Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 070232007 | 08/01/2009 | SB-07-02-32-007A | 10022958 | Diagnostic tips for power steering inoperative/steering wheel hard to turn, power steering message displayed on dic, dtc's c0176, c0176, c0475, c0476, c0550, u2105, u2107 set. *nj updated 2/17/10. *pe updated 3 | 10/09/2007 |
| 050235007 | 10/01/2006 | 050235007A | 10020951 | Information on inadvertent turning of key cylinder, loss of electrical system and no dtc's. *kb | 02/01/2007 |
| 050232002 | 06/01/2009 | SB-050232002D | 10020740 | Power steering inoperative/steering wheel hard to turn, pwr str displayed on driver information center (dic). after jump starting the vehicle. *kb (replace fuse and instruct owner how to jump start vehicle). updated 2/17/10. *p | 01/04/2007 |
| 060232002 | 12/01/2006 | 060232002B | 10019478 | Normal operating characteristics of electric power steering (eps) system during extended lock-to-lock (maximum steering wheel rotation) usage. *tt | 03/16/2006 |
| 050232005 | 09/01/2007 | 050232005E | 10017497 | Ei05093 - clunk noise in steering system at slow speeds while turning and/or driving over bumps. *tt (replace intermediate shaft). updated 10/05/07. *nj updated 11/02/07 *nj | 11/09/2005 |
| 050232002A | 10/01/2005 | 050232002B | 10017423 | Power steering inoperative/steering wheel hard to turn, pwr str message displayed on driver information center (dic) after jump starting vehicle. *tt | 11/07/2005 |
| 030235005 | 11/01/2003 | 10005567 | Service procedure to verify proper valet key functions prior to customer delivery. *tt | 03/04/2004 | |
| 030234002 | 11/01/2003 | 10004488 | Squeak or squeal noise while turning vehicle. *tt | 12/16/2003 | |
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||||
| 040235006 | 04/01/2004 | 10006421 | Rattle noise from steering column. *mr | 05/03/2004 | |
| 020235008A | 11/01/2003 | 02T80 | 10005288 | Fluid dripping on driver's floormat. *ph | 02/18/2004 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 07/11/2012 | 102987 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated while driving, the power steering failed causing the vehicle to be more difficult to drive. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated the power steering needed to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and stated there were no recalls. the failure mileage was 102,987. | |||
| 07/11/2012 | 102987 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated while driving, the power steering failed causing the vehicle to be more difficult to drive. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated the power steering needed to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and stated there were no recalls. the failure mileage was 102,987. rvk | |||
| 07/11/2012 | 102987 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that the power steering failed. the contact stated that while driving the vehicle the power steering went out causing the vehicle to be more difficult to drive. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the power steering needed to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and they stated that there were no recalls on her vehicle. the failure mileage was 102,987. ap | |||
| 08/22/2012 | 47500 | 1 | |
| Attempting to turn left at traffic signal when power steering came up on dashboard instrument system and car became extremely difficult to turn. stopped vehicle and checked owner's manual for meaning of message. when vehicle was restarted, steering resumed working. this happened 3-4 more times over next week or so until i was able to get vehicle into dealership. diagnosed as electrical steering motor circuit failure. motor replaced at cost of approximately $300 saturn help line advised no assistance with this repair. *tr | |||
| 08/22/2012 | 47500 | ||
| Attempting to turn left at traffic signal when power steering came up on dashboard instrument system and car became extremely difficult to turn. stopped vehicle and checked owner's manual for meaning of message. when vehicle was restarted, steering resumed working. this happened 3-4 more times over next week or so until i was able to get vehicle into dealership. diagnosed as electrical steering motor circuit failure. motor replaced at cost of approximately $300 saturn help line advised no assistance with this repair. | |||
| 08/30/2012 | 69922 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated while driving 45 mph, the power steering failed warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the steering wheel became more difficult to control. the vehicle was driven to her residence and was not taken to a dealer for inspection. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. the failure mileage was 69,922. rvk | |||
| 08/07/2012 | 72567 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. while parking the vehicle, the contact noticed a creaking sound coming from the steering wheel as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. the contact was not aware of the diagnostic test results. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 72,567. kmj | |||
| 08/07/2012 | 72567 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. while parking the vehicle the contact noticed a creaking sound coming from the steering wheel. the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. the contact was not aware of the diagnostic. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 72,567. da | |||
| 07/14/2012 | 60000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2006 saturn ion. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, going up a mountain a warning lamp illuminated and the power steering stop working. the contact mentioned that it was very difficult to steer. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who haven't been able to determine what was causing the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 60,000. pm | |||
| 06/01/2011 | 45000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that the steering failed without warning. the failure was experienced numerous times and the steering wheel became hard to turn. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer advised that the power steering electronic motor failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. | |||
| 06/01/2011 | 45000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that the steering failed without warning. the failure was experienced numerous times and the steering wheel became hard to turn. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer advised that the power steering electronic motor failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. kmj | |||
| 06/01/2011 | 45000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contactact stated that the steering failed without warning while driving. the failure was experienced numerous times. the steering was hard to turn. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer advised that the power steering electric motor failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. li | |||
| 05/23/2010 | 160000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated while driving 25 mph the power steering lock. the windshield wiper transmission has failed. the front windows on the front driver and passenger side does not go up or down. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was notified who stated the vehicle should be taken to the dealer and they would decide if they should offer any assistance. the failure mileage was 160,000. mw | |||
| 01/05/2012 | 200846 | ||
| - the electronic power steering stopped working while backing the car up - the malfunction indicator showed a pwr str message - after several re-starts the power steering continued to be inoperable (pwr str message) - the car was driven approximately 15 miles with no power assisted steering - after another start up 45 minutes later the vehicle electronic power steering resumed normal operation | |||
| 12/03/2011 | 127889 | ||
| The steering wheel will stick, while turning into curvy roads and on off ramp requiring high input to correct and resulting in over correcting and swinging out of my lane. this started happening when the car was moving slow (<5 mph), but i have had it happen several times driving between 35 and 50 mph in the case of the off ramp and driving on rochester road between tinken and 32 mile. you will go into a curve and the steering will lock resulting in a loss of steering and you have to force the wheel to get any reaction. last night was the clincher and i decided enough was enough. i was backing out of a parking spot and the steering locked hard and while trying to gain control, i heard a loud pop and then once i got the car straight, the steering wheel was cocked 90 degrees off normal. this is definatly a problem, as now the car cannot be driven, until i can see if it can be fixed and if it is worth the cost to fix. | |||
| 09/01/2011 | 63693 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that the steering wheel would intermittently seize while driving 30 mph and above. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 63,693. | |||
| 09/01/2011 | 63693 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that the steering wheel would intermittently seize while driving 30 mph and above. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 63,693. kmj | |||
| 09/01/2011 | 63693 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that the steering wheel would intermittently seize while driving at various speeds. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 63,693. sm. | |||
| 04/17/2008 | 47961 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that the power steering warning light would illuminate followed by the steering wheel seizing. the contact would shut off the vehicle to allow the power steering assist to reset. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering motor would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 47,961 and the current mileage was 89,000. kmj | |||
| 04/17/2008 | 47961 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. while driving, the contact stated that the power steering warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel and then the steering wheel locked up. the contact turned the vehicle off and back on for the vehicle to operate effectively. a local mechanic diagnosed that the power steering motor would need to be replaced. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was contacted, but denied any assistance with repair to the defect. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 47,961 and the current mileage was 89,000. nw | |||
| 09/19/2011 | 61600 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that when making a right turn, the vehicle would not steer back into a straight position. the contact had difficulty maneuvering the vehicle when the failure occurred. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 61,600. the vin was unavailable. | |||
| 09/19/2011 | 61600 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that when making a right turn, the vehicle would not steer back into a straight position. the contact had difficulty maneuvering the vehicle when the failure occurred. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 61,600. the vin was unavailable. kmj | |||
| 09/19/2011 | 61600 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that when making a right turn the vehicle does not snap back automatically and became very difficult. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 61,600. the vin was unavailable. tb | |||
| 07/01/2011 | 47000 | ||
| Sometimes the steering wheel becomes tough to turn. during the middle of a turn the power steering seems to completely cut out. it has also cut out and needed to have the car restart for it to come back on. there was a recall on 2004-2007 ions, but not for 2003. i find this ridiculous as it is the same issue described in that recall. | |||
| 08/07/2011 | 75000 | ||
| The power steering on my 2003 saturn ion-2 goes out just about everyday, at random, while i am driving my car. there were no events leading up to this as the issue happens at random. the problem with my vehicle has been going on for over one year and i cannot find any information on recalls for the faulty power steering. i have researched this issue on various websites/forums and have observed that i am not the only owner who has this same problem. this is a major safety issue and there should be a recall due to how unsafe it is to drive around and lose control over your steering at random. | |||
| 07/30/2011 | 93095 | ||
| Steering locks up in low speed turns | |||
| 07/01/2011 | 98800 | ||
| Tl-the contac owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated that while driving at low speeds and making turns the power steering would lock up without any warning. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer nor has it been repaired. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 98,800. tb | |||
| 07/01/2011 | 123000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. while driving 30 mph, the contact stated that the power steering warning light illuminated, then the vehicle suddenly stalled. the dealer or manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. the current and failure mileages were 123,000. bw | |||
| 06/12/2011 | 60000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. while driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. the contact attempted to jump start the vehicle but the vehicle would not start. the contact replaced the battery and the vehicle was able to start but the power steering would not function. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the technicians stated two power fuses needed to be replaced to correct the power steering failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated she believed when the battery was replaced it cause a computer failure. the approximate failure mileage was 60,000. ds | |||
| 01/01/2010 | |||
| The power steering on my 2003 saturn ion does not always work. when i start the car the power steering will work for a short time and then stop working. power steering light message displays on the message screen, but error code can be found. the same issue has been recalled on other gm models, but not the 2003 ion. i have been waiting almost a year for the recall. | |||
| 05/23/2011 | 69000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact stated the power steering fail. while driving 50 mph a warning light illuminate with a dinging noise then the power steering fail. the vehicle has to be turned off and then on and the steering would reset itself. the dealer was contacted who stated to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test which cost $90. the contact was also told when the vehicle is brought in and the steering does not have the failure if will not show up on the diagnostic test. the manufacturer was contacted who stated there are no recalls or warranty and the vehicle should be taken to the dealer for them to run a diagnostic test. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 69,000...mw | |||
| 04/26/2011 | 76889 | ||
| I was traveling approximately 40 mph when the power steering lamp came on and the power steering failed. after pulling to the side of the road, and turning the vehicle off, i restarted the vehicle and the power steering was restored for about 20 minutes. the days following this, i encountered several power steering failures until i had the power steering box replaced on may 10, 2011. i researched the internet and found many other 2003 saturn ion's owners had experienced the same failure. i contacted a gm representative and asked for reimbursement. i was told that there was no recall for the power steering for my year and make of car. i had also complained about my transmission because i had declined repairs on my power steering. winegarden pontiac informed me that they would not further check the cause of transmission problems because the power steering failure presented a safety concern. i had the power steering box replaced at a cost of $537.94 minus the $127.00 diagnosis fee! i strongly feel that a recall should be in place for the power steering failure, and all who had the problem corrected out of pocket, should be reimbursed at gm's expense. the power steering failure has contributed to an accident in houston texas! i would not like to have human life lost before this problem is given serious consideration! updated 06/08/11 *bf | |||
| 04/26/2011 | 76889 | ||
| I was traveling approximately 40 mph when the power steering lamp came on and the power steering failed. after pulling to the side of the road, and turning the vehicle off, i restarted the vehicle and the power steering was restored for about 20 minutes. the days following this, i encountered several power steering failures until i had the power steering box replaced on may 10, 2011. i researched the internet and found many other 2003 saturn ion's owners had experienced the same failure. i contacted a gm representative and asked for reimbursement. i was told that there was no recall for the power steering for my year and make of car. i had also complained about my transmission because i had declined repairs on my power steering. winegarden pontiac informed me that they would not further check the cause of transmission problems because the power steering failure presented a safety concern. i had the power steering box replaced at a cost of $537.94 minus the $127.00 diagnosis fee! i strongly feel that a recall should be in place for the power steering failure, and all who had the problem corrected out of pocket, should be reimbursed at gm's expense. the power steering failure has contributed to an accident in houston texas! i would not like to have human life lost before this problem is given serious consideration! | |||
| 03/02/2011 | 83950 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. while driving approximately 5-10 mph, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle followed by a loss of power steering. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they informed her that the steering rack had fractured due to internal damages. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 83,950. | |||
| 01/01/2010 | 65000 | 1 | 06/23/2007 |
| I need help, i have a 2003 saturn ion, the front end is broke. it swerves all over the road. they recalled many and know what the problem is. mine they will not fix and i can't afford to pay for it. it's very unsafe and they recalled several models for the same problem and won't fix mine. the warranty just expired and i get no response from any agency. i just bought this car a few years ago and they know its a factory problem and they won't fix my car. please help, i'm just a hard working guy trying to support his family. my wife is disabled and i struggle to get by and i can't get any help from the car company. updated 01/28/11 | |||
| 01/01/2010 | 65000 | ||
| I need help, i have a 2003 saturn ion, the front end is broke. swerves all over the road. they recalled many and know what the problem is. mine they will not fix and i can't afford to pay for it. it's very unsafe and they recalled several models for the same problem and won't fix mine. the warranty just expired and i get no response from any agency. i just bought this car a few years ago and they know its a factory problem and they won't fix my car. please help, i'm just a hard working guy trying to support his family. my wife is disabled and i struggle to get by and i can't get any help from the car company. please help mr. curtis lahr | |||
| 04/01/2009 | 115000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. when the vehicle was parked the vehicle would not start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the failure happens intermittently and does not allow the contact to turn the vehicle on for approximately forty five minutes the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 115,000. ds | |||
| 11/24/2010 | |||
| Power steering shuts off while driving the car. notification sound beeps and power steering turned off is noted on dash board. once car is turned off and re-started, power steering starts working again. | |||
| 11/08/2010 | 83000 | ||
| Power steering in 2003 saturn ion just went! not working at all | |||
| 11/03/2010 | 117242 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion . the contact stated that while driving 10 mph when the power steering light will illuminated and had a very difficult time turning the steering wheel. the contact will have steer will extreme force to pull over and turn it off and then on . this has occurred 2 additional times. the dealer was not informed about the failure. the vehicle will be taken to a mechanic to have it diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 117242 and the current mileage was 117276.cv | |||
| 11/08/2010 | 83000 | ||
| Power steering in 2003 saturn ion just went! not working at all | |||
| 11/03/2010 | 117242 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion . the contact stated that while driving 10 mph when the power steering light will illuminated and had a very difficult time turning the steering wheel. the contact will have steer will extreme force to pull over and turn it off and then on . this has occurred 2 additional times. the dealer was not informed about the failure. the vehicle will be taken to a mechanic to have it diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 117242 and the current mileage was 117276.cv | |||
| 05/21/2010 | 130000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. while driving at any speed, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to turn in any direction. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. the current and failure mileages were approximately 130,000. | |||
| 04/25/2010 | 102000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the power steering light illuminated and the power steering failed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the contact drove the vehicle home, turned it off and restarted it; the power steering seemed to reset and function properly. the dealer stated that there were no recalls or warranties that would cover the failure; however, they offered to perform a diagnostic test for a fee. the contact had not spoken with the manufacturer when the complaint was filed. the current and failure mileages were approximately 102,000. | |||
| 09/08/2009 | 80000 | ||
| 2003 saturn ion. september 09. drove car. parked. could not get key out of ignition. waited 10 minutes. key came out. had ignition switch replaced at saturn dealer. next week the same thing happened. had ignition switch replaced again.(at my expense). key continues to intermittently stick in the ignition. i can not get out of my car until i get the key out. look at the website and read all the complaints about this problem. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/saturn_ignition_lock_p5.html no wonder gm closed out the saturn line. just as bad as toyota. the mechanics at the saturn dealership knew about this problem, but they offered no permanent fix. this is why i don't trust american made cars | |||
| 03/15/2010 | 42000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the power steering fails intermittently while driving various speeds. the power steering light would illuminate during and sometimes after the failure occurred. the contact would shut off the vehicle for a few minutes for the power steering to reset itself to normal. the dealer advised having a diagnostic performed on the vehicle before repairs. the vehicle had not yet been repaired. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage was 43,225. updated 05/19/10. *lj | |||
| 03/25/2008 | 61000 | ||
| I have been driving a 2003 saturn ion for a few months now. i started here a popping noise in my steering wheel a few weeks back and when i took it to get looked at i was told it is most likely the power steering motor. after doing some research it was found that there was a huge recall by general motors for this part, but my car was not part of the recall. | |||
| 06/30/2009 | 110000 | ||
| There is a failure in the computer for my power steering for my 2003 saturn ion. i have called the saturn dealership and was told my them that this a common problem with this model of car.i was to it will cost around $700.00 to fix it. the problem is that my power steering will go on and off while driving. it will be on all the time if im turning alot but if im driving straight for a period of time it will turn off making it hard to drive around corners in speeds excess of 65mph. i have had many problems and incidents with this malfunction but the main of that i can think of is when im taking a curve on a highway doing 65mph and the power steering is off, and then will turn on half way through the turn sending me into the other lane because im putting for into the turn when i should need to. when it turns back on it will make a cracking sound while i turn the wheel and then turn on. right away this had caught me off guard and almost got me in a couple accidents. iam use to it now and expect it when im taking curves. the problem started at about 110,000 miles on my car which isnt a small amount and isnt a large amount. i now have about 119,000 miles on my car and i have noticed the problem is getting worse and worse and is getting more dangerous. it started with a simple cracking noise every now and then but i thought maybe it was temporary problem but now from what ive read and experienced, this is not a problem that can really be ignored anymore. this is the unit that keeps me on the road at high speeds and it turns on and off. that is not right or safe. | |||
| 03/25/2010 | 54824 | 1 | |
| I have a 2003 saturn ion3. the power steering stops working in warmer weather. when the temperature outside gets above freezing my power steering starts acting up. it will go out 3-4 times a week, which is all the driving i do in a week. the car has 88,000 km on it. *tr | |||
| 06/15/2009 | 70000 | 1 | |
| I have a 2003 saturn ion 1, it has continually gotten worse with the power steering failure. with the code that came up on the dash, it shows to replace the entire steering column. after $835.00 dollars spent, it has gotten even worse. it is suggested that perhaps the motor is the issue, at another $400.00 plus dollars, but no guarantee. it is unsafe to drive as it is, with the loss of power when you least expect it, however, it is most of the time, now. if i need to make an emergency turn, and the power goes out, it is not going to happen. it's an accident waiting to happen. this should have been recalled long ago, but now i am stuck with the expense of it..... *tr | |||
| 04/18/2009 | 91000 | 1 | |
| My 2003 saturn ion has a major steering problem that is a serious safety issue. when turning the steering wheel, it sometimes will not turn like normal. it is sometimes slow and does not want to turn, or will keep turning and not want to straighten out. this is because of a faulty steering system which has an electric steering motor. there are numerous other ions with this problem that i have read about, not just the '03. i am not even able to diagnose the problem at home because of the special equipment needed to scan the electronic systems. my saturn warranty has expired and i have read that it could cost $1200 to fix. plus the parts are not even sold at any parts store. there has not been an accident yet but the car is no longer a safe vehicle and i am discontinuing use until the problem is resolved. *tr | |||
| 08/25/2007 | 40000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. the contact was able to remove the key from the ignition while the vehicle was in any gear, including drive or reverse. she took the vehicle to the dealer at least twice and each time they stated that there was a different failure. the dealer wants to replace the steering column all the way through the engine to determine the cause of the failure. the key would not turn all the way back to the acc position unless the vehicle had been idling for at least 3-5 minutes. the contact found nhtsa campaign id number 97v055000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) for the same make, but a different model and the previous year. the contact feels that the recall should be expanded for her year, make, and model vehicle. she found hundreds of complaints online regarding this failure. the failure began within a week of purchasing the vehicle. the failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 41,000. | |||
| 10/17/2008 | 55557 | 1 | |
| Electric power steering turns off while driving, making steering very difficult and extremely unsafe. there are reports on-line about most people almost losing control of the vehicle, and at least one person who recently crashed on the 405 freeway. *tr | |||
| 08/30/2008 | 60000 | 1 | 06/01/2005 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. while driving 60 mph, the power steering fails intermittently and makes steering difficult. the failure increases the risk of a crash. the contact is in the process of notifying the dealer in order to determine the cause of the failure. the failure and current mileages were 60,000. updated 10/16/08 *bf updated 10/20/08. *jb | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 1984 | ||
| I bought a 2003 saturn ion 3 march 17, 2003. within 2 weeks the car had a cracked cylinder with coolant leaking into the engine. saturn corp. recalled the car. the purchase of 1g8al52f33z149331 was canceled 4/17/03 and i purchased a 2nd 2003 saturn ion 3, 1g8al52f83z171972, on 4/17/03. the 2nd car from the beginning had transmission problems shifting between gears, jerking up and down from 30 mph to 70 mph, kicks when started, rattles loudly in reverse, and steering problems coming out of turns. the car has been in service 4 times (bumper to bumper warranty | |||
| 2 | 06/06/2003 | ||
| When tires spin transmission disconnects. then. vehicle has to be towed. this normally happens when it is snowing. also, steering wheel turns from left to right on its own.*ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 03/03/2008 | 20 | 02/10/2003 | |
| I own a 2003 saturn ion2. i have had nothing but problems with it from the first day i drove it off the lot. recently (i.e in the last 2 years) when it is particularly cold, the car will not start. i keep trying it then wait 10 minutes and it starts right up. i have spent $1200 to fix the problem only to find out that it is a problem with the passlock system and the steering wheel lubricant leaking on the system. in cold weather this seems to make the security passlock system think someone is trying to steal the car and makes it unable to start. the passlock times out after about 10 minutes and then will start. this is a known problem on all ion 2's and i have seen hundreds of letters on forums pertaining to this same problem. *tr | |||
| STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 03/02/2010 | 64000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion . while driving at 30 mph the contact noticed that the vehicle would stall. the dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the mileage was high and they did not have enough complaints from nhtsa to recall the vehicle. the contact has also experienced problems with the power steering when driving at a speed of 15-20 mph. the contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership and they informed her that the electric power steering motor needed to be replaced .the approximate failure mileage was 64000 and the current mileage was 74500. | |||
| 08/12/2006 | 30000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion2. the contact stated his power steering at unpredictable times did not operate. the warning light would illuminate before power steering failed. he would pull the vehicle to the side of the road, turn the motor on and off and it would resets itself. the dealer was called and stated they need to replace the power steering at a cost of $300. the failure mileage was 30,000 the current mileage is 60,000. | |||
| 10/29/2009 | 60000 | 1 | 06/27/2003 |
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion level 1. when turning the steering column or when striking a bump the power steering failed. she had to turn the vehicle off, to reset the error code. her mechanic gave her tsb 06-02-32-00. he then advised her to be aware of the failure, because it was a manufacturers defect. she took the vehicle to the dealer. the dealer replaced the power steering motor at an expense of $400.00. the failure mileage was 60,000. the current mileage was 75,000. updated 12/8/09 *cn the dealer replaced the electric steering motor. updated 12/09/09.*jb updated 05/28/10.*jb | |||
| 04/18/2008 | 61000 | 1 | 04/13/2006 |
| Power/electric steering on 2003 saturn ion is malfunctioning making the wheel extremely difficult to turn and driving very dangerous. the incident resulted in temporary loss of control of the vehicle and could easily have lead to a serious accident. *tr | |||
| 09/26/2007 | 55000 | 1 | 09/13/2005 |
| The 2003 saturn ion-3 power steering goes out while driving. it will work again, for a while, after the car has been restarted. this car has the electric power steering unit enclosed in the steering column. saturn has advised me this is a $1000.00 repair on a four year old car with 55,000 miles. i see that there is an investigation on pontiac g6 autos for this same problem. i would recommend expanding that investigation to include all gm cars with the electric power steering. *tr | |||
| 03/09/2004 | 1 | 07/31/2003 | |
| Saturn ion 3 electric power steering. 2003. power steering-electric: it appears that the electric power steering is programmed to give more assist in a panic situation. sensors detect when the steering wheel is being moved rapidly, and immediately give more assist, making the wheel very easy to turn. since most people over-correct in a panic situation, this increase in assist is exactly the wrong thing to do. this is especially noticeable on interstate highways where the speed really accentuates the effect. i do 90% of my driving on the interstate, so this is of particular concern to me. i now have 20,000 miles on this vehicle and have known about this odd steering behavior since about 2000 miles when i swerved to avoid an animal and almost drove off the road. if the car was still within the 30 day, 1500 mile buy back period, it would have gone back. even knowing that the problem exists, and occasionally giving the wheel a sharp movement so that i know how the car reacts, i almost hit the guard-rail when i was surprised by another car drifting into my lane on the date below. i tell every saturn ion owner that i meet about the problem. a friend's son drove their ion off the road about a month ago under similar circumstances. owners who don't often venture on to the interstates are reluctant to believe there is any such problem with their new car. the same is true of the saturn dealership that i have taken my car to. they send me on my way, drive a couple of miles, tell me they drove 50 miles and that the car is perfectly fine. i don't know of anyone who has been killed by this problem, but i'm sure it is only a matter of time.*ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 3 | 04/17/2003 | |
| March 22, 2003 i purchased an saturn ion 3. within the 1st the week there was problems starting the car. the car was in for service 2 times in 2 weeks. finally the engine light started flashing (3rd time). supposedly the car was fixed. 3 days later the dealer's service department called me at saturn corp.'s request to immediately return the car as the engine could blow up. the engine had a cracked cylinder which caused coolant to leak into the engine with about 650 miles. also, another saturn ion with 2500 miles was sitting in the dealer's lot with a cracked cylinder in the engine. i was released from the sale on april 17, 2003. i took a 2nd saturn ion 3 on april 17, 2003. this car has jerky steering problems coming out of turns and sever transmission problems. the car kicks when turning on the ignition, engine gets racketing when put into reverse, when changing gears - kicks, slides, and will surge, and bounce through gears between 30 mph to above 70 mph. the service manager said, all the ions drive this way. there's nothing wrong with the car. this car has been in for service 4 times. each time the car is returned worse than the time before.*ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM | |||
| 05/22/2003 | 6000 | 1 | 12/01/2002 |
| While driving , the steering knuckle sheared off. dealer notified. please provide additional information.*ak dealer repaired at no cost. replaced right front knuckled and associated suspension parts. front right wheel,tire, spoiler and under skirting. saturn's engineer's of detroit sent the entire right front damaged parts for investigation. consumer had not heard anything from them. *ph *jb | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 3 | 04/17/2003 | |
| March 22, 2003 i purchased an saturn ion 3. within the 1st the week there was problems starting the car. the car was in for service 2 times in 2 weeks. finally the engine light started flashing (3rd time). supposedly the car was fixed. 3 days later the dealer's service department called me at saturn corp.'s request to immediately return the car as the engine could blow up. the engine had a cracked cylinder which caused coolant to leak into the engine with about 650 miles. also, another saturn ion with 2500 miles was sitting in the dealer's lot with a cracked cylinder in the engine. i was released from the sale on april 17, 2003. i took a 2nd saturn ion 3 on april 17, 2003. this car has jerky steering problems coming out of turns and sever transmission problems. the car kicks when turning on the ignition, engine gets racketing when put into reverse, when changing gears - kicks, slides, and will surge, and bounce through gears between 30 mph to above 70 mph. the service manager said, all the ions drive this way. there's nothing wrong with the car. this car has been in for service 4 times. each time the car is returned worse than the time before.*ak | |||
| 06/30/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving and making left or right steering wheel is not turning smoothly, it is hard to handle the wheel. dealer has inspected, and could not duplicate or correct the problem. *ak | |||