general problems of the 2003 Saturn ION - part 2

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 ignintion. 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 saftey recall?.

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.

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.

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.

2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to a repair bill for the ignition defect and seeks reimbursement. Updated 08/27/14.

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, 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. Js.

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.

2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to recall repairs completed and seeks reimbursement.

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.

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.

2003 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to malfunction of the air bag light and door locks. 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.

We no longer own this vehicle. It was involved in an accident that rendered it a complete total loss in 2012.

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.

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.

The electric power streeing 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 approximatley 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 ingnition switch which gm knows has problems has shut the engine off while driving and now it's to the point where it locks intermittantly 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 rememy the situations. Thanks.

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.

The locked and couldn't get it to turn.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saturn Ion 2003 does not start when cold, common problem with many people.

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.

In very cold weather the car willnt start.

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.

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.

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?!!!.

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.

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.

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. . Read more...

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. . Read more...

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.

1) try to start Saturn Ion 2) it failed to start 3) waited 10 min. It starts.

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. Kmj.