Four problems related to engine exhaust system 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 in reverse approximately 2 mph, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine and suddenly the engine warning indicator began to illuminate. Also, there was smoke emitting from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they replaced the spark plugs, ignition control module and coil. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I have a 2003 Saturn Ion 1 that I have never had any problems with. Suddenly on the first cold day of the winter it had trouble starting. After that the catalytic converter starting glowing. I have spent over $350 replacing the catalytic converter, spark plugs and wires and the air filter. I have found a recall for the Saturn l series for an ignition control module. I'm still not sure if this is the problem but if it is it will cost $650 to fix it. I may not have an l series car but they were made with the same engine. I don't understand how a catalytic converter can be destroyed so quickly (under 100,000 miles) without something being wrong. Please help!!!.
The area in my trunk above the muffler has started getting extremely hot. Items stored in the trunk are hot to the touch and the metal in the trunk is too hot to lay a hand on. I took the car to the dealership and was told this is normal. I have never dropped items while removing them from the trunk because they were too hot to touch and I've had the car since February 2003. I have had constant problems with this car and it is in the shop every month to month and a half being repaired. I have had problems with the driver's side turn signal (4 times), radio, interior fan, transmission, gear shift, brakes, tires, hood latch, windshield, etc.
There was an egg smell within the cabin and on the outside of the vehicle. The smell was worse when the heat was on. The smell made the occupants nauseous and sick. The dealership was unable to identify what caused the smell but has given a lot of scenarios.