2003 SATURN ION Electrical System Problems

394 complaints about Electrical System

394
Complaints
12
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Electrical System Complaints (394)

Sep 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that less than a minute after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality, with the power steering failure message was displayed. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the contact would wiggle the key around in the ignition before being able to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,350.

Mileage: 111,350

Sep 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that occasionally the key failed to turn while in the ignition. The vehicle was slow to start. The contact had to avoid bumps in the roadway while driving. The lock symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to service the recall repairs due to an insurance issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another unknown local dealer, who informed the contact to place the vehicle in park(P) and restart the vehicle, and the symbol turned off. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim and informed the contact that a technician would be sent to the residence, but the technician failed to show up. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 60,000

Dec 16, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY REMAINED SEIZED IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY SEIZED MIDWAY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND TOOK 15 TO 20 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLICK BEFORE THE KEY WAS RELEASED. THE BATTERY AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT CALLED SATURN OF MEMPHIS (2420 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128) AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO JIM KERAS AUTOMOTIVE (2000 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

Sep 23, 2020 Crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AND ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HER. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND BACK INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN BY AN AMBULANCE TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AND ALSO SEEK PHYSICAL THERAPY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS NOT REPAIRED AT THAT MOMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Aug 21, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY SEIZED IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCKSMITH WHO REMOVED THE KEY AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SUBJECTED TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2014 FOR AN UNKNOWN RECALL, FOR A SIMILAR FAILURE, AT THE WESELOH CHEVROLET DEALER LOCATED AT 5335 PASEO DEL NORTE, CARLSBAD, CA 92008. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

Aug 2, 2020

MY KEY SWITCH DOESN'T ALLOW ME TO REMOVE MY KEY WHEN I'M IN PARKED AND MY TRANSMISSION STRANDS AT TIMES AND MY CAR DOESN'T START ALL THE TIME WHEN I TRY TO START IT I HAVE TO SIT AND WAIT AWHILE BEFORE IT STARTS AGAIN I COULD BE SITTING IN THE DRIVE THRU ON PARKED WAITING TO TRAVEL AGAIN ON TH HE MAIN ROADWAY

Mileage: 139,000

May 19, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER GM RECALL NUMBER: 14632 (SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION), NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: (N/A), IN DECEMBER OF 2013 AT SERRA CHEVROLET SAGINAW LOCATED AT 4200 BAY RD, SAGINAW, MI 48603, (989) 790-0800 HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCDONALD GMC LOCATED AT 5155 STATE ST, SAGINAW, MI 48603, (989) 319-4136, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER, HOUSING AND KEYS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Mileage: 68,000

Oct 30, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT EJECT OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL AND THE RECALLED PART WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

Mileage: 138,000

Jan 7, 2019

TAKATA RECALL, MY 2003 SATURN ION HAS RECALLS ON THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CYLINDER WHICH IS CAUSING MY CAR TO BE IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. THIS RECALL IS CAUSING THE SYSTEM TO HAVE A SHORT WITH ALL MY ELECTRICAL. FOR EXAMPLE, WINDOWS DON'T ROLL DOWN/UP, WIPERS DON'T WORK, HEATER DOESN'T WORK, BLINKERS DON'T WORK, DASH LIGHTS STAY ON CAUSING BATTERY TO CONSTANTLY BE DEAD. ALL BECAUSE THERE ARE RECALLS THAT NEED TO BE FIXED.

Mileage: 78,585

May 18, 2018

THE IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES, WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED AND AN ATTEMPT MAKE TO TURN IGNITION TO OFF POSITION, IT WON'T GO. IT SEEMED TO TAKE 10 - 60 SECONDS FOR IT TO RESET AND THEN KEY COULD BE REMOVED. THE LATEST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 5/12-13/2018. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, TRANSMITION IN PARK POSITION, AND AN ATTEMPT MADE TO TURN IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION. THE KEY COULD NOT BE MOVED. IT DID NOT RESET ITSELF. KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION, COULD BE TURNED SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT, VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THEN ALL POWER WAS LOST, AS THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE LOCKED OF UNLOCKED WITH THE KEY FOR, HAD TO USE A SECOND KEY TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS IN 2015 AND WAS REPAIRED. THE SAME PROBLEM IS OCCURRING AGAIN. GM TELLS ME THE NEW REPAIR IS NOT GOING TO BE COVERED BY THEM. THE REASON, I'M TOLD, IS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD TO CHECKED INTO THE DEALERSHIP NO LATER THAN 5/17/18. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THAT DATE. DUE TO SEVERE STORMS IN THE AREA THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED AT THE DEALERS SHIP A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLOSED AND DEPOSITED THE KEY IN THE LOCK BOX. A REP FROM GM WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ON 5/17/18 BETWEEN 5:45 AND 6:00 TO ALERT THEM THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE WAS AND MIGHT BE A FEW MINUTES LATE AND TO PLEASE ACCEPT THE VEHICLE AND GET IT CHECKED IN. I AM ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP THEY RECEIVED NO SUCH CALL. THIS IS GOING TO BE AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, I DID EVERYTHING THE GM REP ASKED OF ME, I AM 70 YEARS OLD AND HAVE A VERY LIMITED INCOME. I CAN'T BE THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. PLEASE HELP ME.

Mileage: 78,500

Apr 4, 2018

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH AND POWER STEERING RECALL NOTICES ISSUES. *SMD *CN

Dec 13, 2017

CAR JUST RECENTLY POPPED UP POWER STEERING ONLY HAPPENS WHEN ITS SITS OVER NIGHT AND WHEN I START IT UP IN THE MORNING IT'S VERY STIFF TO TURN BUT IF I DRIVE IT LIKE THAT FOR A LITTLE AND SHUT THE CAR OFF THE STEERING IS FINE. THE DASH LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON AND WHEN DOING SO CAUSES HEAT OR A/C TO CUT OUT AFTER DRIVING IT FOR ALITTLE BIT. THE KEY LOCKS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN I GO TO SHUT OFF THE CAR AND I HAVE TO PRESS THE PLUNGER FOR IT TO RELEASE. KEEPS SAYING COOLANT WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD EVEN THOUGH THE COOLANT IS WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE. *TR

Aug 25, 2017

SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I HAVE GONE TO TURN OFF MY CAR THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT RELEASE THE KEY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I HAVE TO PLACE MY FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE AND RUN THROUGH THE GEARS WITH MY GEAR STICK. THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT IS CURRENTLY IN MY CAR IS ONE THAT WAS USED TO REPLACE THE FACTORY ONE WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL WAS ISSUED. ALSO, RECENTLY MY CAR HAS BEEN SHOWING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING. IT HAS GONE OUT MULTIPLE TIMES ON MY SON WHILE HE WAS DRIVING RESULTING IN HIM HAVING TO FIGHT THE CAR TO GET IT TO TURN. I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE AND I HEAR THAT THERE ARE RECALLS FOR BOTH. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND I DO NOT HAVE EXACT DATES.

Mileage: 69,000

Jun 22, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CAME TO A ROLLING STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN MAY OF 2014 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AT A UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. GENERAL MOTORS WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER A TWELVE MONTH WARRANTY, WHICH EXPIRED IN APRIL OF 2015. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,246.

Mileage: 112,246

May 24, 2017

MY IGNITION SWITCH WOULDNT TURN ONCE THE KEY WAS IN SO I OPENED IT UP TOOK A LOOK AND PUT IT BACK IN. NOW IT TURNS BUT IT TURNS ON AND BACK OFF BEFORE AFTER JIGGLING THE KEY A LITTLE IT WOULD TURN ON. NOW IT DOESNT JUST STARTS AND TURNS OFF.

May 16, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED TO TURN OFF AND PREVENTED THE KEY FROM BEING REMOVED. ALSO, THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO START THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

Mar 28, 2017 Crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TT *AS

Mileage: 110,000

Aug 15, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED PER A RECALL. AFTER THE REPAIRS, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE AIR BAG AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE RECALL SPECIFICS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ *TR

Mileage: 141,000

May 9, 2016

TAKATA RECALLS..I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION I WAS DRIVING FINE HIT CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON ONCE I WAS AT 55 AN MY CAR MADE A CLICKING SOUND STARTED JERKING LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL KEEPS COMING ON...I'VE TURNED CAR OFF HIT BRAKES WHICH SHOULD RESET IT BUT IT STILL HAPPENS..THE CAR FEELS LIKE ITS DOWN SHIFTING AN TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON ITS ON THE RPMS HUMP REAL HIGH WEN THIS HAPPENS..YOU BE DRIVING DOING 50 MPH AN ALL THE SUDDEN CAR JERKS LIKE ITS TRYING TO STOP U FEEL I T IN GAS PEDAL ALSO...

Mileage: 114,575

Apr 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND COLD, IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS COLD. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

Apr 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE KEY FAILED TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCHED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES EXPLAINED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

Feb 1, 2016

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE STARTER SWITCH RECALL. *SMD

Jan 11, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR WAS STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE ELECTRICAL. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

Nov 16, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN INTO THE OFF POSITION AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE COVER UNDERNEATH THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN WAS REMOVED TO ACCESS A SPRING WHICH WAS TURNED IN A BACKWARD AND FORWARD MOTION IN ORDER TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE IGNITION TUMBLERS AND GEAR SHIFT SENSOR WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, A NEW IGNITION KEY WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED AND HAS BEEN SOLD.*JB

Mileage: 90,000

Nov 10, 2015

IGNITION FAULTY, CAR WILL NOT START OR RELEASE KEY FROM IGNITION. HAS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS

Mileage: 125,000

Nov 4, 2015 Crash

MY CAR FEELS LIKE A DEATH TRAP. TO START OFF WITH ONLY ONE OF MY WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTORS WORK . WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER APPEARED TO SHAKE A LITTLE MORE THAN THE DRIVER SIDE. AS IF IT WAS WORKING A LITTLE HARDER TO KEEP UP WITH THE OTHER WIPER.. AND THEN LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE IT STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. NOW I ONLY HAVE THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER THAT I USE. ALSO WHEN I GO TO TURN ON THE BLINKER, GO OVER A RAILROAD TRACK, MAKE A TURN IORN VEHICLE, OR SOMETIMES JUST SITTING STILL. THE WIPER WILL START WORKING WITHOUT ME HAVING TURNNED IT ON. AT FIRST IT WOULD JUST COME ON FOR 3 OR 4 SWIPES AND THEN AUTOMATICALLY STOP AGAIN. BUT NOW ITS DOING IT MORE FREQUENTLY AND SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT STOP SWIPPING WHICHIS VERY AGGRAVATING CAUSING SCRATCHES ON MY WINDSHIELD AND WEARING MY ONE WIPER DOWN FASTER THAN IT SHOULD BE. ALONG WITH THESE PROBLEMS MY CAR HAS ALSO BEEN IDLEING EXTREMLY HIGH UPON CRANKING AND WHILE CHANGING GEARS IT ACTS AS IF IT GETS STUCK BETWEEN 1RST 2CD AND 3RD. ALSO WHEN I TRY TO INCREASE SPEED FOR PASSING OR TO MAKE TURNS IT SOMETIMES JUST CAUSES IT TO BOG DOWN MORE INSTEAD OF INCREASING MY SPEED IT SOUNDS AS IF ITS GONNA BLOW UP THE ENGINE.

Oct 20, 2015

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING COLUMN AND IGNITION SWITCH ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN THE FALL OF 2011, SHE EXPERIENCED A CLICKING SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT A FEW MINUTES, BEFORE SHE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE REPLACED THE SHIFT CONTROL ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS, SO THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER. THEY DETERMINED THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY AND REPLACED IT, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2014. THE CONSUMER ONLY RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH AND NOT THE SHIFT CONTROL ASSEMBLY. ON JULY 23, 2015, THE CLICKING NOISE STARTED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. IT WAS DETERMINED, THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE NOT GOING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION AGAIN, BUT WERE WILLING TO REPLACED THE SHIFTER INTERLOCK, INSTEAD. *JB

Jun 2, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL (LOCK CYLINDER/IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT/ IGNITION KEY). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER PROVIDED HER WITH THE WRONG KEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE DEALER ON MAY 27, 2015 WHICH STATED THAT, AS PART OF THE REPAIR, THE DEALER PROVIDED HER WITH THE WRONG KEY. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE KEY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

May 1, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TURNING INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND A FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 7/16/15*CN UPDATED 10/12/2017*CN

Mileage: 100,000

Mar 17, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE KEY WAS STILL GETTING LODGED INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.

Mileage: 214,000

Mar 11, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER MORE THAN TWICE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE FAILURE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND INDICATED THAT THE REMEDY DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE DEALER AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT APPROVE REPLACING THE COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 8/21/15*CN UPDATED 9/28/2017*CN

Mar 2, 2015 Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND, AFTER EVALUATING PICTURES SENT BY THE OWNER, STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.

Mileage: 204,000

Dec 29, 2014

2003 SATURN ION SAFETY RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY MOVE OUT OF THE "RUN" POSITION, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. *MW THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, AS DIRECTED BY RECALL. *JB

Dec 29, 2014

I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SATURN TODAY 12/29/2014 WITH THE LETTER STATING DECEMBER 2014. IN THE LETTER IT STATES THE FOLLOWING " THIS LETTER IS INTENDED TO MAKE YOU AWARE THAT YOUR VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION SHIFTER MAY NOT PROPERLY TRANSMIT AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL THAT ALLOWS THE IGNITION KEY TO BE TURNED COUNTER CLOCKWISE PAST THE ACCESSORY MODE TO THE "LOCK" POSITION AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHIFTED INTO PARK. IF THIS OCCURS, THE IGNITION KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION CYLINDER WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE MANUAL RELEASE PLUNGER LOCATED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN AS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. A KEY LEFT IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME MAY RESULT IN SEVERE BATTERY DRAIN AND A POSSIBLE NO START CONDITION. *TR

Mileage: 157,280

Dec 15, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO OPEN. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A WIRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

Nov 23, 2014

I JUST BOUGHT A 2003 SATURN ION 2 AND THE DOOR LOCKS "ALL OF THEM" LOCK AND UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN. WHEN I GET OUT OF THE CAR AND TIME PASSES BY , "I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH TIME HAS TO PASS BETWEEN THAT TRIGGERS THE DOORS TO UNLOCK BUT EACH TIME I GO BACK TO THE CAR ALL DOORS HAVE UNLOCKED THEMSELVES..... " ". I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM CAN POSSIBLY TURN INTO A DEADLY ISSUE REGARDING THE LIFE OF A CONSUMER AND OR OTHERS " " IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT WHO KNOWS IF THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK OR OPEN ? I BELIEVE THAT THE DOORS MAY DO JUST THE OPPOSITE THAT THE DOORS MAY REMAIN LOCKED PREVENTING ANYONE FROM BEING ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF FIRE< ACCIDENT< OR AN OTHER EMERGENCY. *TR

Mileage: 119,180

Nov 18, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REMEDIED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,603.

Mileage: 162,603

Nov 10, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXTREME FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTED. IN ADDITION, THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH TWICE BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Nov 4, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

Nov 3, 2014

IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED ON 7/17/14. ON 8/30/14 KEY WOULD NOT TURN IGNITION TO SHUT CAR OFF. PUT IN REVERSE THEN DRIVE THEN PARK AND KEY THEN TURNED TO SHUT ENGINE. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON 9/18/14 & 10/20/14. USED SPARE KEY ON 10/21/14, AND NOW ON 11/03/14 ABOVE HAPPENED AGAIN. INFORMED GM OF THESE EVENTS, TODAY 11/3/14, THEY ARE LOOKING INTO IT, AND WILL HAVE ATLANTIC CHEVY IN BAY SHORE CONTACT ME WITHIN 24 HRS. TO DISCUSS SOLUTION. *TR

Mileage: 8,200

Oct 1, 2014

ASK A MECHANIC SPRING 2014, WE HAD THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION FIXED ON MY 2003 SATURN. ON SEPTEMBER 9TH MY SON DROVE THE SATURN TO DETROIT MI. ABOUT HALF WAY THERE ON I-94, AT RUSH HOUR, THE SATURN LOST POWER AND BEGAN STOPPING. HE WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MILES/HOUR AND DIDN'T HAVE EXTRA KEYS ON THE KEY RING. LUCKILY, HE IS STRONG, SMART AND QUICK THINKING. HE WAS ABLE TO WRESTLE THE STEERING COLUMN TOWARD AN EXIT, WHILE DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH AND RESTARTING THE CAR. THANKFULLY IT STARTED! IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE CAR, I DON'T THINK I COULD HAVE DONE THOSE THINGS. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THAT FIXED THE CAR AND AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS, THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT AUTHORIZED TO TOW THE CAR AND FIX IT. NOW SEVERAL WEEKS LATER AND IN RESPONSE TO LETTERS SENT TO GM EXECUTIVES, THEY TELL US THE SAME THING. I AM TELLING THEM THEIR FIX IS NOT A FIX! I DON'T WANT OTHERS INJURED OR DEAD. WHY IS THIS ENTITLED 'ASK A MECHANIC'? WE WERE TOLD MANY YEARS AGO BY A MECHANIC AT THE SATURN DEALER NOT TO HANG EXTRA KEYS ON OUR RING. THIS DEALER HAS BEEN GONE FOR MANY YEARS. MAYBE SOMEONE NEEDS TO ASK A CURRENT MECHANIC IF THIS IS THE RIGHT FIX FOR GM VEHICLES. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

Sep 30, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO FAILED TO INFORM THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Sep 26, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

Sep 19, 2014

THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA RECALL (IGNITION SWITCH). AFTER RECALL REPLACEMENT, WHEN PARKING AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. DEALER SAID IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RECALL REPAIR, TO FIX ABOUT $500.00. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

Sep 9, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT DUE TO THE FAILURE THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BITSI CABLE FAILED AND AS A RESULT, THE SHIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,341. UPDATED 12/9/14*CN THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/03/15

Mileage: 114,341

Sep 3, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION SWITCH RECALL AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION WAS REPLACED ON JUNE 3, 2014 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY RECALL. HOWEVER, THE FIRST IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACEMENT ON 3/17.05, WAS AT NO COST, AS THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, ON 2/17/09 THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $323.22 AND ON 6/11/12, THE IGNITION AND START SWITCH WERE DEEMED FAULTY AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 250.50.*JB

Sep 3, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART THAT WAS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.

Aug 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE KEY FAILED TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 10/23/14*CN UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT

Mileage: 150,000

Aug 20, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR IGNITION SWITCH REPAIRS. *SMD

Mileage: 118,121

Aug 18, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Aug 14, 2014 Crash

I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE EXPERIENCE HOW DANGEROUS IT COULD BE IF THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES MALFUNCTION. I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILIES SAFETY THE AIR BAGS DOES NOT WORK AND THERE IS ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE WINDOWS. I DON'T KNOW WHY GEICO INSURANCE DIDN'T FIND THIS CAR NOT TO BE AN SAFETY ISSUE? *TR

Mileage: 19,000

Aug 12, 2014 Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE IGNITION SWITCH, FUSE BOX, AND WIRING HARNESS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

Jul 30, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A REPAIR BILL FOR THE IGNITION DEFECT AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD UPDATED 08/27/14 THE CONSUMER REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, WAS APPROVED. UPDATED 11/20/14 UPDATED 01/22/15. *JB UPDATED 01/27/15*JB STATUS UPDATE 02/12/15. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED GM NOW REFUSES TO COMPLY WITH THE AGREEMENT. UPDATED 03/04/15.*JB UPDATED 04/13/15. *JB UPDATED 04/09/15*JB UPDATED 12/28/15.*JB

Jul 29, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE KEY WOULD REMAIN STUCK INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE FAILURES PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED BY INSERTING A FINGER INTO AN OPENING AN TOUCH A PARTICULAR SPOT. UPDATED 1/20/2015 *JS

Mileage: 68,000

Jul 29, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000. UPDATED 9/12/14*CN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING SHIFT SOLENOID. UPDATED 1/26/15 *JS

Mileage: 152,000

Jul 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 95,000

Jul 21, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY HAD NO IDEA WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE REPAIR WAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Jul 14, 2014 Crash

COUPLE MONTHS AGO I BROUGHT MY CAN TO GM BECAUSE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. LAST WEEK I GOT A CALL FROM GM THAT MY CAR WAS DONE AND READY TO BE PICK UP. I NOTICED THAT THE POWER OF MY CAR WASN'T THERE, THE PASSENGER WINDOW WAS GOING DOWN (WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF AT GM IT WOULDN'T GO DOWN), AND MY CAR CHARGER WASN'T WORKING (WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF IT THE CAR WAS CHARGING MY PHONE SAME CHARGER SAME PHONE). 2:00AM TODAY I HIT A DEER ON MY WAY TO MY PARENTS HOUSE (IM OKAY BUT DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE DEER) BUT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *TR

Jul 7, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR FAULTY IGNITION RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED UPON RETURNING TO HER VEHICLE, SHE DISCOVERED SHE WAS UNABLE TO USE THE REMOTE, SO SHE USED THE KEY, INSTEAD. SHE ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE KEY INSIDE THE IGNITION AND DISCOVERED THE SLOT WAS NOT IN THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START DUE TO THE IGNITION NOT BEING IN THE OFF POSITION AND ENABLING HER TO PULL THE KEY OUT, AS THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. IT WASN'T UNTIL JANUARY 7, 2014, SHE BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AGAIN WITH THE IGNITION, AND THE BATTERY DIED AGAIN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED, THE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS. IT WAS DETERMINED THE REAR FUEL LINE HAD CORRODED, WHICH FORMED HOLES AND GAS WAS POURING OUT THE HOLES ON BOTH SIDES.

Jul 7, 2014

GMC RECALL FOR FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH FOR 2003 SATURN ION. DEALERSHIP _________, IL HAD RECEIVED THE PART IN STOCK ON 06-02-14. WHEN I LEFT THE CAR MY BATTERY WAS IN GREAT WORKING ORDER WITH NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. RADIO CD CASSETTE UNIT WAS IN GREAT WORKING ORDER WITH NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. SERVICE CONSULTANT ADVISED ME THE IGNITION LOCK SWITCH HOUSING ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED AND ON BACK ORDER WITH GM. SERVICE CONSULTANT SAID I MUST BUY NEW BATTERY FOR THEM TO CONTINUE REPLACEMENT OF NEW IGNITION SWITCH AND TO FIX FOR THE HOUSING (WHICH WAS STILL ON BACK ORDER BY GM) AS MY BATTERY WAS DEAD AND CAR WOULD NOT START FOR THE COMPLETION OF REPAIR. MY BATTERY WAS IN EXCELLENT WORKING ORDER WHEN I LEFT THE CAR ON 06-02-14 I HAVE COPY OF INVOICE DATED 06-02-14 NOTATING BATTER FAILED TEXT NO CRANK TO START REPL. BATTERY. UNDER DURESS AND DESPARATION AND IN ORDER TO RETURN TO WORK SAME DAY, I CHARGED BATTERY TO MY CREDIT CARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $173.42. WHEN CAR WAS BROUGHT TO ME IT SMELLED LIKE BURNED WIRING. THE RADIO UNIT WOULD NOT COME ON. MIKE MANNING SAID THE ELECTRICAL NEEDED DIAGNOSIS AND COULD BE EXTENSIVE ELECTRICAL REPAIRS AND TO BRING BACK ANOTHER TIME. I REFUSED TO TAKE MY CAR AND WAS PROVIDED ANOTHER RENT CAR. MY BANK TRIED TO DISPUTE THE $173.42 CHARGE FOR BATTERY. THAT AMOUNT IS STILL OUTSTANDING ON MY ACCOUNT. SERVICE MANAGER DEMANDED I PAY $173.42 CASH BEFORE IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET MY CAR OUT OF THE SHOP. THEY DID NOT INSTALL A NEW IGNITION LOCK HOUSING AND USED THE ORIGINAL ONE ON MY CAR. COPY OF SHOP WORK ORDER DATED 06-02-14 IS NOTATED "BATTERY FAILED TEST, NO CRANK TO START. REPL. BATTERY. I WAS NOT INFORMED THE BATTERY WAS DEAD UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS LATER WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR. *JS

Mileage: 123,480

Jul 1, 2014

KEY GETS STUCK IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF REQUIRING MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET IT OUT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE KEY CONTINUED TO GET STUCK IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION AT ODD INTERVALS. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. UPDATED 12/17/14. *JB

Mileage: 67,000

Jun 25, 2014

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH & IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION KEY. CONTACTED THE LOCAL GMC DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS. IT'S BEEN ABOUT 3 MONTHS SINCE I CONTACTED THEM. THE GMC DEALER IS: BUICK GMC AT 361 N. SWITZER CANYON, FLAGSTAFF, AZ (PHONE 928-774-1472). LAST WEEK I RECEIVED A POST CARD FROM GMC SAYING THAT THEIR RECORDS INDICATED THAT I HAD NOT SERVICED THE CAR FOR THE RECALL NOTICE. THEY URGE ME TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEMS. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE DEALER SAYS THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY INCIDENTS THUS FAR WITH THE CAR. I RIDE THE PUBLIC BUS TO WORK. *TR

Mileage: 133,000

Jun 20, 2014

FOR YEARS, AND WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY, WHEN I TURN MY CAR OFF, THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION FOR A WHILE AS IF THE CAR STILL THINKS IT'S IN DRIVE. (YOU WILL SEE THE SAME BEHAVIOR IF THE SHIFTER BUTTON IS BLOCKED FROM EXTENDING BY A BOTTLE IN THE CUPHOLDER AFTER YOU PUT THE CAR IN PARK.) NEVERTHELESS, EVEN WHEN THE SHIFTER IS IN PARK PROPERLY, OFTEN THERE IS A LONG PAUSE AND CLICKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN BEFORE THE KEY WILL RELEASE. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO TURN THE KEY ON & BACK OFF BEFORE THE CAR REGISTERS THIS. NOW AT 71,000 MILES IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN NOT. I HOPE THE IGNITION RECALL CORRECTS THIS PROBLEM, BUT SEE FROM YOUR EXISTING COMPLAINTS THAT IT HASN'T FOR SOME, SO HERE'S DOCUMENTATION OF THIS HAPPENING IN ANOTHER CAR. *TR

Mileage: 42,000

Jun 16, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE NOT STARTING INTERMITTENTLY AND IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, IN THE MAIL. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT AN APPOINTMENT, SHE WAS INFORMED, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER WENT TO HER LOCAL MECHANIC AND HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. SHE IS NOW SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, SHE THE REPLACEMENT, WAS NOT PERFORMED BY A GM DEALER, SHE WOULD NOT BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT. *JB

Jun 11, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE AND STATES NO LONGER OWNS VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DECLARED A LOSS, BY HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. *JB

Jun 9, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS. *SMD

Jun 9, 2014

KEY CAME OUT, BUT CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. PUT KEY BACK IN MANAGED TO GET TURN OFF ENGINE, HOWEVER KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FOR OVER 15MIN! THIS KEEPS HAPPENING TO ME. SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH CHAPMAN CHEVROLET TEMPE, AZ TO REPAIR ACCORDING TO RECALL INSTRUCTIONS THAT I SUBMITTED TO THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. THEY SAY THEY WILL NOTIFY ME WHEN THE PARTS COME IN, BUT IT HAS BEEN APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH OR MORE ALREADY. I BELIEVE MY FAMILY AND MY SELF ARE IN DANGER OF A FATAL ACCIDENT OR SOMETHING; SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL NOT SURRENDER THE IGNITION KEY FOR IN HOUR. ALREADY HAD NEW KEY MADE AT CHAPMAN CHEVROLET WHICH MAKES STARTING SOMEWHAT EASIER, BEFORE, IT WOULD TAKE, OFTEN TIMES, 10MIN OR MORE JUST TO GET THE KEY TO TURN. PLEASE HELP CHAPMAN CHEVROLET GET THE PARTS THEY NEED OR STOP IGNORING MY REQUEST FOR THE HONORING OF THE RECALL WORK I REQUESTED OF THEM. IM AFRAID THIS WILL NOT HOLD UP MUCH LONGER AS IS. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

Jun 4, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14E021000 (IGNITION SWITCH). THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,111.

Mileage: 112,111

Jun 2, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 08/20/2014 *JS

May 30, 2014 Crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

May 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FAILED TO BE RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE WOULD REMAIN POWERED ON WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. DR

Mileage: 110,000

May 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FAILED TO BE RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE WOULD REMAIN POWERED ON WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. DR

Mileage: 110,000

May 21, 2014

WHEN DRIVING MY CAR. MY POWER STEERING POWER LIGHT COMES ON AND BEEPS. IT IS DIFFICULT TO STEER, I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART MY CAR. ALSO MY POWER WINDOWS WILL WORK AFTER THE CAR IS OFF AND DOORS ARE OPENED. THESE ITEMS ARE ON THE RECALL LIST, I WAS TOLD BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MY YEAR IT WAS JUST A COINCIDENCE. REALLY?? THANKS FOR ANY HELP. *TR

May 18, 2014

PERIODICALLY THE SATURN WILL LUNGE FWD WILL STOPPED OR EVEN DRIVING THE RPMS SPIKE WHILE DRIVING. BREAKS WILL NOT STOP THIS ISSUE. I'VE PUT MY CAR IN THE DITCH TO MISS MAJOR WRECKS ..THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YRS. ALSO THE LOSING POWER WHEN TURNING HAS HAPPENED BUT NOT AS MUCH AS THE ACCELERATOR STICKING. BOUGHT A NEW CAR JUST FOR MY KIDS TO BE IN THEY AREN'T ALLOWED IN THE DEATH TRAP SATURN. WISH SOMEONE WOULD INVESTIGATE THESE PROBLEMS BECAUSE THEY KEEP GETTING WORSE AS THE YRS GO BY. HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS NEW..WOULD EVEN BE WILLING TO SHOW ANYONE THESE PROBLEMS IF THEY WOULD SIT IN THIS DEATH WARRANT. *JS

May 16, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE HORN WAS ACTIVATED IT WOULD CONTINUE TO SOUND UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 8/27/14*CN UPDATED 09/15/2014 *JS

Mileage: 125,000

May 15, 2014 Crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWN 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE, CAUSING THE AXLE TO BREAK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND THAT THE PART WAS ON ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,011.

Mileage: 81,011

May 15, 2014

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION AND MY CAR KEEPS TURNING OFF. AND WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT OFF I CANT I CALLED TO MAKE AN APPT BUT NO PARTS ARE IN YET. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE BUS TO WORK. *TR

May 14, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION IS STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY, EVEN THOUGH HER DAUGHTER HAD IT FIXED IN DECEMBER 2013.*JB

May 2, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE KEY CONTINUED TO BECOME STUCK IN THE NEWER IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY WIRING THAT WAS CONNECTED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE SHIFTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

Mileage: 167,000

May 2, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THE PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL TWO MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

May 1, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO TURN OFF AFTER BEING PRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Mileage: 125,000

Apr 29, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER FOUND IT UNACCEPTABLE THAT GM ALLOWED THE COVER-UP FOR SO MANY YEARS. *JB

Apr 29, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY SEIZED IN THE IGNITION AND THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ISSUED NEW KEYS BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THERE WAS RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,000.

Mileage: 183,000

Apr 29, 2014 Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE RADIO. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE RADIO WIRES WERE BURNT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

Apr 29, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186,495.

Mileage: 186,495

Apr 28, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE KEY WAS SLIGHTLY TOUCHED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION.THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING EVEN AFTER THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. UPDATED 6/17/14*CN

Mileage: 123,000

Apr 28, 2014

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT REPAIRS WAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER INDICATED PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. RG

Apr 25, 2014

I PURCHASED MY SATURN AND A DAY LATER, I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION. THE KEY WOULDN'T ROLL OVER. AFTER A FEW DAYS ,I FOUND THAT IF I ROCK THE KEY BACK & FORTH OR UP & DOWN, SOMETIMES IT WOULD START OR IF I WOULD ROCK THE STEERING WHEEL IT WOULD LET ME START THE CAR; BY DOING THIS, THE KEY BROKE OFF, I STILL HAVE ENOUGH OF THE KEY TO GET IT TO START. ALSO, WHEN I GO TO TURN IT OFF, SOMETIMES IT WON'T! OR IT WILL, BUT I CAN'T GET THE KEY OUT. SO I RESTART THE CAR, PUT IT IN GEAR AND THEN INTO PARK AGAIN, UNTIL IT WILL ALLOW ME TO TAKE THE KEY OUT. A YEAR AGO I HAD TO HAVE ONE PORTION OF THE IGNITION REPLACED, BECAUSE WHEN I'D GO TO START IT,, IT WOULD MAKE A NOISE, BUT WOULD NOT START. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THEY DID NOT FIX THE ENTIRE IGNITION AT THE TIME. I HAVE HAD NO TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE. BUT, SOMETHING IS KEEPING THE A/C HEATER FANS FROM WORKING. I WAS LIVING IN ANOTHER STATE AT THE TIME, AND APPARENTLY THEIR SERVICE PRACTICES COULD USE SOME UPGRADING. I AM NOW LIVING IN ANOTHER STATE AND IN HOPES THAT I GET BETTER SERVICE HERE. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

Apr 21, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL REPAIRS COMPLETED AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD

Apr 19, 2014

I RECEIVED MY RECALL NOTICE IN LATE JANUARY , EARLY FEBRUARY. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED CHRISTENSON CHEVROLET 9700 INDIANAPOLIS BLVD HIGHLAND, IN 46322 I WAS TOLD THE PARTS WOULD BE IN LATE MARCH EARLY APRIL. I THEN CALLED THE LAST WEEK OF MARCH AND I WAS TOLD THE PARTS WOULD BE IN APRIL 5TH OR 6TH. I CALLED ON THE 8TH TO SET UP A TIME FOR GETTING ME VEHICLE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY IGNITION ALL WINTER. ON THE 8TH I WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED MY VIN NUMBER, MAKE OF CAR AND PHONE NUMBER SO THEY COULD ORDER MY PART. THEY COULD HAVE GOT THAT THE FIRST TIME I CALLED. I CALLED AGAIN ON APRIL 18TH TO INQUIRE ABOUT MY RECALL. I WAS RUDELY TOLD THAT I WAS ON THE LIST AND THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN THEY WERE READY FOR ME. THIS IS A SAFETY RECALL AND I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY IGNITION. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF RECALL THAT WORKED IN THIS WAY. MY PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN FED EXED TO THEIR LOCATION SO IT COULD BE REPAIRED THE NEXT DAY. WHY AM I STILL WAITING TO GET MY CAR FIXED WHEN IT IS HAVING PROBLEMS DURING A SAFETY RECALL? *TR

Mileage: 90,000

Apr 15, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION FROM THE TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL DEALERS, BUT NO WAS ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. SINCE, THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. *JB

Apr 15, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH RECALL AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD

Apr 10, 2014 Crash

WE NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT RENDERED IT A COMPLETE TOTAL LOSS IN 2012. *TR

Apr 10, 2014 Crash

WAS DRIVING ON WET ROAD APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION. BEFORE ENTERING THE INTERSECTION THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING. I SLOWED DOWN TO LET THE TUCK IN FRONT OF ME PICK UP SPEED. AS I APPROACHED A BLACK PICKUP BACKED INTO TRAFFIC CAUSING MULTIPLE CARS TO STOP IN FRONT OF ME. I PUSHED ON MY BREAKS BUT COULD NOT STOP CAUSING ME TO STRIKE THE TRUCK IN FRONT O ME WITH THE FRONT OF MY CAR. UPON IMPACT MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. I RECENTLY RECEIVED THE IGNITION RECALL NOTICE, BUT THE LETTER SAID PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

Apr 6, 2014

WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START, THE DEALER SAID IT WAS BECAUSE IT SAT FOR A LONG TIME. THIS PROBLEMHAS BEEN CONSTANTLY BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE IN EXTREME WEATHER. I WAS TOLD DURING ONE SHOP INSPECTION IT WAS ELECTRICAL AND THEY HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THIS BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT. WITH THIS CASE IT HAS SHUT MY RADIO ON AND OFF AND A BIG ISSUE THAT I HAVE IS WHEN I AM STOPPED WITH MY FOOT ON MY BRAKE THE ENGINE WILL REV UP AND JERK FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS IN THE CITY WHEN I'M DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS. I'VE HAD TO RUN OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID HITTING PEOPLE, THE ONLY THING THAT SAVES ME FROM HITTING ANYONE AT LIGHTS OR SIGNS IS MY SAFETY GAP BETWEEN ME AND A FRONT CAR. I'VE BEEN LATE FOR WORK, RUINED VACATIONS, BEEN STRANDED WITH AN INFANT IN 100 DEGREE WEATHER, AND WASTED A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIND THE PROBLEMS. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND HAVE HEARD EVERY EXCUSE FOR THE PROBLEMS...YOU GUYS HAVE FINALLY STEPPED IN ON ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING NOW GM NEEDS TO ANSWER THE REST. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE PROBLEMS. IF YOU DO A SEARCH ONLINE YOU CAN PULL UP 100S OF ISSUES EXACTLY THE SAME. I HAVE ALL MY RECEIPTS WHEN I TOOK IT ONTO SATURN DEALERS. NOW I HAVE DOORS THAT DON'T SEAL BUT I'M SURE THIS IS BECAUSE IT'S OLD OR OTHER EXCUSES. I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE MY KIDS AREN'T SAFE IN IT. I CAN'T EVEN HAVE A CLEAN CONSCIOUS TRADING IT IN SO I STILL AM STUCK WITH IT. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE BEFORE BUT NO ONE LISTENS. *TR

Mileage: 60

Apr 2, 2014

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL INFORMATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WHAT IS THE PROPER PROCEDURE FOR GETTING THE RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. *JB

Apr 1, 2014

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS STEERING WOULD SUDDENLY STOP WORKING DISPLAY A POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE ON DASHBOARD AND ENTER MANUAL STEERING MODE. I WOULD PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL TURN VEHICLE OFF AND ON TO RESET COMPUTER AND STEERING TO BRING IT BACK TO A NORMAL CONDITION. AS TIME PROGRESSED THE FAULT WOULD APPEAR MORE FREQUENTLY BEFORE GETTING IT REPAIRED AT LOCAL SATURN AUTHORIZED REPAIR GM FACILITY. PAID CLOSE TO $1,000 FOR THE REPAIR AND PARTS. NOW THAT VEHICLE HAS LIFETIME WARRANTY ALL PERVIOUS REPAIRS SHOULD BE REFUNDED TO CONSUMERS. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

Mar 31, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND THEY KEY SNAPPED AND WAS BROKEN INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AUGUST 23, 2010. SHE WAS TOLD TO GET A LOCKSMITH BECAUSE THE KEY BROKE IN THE IGNITION LOCK. THE CONTACT CURRENTLY HAS A RENTAL VEHICLE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS WERE DUE IN ON APRIL 1, 2010; HOWEVER, TO CALL ON NEXT MONDAY SINCE THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE. WHEN THE RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUE MOVING THE KEY AROUND IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT IT WOULD COST HER $125 IN ORDER FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION FOR TWO WEEKS AND THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000, AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SHE IS PAYING $7 PER DAY FOR THE RENTAL VEHICLE. SHE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST ADDING UP AND GETTING REIMBURSED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT ONLY 12 TO 13 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED DUE TO THE RECALL. HER VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION FOR TWO WEEKS. SHE WAS TOLD THE LETTER WOULDN'T COME UNTIL APRIL OR JUNE BUT SHE RECEIVED IT ON MARCH 14, 2014. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,131. UPDATED 6/26/14*CN UPDATED 07/09/2014 *JS

Mileage: 49,131

Mar 29, 2014

IT DON'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT IT WON'T START YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING HAPPEN AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT 15 MINUTES AND TRY TO START IT MOST THE TIME IT WILL START BUT THERE WERE AFEW THAT IT TOOK A HALF HOUR SITTING AND WAITING FOR IT TO RESET HAD MY CAR IN THE DEALER WANT TIME AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THEY SAID NOTHING CAN BEEN DONE ABOUT IT INTIL IT HAPPEN TO THEM EVEN WHOSE THE DASHBOARD COMPUTER SAY SERVICE ENGINES AND IT COULD HAPPEN EVERYDAY FOR A WEEK THAN IT COULD BE MONTHS BEFORE IT DOSE IT AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 3,000

Mar 28, 2014

WHILE DRIVING, COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. ALL DASH LIGHTS OUT. GAUGES ZERO. STEERING DIFFICULT. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. *TR

Mileage: 96,000

Mar 25, 2014

LETTER FROM SENATOR TOOMEY ON BEHALF OF A CONSTITUENT RE GM RECALL ( ATTN: AUBREY YANZITO CAN BE REACHED BY EMAIL: [email protected], FAX AT 717-782-4920 OR PHONE: 717-782-3951 OR MAIL). *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART UNTIL APRIL 2014. THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW IF GM WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR A RENTAL VEHICLE, UNTIL THE VEHICLE COULD BE FIXED. *JB

Mar 25, 2014

I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GM ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL EITHER LAST WEEK OR THE WEEK BEFORE. IT STATED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION KEY ONLY, NOT EVEN WITH THE KEY FOB. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE PART IS NO LONGER MADE FOR MY VEHICLE. THE LETTER ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS NO RISK OF IGNITION FAILURE AS LONG AS THE DRIVER USES THE KEY ONLY. I HAVE FAITHFULLY FOLLOWED THAT SINCE RECEIVING MY LETTER. I AM TELLING YOU THAT INFORMATION IS FALSE. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME TONIGHT, I NOTICED THE ENGINE SOUNDED DIFFERENT. THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, AND MY BRAKES ONLY RESPONDED TO VERY HEAVY PRESSURE. BASICALLY I HAD LITTLE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I WAS LESS THAN A MILE AWAY FROM HOME. I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY, TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE AND THEN BACK ON. IT WAS AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. I AM PANICKED NOW. THANK GOODNESS THIS HAPPENED AFTER I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND IT WAS AFTER RUSH HOUR. I'M NOT SURE I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TURN INTO THAT PARKING LOT WITHOUT INCIDENT IF THERE WAS HEAVIER TRAFFIC. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED GM WHEN I RETURNED HOME AND TOLD THEM THE CAR WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE, EVEN WITH THE IGNITION KEY ONLY. CUSTOMER SERVICE DIDN'T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THE DANGER. WE'LL SEE IF THEY FOLLOW UP. I HOPE YOU FOLLOW UP AS WELL. *TR

Mileage: 139,293

Mar 22, 2014

I HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING FOR YEARS WITH MY CAR NOT WANTING TO START. I HAD THIS TO MANY GARAGES AND EVEN THE SATURN DEALER AND NO ONE COULD FIND A PROBLEM. FINALLY THE CAR JUST STOPPED STARTING, AND THEN I REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS SEEMED TO WORK FOR 2 DAYS AND THEN MY CAR JUST DIED ELECTRICALLY ON FEBRUARY 21ST AND ON THE 26TH THE GARAGE REPAIRED THIS WHICH COST ME $309.00. THE VERY NEXT DAY THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS ANNOUNCED. WILL YOU REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR? THIS SEEMS APPROPRIATE SINCE THIS WAS ULTIMATELY THE FAULT OF THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH AND I AM JUST FORTUNATE THAT AN ACCIDENT WAS NOT INVOLVED SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2005. *TR

Mileage: 160,000

Mar 18, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE DID RESTART AFTER THIRTY MINUTES OF WAITING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,497.

Mileage: 148,497

Mar 18, 2014

WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING OUR 2003 SATURN ION WE PURCHASED THE CAR THROUGH RIGHT WAY LOCATED IN LIVONIA, MI IN APRIL 2013. SINCE DECEMBER 2013 THE IGNITION TURNS OFF WHILE WE ARE DRIVING AND IT HAS STOPPED ON US FIVE OR SIX TIMES. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC UNIQUE AUTO REPAIR LOCATED IN DETROIT, MI TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS...THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ALSO, A LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON THE PANEL; DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE IGNITION. IN ORDER TO START THE CAR, MY FIANCE WOULD HAVE TO LIFT THE HOOD OF THE CAR TO START IT AND WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS ITEM IS CALLED. THIS IS TAKING UP OUR TIME AND TIME OFF OF WORK WHEN THE CAR DOES NOT START. IT HAS ALSO SPARKED SEVERAL TIMES ON US; THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. ME AND MY FIANCE HAS MADE PLANS TO TRAVEL TO ATLANTA, GA IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. WE WERE GOING TO USE OUR CAR FOR TRANSPORTATION; BUT WE DO NOT TRUST THE CAR AT ALL. WE NEED A LOANER (VEHICLE) TO TRAVEL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *TR

Mar 14, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS SHE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, SHE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

Mar 13, 2014 Crash

IN EARLY JANUARY MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING A 2003 SATURN IRON. "I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR AND IT ALL HAPPENED SO FAST" MY MOTHER SAID. SHE HIT A TELEPHONE POOL THEN PROCEEDED TO ROLL DOWN OVER A SMALL HILL AND FLIPPED, COMING TO A REST ON A CONCRETE DIVIDER. WHEN RESPONDERS ARRIVED HER IGNITION WAS OFF AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS HANGING UPSIDE DOWN FOR ALMOST AN HOUR UNTIL THEY WERE ABLE TO CUT HER OUT OF THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT HER CAR IS PART OF THE RECENT IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. PLEASE TAKE THE RECALL SERIOUS, IT COULD SAVE YOUR L LIFE, AND OTHERS! *TR

Mileage: 80,000

Mar 13, 2014

THE LOCKED AND COULDN'T GET IT TO TURN. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

Mar 12, 2014

I CAN NOT PROVIDE EXACT DATES AS THIS HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2006. IT STARTED OUT, IN FREEZING TEMPS, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I WOULD HAVE TO TRY JUMPING IT OR WAIT TILL 10 MINUTES HAD PASSED AND TRY AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED A LOT THROUGH WINTER MONTHS. I EVENTUALLY HAD TO CHANGE OUT MY STARTER AND IGNITION SWITCH BACK IN 2012. I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THE KEY WILL NOT TURN TO OFF COMPLETELY SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES THE KEY WONT TURN AT ALL. THIS IS ALSO AFTER CHANGING OUT THE SWITCH. I AM A MOTHER OF TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND AFTER SEEING THE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE SWITCH I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY FAMILY DOWN THE STREET A BLOCK. THE RECALL SAYS TO NOT DRIVE ON JARRING ROADS, BUT I LIVE IN A TINY TOWN OF NOTHING BUT JARRING ROADS. SIGH. I FEEL THE NOT STARTING IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT CAN LEAVE PEOPLE STRANDED IN BAD WEATHER AND UNABLE TO GET TO WHERE YOU NEED TO GO IN EMERGENCIES. ALL ANYONE NEEDS TO DO IS SEARCH THE INTERNET ABOUT SATURN'S NOT STARTING AND THERE IS HOURS OF READING ON THE SUBJECT. THE COMPANY KNEW ALL ALONG. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 50,000

Mar 10, 2014

AFTER MY CAR WOULDN'T START I CALLED CARR CHEVROLET TO ASK QUESTIONS AND THEY WERE VERY RUDE. I CALL THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THAT PROBLEM. HOWEVER I BOUGHT THE CAR IN CALIFORNIA BUT I LIVE IN OREGON. THE CAR IS STILL NOT RUNNING AND I'M STILL PAYING ON IT. IF THIS IS A PROBLEM ON A RECALL I NEED HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 1,065

Mar 5, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE IGNITION KEY WAS REMOVED HOWEVER, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. IN ADDITION, THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED INTO THE OFF POSITION WHEN THE KEY WAS JARRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,101.

Mileage: 128,101

Mar 4, 2014

WHEN DRIVING CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY. HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST AND DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HEARD ABOUT GM'S RECALL WITH VEHICLES SHUTTING OFF. MY CAR LAST NIGHT SHUT OFF ON ME AND AGAIN THIS MORNING. THERE'S PLENTY OF GAS IN THE TANK IT JUST SHUTS DOWN AND WON'T LET ME START. *TR

Mileage: 10,000

Mar 3, 2014

MY WIFE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH HER SATURN JUST BEFORE THE DATE OF 12/24/07, THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON OR SHE WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME STARTING IT. WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH, AT THE TIME, SATURN OF EATONTOWN, NJ, AND THEY TOLD US THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. IT COST $324.30 TO REPLACE THE PART. THERE WAS A RECENT DELAYED RECALL ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH FROM GM, 13 PEOPLE WERE KILLED DUE TO THIS DEFECT, I FEEL GM SHOULD REFUND THIS MONEY TO ME SINCE THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH IT BACK THEN. I HAVE THE RECEIPT FOR THIS REPAIR IF YOU NEED COPY. *TR

Mileage: 37,233

Mar 3, 2014 Crash

TO FORMALLY ADD THIS INCIDENT TO YOUR RECORDS, ON 2/22/13, AT ABOUT 9AM, I WAS STARTING TO BRAKE UPON APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A HIGHWAY NEAR MY HOME IN ICY CONDITIONS, ONLY TO FIND THAT I APPARENTLY HAD NO BRAKING CAPABILITY, (AT LEAST ALL EFFORTS SHORT OF STANDING ON THE BRAKE, WHICH WOULD LOCK UP THE WHEELS), AND THE DASH LIGHTS SEEMED TO INDICATE THE ENGINE HAD STOPPED. AFTER SLIDING INTO THE PICK-UP TRUCK AHEAD OF ME AT THE LIGHT, THE COLLISION WAS AT A HIGH ENOUGH SPEED TO ENOUGH TO CRUMPLE THE FRONT HALF OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, (I THOUGHT MY SPEED AT POINT OF IMPACT WAS ABOUT 25MPH, BUT THE TROOPER TAKING THE ACCIDENT REPORT FELT THAT IT HAD TO BE FASTER THAN THAT). I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT, AND HAVE SUFFERED ONLY BRUISING AND PULLED MUSCLES. ONLY AFTER READING LAST WEEK OF THE EXPANSION OF THE RECALL REGARDING GM CARS, INCLUDING MY SATURN, DID I CONNECT THE PIECES REGARDING WHY MY CAR BEHAVED AS IT DID. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

Feb 27, 2014

WHILE DRIVING NOTICED INCREASE OF SPEED. CHECKED ACCELERATOR PEDAL, NOT STUCK. TAPPED ACCELERATOR WITH NO CHANGE. DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED. SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND VERIFIED THE THROTTLE BODY WAS IN IDLE POSITION. RESTARTED CAR AND VEHICLE RPM WENT UP TO 4000 AND STARVED FOR AIR AND SURGED UP AND DOWN AT THAT LEVEL. SHUT VEHICLE OFF AGAIN AND CONTACTED GM. SAME VEHICLE ALSO HAS PASSLOCK PROBLEMS.

Mileage: 77,000

Feb 26, 2014

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND VEHICLE WILL NOT SHUT OFF. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH TWICE FIRST IN 2005 WITH APPROX 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN IN 2010 WITH APPROX 52,000 MILES. NOW VEHICLE HAS 73,000 MILES AND IS HAVING SAME ISSUE,WHICH DRAINS DOWN BATTERY. NO OTHER KEYS ARE ON KEY RING. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY AND INCLUDED IN GM RECALL AS MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING AS AFFECTED, AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE TO ME AGAIN AS IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 12,000

Feb 26, 2014

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THIS VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL, WITH NO CRUISE CONTROL OPTION, IT'S UNSOLVED BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS. SOMETIMES THE BRAKE WORKS WHILE IT'S HAPPENING, SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T, THE MOST RECENT TIME I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT WHERE I HAD TO HOLD THE BRAKE DOWN TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, I COULD SMELL THE TRANSMISSION, I TURNED VEHICLE OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT WENT TO OVER 5 RPM STILL, TURNED BACK OFF, SAT AND WAITED, IT WAS 2AM SO I COULDN'T CALL ANYONE. AFTER 10 MINUTES IT FINALLY WENT BACK TO NORMAL. THAT WAS THE MOST SEVERE, IT'S HAD SLIGHTLY SIMILAR ISSUES AT LEAST 4 TIMES. FIRST MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A CRUISE CONTROL ISSUE, THEN I TOLD HIM I WAS LEAVING SINCE THE VEHICLE DOESN'T HAVE CRUISE CONTROL AT ALL. DON'T WANT HIM WORKING ON IT. 2ND ONE RAN COMPUTER CHECK, NO ISSUE FOUND. HOPEFULLY GM RECALLS THIS BEFORE IT KILLS SOMEONE. THIS CAR HAS HAD MANY ISSUES ME AND MY FATHER COULD FIX, IGNITION SWITCH, WIPER BLADE TRANSMISSION, COOLANT LIGHT BUT THIS ONE ISN'T EASY. *TR

Mileage: 133,000

Feb 26, 2014

MY CAR WOULDN'T SHUT OFF. THE KEY WAS STUCK AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TO FIX AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT. I'VE HAD A TOTAL OF 3 NEW ONES DONE SINCE THEN. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT GM ARE RECALLING SOME CARS BECAUSE OF THE IGNITION PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HEARD A THING ABOUT IT AND THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS FOR YEARS. I'VE HAD MY CAR FOR 11 YEARS NOW AND HAD TO PAY FOR ALL THE REPAIRS MYSELF, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW HOW DANGEROUS THIS COULD BE SINCE I'VE LEARNED ABOUT 7 PEOPLE HAVE DIED BECAUSE THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY BECAUSE OF THIS MALFUNCTION. SO I'M VERY UPSET THAT I HAD THIS CAR FOR ALL THIS TIME AND I DIDN'T KNOW HOW DANGEROUS MY CAR REALLY IS. *TR

Oct 30, 2013

WIFE AND CHILDREN RIDING DOWN ROAD WHEN CAR TURNS ITSELF OFF AND LOOSES ALL POWER. SHE WAS LUCKILY ENOUGH TO MERGE ACROSS 2 LANES AT A COAST WITH NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. THEN IT TOOK UP TO 30 MIN OF SITTING ON THE SIDE OF VERY BUSY I-16 TILL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPPED FLASHING AND SHE COULD CONTINUE HER WAY HOME WITH MY 2 AND 8 YEAR OLD KIDS IN THE CAR. NOW ALL THE CAR WILL DO IS FLASH THAT PASSLOCK LIGHT AFTER I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH,STARTER,BATTERY,ALTERNATOR AND MANY FUSES ALSO FOLLOWING THE RELEARN PROCEDURE EACH TIME. *TR

Mileage: 152,392

Oct 25, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UNTIL AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY RECUR DURING COLDER WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM WAS RE-WIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

Mileage: 15,000

Jul 16, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED IN THE IGNITION THE THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V231000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,710.

Mileage: 142,710

Jun 1, 2013

SATURN ION 2 MODEL YEAR 2003 WAS SERVICED FOR 2004 TURN SIGNAL RECALL BACK IN 2005; IN THE PAST 16 MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL BULB CHANGED 4 TIMES BECAUSE IT STOPS WORKING, AND HAVE CHANGED IT 2 MORE TIMES BEFORE THE MOST RECENT SERIES OF INCIDENTS. AS OF TODAY I CHANGED IT A 5TH TIME AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK. THIS IS A HAZARDOUS CONDITION PARTICULARLY SINCE IT FAILS REPEATEDLY. NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MIGHT HAVE A PROBLEM MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR HUNDREDS OF SATURN OWNERS; THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE FIXED THE RE-OCCURENCE OF THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

Mar 20, 2013

MY SWITCH WILL NOT TURN BACK TO RELEASE MY KEYS. AT TIMES TRYING TO START THE CAR THE SWITCH WILL NOT TURN, AS WELL. EVENTUALLY IT WILL TURN, FOR NOW. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

Mar 18, 2013

THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT LUCKILY IN A PARKING LOT AT A SHOPPING CENTER IN OCTOBER 2012 THE MOTORS WERE REPLACED PREVIOUSLY BEFORE SATURN WENT DEFUNCT BACK IN APPROXIMATELY 2006 AND AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. THESE ARE EXACTLY THE SAME MOTORS THAT A RECALL WAS PROPOSED ON THE CHEVY CRUZ AND GM SAYS THEY ARE NOT COVERED OR NO COVERED UNDER THE SATURN PROGRAM. NOW OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH GM KNOWS HAS PROBLEMS HAS SHUT THE ENGINE OFF WHILE DRIVING AND NOW IT'S TO THE POINT WHERE IT LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY NOT ALLOWING THE DISENGAGING OF THE ENGINE TRANSMISSION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF AND PARK. AGAIN GM SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL BUT THEY HAVE RECALLS ON OTHER GM VEHICLES. I HAVE SPENT UPWARDS OF $700 DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS AND BATTERIES AND ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I'VE READ OF THE MANY NIGHTMARE ON THE INTERNET AND WONDER IF YOUR BUREAU CAN DO ANYTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATIONS. THANKS.

Mileage: 85,000

Feb 26, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION L3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT PLACED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE DID NOT START, BUT THE SERVICE VEHICLE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY ALSO BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARD TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 4/24/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW WIRE HARNESS FOR THE ALARM SYSTEM AND A NEW IGNITION LOCK TUMBLER WITH THE DIELECTRIC GREASE IN IT. THIS FAILURE ACROSS MORE OFTEN WHEN COLD. UPON MAKING SHORT ERRANDS, THE VEHICLE MUST BE LEFT RUNNING IN ORDER TO AVOID SITTING FOR 10 MINUTES. UPDATED 06/3/2013 *JS

Mileage: 42,000

Feb 26, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION L3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT PLACED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE DID NOT START, BUT THE SERVICE VEHICLE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY ALSO BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARD TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 4/24/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW WIRE HARNESS FOR THE ALARM SYSTEM AND A NEW IGNITION LOCK TUMBLER WITH THE DIELECTRIC GREASE IN IT. THIS FAILURE ACROSS MORE OFTEN WHEN COLD. UPON MAKING SHORT ERRANDS, THE VEHICLE MUST BE LEFT RUNNING IN ORDER TO AVOID SITTING FOR 10 MINUTES. UPDATED 06/3/2013 *JS

Mileage: 42,000

Jan 16, 2013

2003 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MALFUNCTION OF THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND DOOR LOCKS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DOORS UN-LOCKED, THE FLASHER STARTED TO FLASH AND THE AIR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A NEARBY GARAGE AND ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE. THE SOLUTION AT THAT TIME WAS TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND THEN RE-START IT. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON NOVEMBER 16TH. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PART REQUIRED WAS A SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AT A COST OF $ 399.99. HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. IT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE MECHANIC, THAT A PART TRY TO BE LOCATED AT A JUNK YARD.

Jan 8, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE IGNITION AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO POWER THE VEHICLE OFF. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD INTERMITTENTLY BE REMOVED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN POWERED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 60,000

Dec 7, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF BUT THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED PASS THE ACCESSORY MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

Oct 10, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION II. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT HAD TO CALL A LOCKSMITH TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

Mar 29, 2012

INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEM, CAR SOUNDS LIKE IT IS STARTING THEN DOESNT, I WAIT TEN MINUTES THEN IT WILL START. IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM

Mileage: 35,000

Feb 5, 2012

YET ANOTHER COMPLAINT ON THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH ON THE SATURN ION. SINCE IT APPEARS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL?? CAR WILL NOT START WHEN COLD, KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION. GM WHAT IS THE DEAL??? *TR

Mileage: 125,000

Dec 30, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY STARTING AND WOULD NEED NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BEFORE SUCCESSFULLY STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE PARK AND NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR APPROXIMATELY EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

Dec 13, 2011

IN VERY COLD WEATHER THE CAR WILL NOT START. *TR

Nov 16, 2011

THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT LIGHTS SHUT OFF. WARNING LIGHTS SUCH AS "CHECK ENGINE", "ABS", AND "THEFT LOCK" ALL CAME ON AFTER PARKING THE CAR. THE HORN WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO GET HORN TO STOP. ATTEMPTED TO START THE FOLLOWING MORNING AND WHILE RECONNECTING THE BATTERY THE HORN CAME ON AGAIN AND THE LISTED ABOVE LIGHTS STAYED ON. CAR HAS BEEN UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE!!! *TR

Mileage: 42,000

Sep 29, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. A WEEK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING COVERED BY A WARRANTY THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE CONTACT NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH ON VARIOUS MODELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAME MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Mileage: 109,000

Sep 23, 2011

2003 SATURN ION . CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL ISSUES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND SHE WAS NEVER INFORMED OF A RECALL REGARDING THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WHICH SHE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DROPPED WHEN SHE CLOSED THE DOOR. THEN IT WOULD NOT STAY UP. THEN HALF OF THE DASH WENT BLACK. THE NEXT WINDOW WOULD GO UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN WITH NO CONTACT OF ANY TYPE. THEN THE CONTROLS TO THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AND THE ELECTRONIC LOCK/OPENING DEVICE WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS ANY LONGER OR LOCK THE TRUNK. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE DID NOT REACT TO BEING IN PARK, SO THEREFORE, SHE HAD DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. THE O2 SENSOR AND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS NEVER PROPERLY REPLACED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. *JB

Aug 29, 2011

RANDOMLY, MY 2003 SATURN ION-3 REFUSES TO START DUE TO THE WIDELY KNOWN YET UNRESOLVED IGNITION SWITCH PASSLOCK PROBLEM. THE OCCURRENCES HAVE STEADILY INCREASED IN FREQUENCY OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. THE POTENTIAL SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THIS PREVALENT ISSUE ARE BEING OVERLOOKED, AND IT SHOULD BE FORMALLY INVESTIGATED. ADDITIONALLY, IT RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT FAULTINESS IN OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE UNFAIR TO US CONSUMERS FOR THIS ADMITTEDLY FAULTY PART; IT SHOULD BE HANDLED BY RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 64,110

Apr 12, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION II. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE PASSLOCK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING TWENTY MINUTES. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY DETECTED THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS LOOSE. THE TECHNICIAN TIGHTENED THE BOLTS THAT SECURED THE FUSE BOX. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE SIMILAR FAILURE. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH BE REPLACED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 200,000

Apr 2, 2011

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TURNING OFF CAR. ALOT OF THE TIME MY KEY WON'T BE ABLE TO TURN CAR OFF ALL THE WAY SO MY KEY GETS STUCK. I WILL HAVE TO WAIT MAYBE 10 MINUTES BEFORE I WILL HEAR A CLICK AND FINALLY TURN IT OFF. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

Mar 31, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IMMEDIATELY AND IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY FIVE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THERE WERE NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,165. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,500.

Mileage: 69,500

Mar 26, 2011

THE ISSUE IS IN CONNECTION WITH A 2003 SATURN ION. RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING, THERE APPEARS TO BE A CLICK COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR, MOST LIKELY COMING FROM THE FUSE BOX. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CLICK, THERE IS THREE DINGS FOLLOWED BY A MESSAGE ON THE DASH "PWR STR". AFTER THIS HAS OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE LOSES ITS POWER STEERING ABILITIES, CAUSING SIGNIFICANT MORE FORCE TO BE USED WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. TYPICALLY THIS IS FINE WHEN ON A STRAIGHT ROAD BUT OFTEN THIS IS NOT THE CASE AS I DRIVE ON ROADS WITH SHARP CURVES LEADING TO THE RISK OF SIGNIFICANT DANGER IF I WAS TO LOSE POWER STEERING WHILE TAKING ONE OF THESE TURNS. IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF WHILE IN MOTION AND THEN TURNED ON AGAIN THE POWER STEERING DOES BEGIN TO WORK AGAIN ALTHOUGH OFTEN THE EVENTS OCCUR AGAIN AND THE CAR LOSES POWER STEERING. *TR

Mileage: 106,750

Feb 26, 2011

2003 SATURN ION-3 PURCHASED NEW BEGAN NOT STARTING IN 2009. AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES THE CAR STARTS UP. TOOK THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE CAR NOT STARTING. WENT ON-LINE AND DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER SATURN ION OWNERS REGARDING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. WROTE A LETTER AND SENT COPIES OF THESE SAME COMPLAINTS TO GM IN JANUARY 2009. A SERVICE REP. CALLED ME SAYING THEY HAD NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT BY GM. STARTING HAVING MANY MORE INCIDENTS OF THE CAR NOT STARTING IN 2010, BUT WAITING THE 10-15 MINUTES AND THE CAR THEN STARTING. SENT AN E-MAIL TO GM REGARDING THIS ISSUE. AGAIN A SERVICE REP. CALLED AND SAID DUE TO THE AGE OF THE CAR I SHOULD TAKE IT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE REPAIR, IF THEY COULD FIND IT, WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY. THIS ISSUE CAN BE QUITE SERIOUS SINCE YOU CANNOT START YOUR VEHICLE AND ARE LEFT SITTING THERE IN CONDITIONS THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS (VERY COLD WEATHER, LATE AT NIGHT, ETC.) LATELY THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED 6-8 TIMES IN TWO WEEKS. IT WOULD CERTAINLY HELP IF GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS SITUATION AND WOULD ISSUE A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 25,000

Feb 22, 2011

2003 SATURN ION IGNITION SWITCH BROKE; BECAME INOPERATIVE & COST $600.00 TO REPAIR & COULD HAVE BEEN ACCIDENT CAUSAL. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

Jan 13, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAPPENED 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.

Mileage: 115,000

Jan 12, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION LEVEL 2 (NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND PASS LOCK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER WAS REPAIRING THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE SYSTEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

Jan 11, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE STARTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY WAS GETTING STUCK INSIDE OF THE IGNITION WHICH MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THAT FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH DUE TO COST THEY OPTED TO REPROGRAM THE KEY SO THAT SHE COULD REMOVE IT NO MATTER WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE INVOICE, THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW SHIFTER WHICH WAS CAUSING THE KEY TO BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. UPDATED 06/20/11

Mileage: 70,000

Jan 11, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE KEY WOULD REMAIN STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED WHO WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 30,000

Dec 17, 2010

2003 SATURN ION TENDS TO NOT WANT TO START EVERY WINTER! IT HAS TO DO WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH FREEZING UP. IT WILL HAPPEN RANDOMLY IN THE WINTER 2-3 TIMES A WEEK. IT IS PRETTY BAD WHEN YOUR CAR LETS YOU SITTING FOR 22 MIN. WITH A BABY WHEN ITS 22 DEGREES OUTSIDE!!! *TR

Mileage: 51,000

Dec 13, 2010

2003 ION SATURN WILL NOT START ON COLD MORNINGS. THIS STARTED 2010 IN JANUARY. I HAVE TAKEN TO FIRESTONE TO FIX. WASN'T COLD ENOUGH. CAR STARTED. NOW WEATHER IS COLDER AND CAR WILL NOT START. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THEN NOTHING. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME TYPE THAT I AM HAVING. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES. NEW BATTERY PUT IN JAN 2010. CAR MECHANIC SAID CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM UNTIL CAR WON'T START FOR THEM. VERY FRUSTRATING. THIS IS REALLY THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH MY 2003 SATURN ION. WANTED TO KEEP CAR FOR A LONG TIME. AFTER THE WEATHER GETS WARMER DURING THE DAY, CAR WILL START RIGHT UP. RECALL??? *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Dec 8, 2010

FAILURE TO START IN COLD WEATHER, AND KEY STICKING IN IGNITION. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

Nov 27, 2010

2003 SATURN ION IGNITION SWITCH. I CAN'T GET MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AFTER I HAVE PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED MY KEY TO THE OFF POSITION. I OFTEN HAVE TO SIT IN MY CAR FOR UP TO 10MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL RELEASE AND LET ME HAVE MY KEY. WHEN I AM ABLE TO GET MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION MY CAR WITH DING.. LIKE THE SOUND IT MAKES WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR LIGHTS ON, AND IT WILL NOT LET ME LOCK MY CAR USING MY POWER LOCKS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A GM DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT IT IS THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH SEEN RECURRENTLY IN SATURN'S CARS. EVEN GETTING THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED I WAS BACK TO WHERE I FIRST STARTED ABOUT A WEEK LATER. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS THAT THIS STILL TO THIS DAY HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED... THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! *TR

Mileage: 47,000

Nov 5, 2010

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTHORIZED SATURN DEALER, 2003 SATURN ION HAD CONTINUOUS HIGH ENGINE IDLE AFTER BEING DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IF VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF THE POWER CONTROL MODULE(PCM) COMPUTER RESET IT SELF. SATURN DEALER SERVICED THE VEHICLE BY RE-PROGRAMMING THE PCM( 10/21/10) AS PER A ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN OF 4/2004 . THIS DID NOT WORK. THEN THEY ADVISED A SPRING IN THROTTLE BODY (ENGINE) WAS BAD AND REPLACED SPRING ( 10/28/10). THIS ALSO DID NOT WORK, ENGINE STILL HAS HIGH IDLE AND I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK ON 11/2/10 TO THE SERVICE DEALER.. SERVICE DEALER THEN HOOKED UP CAR TO COMPUTER AND HAS SER TECH DRIVE VEHICLE FOR OVER 25 MILES, 2 TIMES ; AND THENFOUND ANOTHER PROBLEM. THEY INDICATED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE COMPUTER HAD A SHORT AND CAUSED A BURNED OUT COMPONENT IN THE COMPUTER. SINCE THE SATURN IS NO LONGER BEING PRODUCES, THE COMPUTER WHICH MUST BE REPLACED IS ON BACK ORDER; AND UNKNOWN WHEN PART WILL ARRIVE. THE SATURN SERVICE DEALER ( INGERSOLL AUTO IN DANBURY CT) ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN AS IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD, SINCE THE COMPUTER CONTROLS NOT ONLY THE ENGINE BUT THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. AT THIS TIME UNKNOWN WHEN A PART WILL ARRIVE AS IT IS ON BACK ORDER. IN SEARCHING THE INTERNET I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM PERSON WHO ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER CONTROL MODULE COMPUTER. I BELIEVE THAT GM/SATURN HAS HAD FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THIS PROBLEM PRIOR; AND AS OTHER OWNERS OF SATURNS ARE HAVING THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM THEN GM SHOULD BE MAKING REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS COMPUTER MORE AVAILABLE TO SATURN OWNERS. INGERSOLL AUTO IN DANBURY CT HAS ADVISED ME THAT THEY DO NOTKNOW WHEN THE REPLACEMENT COMPUTER WILL BE AVAILABLE AS THERE IS NO PART AVAILABLE IN THE ENTIRE USA. PART WILL HAVE TO BE MADE BY GM AND UNKNOWN WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN. SO MY 2003 SATURN ION MUST BE LEFT AT THE DEALER UNTIL A REPLACEMENT COMPUTER IS SENT BY GM , SO MY CAR CAN BE REPAIRED. *TR

Mileage: 93,254

Nov 1, 2010

2003 SATURN ION, THIS IS THE SECOND IGNITION SWITCH TO BE REPLACED IN THIS CAR. ON THIS OCCASION THE KEY WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE SWITCH. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH SATURNS..WHY NO RECALL? *TR

Mileage: 86,000

Oct 21, 2010

2003 SATURN ION3 WONT START WAIT 10MIN AND IT WILL START.... I WAS AT A CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND WAS THERE WITH MY CHILD WHEN WE WENT TO LEAVE THE CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE FOR 4 DAYS. WE GOT IN TURNED THE CAR OVER AND NOTHING BUT SERVICE ENGINE. @ HOURS AWAY FROM HOME WITH A SICK CHILD THAT JUST GOT RELEASED CALLED MY HUSBAND TO COME HELP HE TRAVELED 2 HRS TO COME TO ME WHEN WE WENT BACK TO THE CAR AFTER SITTING AT THE HOSPITAL WAITING IT STARTED JUST FINE. FIRST TIME IT HAD EVERY DONE THAT TO ME. BUT NOW IT HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE BEEN AT THE GROCERY STORE AT THE DRS. TRYING TO LEAVE HOME TO GET TO WORK AND AT WORK WHEN IT HAS DONE IT. I WILL TRY TO START IT AND IT TELLS ME SERVICE ENGINE AND THEN 10MIN -20 MIN I GO BACK TO THE CAR AND IT STARTS. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS NOR SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THIS WHEN I SEE SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A DEFECT FROM THE COMPANY THAT NEEDS FIXED. WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE IS ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY FIXING A FLAT OR SOMETHING AND THIS HAPPENS TO THEM. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

Aug 25, 2010

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION. THE KEY "JAMMED" IN THE "ON" POSITION LEAVING THE CAR RUNNING. TO SHUT IT OFF YOU HAVE TO RAISE THE HOOD, PULL A FUSE, THEN GO TO THE TRUNK AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR ME BECAUSE THE CAR IS DRIVEN BY A COLLEGE, FEMALE. GAS STATIONS, CONVENIENCE STORES AND SMALL CHILDREN LEFT IN CAR, ETC... ARE A PROBLEM, BECAUSE THE CAR IS RUNNING. I HAVE REPLACED THE SHIFTER, AND NOW THE IGNITION ($463) PLUS TAX FOR A LOCK CYLINDER ! *TR

Mileage: 67,000

Aug 24, 2010

THE CAR WONT START AND I CHANGED THE BATTERY AND HAD THE ALTERNATOR TESTED AND STARTER BOTH PASSED I ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR THE IGNITION SWITCH CLICKS THEN STALLS, SECURITY SYSTEM KICKS IN READS "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" AFTER ABOUT 20MINUTES THE CAR STARTS, HEAR RATTLING NOISE IN FRONT SUSPENSION THIS IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME FOR THE PAST YEAR SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Jun 21, 2010

BOUGHT A 2003 SATURN ION 2 AND IT WILL PERIODICALLY LOCK OUT THE IGNITION SYSTEM SO YOU HAVE TO WAIT 8-10 MINUTES TO START THE CAR. WE HAVE REPLACED, THE IGNITION SWITCH, STARTER, BATTERY, AND A FEW OTHER PARTS TO NO AVAIL. IT WAS ONCE IN JAN. OF 2010 AND THEN AGAIN IN MARCH, BUT NOW IN JUNE IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN 2 DAYS. I READ ON A FORUM THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING THIS PROBLEM IN COLD WEATHER CLIMATES DURING WINTER, BUT HAWAII IS A MODERATE CLIMATE YEAR ROUND, NO EXCUSE. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

Jun 18, 2010

I AM REALLY GETTING TIRED OF THIS PART BREAKING AND GM NEEDS TO FIND A FIX AND RECALL THIS CAR AND SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I FOUND 44 PAGES OF THE SAME COMPLAINT ON THIS SAME CAR ON THIS WEBSITE: (HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/SATURN_IGNITION_LOCK.HTML) I OWN A 2003 SATURN ION SEDAN. MY IGNITION IS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION. THE ONLY WAY I CAN SHUT MY CAR OFF IS TO PULL THE FUSE TO THE ECM. THE KEY DOES NOT TURN IN ANY DIRECTION AND WILL PULL OUT OF THE SOCKET WITH THE CAR RUNNING. I HAVE HAD THIS IGNITION PART CHANGED 4 TIMES ALREADY. THE FIRST TWO TIMES WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE KEY WOULD PULL OUT WITH CAR RUNNING, THE SECOND TWO TIMES I HAD TO PAY FOR. THE LAST TWO TIMES IT WOULD NOT LET ME START THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT WON'T LET ME TURN IT OFF. I KNOW THIS IS AN OLDER CAR, BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH... [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 101,115

Apr 15, 2010

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. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

Mar 10, 2010

2003 SATURN ION COUPE WILL NOT START IN COLD HUMID WEATHER. *TR

Feb 13, 2010

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION AND IT HAS THE SAME STARTING PROBLEMS REPORTED EXTENSIVELY ON THIS WEBSITE. ON COLD DAYS, THE CAR WILL NOT START AT TIMES. IT ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT THE MOST IMPORTUNE TIMES AND LOCATIONS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THERE IS NO NOISE AND NO CRANKING SOUND WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION KEY ON. HOWEVER, WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR ABOUT 5 TO 15 MINUTES LATER, IT STARTS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. I REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT IT DID NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE. THE ALTERNATOR CHECKS OUT FINE. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS A FAULTY IGNITION MODULE, BUT THAT IS A GUESS ON MY PART BASED ON THE NUMEROUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS BY OTHER SATURN OWNERS. THERE IS ONLY ONE AUTHORIZED SATURN DEALER/SERVICE FACILITY LEFT IN THE HOUSTON. THE TECHNICIAN THERE TOLD ME HE HAS SERVICED NUMEROUS SATURNS WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AND THAT REPLACING THE IGNITION MODULE SEEMS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH NOT IN EVERY CASE. HE SAID THAT GM HAS NOT ISSUED A BULLETIN OR RECALLED SATURNS TO REPAIR THE UNITS. GM'S DENIAL OF A POTENTIALLY LETHAL PROBLEM IS NOT UNLIKE THAT OF TOYOTA IN ADDRESSING STUCK ACCELERATORS AND BRAKING PROBLEMS. MAYBE GM DOES NOT CARE BECAUSE IT IS CLOSING DOWN ITS SATURN DIVISION. I CAN SEE WHERE SATURN OWNERS, WHO ARE UNAWARE OF THE EXTENT OF THE STARTING PROBLEM, WIND UP HAVING THEIR BATTERIES, ALTERNATORS AND OTHER COMPONENTS REPLACED AT ENORMOUS COST AND INCONVENIENCE BEFORE SATURN SUGGESTS REPLACING THE IGNITION UNIT. THIS IS A SITUATION THAT IS RIPE FOR EXPLOITATION BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD NEEDS TO WEIGH IN ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT WAIT FOR PEOPLE TO GET HURT. *TR

Mileage: 30,000

Feb 11, 2010

I'VE BEEN HAVING COLD STARTING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 SATURN ION. I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM FIX BY DEALER 3 TIMES IN THE PAST. AT 620.00 A POP THAT'S HARD . NOW AFTER TALKING TO A TECHNICIAN THAT USED TO WORK FOR SATURN BEFORE THEY CLOSED ,THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY OIL THAT RELEASES FROM THE PART WHEN COLD AND LEAKS DOWN FROM THE IGNITION TO THE PASS LOCK SWITCH THIS SHOULD HAVE A RECALL BEFORE THIS BURNS SOMEONE UP AND KILLS THEM . THEY SHOULD HAVE TO FIX ALL THESE CARS .DO IT RIGHT AND STOP CHARGING PEOPLE FOR SOMETHING THAT REALLY CANT BE FIXED SIMPLY BY REPLACING A PART THAT WILL CONTINUE LEAKING OIL WHEN COLD. I AM REALLY SURPRISED THIS HASN'T ALREADY BEEN RECALLED. I CAN ONLY WAIT TO SEE IF THIS HAPPENS THEY NEED TO PAY ,I CANT AFFORD TO GO BUY A CAR WITH WORK SLOW SO SATURN AND GM SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. ALL THIS IS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH INSIDE THE CAR AND IF A FIRE STARTS WITH YOU IN IT AT THE WHEEL YOU LOSE A CAR AND POSSIBLE A LIFE OR MORE IF IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THIS LOCKS DOWN YOUR CAR. IT'S NOT ONLY ME ITS MY KIDS AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD AT DANGER IT'S ALL WHO DRIVE A SATURN ION 2003. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

Feb 8, 2010

CAR HAS FREQUENT INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS (ABOUT ONE IN 4 STARTING ATTEMPTS IS A NO-GO). INTERNET RESEARCH BRINGS UP MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE IGNITION SWITCH SENDING THE WRONG SIGNAL TO THE COMPUTER WHICH IN TURN ACTIVATES THE SECURITY SYSTEM (PASSLOCK, IN GM SPEAK) AND PREVENTS THE CAR FROM STARTING. GM RECOGNIZES THE ISSUE IN TSB #3493A WHICH RECOMMENDS REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE TO GM, I BELIEVE THE SWITCH REPLACEMENT SHOULD BE DONE AT THE MANUFACTURER'S COST, NOT THE CONSUMER'S COST. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROCEDURE AND CONSUMERS ARE FORCED TO GO TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE CAR'S COMPUTER (BCM) HAS TO BE REPROGRAMMED AFTER THE SWITCH REPLACEMENT. *TR

Feb 2, 2010

CAR WILL NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START SECURITY LIGHT TURN ON AND WON'T START FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT THAT'S NOT THE SOLUTION. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK. ITS HORRIBLE BEING STRANDED OUT IN THE COLD WHEN IS BELOW ZERO FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. SATURN NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING OUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Jan 27, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. DURING COLD WEATHER THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START SINCE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE RESETS TO A SECURITY MODE AS IF IT HAS BEEN STOLEN. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE SWITCH; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD USE THE DEFECTIVE SWITCH WHEN THEY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

Jan 22, 2010

CAR WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. THIS BEGAN 3 MONTHS AGO AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WINTER SEASON, UNFORTUNATELY THE FIRST DAY OF A NEW JOB. THIS HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIMES UNTIL I WAS LET GO FOR SHOWING UP LATE TO WORK (APPARENTLY, A CAR THAT PROBLEMATIC WAS INCONCEIVABLE). I HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED, BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY, BUT MOSTLY IN THE EARLY MORNING OR LATE EVENING WHEN IT'S COLDEST OUTSIDE. THIS PAST WEEK ALONE, MY CAR WOULDN'T START 3 TIMES. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM IN SATURN ION'S (2003-2006 MODELS). SOME COMPLAINTS HAVE SUGGESTED IT'S THE IGNITION, THE PASSLOCK KEY, OR AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, AND MY MECHANIC IS LOOKING INTO THE FUEL PUMP. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC DOESN'T READ A PROBLEM IF THE CAR IS STARTING, WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE CASE BY THE TIME THE MECHANIC'S SHOP OPENS (WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE FAIRLY GOOD IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ON MOST DAYS). THE OTHER DAY, MY CAR HAD STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS, THANKFULLY ON A SMALL RESIDENTIAL STREET, BECAUSE IT DID NOT WANT TO RESTART. IT TOOK 10 MINUTES TO GET THE CAR GOING AGAIN. YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW DISASTROUS THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OR BUSY CITY ROAD. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY GM. I HAVE ALSO MADE COMPLAINTS TO THE FTC & TO SATURN. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ONLINE, REPLACING THE PART DOESN'T EVEN HELP BECAUSE ALL OF THESE ION PARTS ARE FAULTY. PLEASE SEE TO IT THAT CONSUMERS ARE PROTECTED. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 77,230

Jan 19, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A USED 2003 SATURN ION WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2008. IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HER LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, AND THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. TWO WEEKS LATER, IN COLD AND RAINING TEMPERATURES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. NO FURTHER REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,221. UPDATED 02/03/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE GREASE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FREEZING AND/OR HARDENING SO THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED SO THE IGNITION SWITCH AND GREASE CAN BE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/11/10.*JB

Mileage: 82,221

Jan 13, 2010

2003 SATURN ION WILL NOT START DUE TO THE PASSLOCK TIMING ME OUT. IT HAS LEFT ME STRANDED TOO MANY TIMES AND YESTERDAY I HAD TO WAIT 3 HRS FOR MY CAR TO START. I HAVE READ REPORTS OF OTHER CONSUMERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND WANTED TO FILE A WRITTEN COMPLAINT. *TR

Mileage: 122,000

Jan 13, 2010

CAR WON'T START WHEN THE TEMP IS BELOW 20 F, HAVE TO WAIT 10 MIN FOR ANTI THEFT TO RESET AND THEN TRY AGAIN. SOME TIMES HAVE TO TRY 3 OR 4 TIMES. DEALER SAY IT'S A KNOW PROBLEM AND I HAVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AT MY EXPENSE. *TR

Jan 13, 2010

MY 2003 SATURN ION REFUSES TO START WHEN IT IS COLD BUT AFTER 10 MINS IT WILL DECIDE IT WANTS TO START. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED AND PUT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS PROBLEM WITH THE MECHANIC NOT SEEING THE PROBLEM. PUT A NEW IGNITION SWITCH IN THE CAR AND STILL HAS THE PROBLEM. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB MANY SATURN OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND SATURN IS REFUSING TO DO SO. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

Jan 11, 2010

2003 SATURN ION. THIS CAR WILL NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER. IF THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES F FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE CAR WILL STALL. I HAVE READ THAT THE DIFFICULTLY MAY HAVE TO DO WITH A TYPE OF LUBRICANT ON THE STARTER, WHICH HARDENS IN THE COLD WEATHER. THE CAR STALLS AS A RESULT, AND THEN THE PASS-LOCK KICKS IN. AFTER 8 MINUTES, THE CAR MAY START, OR ONE MAY HAVE TO WAIT AN ADDITIONAL 8 MINUTES (OR MORE) FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH TO LOOSEN UP ENOUGH TO START THE ENGINE. HOWEVER, THE CAR MAY STALL YET AGAIN---AND SET OFF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM YET AGAIN. *TR

Jan 11, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2003. SHE STATED THAT IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND IT WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL IN COLD WEATHER AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED GETTING THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED A SECOND TIME AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 88,500. UPDATED 01/29/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/10.*JB

Mileage: 88,500

Jan 6, 2010

2003 ION, WILL NOT START WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD, THE ERROR NOTED ON THE DISPLAY NOTES THEFT INTERLOCK, IF YOU WAIT 10 MINUTES, THE CAR WILL START. AT TIMES THE KEY WILL STICK IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT COME OUT, AT TIMES THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF. THIS INTERLOCK NEEDS TO BE A SATURN RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

Dec 29, 2009

FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS I HAVE HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY 2003 SATURN ION STARTING IN THE COLD WEATHER. I HAVE HAD MY STARTER CHECKED ALONG WITH SEVERAL BATTERY REPLACEMENTS, YET THERE HAS NOT YET BEEN A STOP TO THIS ISSUE. I'VE LOOKED ONLINE FOR SOLUTIONS TO THIS ISSUE AND UNFORTUNATELY NO ONE HAS A SOLUTION ONLY COMPLAINTS. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THOUSANDS OF SATURN ION'S AND GM DOES NOT SEEM TO FEEL THE NEED TO RECALL THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. I HAVE READ ABOUT MOTHERS AND CHILDREN BEING STRANDED BECAUSE THEY ARE UNABLE TO START THEIR SATURNS IN THE COLD WEATHER AND THEY DO NOT HAVE ANYONE IN THE VICINITY TO HELP THEM OUT. THE CAR USUALLY TAKES ABOUT A HALF HOUR TO START AFTER INITIALLY TRYING - WHICH NO CAR SHOULD HAVE TO DO. PLEASE GET ON GM/SATURN TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

Dec 28, 2009

PASSLOCK SYSTEM FAILS ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS (GENERALLY COLD CONDITIONS) PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM STARTING FOR TEN (10) MINUTES PRIOR TO NEXT ATTEMPT. THIS COULD POSE A SAFETY HAZARD/RISK TO AN INDIVIDUAL IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE TRANSPORTATION DUE TO THE NEED FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT (IE., WOMAN IN LABOR) OR AN INDIVIDUAL FLEEING A DANGEROUS SITUATION (IE., MANDATORY EVACUATIONS). THIS IS A SECURITY FEATURE AND NOT REQUIRED FOR SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AS SUCH; IN LIEU OF THE NUMBER OF MALFUNCTIONS WITH SAID SYSTEM, THE OWNER OF SAID VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE THE OPTION OF HAVING SAID SYSTEM DISABLED AT THEIR DISCRETION INCURRING LITTLE OR NO COST BY THE MANUFACTURER/DEALER. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

Dec 26, 2009

I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY 2003 SATURN ION QUAD COUPE AND AFTER RESEARCH I HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THESE PEOPLE(HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/REVIEWS/SATURN/ION/R97727/COMMENTS/) HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS STARTED NOV. 2008 WHEN I WOULD GO TO START MY CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. IT WOULD MAKE NO NOISE WHAT SO EVER OR IT WOULD START AND STALL...AFTER 10 TO 20 MINUTES IT WOULD START LIKE NOTHING WAS WRONG. THEN IT DIDN'T DO IT FOR ANOTHER 2 WEEKS...THEN IT WAS 2 DAYS...THEN 3 WEEKS...THERE WAS NO PATTERN. IN DEC. 2008 I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY. THEN TWO DAYS LATER THEY REPLACED THE STARTER...I STILL HAD THE PROBLEM BUT BECAUSE THE CAR DIDN'T HAVE THE ISSUE WITH THE MECHANIC AND I HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING WHEN IT WOULD HAPPEN THEY COULDN'T HELP. THIS STOPPED IN APRIL AND I HAD NO TROUBLE UNTIL NOV. 27, 2009 AND IT'S BEEN HAPPENING EVERY FEW DAYS SINCE. I HAVEN'T CALLED SATURN B/C I'M AFRAID THEY WILL BE LIKE MY MECHANIC AND EITHER NOT BE ABLE TO FIX IT OR CHARGE ME AN ARM AND A LEG TO GET IT FIX...I WAS LAID OFF TWICE THIS YEAR AND AM CURRENTLY UNEMPLOYED SO PAYING A LOT FOR THIS ISSUE WHEN SATURN SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLE FOR THE MASS AMOUNT OF PEOPLE HAVING ISSUES WITH THIS CAR!*TR

Dec 19, 2009

I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUES THAT A LOT OF ION OWNERS ARE HAVING. CAR WILL NOT START WHEN IT IS COLD AND THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM KICKS IN. ONCE THIS KICKS IN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE ACCESSORIES POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES, PASSLOCK WILL THEN SHUT OFF AND YOU CAN RETRY.IF IT DOES NOT START YOU HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 10 MINUTES TO TRY AND START. SUPPOSEDLY THIS IS BECAUSE OF GREASE THAT IS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS GREASE FREEZES UP WHEN COLD. IT DOES SEEM TO HELP IF YOU WARM UP THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH A HAIR DRYER OR LIGHTER.I DON'T KNOW WHY GM DOES NOT RECALL THIS. THEY ARE PASSING THEIR SCREW UP ONTO THE CONSUMER. THIS PROBLEM HAS LEFT MANY PEOPLE STRANDED. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME TILL SOME ONE IS IN A REALLY BAD SITUATION BECAUSE OF THIS. 'SORRY YOUR HAVING A HEART ATTACK MAYBE I CAN START THE CAR IN ANOTHER 10 MINUTES'. I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED IF SOMEONE FROZE TO DEATH BECAUSE OF THIS. AT THE VERY LEAST I KNOW PEOPLE HAVE MISSED MANY HOURS OF WORK. ANYWAYS, I AM GOING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH TO SEE IF THIS WORKS. I ALREADY BOUGHT A REMOTE START WHICH BYPASSES THE PASSLOCK WHEN REMOTE START BUT NO ONE WILL INSTALL THIS ON A MANUAL CAR. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

Dec 16, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD HESITATE BEFORE IT TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115000.

Mileage: 115,000

Dec 10, 2009

WHENEVER THE TEMPERATURE IS SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW FREEZING MY 2003 SATURN ION WILL NOT START. I SAT IN THE CAR AND TRIED TO START THE ENGINE FOR OVER 20 MINUTES THIS MORNING BEFORE GIVING UP AND CALLING OFF THE INTERVIEW I WAS SUPPOSED TO GO TO. IT IS NOT A BATTERY ISSUE, AS THE BATTERY IS COMPLETELY CHARGED. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED ROUGHLY 15 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, OFTEN LEAVING ME STRANDED WITHOUT A WAY TO GET HOME. *TR

Dec 7, 2009

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A SATURN ION 2003 AND IT AT TIMES DOESN'T START. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE STARTER. AFTER ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES, THE CAR STARTS UP. I CANNOT HAVE A CAR THAT COULD POSSIBLY LEAVE ME STRANDED MILES FROM MY HOUSE IN THE COLD. *TR

Mileage: 102,000

Nov 18, 2009

SATURN ION 2003 IGNITION SWITCH AND IGNITION CYLINDER BAD 3 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2003. I HAVE HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THE SWITCH, AT ABOUT $300., EACH TIME. NO ONE BUT A GM DEALER CAN REPLACE THIS SWITCH, WHICH FAILS ONCE THE TEMP. DROPS, BECAUSE OF GM NOT RELEASING THE COMPUTER CODES. THE IGNITION CYLINDER IS BAD, BUT AT A COST OF $100. JUST FOR THE CYLINDER AND ANOTHER COST OF $100 FOR THE LABOR, I HAVE TO LEAVE A KEY IN THE IGNITION AT ALL TIMES IN THE RUN POSITION, SO I CAN START MY CAR. SATURN HAS ADMITTED TO THESE BEING FAULTY PARTS, BUT REFUSES TO RECALL THE CARS, SO THE CONSUMER IS FORCED TO PAY OVER AND OVER AGAIN FOR THE SAME REPAIRS. *TR

Nov 18, 2009

SATURN ION 2003 DOES NOT START WHEN COLD, COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY PEOPLE. *TR

Nov 18, 2009

THE EVENT LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE WAS DRIVING 3 MILES FROM WORK TO BABYSITTERS. THE FAILURE IS THE CAR REFUSES TO TURN OVER AFTER TURNED OFF. THIS HAPPENS COMMONLY IN COLDER WEATHER. BATTERY WAS REPLACED, STARTER WAS REPLACED, AND THEN AFTER RESEARCH LEARNED THIS IS AN IGNITION ISSUE SATURN IS AWARE OF. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

Nov 6, 2009

2003 SATURN ION SERVICE BULLETIN # 040845005. NHTSA ITEM #: 10007431. NO CRANK NO START WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES WHEN COLD. HAD THIS CAR FOR 6 YEARS WITH MINOR ISSUES BEGINNING AS DESCRIBED ABOVE LAST WINTER SEASON IN 2008. NOW THE ISSUE IS FREQUENT, MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY IF WEATHER IS COLD. I LIVE IN THE NORTH EAST IT GETS COLD HERE OFTEN. I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR 14 MONTHS AND CAN NOT AFFORD THE $270 SATURN IS CLAIMING TO REPAIR THIS SITUATION. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE OWNING THE SATURN ION, SATURN IS AWARE OF THIS AND IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT. WHY CAN'T THIS BE RECALLED? IT LEAVES ME STRANDED IN AWKWARD AND UNPLEASANT WEATHER CONDITIONS. I CURRENTLY HAVE TO HEAT UP MY CAR KEY WITH A LIGHTER TO MAKE IT WARM ENOUGH TO HEAT UP THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE GREASE INSIDE. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO? THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 95,479

Sep 21, 2009

IN THE COLDER WEATHER, MY CAR (WHICH IS A 2003 SATURN ION) WILL NOT START. IT OFTEN WILL START AND RUN FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN WILL STALL OUT, AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE STARTED AGAIN FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FREQUENTLY (MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE WEEK) BEGINNING AROUND THE DATE LISTED BELOW. I HAVE KEPT MY CAR IN GOOD REPAIR AND HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR SERVICING ON A REGULAR BASIS; I AM CONCERNED, NOW THAT I WILL BE OUT SOMEWHERE IN A CITY (OR OTHER DANGEROUS PLACE) AT NIGHT AND MY CAR WON'T START. AS A SINGLE YOUNG WOMAN, THIS PROBLEM IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. I RELY ON MY CAR VERY HEAVILY TO GET ME PLACES, AND KNOWING THERE ARE MANY THOUSANDS OF OTHER SATURNS OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE IS A SCARY THOUGHT. *TR

Mileage: 77,000

Sep 11, 2009

SATURN ION 2003 CAR WOULD NOT START. *TR

Mileage: 57,000

Jul 20, 2009

THERE IS AN ISSUE THAT AFFECTS A SENSOR IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO LOCK UP BECAUSE IT IS GETTING A FALSE SIGNAL THAT THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT AFFECTS THE CAR'S "PASSLOCK" SYSTEM AND I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN (1) THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 0 DEGREES C OVER NIGHT OR AN EXTENDED TIME PERIOD. (2) THE ONLY WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM IS TO KEEP REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN IT GOES BAD. ATTACHED BELOW IS TAKEN FROM ANOTHER OWNER OF THE SATURN ION. "THE PROBLEM WITH THE ION NOT STARTING IN MANY CASES IS DUE TO A POORLY DESIGNED ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM LOOKS FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE KEY IN THE LOCK WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED. THE SYSTEM LOOKS FOR A LOW RESISTANCE, BUT NOT ZERO OHMS, AND CAN BE TRAINED TO LOOK FOR A SPECIFIC VALUE. IF IT DOES NOT FIND WHAT IT IS LOOKING FOR, THE CAR WILL NOT START. ONE SOLUTION IS TO CHANGE THE SWITCH. ANYONE THAT CAN USE A WRENCH AND SCREW DRIVER CAN DO THIS. THE SWITCH COSTS ABOUT $30. THE PROBLEM, IS THAT THEY DON'T LAST TOO LONG, SOMETIMES LESS THAN A YEAR. A SIMPLE SOLUTION I FOUND ELSEWHERE, IS TO CUT THE WHITE WIRE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. LEAVE ENOUGH LENGTH AFTER THE SWITCH SO IT CAN BE SPLICED BACK TOGETHER. I DID THIS TODAY, IT WAS EASY, AND SEEMS TO WORK. IT DOES GIVE YOU A SERVICE WARNING. ANOTHER OPTION, IS TO INSTALL A BYPASS DEVICE THAT IS DESIGNED FOR REMOTE STARTERS. ANOTHER OPTION, WHICH IS SIMPLER, AND DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE (I HAVEN'T TESTED THIS) IS TO LEAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION ALL THE TIME. USE A SECOND KEY TO LOCK THE DOORS" A SHORT SEARCH OF SATURN IONS NOT STARTING IN COLD WEATHER WILL SHOW THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. WHY THIS ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN DEALT WITH IS A MYSTERY. *TR

Mileage: 20,000

May 18, 2009

MY 2003 SATURN ION KEEPS HAVING IGNITION SWITCH ISSUES. I WAS FIRST TOLD BY SATURN THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY BATTERY. DID THAT BUT THE PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS. THE IGNITION WON'T TURN OVER BUT WILL AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. BEING A WOMAN, THIS MAKES ME VERY NERVOUS BECAUSE JUST YESTERDAY WHEN I STALLED MY CAR WHILE ON ROUTE I HAD TO HAVE MY HUSBAND PUSH ME OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL I COULD START IT AGAIN. I COULD HAVE BEEN ALL BY MYSELF AND HAD TO RELY ON TOTAL STRANGERS FOR HELP. :-( *TR

Mileage: 65,000

May 8, 2009

MY 2003 SATURN ION HAS AN IGNITION PROBLEM. SOMETIMES IT WON'T START. IT IS INTERMITTENT. TODAY THE CAR STARTED, I STARTED DRIVING ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE POWER STEERING WENT OFF, THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I GOT THE CAR STOPPED, TURNED OFF THE CAR. TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, TO NO AVAIL. WAITED A FEW MINUTES, STARTED THE CAR, TURNED AROUND, WENT BACK TO BEG. DESTINATION. TURNED OFF CAR. TRIED TO RESTART - NO RESTART. WAITED 30 MIN. TRIED AGAIN, NO START. WAITED 1 HOUR, STARTED BUT NONE OF THE ITEMS ON THE DASH WOULD WORK. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WERE ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL THIS JUST STOPPED AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT? *TR

Mileage: 97,576

May 7, 2009

2003 SATURN ION. THE CAR RUNS PERFECTLY FINE HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN LEFT STRANDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO A MALFUNCTION INVOLVING THE IGNITION SWITCH. MOST OF THE TIME INVOLVES ME BEING LATE FOR WORK BUT TWICE I WAS LEFT IN POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. ONCE TRYING TO LEAVE A SPORTING EVENT LATE NIGHT IN DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND THE CAR WOULDN'T START, TURNED THE KEY AND NOTHING. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES FINALLY AFTER 20 MINUTES OF THAT THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. ANOTHER TIME WITH MY 85 YEAR OLD MOM (WHO HAS ALZHEIMER'S) AFTER BUYING GAS THE SAME THING AND IT TERRIFIED MY MOM. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT SATURN IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT AND THAT PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO MINE ARE VERY COMMON AND VERY FRUSTRATING TO SATURN OWNERS WHO ARE FORCED TO PAY NEARLY $300.00 FOR A NEW IGNITION SWITCH ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM REOCCUR A FEW MOTHS LATER. SATURN ADMITS THAT THE PROBLEM IS WORSE IN COLD WEATHER. IF PEOPLE ARE STRANDED IN FRIGID WEATHER UNABLE TO START THE ENGINE AND HAVE HEAT, ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS AN ELDERLY PERSON OR CHILD IN THE CAR, SERIOUS INJURIES COULD DEFINITELY OCCUR. *TR

Mileage: 78,000

May 4, 2009

THE CAR JUST SEEMED TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF AND THEN QUIT; AMAZINGLY ENOUGH THE SPEEDOMETER GOT SCREWED UP AND WAS SHOWING 10MPH OVER WHAT IT WAS REALLY GOING; ONLY WAY I COULD TELL WAS BY WHAT THE RPMS NORMALLY RUN WAS WAY TOO SLOW COMPARED TO THE SPEED. *TR

Mileage: 72,356

Apr 15, 2009

CAR INTERMITTENTLY STARTS. THIS HAS BEEN A SPORADIC EVENT SINCE DECEMBER 2007. IT HAPPENS PERHAPS ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH IN THE COLDER WEATHER. CAR WILL START FINE AT ONE STOP, THEN TRY TO START IT AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENS. COME BACK 10-20 MINUTES LATER AND IT STARTS RIGHT UP. ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WAS THE OLD BATTERY, BUT THAT HAS BEEN REPLACE AND THE PROBLEM IS RECURRING. *TR

Mileage: 93,000

Apr 14, 2009

2003 SATURN ION WITH 58,000 MILES HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE. AFTER A BRIEF STOP FOR SHOPPING, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT MADE ONLY A CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED. THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, IT WOULD TURN OVER ONCE AND THEN NOTHING. AFTER ABOUT 40 MINUTES, THE CAR STARTED. IT WAS A COOL DAY, BUT THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE ON EVEN COLDER DAYS. ONE DEALER CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THE STARTER AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. ANOTHER LOCATION IDENTIFIED THE BATTERY AS LOW. IT WAS REPLACED. BUT THE REAL CAUSE OF THIS EVENT IS STILL A MYSTERY. FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS, I SEE THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON EVENT IN A 2003 ION. I AM VERY CONCERNED, NOW, THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND STILL THERE WILL BE NO REMEDY. ARE THERE NO RECALLS BECAUSE NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM OR HOW TO REMEDY IT? *TR

Mileage: 58,000

Apr 14, 2009

THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT WORK. DURING "COLD DAYS" MY CAR DOES NOT START. I HAVE TO WAIT BETWEEN 10 TO 20 MINUTES TO START THE CAR. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT ION 2003-2007 HAVE, SATURN KNOWS ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT FIXING THE PROBLEM. THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THE IGNITION SWITCH, THEY NEED TO DO SOMETHING. *TR

Mileage: 48,000

Apr 12, 2009

WHILE THERE HAVE, BEEN NO ADVERSE DEATHS OR INJURIES THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES THAT COULD LEAD TO DEATHS. I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION 2 TIMES. THE IGNITION LOCKS UP AND THE CAR WILL CONTINUE RUNNING EVEN IF I REMOVE THE KEY. *TR

Mileage: 20,000

Apr 6, 2009

OUR 2003 SATURN ION FAILS TO START AT TIMES. TYPICALLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT IS A COLD MORNING. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND STARTER. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE CITED THE VERY SAME PROBLEM ON CAR DISCUSSION SITES. *TR

Mileage: 81,000

Mar 25, 2009

THERE ARE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. FROM EVERYTHING I'VE READ FROM OTHER SATURN ION OWNERS THIS IS A FREQUENT AND SEEMINGLY RANDOM PROBLEM. AT ANY GIVEN TIME IF IT IS COLD OUTSIDE THE CAR WON'T START. EVERYTHING LIGHTS UP, THE ENGINE TURNS OVER AND CATCHES, ONLY TO STALL. UPON REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO START THE CAR THERE WILL BE NO RESPONSE WHATSOEVER. THE ENGINE DOES NOT TURN OVER. AFTER WAITING SEVERAL MINUTES IT WILL EVENTUALLY START. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH; TWICE CAUSING ME TO BE LATE FOR PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT ENGAGEMENTS. UPON REPORTING THE PROBLEM TO THE SATURN DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THAT THEIR STAFF HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE IT. THIS HAS BEEN THEIR GENERAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS SEVERAL ISSUES I'VE HAD WITH MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER GARAGE AND THEY CAN'T FIND A THING WRONG WITH IT. SATURN SEEMS TO BE TURNING A BLIND EYE TO A PROBLEM THAT IS CLEARLY THE RESULT OF A POOR DESIGN SOMEWHERE ON THEIR PART. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WHEN I WAS AT ABOUT 80 000 KM, AND NOW NEED TO REPLACE STRUTS. I AM HESITANT TO DO THIS THOUGH, AS THE GENERAL CONSENSUS AMONG SATURN ION OWNERS IS THAT BUSHINGS AND STRUTS ARE IN PERPETUAL NEED OF REPLACEMENT ON THESE CARS. AFTER REPLACING THE PARTS MOST PEOPLE FIND THAT THEY HAVE TO MAKE THE SAME REPAIRS AGAIN WITHIN 2 YEARS. FURTHER PROBLEMS I HAVE WITH MY CAR ARE: TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN WITH KEY, REPLACED WIRES ON BOTH FRONT TURN SIGNALS AND ONE HEADLIGHT, KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM IGNITION, ERRATIC TRANSMISSION BEHAVIOR (I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT I JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT), SEAT BELT GUIDES BROKEN (FRONT, BOTH SIDES), REAR SEAT BELT "FEMALE" COMPONENT FALLS INTO CREVICE IN SEAT, PAINT PEELING FROM FRONT BUMPER WITHOUT BEING CHIPPED PRIOR, AND A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE PROBLEMS HAS TURNED UP AGAIN AND AGAIN IN THE ION OWNERS COMMUNITY. *TR

Mar 7, 2009

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION AND THE PROBLEM STARTED YESTERDAY. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR ON JANUARY 31, 2009. I WENT TO START THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL. IT JUST SAID SERVICE VEHICLE ON THE MESSAGE CENTER SCREEN. I DRIVE 120 MILES PER DAY SOMETIMES AND I HAVE DONE ONLINE RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS CAR. IT NOT ONLY HAPPENS WITH THIS YEAR AND MAKE BUT WITH OTHER MAKES TOO! THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND DANGEROUS. THE WEATHER WHERE I LIVE GETS DOWN TO 30 BELOW ZERO SOMETIMES AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO NOT BE ABLE TO START MY CAR. I AM A FULL-TIME STUDENT WITH 3 CHILDREN AND A HUSBAND THAT WORKS OUT OF TOWN. I CANNOT AFFORD THE NUMEROUS CAR REPAIRS THAT PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THAT THEY HAD TO HAVE DONE ON THIS TYPE OF CAR. WHY HASN'T THEIR BEEN A RECALL?!!! *TR

Mileage: 48,901

Mar 4, 2009

DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN TEMPERATURE IS 30 OR BELOW MY 2003 SATURN ION IS UNABLE TO START. I MUST WAIT 20 MINUTES AND THEN TRY AGAIN. THERE SEEM TO BE A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. WHICH CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER.*TR

Mar 1, 2009

2003 SATURN ION WILL NOT START DUE TO FAULTY PARTS USED BY MANUFACTURER. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

Feb 25, 2009

ON JULY 5, 2008 I PURCHASED A 2003 SATURN ION FROM CARMAX FOR THE COST OF $10,998. IT APPARENTLY PASSED THE RIGOROUS CARMAX CERTIFIED QUALITY INSPECTION. IN NOVEMBER 2008 (4 MONTHS LATER) THE SATURN WOULD NOT START DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER. I TOOK THIS INTO CARMAX AND THEY REPLACED MY BATTERY AT MY COST. AGAIN IN JANUARY 2009 (1 MONTH LATER) IT STILL WOULD NOT START IN THE MORNING. THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE. THIS MORNING NOW FEBRUARY 2009 IT DID NOT START AGAIN IN THE MORNING RESULTING IN A PROBLEM GETTING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL. IT IS UNDOUBTEDLY AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SATURN. AFTER READING ALL THESE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR NOT STARTING UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS I AM PERPLEXED AS TO WHY SATURN IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. THIS IS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH A SATURN AND MOST LIKELY MY LAST. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

Feb 21, 2009

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY SATURN HAS NOT BEEN FORCED TO DO A RECALL WITH ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION ON IONS NOT WORKING AT CERTAIN TIMES. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND IT IS CLEARLY A DESIGN ISSUE. I AM OFTEN STRANDED BECAUSE THE CAR WILL NOT START. *TR

Mileage: 1

Feb 19, 2009

STARTING THIS FALL, MY 2003 SATURN ION HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH NOT STARTING SOMETIMES. IT STARTS FINE IN THE MORNING NO MATTER HOW COLD, BUT SOMETIMES AFTER I DRIVE A LITTLE WHILE AND ENGINE IS WARMER, IT WILL NOT START BACK UP IF I RUN INTO THE STORE OR WHATEVER FOR A FEW MINUTES. IT TURNS OVER A FEW STROKES AND DIES COMPLETELY. IF I TRY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS. I WILL NORMALLY WAIT 15 MINUTES (OR SO) AND IT STARTS PERFECTLY FINE WITH PLENTY OF POWER. *TR

Mileage: 63,000

Feb 9, 2009

CAR FAILS TO START INTERMITTENTLY. WAIT 10 MIN, CAR TURNS OVER THEN DIES. WAIT 5 MIN CAR WILL START (HIGH RPM'S AT FIRST) W/O PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Feb 5, 2009

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN THAT WILL NOT START WHEN IT GETS COLD, THIS HAS HAPPEN SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR. THIS CAN BE VERY FRUSTRATING AND COSTLY WHEN I MISS HOURS FROM WORK OR TRYING TO GET MY CHILD TO SCHOOL. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. IS THERE ANYONE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. WHY SHOULD WE CONTINUE TO SUFFER FOR TRUSTING A PRODUCT WITH YOUR NAME ON IT FOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.*TR KAREN

Feb 5, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. AT TEMPERATURES OF 30 DEGREES AND BELOW, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALER PERFORMED ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED YET AGAIN AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VIN THAT WAS PROVIDED WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 65,000.

Feb 3, 2009

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION. I HAVE HAD IT IN 3 TIMES TO BE WORKED ON. SOME DAYS IT WILL START SOME DAYS IT WILL NOT. I HAVE HAD A FUSE REPLACED, MY STARTED, AND A CONNECTION TO THE STARTER. I KNOW 2 OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME CAR. NOW I READ THIS ONLINE BLOG AND A TON OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL OF THESE REPAIRS. *TR

Mileage: 37,000

Jan 30, 2009

I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENT DURING THE LAST 14 MONTHS REGARDING MY SATURN ION III NOT WANTING TO START IN COLD WEATHER & THE IGNITION SWITCH NOT ALLOWING ME TO RELEASE THE KEY. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO TRY TO DIAGNOSE, NEW BATTERY, TOWING ETC. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

Jan 30, 2009

CAR WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER (APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES OR LOWER). INITIAL ATTEMPT AT STARTING PUTS CAR INTO ANTI-THEFT MODE, AND YOU MUST WAIT ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO TRY AGAIN WITH NO GUARANTEE THE SAME THING WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Jan 25, 2009

SATURN WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. STARTS FINE IN THE WARMTH OF MY GARAGE. BARELY TURNS OVER THEN DIES. HAVE TO WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES OR HAVE IT JUMPED. BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED AND ALTERNATOR IS GOOD. STARTER PROBLEM OR IGNITION PROBLEM. SAME AS MANY OTHERS: HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML. *TR

Mileage: 102,000

Jan 25, 2009

THIS FALL I WENT TO START MY 2005 SATURN ION S2 IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD THE IGNITION SWITCHED REPLACED. NOW IN JANUARY, I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND DETERMINED THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM THAT CAN BE FIXED PERMANENTLY BECAUSE THE PART IS BAD FROM SATURN. I DO NOT WANT TO KEEP SPENDING $200.00 WHENEVER I HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 73,000

Jan 23, 2009

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION THAT I BOUGHT USED IN 2006. WHEN THE WEATHER IS 32 DEGREES OR LOWER THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. I THOUGHT THAT IT MAY JUST BE MY BATTERY BUT THE BATTERY WAS FINE. AFTER DOING A GOOGLE SEARCH I WAS ABLE TO READ THOUGH ABOUT 150 CASES WHERE PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE IN COLD WEATHER. THIS REALLY CONCERNS ME BECAUSE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS REASON. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS MATTER I FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH THAT WAS INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE HAD A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE A FOUR MONTH OLD BABY AND TO BE OUT IN THE COLD WITH A VEHICLE THAT WONT START BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM IS REALLY SAD. I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD REALLY LOOK INTO THIS MATTER WITH THIS VEHICLE. EVERY DAY I CANT START MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE COLD WEATHER. PLEASE HELP ME IN THIS MATTER. ALSO GOOGLE THIS PROBLEM AND YOU WILL SEE MANY CASES OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Jan 23, 2009

CAR HAS PROBLEMS STARTING UP IN COLD WEATHER, BUT IT'S SPORADIC - SOMETIMES IT WILL START, SOMETIME IT WON'T. BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A "WHITE" WIRE THAT IS IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND CONNECTED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR

Mileage: 74,000

Jan 21, 2009

CAR HAS STARTING PROBLEMS. INTERMITTENT STARTING IN COLD WEATHER AND NOW STALLS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER INSTALLED NEW IGNITION SWITCH ONE WEEK AGO FOR $230, BUT STALLING IS ONCE AGAIN A PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOU ARE STUCK IN A CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC! *TR

Mileage: 86,000

Jan 20, 2009

MY SATURN ION HAS BEEN HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS STARTING IN COOLER WEATHER. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND FOUND OUT ONLINE THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH EITHER GOES BAD OR THE WRONG SWITCH WAS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. THE PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH A KEY CODE AND VOLTAGE. THIS HAS OCCUR AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK FOR A MONTH NOW. *TR

Mileage: 66,000

Jan 20, 2009

MY 2003 SATURN ION REFUSES TO START SPORADICALLY ON COLD MORNINGS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE EARLY FALL. MY CAR REPAIR SHOP ASSURES ME THAT THE BATTERY IN MY CAR IS FULLY CHARGED AND CAPABLE OF STARTING. THEY TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE SEEN 5-6 OF THESE ISSUES WITH SATURN IONS IN THE PAST MONTH, AND THAT I MUST TAKE IT TO THE SATURN DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE. I LIVE IN A FAIRLY SMALL TOWN, THE FACT THAT MY SHOP HAS SEEN THIS MANY ISSUES WITH SATURNS IS ASTOUNDING. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND THE TEMPS IN INDIANA HAVE BEEN BELOW ZERO. I FEAR THAT I WILL HAVE THEM OUT SOMEWHERE AND BE UNABLE TO START MY CAR IN SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES, OR THAT I WILL BE UNABLE TO PICK THEM UP FROM SCHOOL BECAUSE I CANNOT GET MY CAR STARTED. I HAVE READ ON THE WEB THIS MORNING, THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN MY ISSUES WITH MY SATURN ION. I REALIZE THAT NO ONE HAS DIED OR BEEN INJURED IN MY PARTICULAR SITUATION, BUT IF SMALL CHILDREN ARE STRANDED IN MY CAR IN SUB-ZERO TEMPS BECAUSE MY CAR WON'T START, IT SEEMS THAT, AT THE VERY LEAST WE HAVE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE HERE. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

Jan 19, 2009

THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. MY CAR DOES NOT COLD START IN TEMPERATURES UNDER 30 DEGREES. MANY SATURN OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BUT WHEN IT WAS I BROUGHT IT IN MANY TIMES FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND SERVICE. DEALER REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH TWICE AND STARTER ONCE. PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED. ITS WORSE NOW THEN EVER BEFORE IN THESE COLD DAYTON OHIO WINTERS. NOW THEY SAY THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE MOTHER BOARD FOR MY CAR AFTER DOING ANOTHER DIAGNOSTICS TEST FOR A TOTAL OF @ $500.00. I FEEL SATURN IS NOT ONLY GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND BUT WILL GLADLY STILL TAKE MY HARD EARNED MONEY. PLEASE HELP. IM ABOUT TO BE A FATHER AND DON'T WANT TO BE STRANDED IN THE COLD WITH MY CHILD BY A COMPANY THAT JUST GOT MILLIONS LOANED TO THEM BY OUR GOVERNMENT. NOT FAIR, PLEASE HELP HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR WRONGDOINGS. *TR

Jan 18, 2009

CAR WILL NOT START WHEN ALL COMPONENTS ARE GOOD. FAULTY ANTI THEFT DEVICE. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

Jan 16, 2009

MY CAR WILL NOT START WHEN IT IS COLD. IT IS DUE TO THE FAULTY DESIGN OF THE IGNITION SWITCH/PASSLOCK ERROR. IT HAPPENS AT LEAST THREE OR FOUR TIMES A WEEK, END EVERY MORNING IT IS BELOW 34 DEGREES. I HAVE HAD A NEW BATTERY, FUEL FILTER AND STARTER REPLACED IN THE PAST WEEK. AFTER TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES IT STARTS, BUT TODAY AFTER FORTY FIVE MINUTES IT STILL DID NOT START. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER SATURN OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PART NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

Jan 16, 2009

I HAVE 2 2003 SATURN ION'S WHICH HAVE STARTER PROBLEMS WHICH BOTH HAVE HAD STARTERS REPLACE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT GM/SATURN CONTINUE TO IGNORE. WHEN YOU GET A TEMPERATURE CHANGE THE CARS SOMETIMES START AND SOMETIMES DON'T. SATURN SHOULD RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

Jan 16, 2009

THE TEMPERATURES IN FORT WAYNE HAVE BEEN BELOW FREEZING LATELY (WIND-CHILL WAS -35 TODAY), AND MY 2003 SATURN ION HAS HAD A LOT OF TROUBLE STARTING. WHEN I TURN MY KEY IN THE IGNITION, IT TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START. AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR A MINUTE, I TRY TO START IT AGAIN, ONLY NOW IT WON'T EVEN TURN OVER; IT JUST CLICKS. I THOUGHT MY BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT I HAVEN'T HAD MUCH HELP TODAY IN DEALING WITH IT. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR ADVICE, AND I CAME ACROSS A CAR REVIEW WEBSITE WITH SEVERAL REVIEWS AND COMMENTS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME 2003 SATURN ION PROBLEM I'M HAVING. FROM THE REVIEWS AND COMMENTS, I FIGURED OUR PROBLEMS ARE ONE IN THE SAME- THE CARS HAVE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES. I TRIED TO GET MY CAR FIXED WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT IT LAST YEAR, AND THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS AN IGNITION PROBLEM. I'M JUST NOW DISCOVERING THAT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH ALL 2003 IONS- NOT JUST MINE. AS FAR AS I KNOW, SATURN IS DOING NOTHING TO HELP ITS CUSTOMERS IN THEIR GREATEST TIME OF NEED. THANK GOD MY CAR DIED IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK AND NOT IN SOME LOCATION WHERE I WOULD BE STRANDED IN THE FRIGID TEMPERATURES. *TR

Jan 14, 2009

WE HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION THAT WONT START IN COLD WEATHER DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. SATURN DEALER WANTS $100 JUST TO DIAGNOSE IT ON A COMPUTER BUT MANY FORUMS HAVE INFORMATION STATING THAT THE DEALER ALREADY KNOWS THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY. *TR

Mileage: 93,000

Jan 13, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. USUALLY AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS OF TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE WILL START. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

Mileage: 36,000

Jan 10, 2009

I DRIVE A 2003 SATURN ION 3 - AND EVERY WINTER I GO THROUGH THE SAME ISSUE. THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY NOT START. AFTER ABOUT 10-20 MINUTES OF ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE WILL FINALLY TURN OVER AND START JUST FINE. I BEGAN TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE LAST WINTER AND FOUND THIS: HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWMORECOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727_6.HTML THIS WEBSITE HAS PAGES AND PAGES OF PEOPLE OWNING THE SAME CAR AND HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS ONLY WHEN IT'S COLD OUT AND IT STARTED OFF HAPPENING ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE...UP UNTIL THIS WINTER. I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND IT'S COLD FOR A GOOD 4 OR 5 MONTHS. THIS WEEK MY CAR HAS NOT STARTED 5 TIMES RESULTING IN ME BEING LATE FOR WORK AND LATE FOR SCHEDULED EVENTS....5 TIMES. I WORK FOR A HIGHLY RESPECTED COMPANY AND AM AN OFFICE MANAGER. I AM EXPECTED TO BE ON TIME TO OPEN THE OFFICE AND GET THINGS GOING IN THE MORNING. I'M HOPING THAT WITH THE MILLIONS OF SATURN CUSTOMERS WHO ARE NOT SATISFIED THAT A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED AND I CAN HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED. I CAN NOT JUSTIFY PAYING FOR A PROBLEM THAT A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CAR COMPANY IS AWARE OF AND IS CHOOSING TO DO NOTHING ABOUT. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Jan 9, 2009

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.

Mileage: 40,000

Jan 9, 2009

ONLY WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE, MY CAR WON'T START. I'VE REPLACED THE STARTER AND FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. AFTER RESEARCHING MY ISSUE ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS ME. SINCE THE PROBLEM IS THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND EVERYONE THAT REPLACES IT SAYS THE PROBLEM PERSISTS, I'M NOT GOING TO WASTE MONEY ON AN ISSUE THAT CAN'T BE RESOLVED UNLESS YOUR ORGANIZATION PUTS A RECALL ON THAT PART. I'M SURE YOU'VE RECEIVED NUMEROUS OF EMAILS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, SO THE ONLY SOLUTION WOULD BE TO RECALL THAT ITEM. SINCE WE HAVE GIVEN YOU BUSINESS BY PURCHASING YOUR VEHICLES, THE ONLY THING TO DO IS TO HELP OUT YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Jan 1, 2009

MY SATURN 2003 ION CONTINUES TO HAVE INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS(NOT RELATED TO THE BATTERY), AND PROBLEMS WITH THE KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER, EVEN AFTER THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THEY CANNOT DETECT A PROBLEM YET IT STILL KEEPS HAPPENING! *TR

Dec 23, 2008

CAR WILL NOT START IN TEMPERATURES NEAR 32 DEGREES OR LESS. IGNITION SWITCH AND BATTERY HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. CAR STARTS TO CRANK THEN STALLS OUT AND SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON. MUST WAIT 10-15 MINUTES TO TRY AGAIN. IF LUCKY IT WILL START ON 2ND TRY, OTHERWISE 3RD. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR PAST 3 WEEKS WHEN TEMPS DROPPED. *TR

Dec 23, 2008

2003 SATURN ION HAS PROBLEMS STARTING IN THE COLD. MULTIPLE WEBSITES DOCUMENT DOZENS OF CASES OF PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE ALL RELATING TO A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH SYSTEM. PROBLEM OCCURRED SPORADICALLY THE FIRST COUPLE YEARS BUT HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE COMMON. SATURN IS WILLING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT AT MY EXPENSE FOR SOMETHING THAT IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT OF THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 26,000

Dec 23, 2008

2003 SATURN ION HAS PROBLEMS STARTING IN THE COLD. MULTIPLE WEBSITES DOCUMENT DOZENS OF CASES OF PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE ALL RELATING TO A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH SYSTEM. PROBLEM OCCURRED SPORADICALLY THE FIRST COUPLE YEARS BUT HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE COMMON. SATURN IS WILLING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT AT MY EXPENSE FOR SOMETHING THAT IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT OF THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 26,000

Dec 22, 2008

BOUGHT VEHICLE IN APR. 05, DEC 06 PROBLEM STARTING CAR IN COLD WEATHER LATE FOR WORK, DEALER REPLACED PASSLOCK2 SYSTEM DEC 06, VEHICLE FINE UNTIL DEC 07, PROBLEM CAME ABOUT AGAIN, JAN 08 CALLED DEALER SAID TO BRING IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC, DID SO DEALER SAID IT'S THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM FOR SHORT), PRIOR TO FINDING THAT OUT REPLACED STARTER AND BATTERY TO TRY AND FIX PROBLEM. CALLED SATURN CUSTOMER SUPPORT JAN OR FEB, THEY SAID THE ELECTRONIC FAILING WAS MY FAULT AND I HAD TO FIX PROBLEM. SITTING IN THE COLD WAITING TO START MY CAR HAS RESULTED IN LOSE OF DEXTERITY AND FEELING IN FINGER TIPS DUE TO PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SUB-ZERO TEMPS TRYING TO START CAR. SATURN HAS A BULLETIN #1787659 SAYING THAT IF OWNERS COME IN REFERRING TO THEIR CAR NOT STARTING IN COLD WEATHER "NO CRANK, NO START WITH COMPLETE POWER". SATURN KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND WONT FIX IT CAUSE THEY DEEM IT "A NON-SAFETY ISSUE". *TR

Mileage: 12,030

Dec 21, 2008

WE HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION THAT HAS EXPERIENCED IGNITION PROBLEMS OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS. WE HAD THE STARTER REPLACED BY OUR MECHANIC WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED IN 2006 BUT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM 12-15 TIMES SINCE THEN. WE HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR WILL START IF YOU WAIT FOR 15 MINUTES OR SO BUT IT IS NOT ALWAYS CONVENIENT TO DO SO. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS NUMEROUS SATURN OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH HAS NOT BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY SATURN AS A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE PASSLOCK IGNITION SYSTEM BUT CAN ONLY REPAIR IT FOR A FEE. *TR

Mileage: 74,000

Dec 18, 2008

I WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY SATURN ION 2003 IN HOPES THAT WE CAN RECALL THE CAR. MY CAR IS OUTSIDE UNCOVERED ALL NIGHT. RIGHT NOW IT IS 27.1 DEGREES OUTSIDE. MY SATURN ION 2003 HAS A HARD TIME STARTING WHEN IT IS BELOW 32 DEGREES. I READ ON THIS WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 2 TIMES THIS WEEK, 3 TIMES THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 6 TO 8 TIMES IN THE 5 YEARS THAT I'VE HAD IT. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE IGNITION REVS, BUT THEN IT DIES AND MY CAR HAS A MESSAGE "SERVICE SOON". IF I GIVE IT A FEW MINUTES TO SIT, THEN I TRY IT AGAIN, SOMETIMES IT DOES THE EXACT SAME THING, SOMETIMES IT GETS A LITTLE BETTER, BUT THE ENGINE WON'T TURN OVER COMPLETELY. THEN, WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS A LITTLE WARMER, IT WILL ACTUALLY START. I USUALLY STAY IN MY CAR FOR AN AVERAGE OF 15 MINUTES. LONGEST I'VE WAITED FOR MY CAR TO START WAS AN HOUR. I HAVE TALKED TO SATURN ONCE ABOUT THIS, BUT THEY STATED THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE BEFORE THEY CAN FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. IF I CAN GET MY CAR TO SATURN, OBVIOUSLY THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SATURN REALLY NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE SINCE IT IS MORE OF A SAFETY ISSUE. WE DON'T WANT TO BE STRANDED IN THE COLD WITH NO PHONE SERVICE WAITING FOR THE GREASE OR IGNITION SWITCH TO WARM UP. IT'S RIDICULOUS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR

Dec 16, 2008

MY 2003 SATURN ION 2 WILL NOT START IN THE WINTER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES. THIS CAN HAPPEN AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK ALL WINTER LONG. IT CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 10 MINUTES TO ONE HOUR FOR MY CAR TO START AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND CHARGED ME $80 FOR NOTHING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THREE WINTERS AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE EACH WINTER. IT HAS CAUSED ME TO MISS WORK AND BE LATE FOR WORK SEVERAL TIMES. *TR

Dec 16, 2008

2003 SATURN ION IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. CAR WON'T START, THEN INTERLOCK PREVENTS CAR FROM BEING STARTED FOR 8-10 MINUTES. THIS HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY A DOZEN TIMES AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES.*TR

Mileage: 48,000

Dec 14, 2008

FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. CAR WILL NOT START FOR 10-15 MINUTES WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE. BATTERY REPLACED AND IT DID NOT HELP. *TR

Mileage: 86,000

Dec 13, 2008

2003 SATURN ION FAILS TO START. THIS IS LEAVING MY WIFE AND KIDS STRANDED IN THE COLD A COUPLE OF TIMES A DAY NOW. DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT THIS WEBSITE AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS. THIS IS THE PERFECT DESCRIPTION. HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

Dec 12, 2008

FAULTY DESIGN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE SWITCH LEAKS LUBRICANT ONTO THE WIRES OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM. IN COLD TEMPERATURES THIS LUBRICANT FREEZES AND PREVENTS THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL NEEDED BY THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FROM BEING RECEIVED BY THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE). WHEN THIS SIGNAL ISN'T RECEIVED THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM KICKS IN. IT THEN SHUTS OFF THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A DEFAULT PERIOD OF 10 MINUTES OR SOMETIMES LONGER FOR UP TO AN HOUR. THIS HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS FAILURES WITH THE DRIVER BEING STRANDED IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THERE'S NUMEROUS DOCUMENTATION IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM ONLINE FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND SATURN IS TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY TO TRY AND REMEDY THIS PROBLEM, EXCEPT TO CHARGE UNREASONABLE PRICES TO FIX. IN ADDITION, ACCORDING TO MANY REVIEWS ONLINE THIS PROBLEM RESURFACES AT A LATER DATE... *TR

Mileage: 30,000

Dec 5, 2008

I JUST BOUGHT A 2003 SATURN ION 2 ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. MY WIFE WOKE UP THIS MORNING TO START HER CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. I TRIED JUMPING THE CAR AND STILL NO LUCK. THE PASSLOCK LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID SERVICE VEHICLE. SO I TOLD MY WIFE TO GET IN THE CAR AND SHIFT IT TO NEUTRAL SO WE COULD PUSH IT INTO A DIFFERENT SPOT SO SHE COULD TAKE MY TRUCK TO WORK. SHE DECIDED TO TRY AND START IT ONE LAST TIME AND IT THEN STARTED. FRUSTRATED, I WENT ON TO THE INTERNET AND SEARCH FOR ION PROBLEMS AND HAVE FOUND ABOUT 200 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT SATURN NEEDS TO ADDRESS AND TAKE CARE!! *TR

Mileage: 58,000

Dec 5, 2008

IF THE SATURN VEHICLE IS EXPOSED TO TEMPERATURES AT OR APPROACHING 32 DEGREES F FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING (USUALLY 6-10 HOURS), THEN WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH CLICKS AND THE CAR STALLS. THE SECURITY SYSTEM KICKS IN. THE SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS AND THE ODOMETER SCREEN READS: 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON.' FUEL WILL NOT BE SENT TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOW NOT START FOR ABOUT 8-10 MINUTES AS THE SECURITY SYSTEM RESETS. AFTER 8-10 MINUTES, THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL STOP BLINKING AND THEN GO OUT. 'THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON' SCROLL LIGHT WILL STOP AND ALSO GO OUT. NOW, YOU MAY ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. .HOWEVER, IF THE IGNITION SWITCH GREASE HAS NOT ADEQUATELY WARMED, THEN THE PROCESS WILL BEGIN AGAIN. A SIGNAL THAT THE VEHICLE WILL LIKELY START AFTER THE PRESENT 'LOCK-OUT' WILL BE WHEN THE IGNITION SEEMS TO CRANK A BIT MORE THAN JUST A CLICK, BEFORE LOCKING OUT AGAIN. REMEDY:1. THE GREASE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FREEZING AND/OR HARDENING SO THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN NOT ENGAGE. THE DEALER MUST RECALL ALL OF THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND GREASE. THEY APPARENTLY HAVE A REDESIGNED SWITCH, WHICH CERTAINLY CAN BE CONSTRUED AS AN ADMISSION TO THE FAULTY DESIGN. OF COURSE, THIS TYPE OF REMEDIAL MEASURE CANNOT BE USED IN COURT, BUT IS CERTAINLY HELPFUL TO THOSE OF US CONSUMERS WHO ARE THE VICTIMS OF THE FAULTY DESIGN. SATURN MUST OPENLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE MISTAKE AND FIX IT, BEFORE SOMEONE IS STRANDED IN THE COLD, IN AN AREA WITH NO CELL PHONE SERVICE. SERVICE BULLETIN:040845005 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER:10007431 MFG BULLETIN DATE: 20060301 COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH BULLETIN SUMMARY: NO CRANK, NO START WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES IS COLD - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) B2960 AND OR B3033 ARE SET. *TR

Dec 3, 2008

WE OWN A 2003 SATURN ION AND THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. YOU HAVE TO PRESS A RELEASE BUTTON IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO GET THE KEY OUT. IN ADDITION, THIS APPEARS TO CREATE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AS SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHIN THE 30 DAY WARRANTY PERIOD. THEY SAID THEY WERE "UNABLE TO REPLICATE" PROBLEM, UNBEKNOWNST TO US THIS WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH SATURN IONS. THE "TEMPORARY FIX" IS EVEN IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THAT'S JUST WRONG! HOW CAN A COMPANY GET AWAY WITH SELLING SUCH A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT -- AND ESPECIALLY A CAR!!! I FEEL RIPPED OFF AND SATURN SHOULD STAND BEHIND SUCH A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE ISSUE. THIS DOES CREATE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START LEAVING YOU STRANDED. THE DEALERSHIP WON'T EVEN OFFER TO GIVE A "FREE ESTIMATE" -- AND NOW THEY TELL ME THERE ARE VARIOUS POSSIBLE FIXES -- IT DEPENDS ON WHICH PART IS BROKEN. SO I HAVE TO GIVE THEM $85 FOR THEM TO TELL ME HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO FIX. I AM A SINGLE PARENT, I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS AFFORDABLE AND I CERTAINLY DON'T SEE WHY I HAVE TO PAY FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SATURN NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THE PROBLEM!!! THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF STORIES LIKE MINE ONLINE. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP! *TR

Mileage: 26,235

Dec 1, 2008

FAILURE OCCURS ONLY WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. THE CAR STARTS THEN DIES OR SOMETIMES DOESN'T START AT ALL. IT USUALLY TAKES BETWEEN 20 MIN TO SEVERAL HOURS IN THE FREEZING COLD TO GET THE CAR STARTED. SO FAR THIS WEEK IT HAS REFUSED TO START 4 TIMES 2 OF THOSE TIMES WHEN I WAS AWAY FROM HOME OR FRIENDS LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE COLD. I WAS ONCE FOR 2 DAYS AT A COWORKERS HOUSE BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO START IN THE FREEZING COLD LAST WINTER AND I LIVED 30 MILES AWAY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY CAR THAT SATURN REFUSES TO RECALL. ONE DAY SOMEONE LIKE ME IS GOING TO GET STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE AND POSSIBLY FREEZE IF THEY DON'T HAVE A CELL PHONE. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR SEVERAL DIFFERENT REPAIR PLACES AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR

Mileage: 89,000

Nov 29, 2008

MY 2003 SATURN ION WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. IT JUST MAKES A CLICKING NOISE. I HAVE HAD A NEW IGNITION INSTALLED LAST YEAR FOR A LOT OF MONEY LAST YEAR. THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR THE REST OF THE WINTER, BUT AS SOON AS IT GOT COLD THIS WINTER THE PROBLEM IS BACK. IT WILL OCCUR ABOUT 1/4 OF THE TIMES IT IS PARKED OUTSIDE IN VERY COLD WEATHER (UNDER 25 F). I JUST WAIT 8 MINUTES AND TRY AGAIN. I CAN'T KEEP FIXING THIS WHEN SATURN IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM. AT LEAST THE MONEY I SPENT LAST YEAR SHOULD HAVE FIXED THE ISSUE FOR GOOD. IT'S REALLY FRUSTRATING AND IF CAUGHT IN THE SEVERE COLD COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS INJURY TO SOMEONE. *TR

Mileage: 96,000

Nov 19, 2008

I OWN A SATURN ION 2 2003 AND IT TAKES SPELLS WHERE IT WON'T START. TODAY I HAD TROUBLE. WHEN IT WON'T START THE LIGHTS AND RADIO, ETC WORK, A LIGHT COMES ON ON THE MESSAGE CENTER THAT SAYS TO SERVICE VEHICLE BUT IT WON'T TURN OVER. TODAY I LET IT SIT FOR ABOUT 10 TO 15 MIN AND IT STARTED.

Mileage: 72,000

Nov 12, 2008

MY SATURN ION 03 WILL NOT START UP IN EARLY MORNING COLD TEMPERATURE. THE IGNITION SENDS NO SIGNAL TO THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT SHUTS OFF FUEL TO THE CAR. IT TAKES, ON AVERAGE, TWENTY MINUTES FOR THE CAR TO ACTUALLY START. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM ONE YEAR AGO DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. AT FIRST, I SPECULATED IT WAS THE BATTERY, COOLANT/ANTI-FREEZE FLUID, LOW GAS BUT ALL CHECKED OUT FINE. AFTER RESEARCHING RECALLS AND SATURN ION PROBLEMS I FOUND THAT IT WAS THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM THAT WAS TRIGGERING THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 63,720

Nov 12, 2008

MY 2003 SATURN ION 2 HAS HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. THE FIRST THING I HAVE EXPERIENCED HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING ON VERY COLD DAY BELOW 32 DEGREES. I HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED LAST YEAR AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALERSHIP. SINCE THE WEATHER HAS GOTTEN COLD HERE IN INDIANA I HAVE BEGUN TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR JUST WILL NOT START ON VERY COLD DAYS AGAIN BELOW 32 DEGREES. *TR

Mileage: 74,000

Nov 11, 2008

MY 2003 SATURN ION HAS HAD TROUBLE STARTING. IF IT IS COLD OUTSIDE, IT WILL NOT START, BUT IF I WAIT 10-15 MINUTES IT WILL START. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING STATING, "WE CAN'T FIX IT IF IT IS NOT DOING IT AT THE TIME WE ARE LOOKING AT IT." NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

Nov 7, 2008

1. MY 2003 SATURN ION IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THIS IS HAPPENING MORE OFTEN. I HAVE HAD IT HOOKED UP A SCAN TOOL AT OUR REPAIR SHOP IT SAID IT WAS THE SAFETY SWITCH, SOMETHING ABOUT IT HAD BEEN TAMPERED WITH. WHICH IT HAD NOT, BECAUSE I WAS RIGHT THERE ALL THE TIME. IF I WAIT A FEW MINUTES IT WILL START I HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH THIS FOR ABOUT 2 YRS NOW, IT HAS WORKED EVERY TIME. HOWEVER IT IS BECOMING MORE OFTEN AND THAT IS WHY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOOKED UP TO A SCAN TOOL. 2. THE FIRST 2 YRS IT MAY HAVE HAPPENED 4 TIMES. WITHIN THE LAST 3 WEEKS IT HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES. 3. YOU JUST NEED TO WAIT, WHEN IT DECIDES TO START IT WILL. IT IS ALMOST LIKE THE COMPUTER THINKS THAT SOMEONE IS BREAKING INTO THE CAR, SO SHORTS OFF THE FUEL TO THE CARBURETOR AND IT WILL NOT START. IT WILL TURN OVER, WILL NOT START. IF YOUR TRY RIGHT AWAY NOTHING HAPPENS, SO YOU NEED TO WAIT.... TRY IT AGAIN, IT TURNS OVER, FIRES UP WILL NOT START, THE ENGINE WILL NOT GO. *TR

Mileage: 105,788

Nov 7, 2008

CAR WILL NOT START, DUE TO PASS-LOCK BEING INITIATED. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

Nov 6, 2008

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION AND FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS MY VEHICLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS STARTING IN THE COLD. I HAVE HEARD AND READ HUNDRED OF PEOPLE HAVING TO REPLACE THEIR IGNITION SWITCH ON THEIR IONS. IT HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ON MANY OCCASSIONS IN THE MORNING AND AT NIGHT. SATURN HAS NOT OFFERED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND IS JUST BANKING IN THE CASH FOR US TO REPLACE THEIR IGNITION SWITCHES AND GET OUR COMPUTERS REPROGRAMMED. SINCE SATURN WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ITS CUSTOMERS THEN I FEEL IT IS SOMEONE TO INVESTIGATE THIS ONGOING PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

Oct 16, 2008

THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT ON COLD DAYS (AND SOMETIMES NOT SO COLD) MY CAR WILL JUST CLICK AND NOT START, OR WILL START AND DIE OUT. BUT IF I KEEP TRYING TO START IT AND LET IT SIT FOR AWHILE AND COME BACK, IT WILL START RIGHT UP. WHEN IT DOES THIS, THEY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT USUALLY COMES ON WHEN TRYING TO START IT, BUT WHEN I GET IT STARTED IT IMMEDIATELY GOES OFF. I'VE HAD THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER CHECKED AND THEY ARE FINE. IT ONLY HAPPENS USUALLY IN THE MORNINGS OR LATE AT NIGHT WHEN IT'S BEEN COLD. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

Oct 15, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. SPORADICALLY, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WOULD ALSO EXPERIENCE A NO START CONDITION. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AT THE COST OF SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED, BUT THE DEALER WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY. LASTLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD REPEATEDLY HOP AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. ON ONE OCCASION, THE WIPER FRACTURED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Mileage: 54,000

Oct 10, 2008

THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT ON COLD DAYS (AND SOMETIMES NOT SO COLD) MY CAR WILL JUST CLICK AND NOT START, OR WILL START AND DIE OUT, RESULTING IN MY HAVING TO WAIT 9-10 MINUTES FOR THE PASSLOCK TO RESET AND HOPEFULLY ALLOW MY CAR TO START ON A SECOND ATTEMPT. ON SOME RARE OCCASIONS I WILL HAVE TO WAIT THROUGH THIS 9-10 MINUTE CYCLE 2 OR 3 TIMES BEFORE IT WILL START PROPERLY SO I CAN DRIVE. THE KEY STICKS IN THE IGNITION. WHILE I AM ABLE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF, I CAN'T TURN THE CAR OFF COMPLETELY. I HAVE TO RESOLVE THIS ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASIS BY USING A SCREWDRIVER IN THE SMALL PANEL HOLE IN MY STEERING COLUMN AND MOVING A SMALL SWITCH TO RELEASE THE KEY. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN 2003 I HAVE HAD MORE TROUBLE WITH THIS CAR THAN ANY USED CAR I POSSESSED. MY HOOD LATCH WOULD NOT CATCH AND WAS REPAIRED 4 TIMES. THE HEATING CONTROL KNOB WAS REPLACED 7 TIMES BEFORE IT FINALLY FUNCTIONED PROPERLY WITHOUT PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 30,000

Jul 22, 2008

CAR DOES NOT WANT TO START IN COLD WEATHER & RECENTLY HAS NOT WANTED TO START A FEW TIMES IN WARM WEATHER. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR SINCE JANUARY & ON AVERAGE IT DOES THIS 5-10 TIMES A MONTH. IF YOU PUT THE KEY IN TO START THE CAR, IT WILL EITHER MAKE A CLICKING NOISE & WONT START OR IT WILL START THEN THE IGNITION DIES IMMEDIATELY. SERVICE ENGINE SOON SCROLL LIGHT WILL COME ON. IT USUALLY TAKES 10-30 MINUTES TO EVENTUALLY GET THE CAR STARTED. ONE TIME IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER IT WOULD NOT START FOR 4 DAYS. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED & IT FAILED TO ACT UP WHILE THEY HAD IT. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. *TR

Mileage: 73,000

Jul 18, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE TAKES OVER ONE HOUR TO START AND THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE GMC IGNITION MODULE RECALL (NUMBER 03033-03C-06). THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Mileage: 56,000

Jun 24, 2008

CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER UNTIL SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF LOCK UNTIL AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE OCCURS WEEKLY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS I NEEDED TO GET A NEW IGNITION SWITCH AND A NEW IGNITION CYLINDER THIS IS THE 2ND IGNITION CYLINDER I HAVE HAD TO GET SINCE PURCHASING MY VEHICLE, OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THEIR PARTS ONCE MY CAR RAN WITH OUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION!!! *TR

Mileage: 44,000

Jun 5, 2008

1) TRY TO START SATURN ION 2) IT FAILED TO START 3) WAITED 10 MIN. IT STARTS. *TR

May 29, 2008

PURCHASED AN 03 SATURN ION MAY 17, 2008. MAY 28 IGNITION LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT TURN PAST THE ACCESSORY SETTING. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE AND SUDDENLY LOCKS UP PREVENTING THE START OF THE CAR. CANNOT LOCATE ANY INFORMATION ON HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM, PEOPLE SEEM TO JUST BE REPLACING THE IGNITION LOCK EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS. SATURN HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT IS WELL KNOWN TO ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH SATURN AND I FEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED ON CARFAX OR VERBALLY BY THE SATURN DEALER WHO SOLD ME THE CAR. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED A CAR WITH A CHRONIC DEFECT THAT WILL LEAVE MY CHILD AND MYSELF STRANDED ON A REGULAR BASIS. *TR

Mileage: 49,160

May 22, 2008

I HAVE A SATURN ION 2003 AND SPENT THE WHOLE OF LAST WINTER HAVING TO GO OUT AND TURN MY KEY IN THE IGNITION 10 MINUTES BEFORE I NEEDED TO LEAVE ANYWHERE SO IT WOULD START. IT ACTUALLY STARTED IN 2006 AND THE CAR DID NOT START A COUPLE OF TIMES DURING THE WINTER. GEORGIA HAD A MILD WINTER THAT YEAR. UNFORTUNATELY, 2007 WAS MUCH COLDER AND MY CAR CONSTANTLY WOULD NOT START. I AM A SINGLE PARENT WHOSE FAMILY ARE 3000 MILES AWAY ON A DIFFERENT CONTINENT AND I CANNOT AFFORD FOR MY CAR TO NOT WORK WHEN I HAVE AN HOUR COMMUTE AND HAVE TO PICK MY CHILD UP BY A CERTAIN TIME EACH DAY. I HAVE LOOKED AT MANY WEBSITES AND BLOGS AND REALIZE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH ALL SATURN IONS. SATURN KNOWS ABOUT IT AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I TOOK IT TO THE SATURN DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE ANYTHING OUT EXCEPT I NEEDED A NEW ($80) BATTERY THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I THINK THAT IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM AND AM NOT SURPRISED THAT PEOPLE DON'T LIKE TO BUY AMERICAN CARS WHEN THIS IS THE TYPE OF RESPONSE THAT YOU GET FROM THEM WHEN THEIR PRODUCT DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. ARE WE SURE THAT IT'S NOT JUST A SCHEME FOR THEM TO MAKE MONEY FROM PEOPLE? *TR

Mileage: 75,000

Apr 15, 2008

IGNITION PROBLEM - ENGINE WON'T START, PASSLOCK PREVENTS IGNITION. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND IT'S RARELY THAT COLD IN THE MORNINGS, EVERY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME IT HAS BEEN A COLD WET BLUSTERY DAY BUT NOT FREEZING. CAR ACTS LIKE THE BATTERY IS DEAD, BUT FREQUENT MANIPULATION OF THE PASSLOCK REMOTE WILL EVENTUALLY CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES, AND IF SATURN KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, AND HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT IN THE 5 YEARS THAT IT HAS BEEN OCCURRING, THEN THEY SHOULD BE HELD CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION AND THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, AND REPLACE OR REPAIR THE CONTROL MODULE AT NO COST. MY DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER WORK, AND IN SPEAKING TO OTHER OWNERS I CAN EXPECT A DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN THE COMING MONTHS. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Apr 15, 2008

IGNITION PROBLEM - ENGINE WON'T START, PASSLOCK PREVENTS IGNITION. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND IT'S RARELY THAT COLD IN THE MORNINGS, EVERY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME IT HAS BEEN A COLD WET BLUSTERY DAY BUT NOT FREEZING. CAR ACTS LIKE THE BATTERY IS DEAD, BUT FREQUENT MANIPULATION OF THE PASSLOCK REMOTE WILL EVENTUALLY CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES, AND IF SATURN KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, AND HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT IN THE 5 YEARS THAT IT HAS BEEN OCCURRING, THEN THEY SHOULD BE HELD CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION AND THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, AND REPLACE OR REPAIR THE CONTROL MODULE AT NO COST. MY DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER WORK, AND IN SPEAKING TO OTHER OWNERS I CAN EXPECT A DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN THE COMING MONTHS. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Apr 15, 2008

IGNITION PROBLEM - ENGINE WON'T START, PASSLOCK PREVENTS IGNITION. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND IT'S RARELY THAT COLD IN THE MORNINGS, EVERY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME IT HAS BEEN A COLD WET BLUSTERY DAY BUT NOT FREEZING. CAR ACTS LIKE THE BATTERY IS DEAD, BUT FREQUENT MANIPULATION OF THE PASSLOCK REMOTE WILL EVENTUALLY CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES, AND IF SATURN KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, AND HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT IN THE 5 YEARS THAT IT HAS BEEN OCCURRING, THEN THEY SHOULD BE HELD CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION AND THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, AND REPLACE OR REPAIR THE CONTROL MODULE AT NO COST. MY DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER WORK, AND IN SPEAKING TO OTHER OWNERS I CAN EXPECT A DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN THE COMING MONTHS. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Apr 15, 2008

IGNITION PROBLEM - ENGINE WON'T START, PASSLOCK PREVENTS IGNITION. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND IT'S RARELY THAT COLD IN THE MORNINGS, EVERY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME IT HAS BEEN A COLD WET BLUSTERY DAY BUT NOT FREEZING. CAR ACTS LIKE THE BATTERY IS DEAD, BUT FREQUENT MANIPULATION OF THE PASSLOCK REMOTE WILL EVENTUALLY CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES, AND IF SATURN KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, AND HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT IN THE 5 YEARS THAT IT HAS BEEN OCCURRING, THEN THEY SHOULD BE HELD CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION AND THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, AND REPLACE OR REPAIR THE CONTROL MODULE AT NO COST. MY DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER WORK, AND IN SPEAKING TO OTHER OWNERS I CAN EXPECT A DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN THE COMING MONTHS. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

Mar 10, 2008

WHEN THE OUTSIDE WEATHER IS COLD, MY 2003 SATURN ION 2 WON'T START. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS. *TR

Mar 10, 2008

MY SATURN ION 2003 DOES NOT START WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS AND ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS COUPLED WITH IT GETTING A BIT HUMID. IF I HAVE AN EMERGENCY ON A COLD, WET MORNING I WILL HAVE TO CALL A TAXI. SOMETHING IS CLEARLY WRONG IN THE DESIGN OF THE CAR ITSELF -- IN THE SECURITY SYSTEM INTERFACING WITH THE STARTER/IGNITION IS A GUESS. SATURN WILL NOT ADMIT TO THEIR DESIGN FLAW AND/OR SHODDY WORKMANSHIP! MY CAR IS NOT RELIABLE AT ALL!! I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO TWO MECHANICS AND THE DEALER. THE DEALER, AFTER THROWING IT ON THE COMPUTER, SAID THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND CHARGED ME $70 FOR ABSOLUTELY NO HELP. PLEASE HELP. SATURN NEEDS TO RECALL THIS MODEL AND FIX THEIR DESIGN PROBLEM. MY FIRST TWO SATURNS WERE GEMS THAT DROVE AND DROVE - NEEDING LITTLE CARE. THIS ONE IS SIMPLY ONE BIG DESIGN MISTAKE ... AND MY LAST SATURN. IT SIMPLY WILL NOT START. *TR

Mar 7, 2008

EVERYTIME THE WEATHER IS A BIT COLD, MY SATURN ION 2003 WILL NOT START. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTO MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A TYPICAL AND UNFAIR PROBLEM FOR THE SATURN ION OWNERS. THE ALSO TOLD ME THEY DO THE SAME JOB ON THESE SAME CARS APPROXIMATELY 15 CARS/TIMES PER WEEK. THE EXPLANATION THEY GAVE WAS THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEED IT TO BE REPLACED. THEN I TOOK IT TO MY SATURN DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE EXACT SAME THING: "THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT IS CAUSING THE PASSLOCK (SECURITY) SYSTEM TO THINK THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN AND SHUTS THE STARTER OFF." HE ALSO SAID IT WAS REALLY COMMON TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCHES EVERY WINTER BECAUSE THOSE KINDS OF CARS HAVE BEEN HAVING THAT SAME PROBLEM REGARDLESS WHAT THE YEAR MODEL THEY ARE. I ALSO ASKED THEM HOW MANY CARS (PER WEEK) THEY HAD TO FIX DUE TO THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME IT VARIED, BUT IT WAS ALWAYS BETWEEN 10 AND 25 CARS PER WEEK. ALSO THEY SAID THAT PREVIOUS YEAR THE WEATHER WAS SO COLD AND THE SATURN IONS WERE NOT STARTING, THAT IN JUST A WEEK THEY HAD 40-SOMETHING CARS COME IN TO GET FIX FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY TOLD THEY WOULD FIX IT FOR ME BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING. I REFUSED TO PAY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MY FAULT, AND I'M ASSUMING PEOPLE ARE PAYING TO FOR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT EVEN THEIR FAULT. I ALSO CALLED SATURN AND THE CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE AT SATURN SAID THAT SATURN DOES NOT HAVE A RECOMMENDATION FOR THIS PROBLEM AT THIS TIME. THE LAST THING I DID WAS A RESEARCH ON THE WEB ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND I FOUND MANY WEBSITES, BLOGS AND FORUMS THAT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AS A FACTORY DEFAULT FROM SATURN. I READ PEOPLE'S COMMENTS AND THEY ALL SAID THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR SATURN IONS AND THAT SATURN DID WANT TO ADMIT IT WAS A PROBLEM OF THEM. IT APPEARS AS IF NO ONE WAS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE ONES PAYING FOR THIS ARE THE CUSTOMERS. THIS IS NOT FAIR. *TR

Mileage: 48

Mar 7, 2008

OUR 2003 SATURN ION HAS A PERMANENT DEFAULT, IN THAT IT WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. AND THE TERM "COLD" IS RELATIVE. SATURN TOLD US THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY. THUS, WE PAID AN EXCESS OF $200 TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS "SOLUTION" LASTED ONLY A LITTLE OVER ONE YEAR. NOW, SATURN TELLS US THAT THOUGH WE HAVE THE UPDATED IGNITION SWITCH, IT STILL CAUSES THE SAME NO-START PROBLEM, AND WE NEED A $575 (PLUS TAX) BODY CONTROL MODULE. WE HAD TO PAY $104.54 FOR SATURN TO TELL US THIS. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A PROBLEM CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER , WHICH IS LEAVING MANY PEOPLE STRANDED MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY. THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY RECTIFIED THROUGH A RECALL. *TR

Mar 7, 2008

OUR 2003 SATURN ION HAS A PERMANENT DEFAULT, IN THAT IT WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. AND THE TERM "COLD" IS RELATIVE. SATURN TOLD US THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY. THUS, WE PAID AN EXCESS OF $200 TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS "SOLUTION" LASTED ONLY A LITTLE OVER ONE YEAR. NOW, SATURN TELLS US THAT THOUGH WE HAVE THE UPDATED IGNITION SWITCH, IT STILL CAUSES THE SAME NO-START PROBLEM, AND WE NEED A $575 (PLUS TAX) BODY CONTROL MODULE. WE HAD TO PAY $104.54 FOR SATURN TO TELL US THIS. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A PROBLEM CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER , WHICH IS LEAVING MANY PEOPLE STRANDED MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY. THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY RECTIFIED THROUGH A RECALL. *TR

Mar 7, 2008

OUR 2003 SATURN ION HAS A PERMANENT DEFAULT, IN THAT IT WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. AND THE TERM "COLD" IS RELATIVE. SATURN TOLD US THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY. THUS, WE PAID AN EXCESS OF $200 TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS "SOLUTION" LASTED ONLY A LITTLE OVER ONE YEAR. NOW, SATURN TELLS US THAT THOUGH WE HAVE THE UPDATED IGNITION SWITCH, IT STILL CAUSES THE SAME NO-START PROBLEM, AND WE NEED A $575 (PLUS TAX) BODY CONTROL MODULE. WE HAD TO PAY $104.54 FOR SATURN TO TELL US THIS. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A PROBLEM CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER , WHICH IS LEAVING MANY PEOPLE STRANDED MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY. THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY RECTIFIED THROUGH A RECALL. *TR

Mar 3, 2008

2003 SATURN ION III DISENGAGES IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AS IF GEARS HAVE SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL AT SPEEDS FROM BETWEEN 20 AND 60 MPH, SO THAT THERE IS NO FORWARD MOVEMENT SUDDENLY AND THEN RE-ENGAGES. ALMOST REAR-ENDED SEVERAL TIMES ALSO CAR WILL NOT START IF TURNED OFF FOR A SHORT TIME AND KEY LOCKS IN IGNITION. GEARS WERE RE-CALIBRATED AND IGNITION REPLACED, BUT PROBLEMS CONTINUE. *TR

Mileage: 2,000

Mar 2, 2008

MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2003 SATURN ION AND WON'T START WHEN IT IS COLD. I HAVE BEEN ON SEVERAL WEB SITES AND OTHER SATURN OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP WHAT CAN I DO. WILL THIS CAR GET A RECALL. SOME OF THE OWNERS ARE SAYING THAT IT IS THE LUBRICATE THAT SATURN USED ON THE IGNITION THAT IT CAN FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER. IS THIS THE CASE. HELP IN COLD WEATHER. *TR

Feb 20, 2008

WHEN IT IS VERY COLD OUTSIDE MY 2003 SATURN ION WOULD NOT START. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHICH SAID HE COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT BUT WOULD REPLACE THE STARTED AND SOLENOID WHICH HAPPENED. AGAIN 2 DAYS LATER, NO START, I TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHICH RAN TESTS ON IT AND SAID HE COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT, BUT SINCE MY BATTERY WAS 5 YEARS OLD, MAYBE I SHOULD REPLACE THAT WHICH I DID. THEN 4 DAYS LATER, THE CARE WOULDN'T START AGAIN, AGAIN I TAKE IT TO YET ANOTHER MECHANIC WHICH RUNS A SERIES OF DIFFERENT TESTS ON IT AND SAYS EVERYTHING IS GOOD, NO EXPLANATION FOR THE NO STARTS. FINALLY AFTER MUCH FRUSTRATION I WAS ONLINE DOING SOME RESEARCH ABOUT MY CAR TO DISCOVER A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT BOTH THE 2003-2004 SATURN ION'S HAVING THIS IGNITION START PROBLEM AND YET THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE RECALLED IT, YET HASN'T AND SO WHILE THE ION OWNER LIKE MYSELF IS STRANDED HERE AND THERE AND MISSING DAYS OF WORK DUE TO INOPERABLE ON ONE'S PURCHASED VEHICLE, AND PAYING TOWING COSTS, REPAIR BILLS, TESTING COSTS, ETC...SATURN ALL ALONG KNEW THE PROBLEM. WHEN I FINALLY CALLED SATURN AND TOLD THEM OF THE PROBLEM, TOOK THE CAR IN AND WITH HOURS, HAD A NEW IGNITION SWITCH AND LOW AND BEHOLD YEP THAT WAS THE PROBLEM TO THE TUNE OF $179.00. I THINK IF SATURN KNEW THIS WAS A PROBLEM, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND FIXED ON SATURN'S TAB, NOT MINE THE CONSUMER. *TR

Feb 19, 2008

I HAVE A 2003 ION 2 WHICH I BOUGHT NEW IN MARCH 2003. STARTING IN DEC 2007, MY CAR WOULD NOT START UP IN THE MORNING WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. 10-15 MIN LATER I WOULD TRY TO START IT AGAIN AND IT WOULD START UP LIKE NOTHING WAS WRONG. I HAD SATURN LOOK AT IT, THEY STATED THAT THEY "COULD NOT REPLICATE" THE PROBLEM AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. IN JANUARY 2008, IT STARTED TO HAPPEN ON A DAILY BASIS, SO I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID THE BATTERY WAS CHARGING FINE AND COULD NOT PIN POINT A PROBLEM BUT SUGGESTED PUTTING IN A NEW STARTER WHICH COST ME $300. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THAT MY PROBLEM WAS SOLVED, BUT NOW IN FEB 2008 ( ONE MONTH LATER)IT IS NOT STARTING UP IN THE MORNINGS AGAIN ON REAL COLD DAYS (0-20 DEGREES), BUT 10-15 MIN LATER, IT STARTS RIGHT UP. *TR

Feb 18, 2008

I OWN A 2003 SATURN ION. ON COLD MORNINGS MY CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHY IT WILL NOT START. I HAVE BEEN LATE FOR WORK NUMEROUS TIMES AND LEFT STRANDED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THIS IS STILL A ON GOING ISSUE. *TR

Feb 16, 2008

WHEN TEMPERATURE GETS LOW, MY 2003 SATURN ION WON'T START. IT MUST SIT FOR 15-20 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL START UP. *TR

Feb 13, 2008

FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IN 2003 SATURN ION. *TR

Feb 13, 2008

I REGRETTABLY OWN A 2003 SATURN ION 2 SEDAN. SEVERAL TIMES, WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW FREEZING, THE CAR FAILS TO START. AFTER SPEAKING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND DOING EXTENSIVE ONLINE RESEARCH ABOUT THE PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND THAT IT STEMS FROM A FAULTY DESIGN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE SWITCH LEAKS LUBRICANT ONTO THE WIRES IN THE IGNITION SYSTEM. WHEN IT IS COLD ENOUGH FOR THE LUBRICANT TO FREEZE, IT IMPEDES THE SIGNAL REQUIRED TO OVERRIDE THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM (STANDARD ON MY CAR) AND PREVENTS THE CAR FROM STARTING. SATURN WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH (AT THE COST OF THE OWNER IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY, ABOUT $300 TO $400). THE NEW SWITCHES WILL INEVITABLY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, AFTER THEY LEAK THE LUBRICANT. SATURN KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS PUBLISHED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #040845005. THEY, HOWEVER, REFUSE TO ADMIT RESPONSIBILITY AND DEVISE A RELIABLE REMEDY TO THE PROBLEM. MEANWHILE, WE ARE ALL FREEZING IN THE COLD WEATHER WHILE WE WAIT FOR OUR CARS TO START. I BELIEVE SATURN IS CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT IN THIS RESPECT. *TR

Mileage: 42,750

Feb 12, 2008

VEHICLE WILL START SOME DAYS AND NOT START OTHERS. WOULD HAVE TO TRY OVER AND OVER AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START. NOT THE BATTERY! *TR

Feb 5, 2008

CAR WILL NOT START WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

Feb 3, 2008

CAR WON'T START ON MORNINGS WHEN TEMP IS BELOW 50 DEGREES. ONCE TEMP WARMS UP, CAR STARTS FINE. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE AFTERNOON TO GO TO WORK! I ALSO DON'T WANT TO BE STRANDED WHILE WORKING (I DO HOME NURSING). *TR

Mileage: 63,221

Feb 1, 2008

ON COLD MORNINGS (35 AND BELOW) MY 03 SATURN ION WILL NOT START. I TURN THE KEY AND THE LIGHTS COME ON BUT THE ENGINE WON'T TURN OVER. THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES AND IT TELLS ME TO "SERVICE VEHICLE". IF I WAIT ABOUT 10-20 MINUTES THE CAR WILL START. (WHICH CAUSES ME TO BE LATE FOR WORK) I'VE REPLACE THE BATTERY BUT CANNOT AFFORD 200+ TO CHANGE OUT THE STARTER AND/OR OTHER PARTS. I'VE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF OTHER ION OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM (HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML). *TR

Mileage: 47,000

Jan 25, 2008

CAR WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. (BELOW 32F) THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM THE LAST 2 YEARS ON A 2003 SATURN ION 3. AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS HERE... HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML IT WOULD SEEM THERE IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE GREASE FREEZING AROUND THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR

Mileage: 39,000

Jan 24, 2008

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION THAT WON'T START IN COLD WEATHER HERE IN EASTERN OREGON, HAD THE BATTERY CHECKED, AND EVERYTHING ELSE LOOKED AT, BUT EVERYONE SAYS THAT MY CAR IS OKAY. SO I DO SOME RESEARCH AND FIND OUT THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND YET THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM CONSIDERING SATURN KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM? ALSO, THERE IS NOT EASY SUGGESTIONS BY SATURN? *TR

Jan 23, 2008

WHEN IT IS COLD OUT, AND I GO TO START MY CAR IN THE MORNING, IT STARTS TO TURN OVER BUT THEN STALLS AND DIES. THE LIGHTS AND RADIO STILL WORK, AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BLINKS "SERVICE VEHICLE". I HAVE TO WAIT AT LEAST 10 MINUTES TO EVEN ATTEMPT TO START MY VEHICLE AGAIN BECAUSE IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE SECURITY FEATURE OF THE IGNITION. *TR

Jan 23, 2008

WHEN IT IS BELOW FREEZING OUTSIDE, MY 2003 SATURN ION HAS ISSUES STARTING UP. I HAVE READ MANY POSTS (HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWMORECOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727_1.HTML IS ON SUCH SPOT) WHERE OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH VARIOUS RESULTS FROM THEIR DEALERS. IT IS APPARENTLY A KNOW ISSUE THAT HAS NOT BEEN COMMUNICATED TO THE CUSTOMERS, POTENTIALLY LEAVING THEM OUT IN THE COLD! *TR

Mileage: 40,000

Jan 22, 2008

CAR WILL NOT START WHEN BELOW FREEZING..... *TR

Mileage: 79,000

Jan 15, 2008

I BOUGHT A 2003 SATURN ION ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO, AND AS SOON AS IT BECAME COLD HERE IN COLORADO MY CAR STARTED HAVING A PROBLEM STARTING. I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE WITH NO CELL PHONE COVERAGE IN THE FREEZING COLD. I HAVE NOW COME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL 2003 SATURNS AND THAT THEY REFUSE TO RECALL THEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE GREASE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE IN THE FREEZING COLD WITH MY YOUNG DAUGHTER. I WANT THIS PROBLEM TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED BY SATURN. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THEM TO NOT RECALL THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 91,500

Jan 15, 2008

I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR NOT STARTING. THE FIRST ISSUE BEGAN WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AND THE PASSLOCK SYMBOL WAS FLASHING ALL THE WAY HOME FROM THE STORE. WHEN I GOT HOME AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TRIED RESTARTING IT, IT WOULDN'T START. AFTER LOOKING AT MY OWNERS MANUAL AND READING ABOUT PASSLOCK I WENT OUTSIDE AND TRIED STARTING IT AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. A LITTLE LESS THAN A WEEK LATER I WAS OUT RUNNING AN ERRAND AND MADE A QUICK STOP FOR MAYBE 5 MINUTES, WHEN I GOT BACK TO THE CAR IT WOULD NOT START. I TRIED A FEW MORE TIMES AND WAS STARTING TO PANIC WHEN IT STARTED AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT RECOMMENDED FINDING MY OTHER KEY FOR THE CAR AND START USING THAT. THE CAR WAS FINE FOR ANOTHER WEEK AND WHILE I WAS PICKING UP MY KIDS FROM SCHOOL THE PASSLOCK LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND BLINKED ALL THE WAY HOME. ONCE AGAIN, I TRIED TO START AFTER WE GOT HOME AND NOTHING, I WENT OUT ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER AND IT WAS FINE. YESTERDAY I NEEDED TO RUN AN ERRAND AND SURE ENOUGH I WENT OUTSIDE TO LEAVE AND THE STUPID CAR WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I WENT INSIDE AND WAITED 10 MINUTES, CAME BACK OUTSIDE AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. I AM A MOTHER WITH 3 KIDS AND I HAVE A HUSBAND WHO DOES NOT DRIVE. I HAVE ONLY ONE CAR AND I CANNOT HAVE IT BE UNRELIABLE. I GET NERVOUS EVERY TIME I HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND IT SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE MANY SATURN OWNERS WHO ARE JUST AS FRUSTRATED AS ME AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT, AT NO COST TO THE OWNERS. THIS IS NOT WEAR AND TEAR!!! *TR

Jan 14, 2008

DURING COLD WEATHER, MY 2003 SATURN ION WILL NOT START. REPLACED THE BATTERY 12/07, AND A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK OF THE STARTER AND ALTERNATOR WAS FINE. IT APPEARS TO BE AN IGNITION SWITCH ITEM FROM READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. *TR

Jan 14, 2008

DURING COLD WEATHER, MY 2003 SATURN ION WILL NOT START. REPLACED THE BATTERY 12/07, AND A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK OF THE STARTER AND ALTERNATOR WAS FINE. IT APPEARS TO BE AN IGNITION SWITCH ITEM FROM READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. *TR

Jan 13, 2008

HORN IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ACTUATE, REQUIRING HARD PRESSING ONE OF TWO SPECIFIC SMALL HORN LOGOS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG COVER. THESE ARE HARD TO FIND IN AN EMERGENCY, AND IMPOSSIBLE TO QUICKLY FIND WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS HAS RESULTED IN A FEW NEAR MISSES, BECAUSE THE HORN COULD NOT BE ACTIVATED QUICKLY ENOUGH TO ALERT ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THEY WERE LEAVING THEIR LANE. I HAD TO SWERVE EVASIVELY TO PREVENT THE ACCIDENT. SATURN DEALER IN PAST HAS SAID THAT HORN WORKS NORMALLY. THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT MY WIFE OR I HAVE DRIVEN IN THIRTY YEARS THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO BE A POOR DESIGN, AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO RECTIFY IT. THE HORN IS USELESS IN A SUDDENLY DEVELOPING EMERGENCY SITUATION. DATE IS NOT SPECIFIC; AS FORM WOULD NOT ALLOW SUBMISSION WITHOUT A DATE. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT YET, BUT THIS SHOULD BE RECTIFIED BEFORE SOMEONE HAS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Jan 12, 2008

MY 2003 SATURN ION WOULD NOT START AFTER BEING OUT IN COLD WEATHER. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND I AM TIRED OF IT. BASED ON RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ON THE NET, IT APPEARS SATURN IS AWARE OF THIS AND DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. *TR

Jan 4, 2008

WONT START IN SUB FREEZING WEATHER FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. *CN

Mileage: 12,000

Jan 3, 2008

2003 SATURN ION. THIS CAR WILL NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER. IF THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES F FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE CAR WILL STALL. THIS WILL BE A RECALL ITEM ONCE WE GET TOGETHER AND SUE SATURN FOR THIS OBVIOUS NEGLIGENT BEHAVIOR. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AND IS CONTINUAL. PERHAPS WHEN SOME UNFORTUNATE SOUL IS STRANDED IN THE WILDERNESS AND DIES, THEN THE MANUFACTURER WILL PAY ATTENTION TO THIS COLD WEATHER START PROBLEM. THE PUBLIC IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND SO IS SATURN. IT WOULD BE WELL WORTH IT FOR THE CORPORATE OFFICE TO CRUNCH THE NUMBERS AND DECIDE TO RECALL THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ THAT THE DIFFICULTLY MAY HAVE TO DO WITH A TYPE OF LUBRICANT ON THE STARTER, WHICH HARDENS IN THE COLD WEATHER. THE CAR STALLS AS A RESULT, AND THEN THE PASS-LOCK KICKS IN. AFTER 8 MINUTES, THE CAR MAY START, OR ONE MAY HAVE TO WAIT AN ADDITIONAL 8 MINUTES (OR MORE) FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH TO LOOSEN UP ENOUGH TO START THE ENGINE. HOWEVER, THE CAR MAY STALL YET AGAIN---AND SET OFF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM YET AGAIN. SATURN IS NEGLIGENT AT THE VERY LEAST--AND CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT IF THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM---THE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF IT---AND DO NOTHING. SERVICE BULLETIN:040845005 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER:10007431 MFG BULLETIN DATE: 20060301 COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH BULLETIN SUMMARY: NO CRANK, NO START WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES IS COLD - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) B2960 AND OR B3033 ARE SET. *CN

Dec 23, 2007

THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY SATURN ION 2003. IT WON'T START WHEN IT'S COLD AND IT HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. BY THE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS THAT I SEE FROM OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE, THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM AND THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT GETS VERY COLD HERE IN COLORADO AND I JUST DON'T WANT TO BE STRANDED AGAIN. HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML SOME OF THESE PEOPLE HAVE "FIXED" THE PROBLEM AND IT IS STILL OCCURRING. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR. I WILL NOT BE BUYING A SATURN AGAIN. *TR

Dec 20, 2007

MY CAR HAS FAILED TO START SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. IT SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE TYPE OF LUBRICANT USED IN IT AND IT'S REACTION IN COLD WEATHER. AFTER DOING A TON OF RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. *TR

Dec 17, 2007

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OCCURRENCES OF IGNITION TROUBLE WITH MY SATURN ION. IT SEEMS IN COLD WEATHER (FROM 60 DEGREES F AND BELOW) THAT IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START RIGHT AWAY, THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM SWITCHES ON AND WILL NOT ALLOW MY CAR TO BE STARTED FOR 8-10 MINUTES. THIS HAS CAUSED ME SEVERAL TIMES TO BE STUCK, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, ALONE, IN <30 DEG WEATHER WITH A CAR THAT WILL NOT START. THIS PLACES ME IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR

Dec 14, 2007

SATURN ION 2003 PROBLEM WITH STARTING THE CAR AROUND/BELOW 32`F, THIS IS SECOND COLD SEASON I AM HAVING OCCASIONAL PROBLEM WITH START THE ENGINE PROCESS, AFTER EXTENSIVE ONLINE RESEARCH I AM FINDING "THE BIG FAMILY" OF SATURN OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM RELATED TO IGNITION SWITCH/PASSLOCK SENSOR. *TR

Mileage: 86,000

Dec 12, 2007

SATURN ION 2003 FAILS TO START WHEN COLD OUT. REFERENCE NHTSA #10007431. SATURN DOES NOT ADMIT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. BUT WILL CHARGE YOU AND ARM AND A LEG TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I WENT TO ALLDATA WEB SITE AND THE SHOW NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE 2003 SATURN ION BUT GM FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THIS IS A PROBLEM. *TR

Dec 12, 2007

ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, I STOPPED AT A BLOCKBUSTER TO DROP OFF SOME MOVIES. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR, IT WOULD NOT START. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT EVEN TRY TO TURN OVER. I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE, AND CALLED A FRIEND TO COME AND GIVE ME A JUMP. I TRIED TO JUMP IT, AND THAT DID NOT WORK. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED A SATURN DEALERSHIP THAT IS NEARBY WHERE I LIVE. I TOLD THEM WHAT WAS GOING ON SO I COULD BRING IT IN AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I SAID THAT MY CAR WOULDN'T START, WHEN I TRIED TO JUMP IT THAT DIDN'T WORK, AND THAT MY KEY IS NOW STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WON'T COME OUT. HIS RESPONSE TO ME WAS, "I BET IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH. WE HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH THOSE NOW THAT THE WEATHER IS COLD. DID YOU SAY YOU JUMPED IT? YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT. THAT CAN CAUSE THE BATTERY TO HAVE A SHORTAGE". TODAY, I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED MY CAR WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM AND A DEAD BATTERY. I HAD THEM REPLACE BOTH, AND I ALSO KEPT BOTH OF MY OLD PARTS. *TR

Dec 12, 2007

ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, I STOPPED AT A BLOCKBUSTER TO DROP OFF SOME MOVIES. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR, IT WOULD NOT START. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT EVEN TRY TO TURN OVER. I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE, AND CALLED A FRIEND TO COME AND GIVE ME A JUMP. I TRIED TO JUMP IT, AND THAT DID NOT WORK. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED A SATURN DEALERSHIP THAT IS NEARBY WHERE I LIVE. I TOLD THEM WHAT WAS GOING ON SO I COULD BRING IT IN AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I SAID THAT MY CAR WOULDN'T START, WHEN I TRIED TO JUMP IT THAT DIDN'T WORK, AND THAT MY KEY IS NOW STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WON'T COME OUT. HIS RESPONSE TO ME WAS, "I BET IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH. WE HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH THOSE NOW THAT THE WEATHER IS COLD. DID YOU SAY YOU JUMPED IT? YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT. THAT CAN CAUSE THE BATTERY TO HAVE A SHORTAGE". TODAY, I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED MY CAR WITH AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM AND A DEAD BATTERY. I HAD THEM REPLACE BOTH, AND I ALSO KEPT BOTH OF MY OLD PARTS. *TR

Dec 6, 2007

SATURN 2003 ION WILL NOT START IN THE WINTER, WHEN TEMPERATURE IS 32 DEGREE'S OR LOWER. *TR

Mileage: 65,254

Dec 5, 2007

KEY STICKS FORWARD WHEN TRYING TO START. CAR WILL NOT START WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE. HAD IT TOWED IN. REPLACEMENT PART # 10392423 IGNITION SWITCH. *TR

Mileage: 49,021

Dec 4, 2007

MY COMPLAINT IS THAT MY CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING IT. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS LEAVING WORK AND HAD JUST MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN AND AS I WAS ACCELERATING THE CAR COMPLETELY TURNED OFF, I WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, SO IT WAS REPLACED AND I PICKED UP MY CAR. TWO WEEKS LATER I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK ON A BUSY HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND WHILE I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE GOING 65 MPH THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I PUT ON MY FLASHERS AND COASTED TO A STOP, USING SOME BRAKES, BUT I COULDN'T STOP TOO SUDDENLY OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE NEXT TO A JERSEY WALL, THERE WAS NOT MUCH OF A SHOULDER SO I WAS PARTIALLY ON IT AND PARTIALLY BLOCKING TRAFFIC, I AM VERY LUCKY TO NOT HAVE BEEN HIT. IT WOULD BE A REAL TRAGEDY FOR SOMEONE TO BE KILLED DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION BEFORE NOTICE WAS TAKEN AND THESE CARS RECALLED COMPLETELY. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

Dec 4, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION. MY CAR WILL NOT START WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. I READ THROUGH MESSAGE BOARDS AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO READ SOME PEOPLES CAR ACTUALLY STALL WHILE DRIVING, WHICH SOUNDS RELATED TO ME. LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE ALSO POPULAR COMPLAINTS. THESE CARS ARE OBVIOUSLY RIDDLED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND ARE ROLLING DEATH TRAPS. I PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED POWER STEERING LOSS ONCE, BUT IT NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN SO I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE UNTIL READING OTHERS POSTS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND HAVE FOUND NO RESOLUTION. I FOUND A TSB STATING THAT A FAULTY IGNITION IS THE CAUSE OF THE COLD STARTING PROBLEM, SO I WILL LIKELY REPLACE IT. *TR

Mileage: 42,000

Dec 1, 2007

CAR WOULDN'T START, BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECKED OK. FINALLY CHECKED WITH OTHER OWNERS OF SIMILAR MAKE,MODEL AND YEAR OF CAR AND THE COLD WEATHER PROBLEM WITH THE STARTED IS A KNOWN ISSUE. WAITED AN HOUR OR SO TO TRY AGAIN AND THE CAR STARTED. *TR

Mileage: 159,000

Dec 1, 2007

HOOD LATCH BROKEN, IGNITION SWITCH SPARKS AND THE CAR DOESN'T START, LOUD CLANKING NOISE IN FRONT END, TRANSMISSION IS QUIRKY WHILE SHIFTING(AUTOMATIC) DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THE PARTS. *TR

Nov 30, 2007

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS 32 DEGREES OR LESS AND THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING I ATTEMPT TO START MY CAR AND IT WILL NOT START. THE IGNITION SWITCH CLICKS AND THEN THE CAR STALLS. THE SECURITY SYSTEM KICKS IN AND THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN THE ODOMETER SCREEN READS "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON". THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR ABOUT 8 TO 10 MINUTES. AFTER 8 TO 10 MINUTES THE LIGHT STOPS BLINKING AND THE SERVICE VEHICLE GOES OFF AND THEN THE CAR STARTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN AND IT OCCURS ALL DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAYS. AS I READ ON THE INTERNET THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME APPROXIMATELY $200.00 TO FIX. *TR

Nov 28, 2007

FAILURE TO START IN COLD WEATHER COMBINED WITH SECURITY SYSTEM LOCKOUT. THE PROBLEM ARISES AS FOLLOWS: A.THE SATURN VEHICLE IS EXPOSED TO TEMPERATURES AT OR APPROACHING 32 DEGREES F FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING (USUALLY 6-10 HOURS.) B.AN OPERATOR ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH CLICKS AND THE CAR STALLS. C.THE SECURITY SYSTEM KICKS IN. THE SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS AND THE ODOMETER SCREEN READS: ?SERVICE ENGINE SOON.? FUEL WILL NOT BE SENT TO THE ENGINE. D.THE VEHICLE WILL NOW NOT START FOR ABOUT 8-10 MINUTES AS THE SECURITY SYSTEM RESETS. E.AFTER 8-10 MINUTES, THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL STOP BLINKING AND THEN GO OUT. ?THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON? SCROLL LIGHT WILL STOP AND ALSO GO OUT. F.NOW THE OPERATOR MAY ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. G.HOWEVER, IF THE IGNITION SWITCH GREASE HAS NOT ADEQUATELY WARMED, THEN THE PROCESS WILL BEGIN AGAIN. H.A SIGNAL THAT THE VEHICLE WILL LIKELY START AFTER THE PRESENT ?LOCK-OUT? WILL BE WHEN THE IGNITION SEEMS TO CRANK A BIT MORE THAN JUST A CLICK, BEFORE LOCKING OUT AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

Nov 26, 2007

VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN OVER WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES GET COLDER THEN 32 F. *TR

Mileage: 81,798

Nov 25, 2007

2003 ION WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLD, MY CAR WILL NOT START, I WILL TRY IT AGAIN AND AGAIN. I WILL WAIT ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL START LIKE NOTHING IS WRONG. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN TESTED AND IS COMPLETELY FINE. IT WILL TURN ON ALL ELECTRONICS, TELL ME TO SERVICE ENGINE, THEN IT WON'T TURN OVER. NEXT I WAIT ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND IT STARTS. AND RUNS FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 20 TIMES. *TR

Nov 17, 2007

WHEN IT IS TOO COLD, MY IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS MY SECURITY SYSTEM AND I HAVE TO WAIT A LONG TIME BEFORE MY CAR STARTS. SATURN HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL ADVISORY (# 04-08-45-005D) ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL (EVEN THOUGH IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT). MANY OTHERS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS: HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML *TR

Mileage: 45,000

Nov 2, 2007

I AM WRITING TO NOTE THAT MY 2003 SATURN ION 3 DOES NOT START UP IN THE COLD, EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. IT HAPPENED ONCE IN 2005, AND THEN I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH FOR THE REST OF THAT WINTER AND THE NEXT. AT THE TIME, I WAS TOLD BY A SATURN MECHANIC IN 2005 OVER THE PHONE THAT THIS PROBLEM DOES OCCUR WITH IONS IN COLD WEATHER. THE PROBLEM RECURRED THIS PAST MONDAY AND THIS MORNING. THIS AFTERNOON I WENT ONLINE TO SEEK OUT GUIDANCE IN TAKING CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I CAME ACROSS THE FOLLOWING ONLINE RESOURCE: HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML. THE ISSUE IS OBVIOUSLY A RECURRENT ONE THAT SATURN HAS CHOSEN NOT TO ADDRESS. THIS SEEMS LIKE A CLEAR-CUT CASE FOR A COMPONENT RECALL, BUT SATURN WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I ASK THAT THE NHTSA DIRECT ITS RESOURCES TOWARD SATURN TO SEEK A DETERMINATION ABOUT THE NEED FOR A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE.* *I HAVE FORWARDED A COPY OF THIS EXPLANATION TO MY MEMBER OF CONGRESS, REPRESENTATIVE JIM MORAN. *TR

Oct 27, 2007

CAR WILL NOT START WHEN FIRST ATTEMPTING TO START IS IN COLD WEATHER. AFTER ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES IT WILL FINALLY START WHEN ATTEMPTING AGAIN. FROM RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET IT SOUNDS SIMILAR TO NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH THAT SATURN HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME. *TR

Oct 25, 2007

VEHICLE WON'T START - NO CRANK, NO START. IT IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS LOW USAGE AND MILEAGE. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

Oct 17, 2007

CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO START IN COLD WEATHER. MUST PLAY WITH IGNITION SWITCH MANY TIMES TO GET IT STARTED. *TR

Mileage: 30,000

Oct 4, 2007

WHENEVER IT IS DAMP OR COLD OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WILL REFUSE TO START. ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS REFUSED TO START I MUST WAIT A MINIMUM OF 10 MINS BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE. ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS THIS PROCESS REPEATS AND I MAY HAVE TO WAIT UPWARDS OF 20 MINS TO START MY VEHICLE AND DRIVE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN TRACED BACK TO A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GMS PASSLOCK VEHICLE PROTECTION SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE FAULT AND REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH WITHOUT THE CONSUMER INCURRING SUBSTANTIAL COSTS. *TR

Mileage: 71,670

Sep 5, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECOMES STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND CAUSES HER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 3 OR 4 TIMES TO RELEASE THE KEY. SHE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY 3 TIMES AND THEY HAVE KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WILL OPERATE NORMALLY FOR A FEW WEEKS, BUT THEN THE FAILURE RECURS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

Mileage: 15,000

May 17, 2007

THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW. FIRST TIME THE DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE SERVICE ENGINE DISPLAY CAME ON AND ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WENT OUT. IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TURNED OFF THE KEY, CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD FOR SMOKE, AND CALLED DAD BECAUSE THE CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK WITH THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION, AND THE WINDOWS LOCKED IN THE DOWN POSITION. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ,THE EXTENDED WARRANTY - NO PROBLEM, THEY WILL TOW IT TO THE NEAREST SATURN DEALER, 180+ MILES AWAY THROUGH A RAIN STORM. SEVERAL DAYS LATER HAD TO DRIVE ROUND TRIP TO RETRIEVE CAR FROM SATURN DEALER, WHO HAS REPLACED 7.5 AMP BODY CONTROL MODULE FUSE, BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT BLEW OUT. GOT BACK HOME , 180+ MILES AND NO PROBLEMS. DAUGHTER ENTERED THE CAR, WENT 8 MILES, BANG SAME THING. TO REPLACE FUSE CALLED SATURN TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. DROVE CAR BACK TO SATURN 180+ MILES TO GET FUSE TO BLOW 3 TIMES ON WAY BACK BY ADJUSTING THE LH RV MIRROR. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR ONE WEEK AND REPLACED LH MIRROR SWITCH. PICKED UP CAR FROM SATURN. DEALER NO PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT A MONTH. TODAY SHE WAS HEADING TO WORK, ADJUSTED LH RV MIRROR AND BCM FUSE BLEW OUT, EVERYTHING WENT DEAD. CALLED SATURN WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEM FIX WHAT I JUST PAID TO HAVE FIXED , $50.00 DEDUCTIBLE, AND WHAT WAS THE REAL ROOT OF THE PROBLEM? WHEN WAS THIS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN? CHECKED THIS SITE FOR OTHER SIMILAR PROBLEMS. FOUND ODI #10152158 NOTICED THAT THE VINS WERE VERY SIMILAR - 9TH DIGIT WAS DIFFERENT. MINE WAS 0, AND THEIRS WAS X. DID NOT KNOW IF THAT WAS SIGNIFICANT. IT HAPPENED TWICE 13 MONTHS APART. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE. 1 ORIGINAL FAILURE, 3 DUPLICATED BY MYSELF, AND NOW ANOTHER FAILURE. DON'T THINK IT WAS THE MIRROR SWITCH. IT WAS THE BCM? OWNER LOVED SATURNS. HE OWNED 3. 2006 VUE, 2006 ION QUAD COUPE, AND 2003 ION SEDAN. THIS WAS A LEMON. SATURNS WERE NOT LEMONS. THIS WAS A LITTLE ELCTRONIC GLITCH IS., AND A SAFETY HAZARD THAT COULD GET SOMEONE KILLED. *AK

Mileage: 42,500

May 12, 2007

CAR WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. FAULTY IGINITION SWITCH.*AK

Apr 17, 2007

SATURN 2003 ION THE CAR WILL NOT START, PASSLOCK LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE MESSAGE DISPLAYED. CAR WILL START AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. HAPPENS IN HUMID COOL WEATHER (RAIN, 30-40'S F). A VOLTAGE SIGNAL IS SENT THROUGH THE PASSLOCK RESISTOR IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM INTERPRETS IT AS A FAILURE AND THE STARTING CIRCUIT IS DISABLED. THIS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN CASES WHERE THE CAR NEEDS TO BE MOVED QUICKLY TO AVOID A HAZARD. *JB

Mar 24, 2007

2003 SATURN ION. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START CAR ON COLD MORNINGS PASS LOCK SYSTEM ENGAGES AND LOCKS CAR FROM BEING ABLE TO START FOR SOME PERIOD OF TIME. HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN COLD WEATHER SEVERAL TIMES, LATEST BEING DATE JUST BELOW. THIS IS NOT A BATTERY OR STARTER ISSUE. FROM RESEARCH I HAVE DONE, THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY DESIGN WITH THE STARTER SWITCH, AND IS IS APPARENTLY KNOWN TO SATURN CORP.*AK

Mileage: 72,000

Mar 17, 2007

I OWN A 2003 SATURN ION AND HAVE EXPERIENCED STARTING PROBLEMS THE PAST TWO WINTERS. I'VE HAD A MECHANIC CHECK THE BATTERY,FUEL,AND CLUTCH BUTTON, BUT DUE TO THE INTERMITTENT HAPPENINGS, NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG. MY BATTERY WAS RECHECKED AND CORDS WERE CLEANED, FUEL LINE WAS CLEANED, ETC. THE PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY AND THEN HAPPEN AGAIN. I FINALLY NOTICED THE PATTERN OF NOT STARTING WHEN IT WAS COLD. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IT WOULD RESTART ABOUT TEN MINUTES AFTER. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK DURING MY INSPECTION THIS YEAR BUT AGAIN HE WAS NOT ABLE TO HELP DUE TO IT NOT ACTUALLY HAPPENING. ON 3/15/07 I DID A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER SATURN CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DEALERSHIP TO FIX IT, BUT BEING THAT MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. I DO NOT THINK I SHOULD PAY FOR A PROBLEM I DID NOT HAVE CONTROL OVER. (EXCEPT THAT I TRUSTED SATURN WHEN I PURCHASED MY 2 CAR FROM THEM). SATURN SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND SHOW THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE AND CAN BE TRUSTED TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE.

Mar 15, 2007

I DRIVE A '03 SATURN ION AND HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS FOR THE PAST YEAR WHERE THE CAR WOULDN'T START, MOSTLY ON COLD MORNINGS, AND WOULD LEAVE ME STUCK IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF TOWN. MOST OF THE TIME IF I WAITED A COUPLE MINUTES IT WOULD START UP WITH NO PROBLEM. THIS PAST SUNDAY MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND SHE COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO TURN OFF OR TURN THE KEY. SO NOW I'M DRIVING AROUND WITH MY KEY IN MY IGNITION AND MY STEERING COLUMN OFF SO IT LOOKS LIKE I STOLE MY CAR, THE ONLY WAY I CAN START AND STOP THE CAR IS BY PLUGGING AND UNPLUGGING THE IGNITION SWITCH. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FROM WHAT I'VE READ THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND IT HAS ENDED UP COSTING THEM HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I JUST PAID $200 FOR THE IGNITION CYLINDER ALONG WITH THE HOUSING UNIT AND I COME TO REALIZE THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS AT ALL. *JB

Feb 20, 2007

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION,IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE KEY AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T START. ON THE THIRD ATTEMPT WITHIN TWO HOURS, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE MECHANIC ON TWO OCCASIONS STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH/ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMWAS READING THAT SOMEONE WASTRYING TO BREAK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. *AK

Mileage: 74,000

Feb 17, 2007

FOR THE PAST TWO WINTERS I'VE HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING MY CAR ON 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. WHEN I WENT OUT TO START IT EACH TIME IT WOULDN'T START. I WOULD WAIT ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES TO RESTART IT, AND LUCKILY IT STARTED. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO BE LATE ON EVERY OCCASION, ALL THE WHILE BRAVING THE FREEZING COLD. *NM

Mileage: 34,000

Feb 16, 2007

2003 SATURN ION COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH NO CRANK, NO START WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES IS COLD - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) B2960 AND OR B3033 ARE SET. *TT. WENT TO START IT IN COLD WEATHER, HEARD A CLICK AND NOTICED SERVICE VEHICLE ON THE DASHBOARD. CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER AFTER TURNING KEY IN IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES. I LET IT SIT FOR 10 MINUTES OR SO AND IT FINALLY STARTED. I REPLACED THE BATTERY AS ADVISED BY AN AUTO MECHANIC AND IT STILL DID THE SAME THING A COUPLE DAYS LATER. I ALSO FOUND A MESSAGE BOARD DISCUSSING THIS ISSUE AT: HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_97727.HTML. *NM

Feb 16, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP EARLIER IN 2006. IT WORKED GREAT UNTIL THE COLD WINTER CAME. EVER SINCE THE WEATHER HAS BECOME COLD I HAVE HAD ISSUES STARTING MY CAR ALMOST DAILY. I WILL GET IN THE CAR AND TRY TO START THE ENGINE. MOST TIMES NOTHING HAPPENS...NO NOISE AT ALL. OTHER TIMES IT WILL SOUND LIKE IT'S TURNING OVER BUT WILL THEN STOP. I WILL HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND THEN THE CAR STARTS FINE. I WILL DRIVE TO MY LOCATION AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. IF I GET BACK IN AGAIN WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME I HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE SAME PROCESS AGAIN. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET MESSAGE BOARDS AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE...BUT STILL NO RECALL BY SATURN. IF THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS WITHOUT A RECALL I WILL NO LONGER PURCHASE SATURN VEHICLES. *JB

Feb 15, 2007

MY SATURN ION (2003) HAS HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS THIS WINTER WITH INTERMITTENT STARTS. I TRY TO START THE CAR IN THE MORNING, AND IT JUST WON'T CRANK OVER. I HAVE MISSED WORK, AND BEEN STRANDED IN THE FREEZING COLD. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ON THE STARTER SWITCH. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS DONE, AND HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED. I CANNOT AFFORD A $200 REPAIR ON SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE REPLACED BY SATURN. THIS IS A CASE OF NEGLIGENCE. *JB

Mileage: 36,000

Feb 15, 2007

2003 SATURN ION-3 FAILS TO START IN COLD WEATHER. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. (REFERENCE SATURN TSB 040845005 OF NOV 2005 OR NHTSA 10007431 OF MARCH 2006). IT APPEARS THAT SATURN IS COUNTING ON WARM WINTERS TO GET THE CARS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD (WHICH HAPPENED TO ME) AND THEN HIT YOU WITH A $40 PART AND $156 LABOR CHARGE TO FIX AN ITEM THEY MIS-MANUFACTURED. *NM

Mileage: 21,223

Feb 14, 2007

WHEN MY 2003 SATURN ION IS IN WEATHER THAT IS 32 DEGREES OR UNDER, THE GREASE IN THE IGNITION FREEZES THUS TRIGGERING THE SECURITY SYSTEM TO LOCK THE CAR DOWN FOR A PERIOD OF 15 MINUTES. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONE TIME DURING THIS WINTER SEASON. HAD I BEEN WITH A SMALL CHILD OR ELDERLY ADULT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS EVENT. SATURN IS MORE THAN AWARE OF THIS SITUATION CLAIMING THE FIX DOZENS OF CARS A WEEK AT 200+ A POP. THIS IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH SATURN AT THE DEALERSHIP AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL. THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE SAID THE ONLY WAY THEY WOULD DO A RECALL ON THIS PART IS IF PEOPLE WOULD FILE THE CLAIM ON THIS SITE. *JB

Mileage: 23,000

Feb 13, 2007

THE IGNITION SWITCH FREQUENTLY FAILS TO MOVE INTO THE LOCKED POSITION AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. THIS REQUIRES REPETITIONS OF STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE. THE DEALER FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB

Feb 12, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION 2, AND IT HAS HAD INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS SINCE 2004. I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY, BUT I WOULD CHANGE THE BATTERY AND TEST THE OLD ONE, AND IT ALWAYS TESTED FINE. ONCE THE WEATHER GOT COLD THIS WINTER, IT STARTED HAVING MORE FREQUENT STARTING PROBLEMS. SOMETIMES IT WOULD START AFTER WAITING 20-30 MINUTES. LAST WKEND, I WAS UNABLE TO START IT AT ALL AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE IT AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS BEING REPLACED, SINCE THE DEALER SAYS THIS IS A VERY FREQUENT PROBLEM. PLEASE RECALL THESE IGNITION SWITCHES! SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEM - CHECK THE INTERNET! JUST TYPE IN '2003 SATURN ION STARTING PROBLEMS' IN GOOGLE AND YOU'LL SEE MANY SITES COME UP WITH PEOPLE IN THE LAST MONTH ALONE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. COSTS ABOUT 200 BUCKS TO FIX, AND THAT'S RIDICULOUS IF SATURN KNOWS THERE'S AN ISSUE. *NM

Mileage: 56,000

Feb 12, 2007

MY CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING IN THE COLD WEATHER, IT WOULD ALMOST START THEN NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 15 MINUTES OF TRYING BEFORE IT WOULD START UP. ALSO THE SERVICE VEHICLE MESSAGE WOULD FLASH AND VARIOUS LIGHTS ON THE DASH WOULD FLASH ALSO. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICING AT THE SATURN DEALER WHERE THEY CHARGED ME 200 DOLLARS TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH ENDED UP BEING THE IGNITION SWITCH. *NM

Feb 12, 2007

FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS ANY TIME THERE IS COLD WEATHER, WHICH HAS BEEN EVERY DAY BECAUSE IT'S THE WINTER, MY 2003 SATURN ION 2 WON'T START FOR ABOUT 20-30 MINUTES. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND HAD SOME WORK DONE; FUEL INJECTION CLEANING, SPARK PLUGS REPLACED, ETC. THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED AND I TOOK IT BACK. THE CAR STARTED FINE AND FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS WHILE WE WERE HAVING MILD WEATHER I HAD NO PROBLEMS. AS SOON AS THE WEATHER HIT 30 DEGREES IT STARTED AGAIN. WHEN I GO TO START THE CAR IT TURNS OVER BUT THEN DIES. 5 OR SO MORE TIMES AND IT AGAIN TRIES TO TURN OVER BUT NOTHING. EVENTUALLY AFTER 20 MINUTES OR SO THE CAR WILL START. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE FIRST THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE'RE NOW OUT $100 FOR THAT PLUS THE WORK I'VE HAD DONE THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I CALLED SATURN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS, THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED INTO A RECALL AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO HOOK MY CAR UP TO THE COMPUTER FOR $100 JUST TO TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I SEARCHED ONLINE FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND FOUND THOUSANDS OF POSTS AND THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE "IGNITION SWITCH", BUT SOME PEOPLE WILL STILL HAVING PROBLEMS EVEN AFTER THAT WAS REPLACED. JUST THIS WEEKEND I WENT TO WORK AND CAME OUT TO START MY CAR AT 9:20 AND BY 10:00 THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START AND I HAD TO FIND A RIDE HOME. I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND AM SCARED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE WITH THEM IN FEAR THAT MY CAR WON'T START WHEN I GET TO OR NEED TO LEAVE MY DESTINATION. I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ISSUED AS A RECALL OR LIKE MANY OTHERS "I WILL NOT BE BUYING ANOTHER SATURN". *JB

Mileage: 72,000

Feb 12, 2007

CAR ROUTINELY WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. A NEW IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE INSTALLED AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB

Mileage: 80,000

Feb 9, 2007

IN COLD TEMPERATURES MY 2003 SATURN ION 2 WOULD NOT START. ALL OF MY LIGHTS WOULD COME ON BUT WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR THE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND I WOULD BE LOCKED OUT OF STARTING MY CAR FOR THE NEXT 8-10 MINUTES DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM AND CODES B2930 B3033 WERE FOUND IN THE SYSTEM. THE IGNITION SWITCH SN 10392423 WAS REPLACED. THE OLD PART WAS KEPT BY SATURN. *JB

Mileage: 46,300

Feb 8, 2007

FREQUENT INABILITY TO START VEHICLE DUE TO IGNITION CYLINDER WEAR. SATURN CLAIMS SECURITY SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DUE TO INTERNAL IGNITION SWITCH NOT BEING ABLE TO "READ" CHIP IN SATURN VEHICLE KEY. FAILURE OF SUCH PROCESS RESULTS IN OPERATOR OF VEHICLE HAVING TO WAIT UNTIL SECURITY SYSTEM "RESETS" (10-15 MINS.) SATURN WILL NOT HONOR THE FACT THAT THIS MAY BE A DESIGN FLAW, AND HOLDS OWNER RESPONSIBLE FOR $200 REPAIR. THIS OWNER IS JUST GLAD THE STEERING WHEEL HASN'T FALLEN OFF THE DASHBOARD YET. GOOD CAR ! *JB

Mileage: 75,000

Feb 7, 2007

INTERMITTENTLY, CAR WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. NO CRANK OR START. AFTER 10 MINUTES, CAR SOMETIMES STARTS WITH ANOTHER KEY. CAR EVENTUALLY STARTS, BUT REQUIRES 10 MINUTE PAUSE BETWEEN EACH ATTEMPT FOR SECURITY LOCK-OUT TO BE BYPASSED. *NM

Mileage: 63,000

Feb 6, 2007

1. TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING 2. GREASE IN IGNITION SWITCH THICKENS AND CAR WILL NOT START. IT NORMALLY TAKES 10 - 15 MINUTES TO WARM THE IGNITION ENOUGH FOR THE CAR TO START. 3. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AGREED TO REPAIR THE CAR AND BILL THE MANUFACTURER BUT THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WOULDN'T REPAIR IT. 4. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. *JB

Feb 1, 2007

SATURN ION COLD START PROBLEM**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH CLICKED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE SECURITY SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE, AND A SECURITY LIGHT WOULD BLINK AND THE ODOMETER SCREENS WOULD READ SERVICE ENGINE SOON. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RE-START FOR 8-10 MINUTES AS THE SECURITY SYSTEM RESETS. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE GREASE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FREEZING AND/OR HARDENING SO THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN NOT ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND GREASE SHOULD BE RECALLED. *JB

Jan 21, 2007

CAR WILL NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER. THEN I GET A SERVICE ENGINE MESSAGE AND THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES. THE CAR WILL NOT START FOR 10 MINUTES AFTER. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALWAYS STARTS WHEN IT IS NOT COLD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST THREE WEEKS. *NM

Mileage: 47,900

Jan 21, 2007

MY 2003 SATURN ION FAILS TO START IN COLD WEATHER BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT PROPERLY READ THE KEY AND THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM LOCKS OUT THE IGNITION. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND IN MARCH 2006 GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN IDENTIFYING THE IGNITION SWITCH AS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. SATURN HOWEVER REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT WITH MY VEHICLE. AS THIS FAILURE ONLY OCCURS IN COLD WEATHER IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE AS I WORK LATE HOURS AND I RELY ON MY VEHICLE STARTING SO THAT I CAN TURN ON THE HEAT. SITTING IN THE FREEZING COLD IN A VEHICLE THAT HAS AN IDENTIFIED DEFECTIVE PART THAT WILL NOT START IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME BECAUSE A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ORDERED. AS SATURN WILL NOT STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF ITS CUSTOMERS I ASK THAT A SAFETY RECALL BE ISSUED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *NM

Jan 19, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER. WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE (USUALLY AT OR BELOW 32 DEGREES) THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO START. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ACTIVATES, PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING, BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE PROPER KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. GM HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL ADVISORY (# 04-08-45-005D) DATED 15 MAR 2006 IDENTIFYING THE IGNITION SWITCH AS THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK MALFUNCTION ON MY CAR AND INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD COST $250.00 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN PERFORMANCE OF MY DUTIES AS A FEDERAL OFFICER I RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START WHEN I NEED IT TO. I AM OFTEN DISPATCHED TO REMOTE AREAS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC. WAITING 10-30 MINUTES FOR THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM TO TIME OUT BEFORE I CAN START THE CAR HAS MADE ME LATE FOR ASSIGNMENTS ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. HAVING A VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF A RECOGNIZED DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IS UNACCEPTABLE; BEING TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS INSULTING. THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT ONLY A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE, IT IMPACTS THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THAT I HAVE SWORN TO PROTECT. FINALLY IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERY SATURN ION OWNER WHO DEPENDS ON THEIR CAR TO START IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER WARM ENVIRONMENT AVAILABLE.

Jan 19, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER. WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE (USUALLY AT OR BELOW 32 DEGREES) THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO START. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ACTIVATES, PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING, BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE PROPER KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. GM HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL ADVISORY (# 04-08-45-005D) DATED 15 MAR 2006 IDENTIFYING THE IGNITION SWITCH AS THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK MALFUNCTION ON MY CAR AND INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD COST $250.00 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN PERFORMANCE OF MY DUTIES AS A FEDERAL OFFICER I RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START WHEN I NEED IT TO. I AM OFTEN DISPATCHED TO REMOTE AREAS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC. HAVING A VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF A RECOGNIZED DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IS UNACCEPTABLE; BEING TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS INSULTING. THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT ONLY A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE, IT IMPACTS THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THAT I HAVE SWORN TO PROTECT. FINALLY IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERY SATURN ION OWNER WHO DEPENDS ON THEIR CAR TO START IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER WARM ENVIRONMENT AVAILABLE.

Jan 19, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER. WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE (USUALLY AT OR BELOW 32 DEGREES) THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO START. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ACTIVATES, PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING, BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE PROPER KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. GM HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL ADVISORY (# 04-08-45-005D) DATED 15 MAR 2006 IDENTIFYING THE IGNITION SWITCH AS THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK MALFUNCTION ON MY CAR AND INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD COST $250.00 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN PERFORMANCE OF MY DUTIES AS A FEDERAL OFFICER I RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START WHEN I NEED IT TO. I AM OFTEN DISPATCHED TO REMOTE AREAS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC. HAVING A VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF A RECOGNIZED DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IS UNACCEPTABLE; BEING TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS INSULTING. THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT ONLY A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE, IT IMPACTS THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THAT I HAVE SWORN TO PROTECT. FINALLY IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERY SATURN ION OWNER WHO DEPENDS ON THEIR CAR TO START IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER WARM ENVIRONMENT AVAILABLE.

Jan 19, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER. WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE (USUALLY AT OR BELOW 32 DEGREES) THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO START. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ACTIVATES, PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING, BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE PROPER KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. GM HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL ADVISORY (# 04-08-45-005D) DATED 15 MAR 2006 IDENTIFYING THE IGNITION SWITCH AS THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK MALFUNCTION ON MY CAR AND INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD COST $250.00 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN PERFORMANCE OF MY DUTIES AS A FEDERAL OFFICER I RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START WHEN I NEED IT TO. I AM OFTEN DISPATCHED TO REMOTE AREAS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC. HAVING A VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF A RECOGNIZED DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IS UNACCEPTABLE; BEING TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS INSULTING. THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT ONLY A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE, IT IMPACTS THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THAT I HAVE SWORN TO PROTECT. FINALLY IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERY SATURN ION OWNER WHO DEPENDS ON THEIR CAR TO START IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER WARM ENVIRONMENT AVAILABLE.

Jan 19, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER. WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE (USUALLY AT OR BELOW 32 DEGREES) THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO START. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ACTIVATES, PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING, BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE PROPER KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. GM HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL ADVISORY (# 04-08-45-005D) DATED 15 MAR 2006 IDENTIFYING THE IGNITION SWITCH AS THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK MALFUNCTION ON MY CAR AND INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD COST $250.00 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN PERFORMANCE OF MY DUTIES AS A FEDERAL OFFICER I RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START WHEN I NEED IT TO. I AM OFTEN DISPATCHED TO REMOTE AREAS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC. HAVING A VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF A RECOGNIZED DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IS UNACCEPTABLE; BEING TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS INSULTING. THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT ONLY A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE, IT IMPACTS THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THAT I HAVE SWORN TO PROTECT. FINALLY IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERY SATURN ION OWNER WHO DEPENDS ON THEIR CAR TO START IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER WARM ENVIRONMENT AVAILABLE.

Jan 12, 2007

WILL DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE TRANSMISSION IN MY SATURN ION LVL 3 SLIPS AND I HAVE TO LET MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THEN KICK THE GAS PEDAL FOR IT TO GO INTO GEAR. IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME WHEN I AM DRIVING IT. ALSO WHEN I GO TO PARK THE CAR, I PUT IT IN PARK AND PULL UP THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND I GO TO REMOVE THE KEY AND IT WILL ONLY GO AS FAR AS ACC MODE. IT WILL NOT RELEASE. I HAVE TO WAIT 20 TO 30 MINUTES UNTIL IT RELEASES AUTOMATICALLY. I HAVE READ ONLINE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SATURNS AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. IT DOES THIS ALMOST EVERY SINGLE DAY. *NM

Mileage: 51,500

Jan 12, 2007

IF THE WEATHER BECOMES COLD, THE CAR WILL NOT FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES OF SITTING IN THE CAR AND TRYING TO START IT OVER AND OVER. IT HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP TWICE, BUT AT THE TIME, THE CAR WORKED PROPERLY. BOTH TIMES, I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW BATTERY. I AM NOW SAVING THE MONEY TO HAVE THE IGNITION MODULE REPLACED. SATURN JUST KEEPS TELLING ME TO REPLACE MY BATTERY. HOW MANY DO I NEED? *NM

Jan 9, 2007

THE FIRST TIME THE IGNITION SWITCH "PASSLOCK" SENSOR WENT OUT ON MY 2003 SATURN ION II, IT WAS NEAR ZERO DEGREES OUTSIDE, MY 2 MONTH OLD SON WAS ALONG, AND I WAS STUCK ON THE ROAD FOR SEVERAL MINUTES TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM IS APPARENTLY THAT A SENSOR THAT CONTROLS THE GAS FLOW STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY AND THE CAR DIED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT INITIALLY DID NOTHING. I WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES, CALLED FOR MY SON TO BE PICKED UP, THEN TRIED AGAIN. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES IT STARTED WITHOUT A PROBLEM. I LEARNED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY AND HAD A FAULTY "PASSLOCK" SENSOR. APPARENTLY, WHEN THE IGNITION IS TOO COLD, THE GREASE BEGINS TO HARDEN, CAUSING THE SWITCH TO BE UNABLE TO MAKE PROPER CONTACT. THIS MAKES THE CAR THINK SOMEONE IS TRYING TO STEAL IT, SO THE SECURITY SYSTEM KICKS IN AND STOPS GAS FLOW FOR UP TO 15 MINUTES. AFTER THAT PERIOD OF TIME, THE SECURITY SYSTEM RESETS AND YOU CAN ONCE AGAIN ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, IF THE GREASE HAS NOT WARMED UP ENOUGH BY THE, THE WHOLE THING STARTS OVER AGAIN. I HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL TODAY. THE SWITCH IS AGAIN GOING BAD. MY HUSBAND HAD TO BE TO COURT THIS AFTERNOON AND WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR. THIS TIME WE HAD TO WAIT AND TRY AGAIN 3 TIMES, WASTING 45 MINUTES. AT LEAST THIS TIME IT WAS ONLY TIME THAT WAS WASTED. LAST TIME IT COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. MY BABY COULD'VE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE COLD FOR TOO LONG WITH SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. NOT ONLY THAT, BUT I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY OTHER CARS IF I HADN'T BEEN ABLE TO MOVE IT OUT OF THE WAY. NOW THAT IT HAS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME TO OUR VEHICLE, I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE SEEN THAT THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS QUITE REGULARLY AND THAT SATURN HAS REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. PLEASE SEE: HTTP://WWW.AUTOWEB.COM/CONTENT/RESEARCH/FORUMS/INDEX.CFM/ACTION/POSTS/FID/5610 FOR MORE COMPLAINTS. *NM

Mileage: 71,000

Dec 31, 2006

MY SATURN ION 3 HAD 4 OCCURRENCES OF SERVICE VEHICLE'S MESSAGE IN THE LAST 24 HOURS SINCE DEC 29, 2006. WHEN I TURN THE KEY, THE ENGINE DOESN'T TURN OVER. THE MESSAGE WINDOWS SHOWS "SERVICE VEHICLE" AND THE "SECURITY"/PASS LOCK SYMBOL ON THE DASH KEEPS FLASHING. I KEPT TRYING TURNING THE IGNITION, NOTHING HAPPNENED. THE AFTER APPROX. 10 MINUTES, THE CAR STARTED AND RAN GREAT AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. *NM

Mileage: 35,500

Dec 30, 2006

2003 SATURN ION. THIS CAR WILL NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER. IF THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES F FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE CAR WILL STALL. THIS WILL BE A RECALL ITEM ONCE WE GET TOGETHER AND SUE SATURN FOR THIS OBVIOUS NEGLIGENT BEHAVIOR. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AND IS CONTINUAL. PERHAPS WHEN SOME UNFORTUNATE SOUL IS STRANDED IN THE WILDERNESS AND DIES, THEN THE MANUFACTURER WILL PAY ATTENTION TO THIS COLD WEATHER START PROBLEM. THE PUBLIC IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND SO IS SATURN. IT WOULD BE WELL WORTH IT FOR THE CORPORATE OFFICE TO CRUNCH THE NUMBERS AND DECIDE TO RECALL THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ THAT THE DIFFICULTLY MAY HAVE TO DO WITH A TYPE OF LUBRICANT ON THE STARTER, WHICH HARDENS IN THE COLD WEATHER. THE CAR STALLS AS A RESULT, AND THEN THE PASSLOCK KICKS IN. AFTER 8 MINUTES, THE CAR MAY START, OR ONE MAY HAVE TO WAIT AN ADDITIONAL 8 MINUTES (OR MORE) FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH TO LOOSEN UP ENOUGH TO START THE ENGINE. HOWEVER, THE CAR MAY STALL YET AGAIN---AND SET OFF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM YET AGAIN. SATURN IS NEGLIGENT AT THE VERY LEAST--AND CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT IF THEY KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM---THE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF IT---AND DO NOTHING. *NM

Mileage: 22,813

Dec 19, 2006

SATURN 2003 ION WILL NOT START IN COOL TO COLD WEATHER. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES CAR WILL NOT START, BUT WILL THEN START AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NEWER SATURNS. *JB

Dec 11, 2006

2003 SATURN ION WILL NOT START WHEN IT IS COLD. I AM SEEING ALOT OF PEOPLE POSTING ON DIFFERENT FORUMS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. IS ANYTHING GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS? *NM

Mileage: 33,000

Dec 6, 2006

2003 SATURN ION QUAD LEVEL 3, WILL NOT START WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPS, OR STARTS AND IMMEDIATELY STALLS. THE PASSLOCK ICON BLINKS AND THE MESSAGE CENTER SAYS SERVICE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP VERBALLY STATED TO TURN KEY ON FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES TO RESET THE PASSLOCK, THEN TURN OFF, REMOVE KEY, AND TRY THE START SEQUENCE AGAIN. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE, FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO DAYS, CAR IS CURRENTLY IMMOBILE IN A PARKING LOT ACROSS TOWN. AN INTERNET SEARCH STRONGLY SUGGESTS THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE THAT GM REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND THAT ALL SATURN OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT FOR RELIEF. *NM

Mileage: 50,000

Dec 5, 2006

I OWN A SATURN ION II 2003 AND EVERY MORNING THAT IT IS COLD IT WILL NOT START. AFTER GETTING A NEW BATTERY, WHICH IS WHAT THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME TO DO, IT STILL WILL NOT START ON COLD MORNINGS. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OUT THERE ABOUT THIS ISSUE IN 03 TO LATE 04 MODELS REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH NOT TURNING IN COLD WEATHER. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED. *NM

Dec 5, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS STARTING IN COLD WEATHER. THE ENGINE WOULD START AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS OR NOT START AT ALL ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE NON SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE TO FIX IT.

Mileage: 10,000

Dec 4, 2006

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION-3 AND IT WILL NOT START BELOW 40 DEGREES, THIS IS A RIDICULOUS PROBLEM. THERE IS A THREAD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AT : HTTP://WWW.AUTOSITE.COM/CONTENT/RESEARCH/FORUMS/INDEX.CFM/ACTION/POSTS/FID/5610 THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND SO FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, I AM JUST HOPING I CAN SELL THIS CAR ASAP BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN QUITE A PROBLEM. *JB

Mileage: 45,000

Dec 4, 2006

I HAVE A 5-SPEED MANUAL 2003 SATURN ION . EVERY TIME IT'S COLD OUTSIDE, THE CAR REFUSES TO START. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATED LAST WINTER, AND HAS A COUPLE TIMES THIS FALL, ALSO. NOW, THAT THE TEMPERATURE IS STAYING LOW, I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE TIME AND EFFORT REQUIRED TO MAKE THE CAR START. THE RADIO AND LIGHTS WORK FINE, INDICATING THERE IS POWER GETTING TO THIS EQUIPMENT. HOWEVER, WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE CAR OVER TO START, A MESSAGE POPS UP SAYING "SERVICE ENGINE." NOTHING HAPPENS AFTER THAT. ONE CAN ALMOST PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. IF THE TEMPERATURE GETS BELOW FREEZING, ONE MUST BE PREPARED TO SIT AT HOME UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE RISES, AND ALLOWS FOR THE CAR TO START. *JB

Nov 29, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY IN COOLER WEATHER, FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. AN APPOINTMENT HAD BEEN SCHEDULED WITH A SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.

Mileage: 54,000

Nov 29, 2006

THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY NOT START. THIS MOSTLY OCCURRED IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS BUT WOULD ALSO OCCUR IN ABOVE 70 DEGREE TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN AND COULD IMMEDIATELY BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. *NM

Mileage: 70,000

Nov 27, 2006

WHEN IT IS COLD OUT AND THE CAR HAS SAT, IT WILL NOT CRANK. I HAVE SEEN INFORMATION THAT IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE BODY CONTROL MODULE $590 FIX, OR THE IGNITION SWITCH $200 FIX. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE TIED TO THE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM. IF THE CAR DOES NOTHING, AND I LOCK AND THEN UNLOCK THE CAR IT WILL CRANK FOR 1/2 A SECOND THEN STOP. IT WONT CRANK AGAIN UNTIL I LOCK AND UNLOCK THE CAR AGAIN. EVENTUALLY AFTER DOING THIS NUMEROUS TIMES IT WILL START. I KNOW THAT THERE IS A TSB ON THIS PROBLEM BUT BELIEVE THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM FOR EITHER THE BCM, THE IGNITION SWITCH, OR BOTH. *NM

Mileage: 10,000

Apr 10, 2006

I HAVE BEEN HAVING SOME ISSUES WITH CLUNKING AND GRINDING NOISES WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR POTHOLES OR WHILE MAKING TURNS. I TOOK MY 2003 ION 2 TO HAVE THIS CHECKED AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEMS WAS BOTH OF MY CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. MY CAR IS 2 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAS ONLY 38,000 MILES ON IT, SO AT FIRST I THOUGHT THAT THIS COULD BE UNTRUE. BUT, AFTER INTERNET RESEARCH IT SEEMS THAT MANY 2003 ION DRIVERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. I CALLED MY SATURN DEALER AND THEY ACTED LIKE THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND COULD DO NOTHING TO HELP ME OR FIX IT. MY OTHER PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, WHICH ALSO SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM, IS THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. ONE DAY IT WILL BE ON, AND THE NEXT IT WILL BE FINE. *JB

Mar 7, 2006

THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN EXACTLY THIRTEEN MONTHS THE FIRST TIME WAS ON FEBRUARY 3, 2005. I ADJUSTED MY POWER DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR WHILE DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ON HIGHWAY 61 AND HEARD A POP AND ALL MY LIGHTS INCLUDING HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT . MY FOUR WAY SAFETY FLASHERS ALSO WOULD NOT WORK I WAS DRIVING IN COMPLETE DARKNESS WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 67 MPH THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ALMOST IDENTICALLY LAST YEAR WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ADJUSTED MIRROR HEARD A POP AND ALL LIGHTS WENT OUT. LUCKILY IN BOTH INCIDENTS NO ONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND DUE TO THE FACT THEY COULDN'T SEE ME UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE. NO ONE WAS KILLED OR INJURED BUT THAT WAS JUST PURE LUCK .. LAST YEARS INCIDENT I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO SATURN AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE BCM FUSE WAS BAD THEY REPLACED FUSE. OBVIOUSLY THEY DID NOT GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM YOU WOULD THINK YOU CAN ADJUST YOUR POWER MIRROR WITHOUT HAVING ALL LIGHTS SHUT OFF INCLUDING DASH LIGHTS .. ONCE YOU PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK YOU CANNOT TURN IT OFF COMPLETELY THE KEY WILL ONLY GO AS FAR AS THE ACCESSORY POSITION AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. THE ENGINE WILL RUN YOU JUST CAN'T MOVE THE VEHICLE. SOMEHOW I DO NOT THINK THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM ENTIRELY WHEN THEY REPLACED THE FUSE. IT SEEMS TO ME YOU SHOULD NOT BLOW A BCM FUSE EVERY THIRTEEN MONTHS EXACTLY TO THE DAY. IT IS SUCH A POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEM THE CONSEQUENCES ARE TERRIFYING. MY 2003 SATURN ION-3 CAN NOT BE THE ONLY CAR OUT THERE WITH THIS HAPPENING ESPECIALLY TWICE IN THIRTEEN MONTHS. *JB

Mileage: 45,470

Feb 25, 2006

MY CAR WON'T START! AT LEAST EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE ANYWAY. IT'S A 2003 SATURN ION. I BOUGHT IT USED ON 5/14/05 AND A FEW MONTHS AFTER, WHEN IT STARTED TO GET COLD IN GA., IT WOULDN'T START. AFTER ABOUT 10-30 MINUTES, IT WOULD FINALLY START AS IF THERE WAS NO PROBLEM LEAVING ME FEELING LIKE I WAS GOING CRAZY. I THOUGHT IT MAY BE THE BATTERY, SO I REPLACED THAT (40.00 DOLLARS). IT STILL GAVE ME PROBLEMS THAT VERY NIGHT! I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND HAD A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK DONE (40.00 DOLLARS), THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, AND BASICALLY BLEW ME OFF. DISCOURAGED, I LEFT AND GAVE UP. IT CONTINUED TO ACT UP 2 DAYS LATER, WHICH I JUST DEALT WITH. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP YESTERDAY FOR A OIL CHANGE AND GUESS WHAT? IT WOULDN'T START WHILE IT WAS THERE. THEY TOLD ME THAT WHILE THEY WERE ABOUT TO TAKE IT TO THE WASH IT WOULDN'T START, AND ASKED ME IF I HAD ANY PROBLEMS. I SAID YEA. THEY SAID THEY WERE SURE THEY'D LOCATE THE PROBLEM THAT DAY. CAME BACK AN HOUR LATER TO TELL ME THAT IT WAS THE TECHNICIAN FAULT, CLAIMING THAT HE HAD LEFT IT IN DRIVE WHILE TRYING TO START IT (HOW WOULD HE GET IT IN DRIVE IF IT WOULDN'T START?) ANYWAY, IT WOULDN'T START THAT NIGHT! AT THIS POINT IM GOING TO GET MY FUTURE FATHER IN LAW INVOLVED SINCE HE IS AN ENGINEER AND HAVE HIM STIR THE PUDDING. OH, AND HE BELIEVES IT A SHORT WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SO WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE THEM TO CHECK THAT OUT. *NM

Feb 3, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY BETWEEN 50-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THIS OCCURS AND THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO LOCKS UP. THE VEHICLE IS PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN OUT OF THE COUNTRY SINCE THE REPAIR, LAST YEAR; THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE REPAIRS WERE MADE.

Mileage: 33,000

Nov 22, 2005

WHEN WEATHER TURNS COLD CAR WILL NOT START, AFTER 20 - 30 MINUTES CAR STARTS. AFTER FIRST VISIT TO DEALER WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND, A YEAR LATER AS WINTER RETURNS SO DOES THE PROBLEM AND NOW WE ARE TOLD THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND THE PASSLOCK SENSOR BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR EVEN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED. I HAVE HELD OFF ON REPAIRING AS WE HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE WE CAN USE AND DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ALL THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED BY OTHERS, ONE DISTURBING SYMPTOM IS THAT SOME GM VEHICLES EXPERIENCE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND OR STALLING. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM YET.

Mileage: 53,000

Sep 1, 2005

(1) HIGHWAY DRIVING (2) FOUND OUT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS NO LONGER WORKED ON ANY SETTING AFTER SOME WATER SPLASHED UP ON MY WINDSHIELD. NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT FROM INABILITY TO SEE. FOUND OUT AFTER I STOPPED THAT THE TRUNK RELEASE ALSO NO LONGER WORKED. (3) CONTACTED SATURN VIA EMAIL. ACTION IS PENDING. *NM

Mileage: 8,890

Jul 18, 2005

UNRESOLVE PROBLEM (7/2004 - 7/2005) VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. SUDDENLY STALLS AND STOPS WHILE ON HIGHWAY CREATING HAZARD FOR TRAFFIC FOLLOWING AT 65 MPH. RETURNED TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THEY CAN NOT ISOLATE THE PROBLEM AND CAN NOT REPAIR.

Mileage: 34,000

Jul 13, 2005 Crash

AT THE TIME MY SATURN WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IT WAS UNDER 30,000 MILES AND STILL UNDER WARRENTY. I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND MY ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. AT THE TIME I COULD NOT SEE WHAT WAS HOLDING DOWN MY ACCELERATOR. IT WAS A PIECE OF PANEL THAT CAME OFF PARTIALLY THAT WAS HOLDING THE ACCELERATOR REALLY HARD AND IT WAS STUCK MAKING MY PEDAL STUCK ALMOST ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN WITH BOTH FEET ON THE BREAKS AND THE EMERGENCY BREAK TO NO AVAIL. I DIDN'T TURN THE IGNITION OFF BECAUSE I HAD CARS ON ALL SIDES OF ME GOING 50-70 MPH. IT WAS WHEN I CAME TO A RED LIGHT THAT I REALIZED MY CAR WASN'T GOING TO STOP AND I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO HIT AN SUV AND MY CAR KEPT TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND PUSH THE SUV OUT OF THE WAY. THAT IS WHEN I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION BEFORE ANOTHER ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE SUV WAS DAMAGED. MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET MY CAR FIXED BECAUSE I AM WAITING FOR SATURN TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH CAUSED THE ACCIDENT, SO THAT THEY COULD LEND ME A RENT-A-CAR WHILE IT IS IN THE SHOP. BUT, I CANNOT GET THEM TO GIVE ME A CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET MY CAR IN THE SHOP OR SUPPLY A RENT-A-CAR. A FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR INSPECTED MY CAR ON FRIDAY AND AGREES THAT I DIDN'T CAUSE THE ACCIDENT. HE SUPPLIED THE INFORMATION TO SATURN AND STILL THREE DAYS LATER I CAN'T EVEN GET A COURTESY CALL. THE ACCIDENT WAS ON JUNE 16, 2005. I COULDN'T GET THEM TO CALL ME TO SPEAK ABOUT WHAT MY OPTIONS WERE UNTIL THE WEEK OF JULY 1, 2005. THEN AN INVESTIGATOR JULY 8, 2005. THEY HAVE NOT MADE ONE EFFORT TO WORK WITH ME ABOUT GETTING THE CAR INTO THE SHOP. THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN ME THE TIME OF DAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SATURN SHOP LOCATION TO GET MY CAR FIXED AND SO THAT THEY COULD SUPPLY A RENT-A-CAR.

Mileage: 27,000

May 6, 2005

WHILE DRIVING. UPON STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER GOT OUT TO TAKE THE CHILD OUT OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION RUNNING. THE DOORS LOCKED, AND THE CONSUMER COULD NOT GET HER CHILD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *NM DOORS LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY UPON EXITING DRIVER'S SIDE. ADDITIONAL SERVICE INCLUDE, THE A/C AND HEATER FUNTION FAILED DUE TO FAULTY CONNECTION FROM SWITCH TO RESISTOR CARD, COLLAPSE OF HORN COVER CAUSING LOSS OF AIRBAG. IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE SIGNAL AND RUNNING LAMPS WERE INOPERATIVE. *BF

Mileage: 15,165

Apr 21, 2005

I PURCHASED A SATURN ION IN JUNE OF 2003. I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING THE CAR IN OCTOBER OF 2004. IT WOULD NOT START AND WOULD JUST MAKE A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED. THERE WAS POWER TO ALL ACCESSORIES SO IT WAS NOT A BATTERY FAILURE. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES OF TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START, IT WOULD FINALLY START ONCE AGAIN (ROUGHLY AT FIRST) AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD DISAPPEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE NEARBY SATURN DEALERSHIP AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE AND WAS TURNED AWAY BECAUSE THEY "WERE TOO BUSY". I TOOK IT THERE THE NEXT DAY AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT EXCEPT FOR AN OXYGEN SENSOR WHICH THEY REPLACED. I DROVE IT HOME. IT DID IT AGAIN TWICE IN THE NEXT TWO DAYS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AGAIN AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE. I THOUGHT THAT EVERYTHING WAS OK UNTIL THIS PAST WEEKEND (APRIL 2005) WHEN IT DID THE EXACT SAME THING. I TOOK IT TO SATURN ON TUESDAY AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER CAR FOR MORE THAN ONE DAY. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TAKE MY UNRELIABLE VEHICLE BACK. I CONTACTED SATURN CORPORATE AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD ALLOW ME TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WOULD GET ME A LOANER FOR A FEW DAYS BUT IT WAS DOUBTFUL THAT THEY COULD GET IT TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM AS IT IS INTERMITTENT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO NOT START IT THE NEXT TIME AND JUST HAVE IT TOWED TO SATURN. THAT'S FINE EXCEPT WHAT IF IT DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I AM AWAY FROM HOME WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN? MY VEHICLE IS LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD AND I SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT ANY DISTANCE FOR FEAR OF BEING STRANDED! *NM

Mileage: 55,310

Jan 18, 2005

OVER THE PAST 2 AND 1/2 WEEKS WE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM STARTING OUR 2003 SATURN ION. THE CAR WOULD NOT START LEADING ONE TO BELIEVE THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY. THEN A FEW HOURS LATER THE CAR STARTED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME AND WENT VERY QUICKLY. A WEEK LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AND THE CAR STARTED UP AGAIN LATER WITH NO PROBLEM. A FEW DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE LOCAL SATURN SERVICE TECH ADVISED US THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN SEEN WITH OTHER IONS AND THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *NM

Mileage: 56,000

Dec 28, 2004

WHILE DRIVING,THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE FILL IN FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB

Jun 4, 2004

THE HORN ASSEMBLY REQUIRED EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO ACTIVATE. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT HORN WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY. *AK *NM

Mar 31, 2004

SATURN HORN IS HARD TO ACTIVATE (ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE IN WINTER CLIMATES) DUE TO A POOR HORN BUTTON DESIGN. IN A PANIC SITUATION YOU HAVE TO LOOK DOWN AND HUNT FOR THE "G" SPOT ON THE HORN BUTTON IN ORDER TO SOUND THE HORN WITHIN SUFFICIENT TIME TO BE USEFUL IN WARNING OTHER MOTORISTS. I HAVE EXPERINCED THIS MANY TIMES IN A PARKING LOT SITUATION, AND ALSO DURING INTERSTATE DRIVING. SOMETIMES THE HORN FAILS TO SOUND AT ALL. SATURN CORP. REFERRED ME TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE OF THE INHERENT DESIGN WITH THE AIR BAG. OTHER IONS THAT I TEST DROVE ALSO DISPLAYED THIS BEHAVIOR AND SATURN CORP. SHOULD BE WORKING ON A SOLUTION TO THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE.*AK

Mileage: 7

Mar 27, 2004

TO DATE, VEHICLE HAS HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WHICH DEALER/SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE. 10 SERVICE VISITS IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AND NO END IN SIGHT. PROBLEMS INCLUDE: DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS/BLINKER LIGHTS INOPPERABLE (REPAIRED 6 TIMES); OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE GUAGE MALFUNCTIONING (REPAIRED 3+ TIMES); AIR CONDITIONING INOPPERABLE AND COMPASS MALFUNCTIONING.*AK

Mileage: 6,692

Mar 11, 2004

THE HORN MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO HEAR THE HORN. *AK

Mileage: 5,900

Feb 26, 2004

HORN FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK *MR

Mileage: 98,090

Feb 19, 2004

THE HORN DID NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. THE DESIGN FOR THE HORN, ONLY ALLOWED IT TO BE USED WHEN THE CONSUMER'S FINGERS WERE DIRECTLY ON THE HORN INDICATOR SYMBOL. *AK THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE HORN WORKED AS DESIGNED. *SC

Mileage: 3,002

Jan 18, 2004

OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE HORN IS VERY DIFFICULT AS THE ACTIVATION LOCATIONS ARE NOT PROMINENT ENOUGH TO FIND WHEN INVOLVED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. IN FACT I BELIEVE THAT THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE ON ONE OCCASION WHEN POSITIVE ACTIVATION WAS ACHIEVED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DESIGN. ONE THAT MORE THAN LIKELY HAS OR WILL RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *CB

Mileage: 100

Jan 5, 2004

CONSUMER FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS THE HORNS BUTTON WHEN NEEDED DUE TO ITS LOCATION. THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO WARN OTHER MOTORIST IN A EMERGENCY SITUATION. ALSO, WHEN ACCELERATING ON WET SURFACE TIRES WILL SPIN BUT VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. *AK

Mileage: 10

Dec 30, 2003

BOUGHT A SATURN 2003 ION 1 THIS PAST SUMMER ,JUNE 2003. IT WORK JUST FINE UNTIL COLORADO GOT ITS FIRST COLD SPELL, THIS IS WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO ACT-UP. THE CAR WILL NOT START UP IN THE EARLY COLD MORRINGS. WHEN I FIRST TRY TO START THE CAR THERE IS NOTHING, JUST A CLICKING SOUND. THEN AFTER TRYING FOR A WHILE THE CAR FINALLY STARTS UP, BUT IT IS A VERY ROUGH START. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO MY SATURN DEALSHIP FOR THE 3RD TIME AND TODAY WILL BE THE FOURTH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR WILL NOT START UP IN THE EARLY COLD MORRINGS. I AM GETTING VERY TRIED OF THIS. I HOPE WITH THE FOURTH TRY THE PROBLEM WILL BE FIXED. IF NOT, YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME AGAIN.

Dec 29, 2003

I OWN A 2003 SATURN ION. THE BATTERY WENT DEAD TODAY BECAUSE MY WIFE LEFT THE LIGHTS ON BY ACCIDENT. WHEN THE BATTERY IN THIS MODEL CAR BECOMES DISCHARGED TWO UNDESIREABLE PROBLEMS ARISE. I FEEL THAT BOTH OF THEM INTRODUCE SAFETY CONCERNS. FIRST, THE KEY WON'T COME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH THROUGH NORMAL MEANS. SECOND, THE CAR CAN'T BE MOVED! THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER REMAINS IN THE PARK POSITION. I FEEL THAT A CAR DESIGNED SUCH THAT THESE TWO PROBLEMS OCCUR WHEN THE BATTERY FAILS IS A POOR DESIGN. THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL PROVIDED WITH THE CAR MAKES NO MENTION OF THESE PROBLEMS OCCURING WITH A DEAD BATTERY. IN ORDER TO JUMP A DEAD BATTERY IN A CAR IT IS OFTEN NECESSARY TO MOVE THE CAR I N ORDER TO JUMP THE BATTERY FROM ANOTHER CAR. I FEEL HAVING AN INTENTIONAL DESIGN IN A CAR THAT PREVENTS IT FROM BEING MOVED BY THE OWNER CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN. REGARDING THE KEY SITUATION, MY WIFE LEFT HER ENTIRE SET OF KEYS IN THE CAR WHEN THEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. MANY IMPORTANT KEYS WERE LEFT IN THE CAR UNATTENDED. IT COULD HAVE MADE A BAD SITUATION MUCH WORSE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL IN THE CAR DISCUSSES HOW TO GET STUCK KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT NO MENTION IS MADE IN THE BOOK THAT KEYS WILL GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE BATTERY GOES DEAD. I SPOKE TO THE CONSUMER COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT AT SATURN REGARDING THIS CONCERN, BUT IT IS NOT SATURN'S POLICY TO RESPOND TO THIS TYPE OF CUSTOMER COMPLAINT. SINCE I FEEL THESE TWO PROBLEMS DO HAVE A SAFETY IMPACT, I DECIDED TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. *AK

Dec 29, 2003

I OWN A 2003 SATURN ION. THE BATTERY WENT DEAD TODAY BECAUSE MY WIFE LEFT THE LIGHTS ON BY ACCIDENT. WHEN THE BATTERY IN THIS MODEL CAR BECOMES DISCHARGED TWO UNDESIREABLE PROBLEMS ARISE. I FEEL THAT BOTH OF THEM INTRODUCE SAFETY CONCERNS. FIRST, THE KEY WON'T COME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH THROUGH NORMAL MEANS. SECOND, THE CAR CAN'T BE MOVED! THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER REMAINS IN THE PARK POSITION. I FEEL THAT A CAR DESIGNED SUCH THAT THESE TWO PROBLEMS OCCUR WHEN THE BATTERY FAILS IS A POOR DESIGN. THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL PROVIDED WITH THE CAR MAKES NO MENTION OF THESE PROBLEMS OCCURING WITH A DEAD BATTERY. IN ORDER TO JUMP A DEAD BATTERY IN A CAR IT IS OFTEN NECESSARY TO MOVE THE CAR I N ORDER TO JUMP THE BATTERY FROM ANOTHER CAR. I FEEL HAVING AN INTENTIONAL DESIGN IN A CAR THAT PREVENTS IT FROM BEING MOVED BY THE OWNER CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN. REGARDING THE KEY SITUATION, MY WIFE LEFT HER ENTIRE SET OF KEYS IN THE CAR WHEN THEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. MANY IMPORTANT KEYS WERE LEFT IN THE CAR UNATTENDED. IT COULD HAVE MADE A BAD SITUATION MUCH WORSE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL IN THE CAR DISCUSSES HOW TO GET STUCK KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT NO MENTION IS MADE IN THE BOOK THAT KEYS WILL GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE BATTERY GOES DEAD. I SPOKE TO THE CONSUMER COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT AT SATURN REGARDING THIS CONCERN, BUT IT IS NOT SATURN'S POLICY TO RESPOND TO THIS TYPE OF CUSTOMER COMPLAINT. SINCE I FEEL THESE TWO PROBLEMS DO HAVE A SAFETY IMPACT, I DECIDED TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA. *AK

Nov 19, 2003

IN A PANIC SITUATION, THE OWNER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE HORN BUTTON DUE TO THE SIZE AND LOCATION. THIS CAUSED A DISTRACTION, DUE TO THE CONSUMER HAVING TO TAKE HER EYES OFF THE ROAD AND LOOK ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCATE THE HORN BUTTON.*AK THE CONSUMER NOTED THE DRIVER'S HEAD REST WAS TILTED TOO FAR FORWARD, THE PROBLEM WAS EVENTUALLY CORRECTED. *JB *NM

Mileage: 500

Oct 20, 2003

I BOUGHT A SATURN ION IN EARLY AUGUST OF 2003. I HAVE HAD 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT ON ME AND HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR WHAT SO EVER! THE LATEST TIME WAS AT THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MILES PER HOUR WITH AN EIGHT WHEELER TRUCK RIGHT BEHIND ME. HAD I NOT THOUGHT QUICK AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED THE CAR OR ELSE I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT IT THE REAR BY A SEVERAL TON VEHICLE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! THE ENTIRE POWER TO THE CAR DIES !! THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP AND YOU THE ENTIRE CAR "SHUTS DOWN" AND YOU ARE STUCK IN FRONT OF ANOTHER CAR W/ ONLY THE PRAYER OF RESTARTING YOUR SATURN ION SO THAT YOU ARE NOT KILLED! THE FIRST PERSON I SPOKE WITH IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT HE HAD HEARD OF THIS IN A "COUPLE OF OTHER CARS" THE SERVICE MANAGER CLAIMED HE HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT THE "FIRST SERVICE TECHNICIAN WAS TALKING ABOUT." I AM OUTRAGED THAT SATURN SAID THEY WOULD TRY TO GET THE CAR TO "DUPLICATE" THIS PROBLEM FOR THEM. I HAVE TOLD THEM THAT IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS EVERYDAY OR EVEN EVERY WEEK. THEIR RESPONSE WAS "WE CAN'T FIX WHAT WE DO NOT KNOW IS BROKEN" I AM GOING TO ASK THAT THE CAR BE RETURNED TO GMAC WHICH IS THE LEAN HOLDER! I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A SAFE VEHICLE FOR MYSELF AND MY SMALL CHILDREN. "I STRONGLY DISCOURAGE OTHERS FROM PURCHASING THE SATURN ION !!!! I FEEL AS IF I HAVE BEEN RIDING IN A DEATH TRAP!! *LA OUTRAGED UNFORTUNATE SATURN OWNER OF WINSTON-SALEM. *LA

Mileage: 5,100

Oct 6, 2003

THE FRONT AND REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULBS BLEW OUT 11 TIMES. FIRST THE DEALER TOLD ME THE BULBS WERE BAD, THEN TOO MANY AMPS FOR THE TURN SIGNAL CIRCUIT. THEY DID SOME "CONVERSION" 8 MONTHS AGO AND THE BULBS BLEW OUT LESS FREQUENT BUT STILL OCCURRING. THE DRIVER FRONT BULBS BLEW 3 WEEKS AGO. THE TURN SIGNAL ALSO MALFUNCTION WHENEVER I PLUG THE CELL PHONE CHARGER INTO THE POWER OUTLET. I HAD MANY NEAR ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE TURN SIGNAL.

Sep 22, 2003

KEY ALWAYS STUCK IN IGNITION, CAR DOESN'T START CAR DOOR LOCK BROKEN. *JB

Jul 31, 2003

ELECTRICAL; DOOR SEALS LOOSE; CAR RETURNED UP TO 3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE ON 7/13/03. SATURN ION 3 COUPE--TURN SIGNALS BURNED OUT W/IN ONE WEEK OF EACH OTHER; REQUESTED CHECK OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. JULY 26, 2003 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECKED. COMPLAINED ABOUT DOOR SEAL AT SAME TIME & SERVICE DEPT DID NOT CHECK IT OUT UNTIL THEY REPLACED THE FUSE BOX ON JULY 31. REQUESTED TO RETURN VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD "IT WOULD BE FIXED TO MY SATISFACTION". DOOR SEAL WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY & I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK FOR A FOURTH TIME TO GET THIS REPAIRED APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK FROM TODAY. *PH

Jul 28, 2003

MY TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK IN THE FRONT OF MY CAR DUE TO A SHORTAGE OR SOMETHING AND ALSO MY CAR SHAKES AND LOOSES POWER WHEN I HAVE MY AIR CONDITIONER ON. *AK

May 5, 2003

WHEN THE CONSUMER PLUGGED DEVICES INTO THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT WORK. *NLM