One problem related to steering anti-theft device has been reported for the 2003 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I own a 2003 Saturn Ion2. I have had nothing but problems with it from the first day I drove it off the lot. Recently (I. E in the last 2 years) when it is particularly cold, the car will not start. I keep trying it then wait 10 minutes and it starts right up. I have spent $1200 to fix the problem only to find out that it is a problem with the passlock system and the steering wheel lubricant leaking on the system. In cold weather this seems to make the security passlock system think someone is trying to steal the car and makes it unable to start. The passlock times out after about 10 minutes and then will start. This is a known problem on all Ion 2's and I have seen hundreds of letters on forums pertaining to this same problem.