Two problems related to o2 sensor have been reported for the 2003 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2003 Saturn Ion . Consumer writes in regards to vehicle recall issues 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.
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!.