15 problems related to power steering failed have been reported for the 2003 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Loss of power steering while driving, very difficult to turn. Can turn engine off and restart. Power steering is then operational for a few miles, however power steering will fail again.
Power steering failure. My daughter was pulling into pizza putt and the power steering failed. This is a 2004 Saturn Ion, same parts as the 2004 that has been recalled. Gm should fix this problem.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become difficult to maneuver. The contact restarted the vehicle and returned to normal functioned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 300,000 and the current mileage was 335,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. While making a left turn at approximately 10 mph, the power steering failed without warning. The contact turned off the vehicle and, when it was restarted, the power steering operated normally. The failure occurred multiple times. The dealer stated that the eps needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
We purchased this 2003 Saturn Ion used and had the power steering assist motor fail when driving. A quick internet search revealed that this is a widespread problem. Gm has acknowledged the problem and has been fixing cars with this issue (2004-2007). This car has the same defective part that is in the later models and should be included with the "special coverage adjustment" issued by gm. It is a very dangerous issue and I hope they consider the 2003 for coverage as well.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. While the vehicle was driven at a low speed, the power steering failed and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 49,500. The VIN was not provided.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while driving, the power steering failed causing the vehicle to be more difficult to drive. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated the power steering needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated there were no recalls. The failure mileage was 102,987.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. While driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact attempted to jump start the vehicle but to no avail. The contact replaced the battery and the vehicle was able to start but the power steering would not function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technicians stated that two power fuses needed to be replaced to correct the power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she believed when the battery was replaced it caused an overall computer failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
I was traveling approximately 40 mph when the power steering lamp came on and the power steering failed. After pulling to the side of the road, and turning the vehicle off, I restarted the vehicle and the power steering was restored for about 20 minutes. The days following this, I encountered several power steering failures until I had the power steering box replaced on may 10, 2011. I researched the internet and found many other 2003 Saturn Ion's owners had experienced the same failure. I contacted a gm representative and asked for reimbursement. I was told that there was no recall for the power steering for my year and make of car. I had also complained about my transmission because I had declined repairs on my power steering. Winegarden pontiac informed me that they would not further check the cause of transmission problems because the power steering failure presented a safety concern. I had the power steering box replaced at a cost of $537. 94 minus the $127. 00 diagnosis fee! I strongly feel that a recall should be in place for the power steering failure, and all who had the problem corrected out of pocket, should be reimbursed at gm's expense. The power steering failure has contributed to an accident in houston texas! I would not like to have human life lost before this problem is given serious consideration! updated 06/08/11.
I will be driving on the interstate (60 mph or more) and the power steering message will come on the dashboard and the power steering will fail. If you switch off the car it will come back on. This happened once or twice 2 years ago but this week (March 14-March 17 - so far) it has happened at least twice a day, every day. Luckily so far, I have been able to pull of the road and restart the car. I hope that I will not be involved in an accident and would not be able to steer the vehicle. I have called Saturn (service req # 71-928674841) but they said there is nothing they can do about it.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while traveling 10 mph, the power steering assist suddenly failed. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder of the road where it was shut down then restarted. The vehicle resumed normal function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
2003 Saturn Ion. Over the past 3 weeks, power steering fails at least once during each trip. One such occasion, it occurred within 100 yards of a wide bend almost resulting in crash/injury. This is the second complaint I have filed for this issue.
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.
Power steering failure. Sporadic lurching left or right at any given time. Unsafe condition.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. While driving 60 mph, the power steering fails intermittently and makes steering difficult. The failure increases the risk of a crash. The contact is in the process of notifying the dealer in order to determine the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 60,000. Updated 10/16/08 updated 10/20/08.