff turns on, the lights work but the engine won't turn over, it just clicks. I literally have to wait until it warms up to start my vehicle. Of course everyone had their own opinion about the problem but still no fix. I've had the battery replaced just in case and the mechanics have looked at the starter and related parts to no avail. And of course by the time I get the vehicle to them it has warmed up and they can't see the problem occurring.

- Jennifer B., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #2

Sep 082011

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

I have a 2006 Saturn Ion. I love this car.. I still love this car, however... One day I go to get out of my car, with 2 cars in tow, ( 2 year old & a newborn) and the key won't cut off the car, and it won't come out. The car had to sit outside, still running till my uncle could get there to figure out what was wrong. Ended up unlugging the little green "switch" under the column. Called the GM dealer nearby on Monday, the minute I said my key was stuck in the ignition, i was asked if it was a Saturn and what year it was. I told them what I had and was told immediately it was $550.00 to fix. Well, I'm a single of mom and couldn't afford that. So.. i continued to drive the car until this weekend by just plugging and unplugging the green switch. After much internet search, and finding that this was a common problem, that by the way, Saturn will not acknowledge, I purchased a BTSI solenoid and new keylock for the ignition. Replaced both, but the Local Saturn dealer did not re-key the new lock correctly and i have to take it back tomorrow, resulting in my losing hours at work because he messed up. And then I find out i have to spend 30 minutes or more relearning a passkey for my car to even have power and work again. If Saturn new this was an issue, and was very poor design, why oh why haven't they done anything to recall this issue and correct their mistake. Wouldn't that be the right thing to do for thousands of people who trusted them and bought their product. I have had no other issue, other than minor normal repairs, so this was frustrating to say the least, especially once i found out this was a widespread problem for most 2006-2007 Saturn owners.

**Saturn, do the right thing, man up and make it right!

- nanaof3, Pearl, MS, US

problem #1

Dec 152008

Ion Ion 2 4-door Sedan 2.2L

  • Manual transmission
  • 42,000 miles

The car refused to start when I turned the key in the ignition. The radio, clock, power door locks, alarm... all worked fine, but the car simply would not start. No clicking noise like you get with a batter problem and I knew it was not the battery since all the other components were operating. I took the car to the dealership for another problem and mentioned that it would not start that morning (it was in the 20's here in north Texas). They checked it out and I was told I needed to have the ignition module replaced. This is a known problem with Saturn vehicles and numerous complaints are posted about it on the web. I am starting to think I bought a lemon.

- Carol M., McKinney, TX, US

Not what you are looking for?