Three problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 2003 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
Driving under normal conditions on the highway, check engine light came on and within seconds smoke began billowing out both ends of the vehicle. The engine has been confirmed to have a hole in the block, rendering the vehicle inoperable until it is replaced. The vehicle is in the dealership shop and is awaiting an adjuster from the car company to inspect it before they will begin to repair it.
Within 1 week of purchasing vehicle, engine light was coming on and car would shake. Brought in to dealer and they ran a diagnostic test which determined nothing was wrong. Within 2 days engine light continued to come on, sometimes staying on steady and sometimes blinking. Vehicle will start to shake and will not accelerate. When going down hills (even small ones) vehicle will suddenly feel like the brakes have been put on and vehicle jerks forward. The car feels like it's about to stall out when trying to accelerate. When opening the trunk it was very hot and you could not put your hand down in it. Called dealer to make another service appt. This week.