Electronic power steering in 2006 Saturn Ion goes out at anytime, making the vehicle very hard to control--manufacturer recommends replacing electric motor and steering column--very expensive.

- Coon Rapids, MN, USA

Power steering keeps going out and only 68K miles.

- Houston, TX, USA

Nothing led up to this failure-I was just driving along when the pwrstr error message came up on my screen and the power steering shut off. I was going 65 mph on a major interstate at the time. I was able to get the car back to my house. When I started it up later, the pwrstr error message was gone and the power steering was ok. I took it to the dealer who diagnosed that the entire steering column needs to be replaced since the Saturn has an electronic steering column and the cost would be $1200.

- Pataskala, OH, USA

Power steering going out while driving.

- Lothian, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving 25 mph, the power steering indicator illuminated and the power steering failed. There was a recall, but the contact's VIN was not included. He would like the manufacturer to repair the vehicle because it is unsafe and cannot be driven once the power steering fails. The NHTSA campaign id number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 45,400.

- Richmond Hill, GA, USA

Saturn Ion 3 (2006) intermittent power steering failure.

- Glen Allen , VA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. Sporadically, the contact experiences difficulty turning the steering column. Typically, after he restarts the vehicle, the electric power assist system resumes as normal. The dealer stated that he would have to replace the steering unit at the cost of $1,100. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 84,000.

- Lancanster, CA, USA

I own a 2006 Saturn Ion with approximately 41K miles. The car is less than 5 months out of warranty and the power steering intermittently stops working. This started on December 2, 2008 and has continued. I will be driving and the dash light comes on, a chime sounds, and I lose power steering. Once I am able to get off the road and turn off the engine it will start working again once the car is restarted. There is no set pattern to follow as to when it happens. One day I was able to drive 10 miles and it never stopped working. The next day it stopped working 6 times during a 4 mile trip. When the power steering goes out the vehicle is almost impossible to turn and I'm concerned it is going to cause an accident. I contacted my Saturn dealer and talked to the service department. I was told that if the power steering column has to be replaced it is going to cost around $1,100.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While attempting to mildly turn the steering column to the right, the vehicle continued to drift forward. When she depressed the brake pedal at 25 mph, the vehicle failed to stop. The dealer could not duplicate the failure, produce error codes from the diagnostic, or provide a remedy. Later, the contact started the vehicle and noticed that the check engine warning indicator was illuminated on the instrument control panel. The failure and current mileages were 33,000.

- Olathe, KS, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion 2. sporadically, the power steering fails while driving 10 mph. The failure prevents the contact from controlling the vehicle properly. The dealer could not duplicate the failure or provide a remedy. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the steering module needed to be replaced at the cost of $900. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 23,000 and current mileage was 53,000.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

We own 7 Saturn Ions. 3 of them have had the power steering fail while driving. They are used for our business. The cars are nearly impossible to steer when this happens. It may cause a serious accident. The repairs are nearly $1000 at the dealership.

- Cathedral City, CA, USA

Electronic power steering constantly failing. No apparent reason. No car jumped off. No correction at this time.

- Marshall, TX, USA

My business partner and I have a fleet of 9 Saturn vehicles. 6 of which are Saturn Ion's. the power steering has gone out on one 2005 and one 2006 Ion's while they were being driven. It is nearly impossible to turn the vehicle when it goes out. These were fairly low mileage vehicles. 37,000 and 53,000 miles on the cars. I am worried that this is a recurring problem with Ion's. I also am worried that it will cause a serious accident when my employees are driving these cars. The repair for each is almost $1,000. I feel like Saturn should recall these cars and replace the parts that are defective.

- Cathedral City, CA, USA

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- Arbovale, WV, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving approximately 35 mph, the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and called a mechanic, who advised her to bring him the vehicle. When she turned off the vehicle at the repair shop, the electronic power steering reset itself; therefore, the mechanic could not provide a diagnosis. He told the contact to leave the vehicle running the next time the failure occurs. When the failure recurred, the contact heeded the mechanic's instructions, which allowed him to provide a diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the electronic power steering module was malfunctioning. The dealer confirmed the diagnosis and referred her to the manufacturer because the vehicle was outside of the warranty, which only covered the catalytic converter. The manufacturer stated that if she only paid $448, they would cover the remaining costs. The current mileage was approximately 58,000 and failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

- Granite Falls, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving 75 mph, the cruise control stopped working. The power steering, battery, and coolant warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also noticed that the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 51,000. Updated 10/16/08 the consumer also stated the key became stuck in the ignition. Updated 10/21/08.

- Hamptonville, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The power steering failed and nearly caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle on several occasions. The failure occurred while driving 70 mph; however, the speed has varied. The connecting panel on the driver side of the vehicle between the two doors on the outside of the vehicle fell off onto the freeway. The current mileage was 42,000 and the failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 09/16/08. Updated 09/18/08

- Dear Born Heights, MI, USA

I purchased a 2006 Saturn Ion in June, 2008. I have not had an accident with this vehicle, but I am having problems with the power steering. I don't even have 50 thousands miles on the car and yet the power steering is causing me to veer off the road to turn a corner. The steering gets so tight that I can barely turn the vehicle, I check with the Saturn dealership and it would cost me $1,000 to fix the problem. Several mechanics has said that it could be a manufacturer defect and that I should look into it. Please, if you can be of help in assisting me with finding anything out before I do crash into a pole or ditch, I would appreciate it so much. This problem happens everyday and especially when the car engine gets hot, it does it several times before I can get from one destination to another. If I stop and cut the car off, it will drive smoothly, but after awhile it does it again. I have dodged several vehicles from hitting them head on when I turn a corner. Thanking you in advance.

- Columbia, SC, USA

1. no events leading up to the failure 2. ignition stuck in the on position, no able to physically turn the car off. 3. mechanic removed the ignition fuse to shut off the car and towed it to the dealer for repairs.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Vehicle purchased new March 4, 2006 standard 3000 mile service completed May 24, 2006 no problems at time service date: August 7, 2006 mileage 4963 tech: Dino schaefer electrical:(1)car would not start, steering: (2)rubbing sound when turning, other: (3)acceleration feels like trying too hard solution: Ignition switch replaced 2 & 3 unverified service date: August 15, 2006 mileage 5152 tech: Dino schaefer steering: (1) car would not start solution: Body control module faulty/replaced [still had rubbing and acceleration issues but I dismissed as quirks of car] service date: August 18, 2006 mileage 5268 tech: Steve deldonno steering: (1) squealing when turning steering wheel solution: Lubed intermediate steering shaft boot service date: August 30, 2006 mileage 5457 tech: John carlen steering: (1) steering wheel still squealing when turning other: (2) customer requested alternate transportation due to length of repairs, multiple concerns solution: (1) gear assembly/power steering replaced (2) customer provided with hertz rental car vehicle repossessed by gmac for non-payment September 22, 2006 (date +/- 3 days)after customer tried to negotiate lower payments due to pending disability case gmac refused vehicle sold at auction gmac demanding payment of remaining balance problems not with Saturn company but with gmac Saturn manager mark is outstanding I am unable to finance any new vehicle at this time pending post traumatic stress disorder disability appeal still require vehicle to Transport elementary age child diagnosed with tourette syndrome/attention deficit hyperactive disorder to medical appointments and pets to veterinarian unable to afford attorney for legal action was gmac reason for repossesion really for nonpayment or to hide Ion problems? my opinion: Gmac used situation to protect themselves thank you

- Summerville, SC, USA